《Medusa and the blind woman》


 Prologue: Medusa and the blind woman

    The distant island of Sarpedon was surrounded by the unforgiving sea. Currents as deadly as they were numerous would attempt to drag any boats daring enough to challenge them to the depth of the ocean floor. Countless wrecks were a grim reminder to the world that this was not a place mortals should venture. Should one such boat however make the perilous journey and reach the coveted island they would be greeted by an intense light. The sun shone down on this small island as if to blind anyone who desired to look upon it.


    As the eyes adjusted to the brightness after escaping the dark storms, they bore witness to the scenic ruins of an old temple atop the great hill at the center of the island. Even in their desolate state these ruins reminded of the most revered temples built in the name of the gods on the mainland.


    The plant life was minimalistic with the exception of some stray trees; there were no animals or living things to be seen far and wide above ground. It was an eerie place, like the river Styx was flowing right through it.


    Why would anybody ever venture into such a profoundly cursed place?


    <hr>


    The wind blowing from the south carried the sea breeze with it, a smell that one could not escape on such a small island. The salty air was putting a white sheen across the old stones of the ruined temple. But the wind carried more than just the oceanic aroma with it today.


    ¡°Foolish humans.¡± A deep voice echoed inside the lower level of the former temple. It was resentful and unforgiving, just like the world surrounding it.


    The earth was swished away by something large and then the old bricks shook under the weight of the same force. Curved lines created in the sand spoke volumes of what kind of creature was going on the hunt. And yet the eyes focused on their prey were entirely human.


    <hr>


    ¡°Heads up lads, we made it to shore.¡± A rough voice echoed across the deck of the small ship. The captain was a muscular veteran seaman whose body sported more scars than healthy flesh.


    ¡°This is it? Makes one want to turn back in a rush.¡± One of the adventurers joked dryly as he oiled up his bowstring and then wiped it off.


    ¡°Aye, this is a wretched place.¡± The man clad in a cuirass next to him agreed.


    ¡°Did I band with cowards or what?! Ye maggots consider yourselves men or do I need to cut off your testicles as well?¡± A one-eyed hero smacked both of his comrades on the back of the head and fearlessly jumped off the boat and into the rough sand.


    ¡°Don¡¯t run on ahead if ya want to keep your other eye big guy.¡±


    ¡°Maybe it would be best if he did not.¡± A lanky looking young man said with a smirk. Unlike the rest he was far from hardened looking and sported no weapons.


    ¡°Aye! That might even be a tacital advantage!¡± The captain roared in hoarse laughter.


    ¡°Tactical.¡± The young man corrected him with a disgruntled smile.


    ¡°Sure, whatever ya want milord.¡± The captain slapped him on the back so hard that the young man almost fell over the ship¡¯s rail. ¡°The rest of you cowards can fasten the ship and prepare the loot bags. If our mity impress¡¯ve hero finds a way to slay that beast we ought to carry as much as we can.¡±


    The crew shouted in acknowledgement and tended to the ship. The three men band of adventurers had taken off first, but they didn¡¯t get very far before stopping in their tracks. While they were busy staring at something, the young man was regaining his composure (as well as rubbing his hurting back). He cleared his voice a few times and then turned towards the lower deck. Inside was their secret weapon.


    ¡°I am so very sorry about the discomfort, priestess.¡± He extended a hand towards the steps. After a few seconds a tender white hand held on to his and a woman covered entirely in cloth appeared in the sunlight. If it wasn¡¯t for her hand and the young man¡¯s words, nobody would have been able to tell that she even was a woman.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ fine. Just a bit¡­ seasick.¡± She suddenly stumbled on the steps and fell into the young man¡¯s arms.


    ¡°Oh, was this your first time at sea?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± She nodded vehemently, but the motion seemed to make the sickness worse.


    ¡°You can rest as much as you want. I did not pay for this expedition to fail over such a minor reason.¡± The young man led her to a seat next to the mast on top of some sacks with spare rags.


    ¡°I apologize¡­ This is so important for everyone. I will be better soon.¡±


    The young man nodded and then turned to the beach. The three warriors were still not moving forward. They were discussing something.


    ¡°Where those the best hunks¡¯a¡¯meat ya could get with all those owls of yours, Athens boy?¡± The first mate asked with a black toothy smile.


    ¡°They are renowned for slaying quite a few beasts around Spartan territory. If you had a better choice in mind you could have voiced those thoughts before we sailed across these horrific waters.¡±


    ¡°Nay, I dunno of anybody who¡¯d be mad enough ta battle the Gorgon.¡± The sailor shook his head and pulled down a worn rope. ¡°Real heroes know themselves some limits.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡± The young man played with his golden necklace and smiled darkly.


    ¡°Ya big oaf, stop talkin¡¯ to the young master as if he¡¯s one of your worthless drinkin¡¯ pals.¡± The captain punched his first mate into the gut with more force than necessary, but the sweaty sailor didn¡¯t even let go of the rope.


    ¡°¡¯course cap¡¯n.¡± He put up no resistance and just shut up.


    ¡°¡¯Scuse these uncultured men. We don¡¯t look down on the scholars of Athens.¡± The captain was rubbing his hands and acted in a way he probably considered sophisticated.


    ¡°It matters not. You know how to sail a ship, I have the funds to make this expedition a reality and those heroes out there want to prove themselves. We all fulfill our roles. All is as it should be.¡± The young man pushed his hand through his luscious shoulder length hair. The rings on each finger made clacking sounds during the motion.


    ¡°I can stand again.¡± The priestess suddenly claimed and forced herself to walk across the slightly shaking planks. ¡°Urrrgh¡­¡±


    The men watched her antics with dulled eyes.


    ¡°No offense milord, but what¡¯s da deal with bringin¡¯ her along?¡± The captain covered his mouth with one hand as he leaned towards the youth.


    ¡°The priestess is here to support us with her wisdom and blessing.¡± He said curtly and then walked over to her to lend her a hand. ¡°Shall we go on land? It will acquiesce your body¡¯s desire for stable ground.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She nodded.


    Down on the beach the sandals sank deep. Despite their construction to give stable standing on such terrain, the sand itself seemed to try and swallow their feet. This island was far from anything they had experienced before. As the priestess and the youth got used to the new experience the crew behind them was already preparing barrels and crates. The way in which they were carried suggested they were exceedingly light.


    ¡°D¡¯ya really tink we need ¡®em all?¡± One of the sailors asked his comrade.


    ¡°There¡¯s lotsa treasure here. Just think of all the previous expeditions that failed too.¡±


    They laughed as if they had just entered a wonderland filled with tasty morsels.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we be more careful?¡± The priestess asked and dragged her white cloth up to not get stuck in the sand.


    ¡°You have to forgive these simple men. They live a life of poverty and the promise of spoils means they do not need to risk their wellbeing at sea anymore. The healthy return of a sailor is a rare blessing. Poseidon can be all too stingy.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ I didn¡¯t know that.¡± She really was apologetic. Even raiding a destroyed temple was a grave sin, but the people were not all equal in the eyes of the gods. She knew that well.


    ¡°Although, our goal is to rid the world of such an evil creature, so the gods may very well reward us directly!¡± He put on his most convincing business smile. It encouraged the priestess greatly to hear his optimism.


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    After the preparations were made the group advanced uphill until they reached the place where the three warriors had stopped a while ago. The eye-patch wearing gruff leader cracked his neck and then pointed at what they had been staring.


    Chiseled statues made of the finest marble were circling the edge of the temple grounds. They were so immaculately made that it felt like they could spring to life at any moment.


    ¡°What is it? Why is everyone so quiet?¡± The priestess asked with confusion.


    ¡°The stories might be true.¡± The young man said as he touched one of the statues. It was a sculpture of a muscle-bound man with a raised hand. It seemed to have grasped something originally, but there were no remains of whatever weapon or item it had been. His facial expression was recreated so realistically. The face of terror edged into the stone was truly chilling.


    ¡°¡¯tis not like we got cold feet boss.¡± The warriors said with grim expressions. ¡°Furies, even that woman ain¡¯t fazed, so we can¡¯t show any less courage.¡± He slapped his armor and roared. His two fellows did the same.


    ¡°Good. I would think that the slayers of the Great Boar would not shirk from a battle that is worthy of their reputation.¡±


    ¡°A-aye! Ahahaha!¡± The leader laughed fearlessly, but the other two seemed a bit blue.


    ¡°We should follow the strategy I prepared to the last detail.¡± The young man pulled parchment from his chiton and rolled it open. ¡°The creature will not leave the island no matter what.¡± He pointed at the statues. Every single one of them was within the bounds of the temple grounds, which were central on the island and almost covered all of it. There were sunken shipwrecks across the shore, but none of them had any statues to show.


    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°I am not quite certain, but it might be due to the curse.¡± He shrugged and then continued on the written lines. ¡°Our brave heroes will venture into the courtyard and split up into three directions. That will ascertain you cannot be picked off at the same time.¡±


    ¡°Woah, boss, ain¡¯tcha a bit cold? Makin¡¯ it sound like we¡¯re bound to have losses.¡± The spear wielder growled.


    ¡°This is just a preventive measure. I am certain you will handle this without trouble.¡± He assured them. ¡°Your first job is to lure it out of hiding. If we need to retreat we will use our trump card. So do not feel afraid to run.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t run-¡°


    ¡°A momentary retreat is what I meant. As soon as the trump card is in play you will be able to catch the monster off-guard and slay it.¡±


    Suddenly the warriors were showing him sleazy grins. Surprise attacks were their specialty.


    After explaining their way of attack the group was getting ready to move out.


    ¡°Ah, wait brave men!¡± They were stopped in their tracks by the priestess. ¡°Let me pray to Athena to fill you with wisdom and cleverness so you may come back triumphant.¡±


    The warriors looked at each other and shrugged.


    ¡°Very well. We would be grateful if you put a good word in for us.¡± The young man nodded and waved the others back. ¡°That is the reason why we brought a priestess along after all.¡± He made a sign with his hands for the rest to play along.


    After the priestess finished praying she got up from the fire and folded her hands. The smoke from the rabbit offering was stinging their noses. Animals were more commonly used as offerings to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, but the expedition had no way to preserve pure milk or other treats that Athena was fond of.


    ¡°Good luck. For the villagers'' sakes and all those poor tortured souls¡­ be victorious.¡± It was moving to be encouraged by such a kind woman. Mercenaries and sailors did not get such a send-off often.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go! Do you wanna live forever?! Thanatos is gonna catch us all one day!¡± The leader shouted and the group dispersed.


    ¡°Are you staying here?¡± She asked the young man.


    ¡°Alas, I am but a frail scholar. I know my place.¡± He said with exaggerated regret.


    <hr>


    ¡°AWAY YA MONSTER! AAAAGHYAAA!¡± The spear wielder was thrown against a tree by a superhuman force. His spear was broken apart and the moment he looked up to face the horror that had struck him his twisted face stiffened. He raised a hand to cover his eyes, but it was far too late. Skin turned to stone and limbs became solid. In mere second the deathly afraid warrior became just another statue in the collection.


    ¡°Shit! They got Kyros!¡± Another man yelled and then protected his face with a shield. Covering his eyes was not such a bad idea, but¡­


    Slithering sounds, like that of a giant snake, were echoing inside the open hall. It was fast, it was relentless and it would catch up to him in seconds.


    ¡°Boss! I got ¡®er! Come here with the trump car-¡° As he was advancing down the stairs while putting the shield behind him his heart suddenly stopped. Hanging from the arc in front of the gate was the monster he was running from. He could not even scream as his throat petrified and he just stared on in disbelief. The agility of his pursuer was unprecedented.


    The creature fell down from the hanging position and as it landed the shaking steps made the ill placed statue fall over. It shattered into a dozen pieces and left only a shield inside marble shards and dust behind.


    ¡°Ungodly wench.¡± The eye-patched warrior had arrived to the call of his comrade. ¡°You will pay for that!¡± He raised his short-sword and rushed forward.


    ¡°They never learn.¡± The deep female voice reached the man¡¯s ears before her face did. Her glare arrived before him, but to her surprise he had his remaining eye closed tightly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll slay ya foul beast!¡± He swung his sword with all his might.


    Of course, a blind man could not hit even an unmoving statue. His opponent simply slithered around him and evaded each swing. His pathetic desperation was painful to witness.


    ¡°Haah! Hurgh! Will ya stop runnin¡¯!?¡±


    ¡°I am over here weakling.¡± The voice said from behind. Before he could turn around his head was already locked in an unbelievably powerful grip. The long nailed fingers of the monster were pressing down on his temples and scarred forehead. Only now did the foolish man realize that the Gorgon was strong enough to crush a human¡¯s frail body without breaking into a sweat.


    But instead she pulled his head so far back that his neck almost snapped. A horrifying cesspool of undulating hissing hair was falling into his face. He could feel the small snakes slither across his skin, but they did not bite. Then suddenly one of them rammed its fangs into his eye-lid and pulled it back!


    ¡°Mooootheeeeer!¡± The man arched back in despair before he became a lifeless object as well.


    The Gorgon let go of the poor bastard and as he was completely bent back, the statue fell over. It did not shatter unlike the previous one, though.


    ¡°Retreaaaat!¡± The sailors that had spread out as well were all running for their lives. But they would not get away so easily.


    The Gorgon grabbed the statue of the one-eyed man and then threw it after the sailors. Two of them were hit by it and fell to the ground with broken legs. The heavy statue had immobilized them. She slithered over to them and then got ready to petrify them as well.


    ¡°Useless¡­ all of you are useless!¡± A young man¡¯s voice echoed inside the courtyard.


    ¡°Great Olympus¡­¡± A white-clad person next to him knelt down in sadness.


    ¡°I won¡¯t die here because of your incompetence.¡± The man covered in gold trinkets and jewelry declared loudly.


    The Gorgon let go of the whimpering sailors as they turned to stone and came over to this feisty one right after. He dared to act pompous when he was at her mercy?


    ¡°It¡¯s your turn trump card!¡± Suddenly he grabbed the white-clad person by the neck and threw them right at the Gorgon!


    She caught the surprised thing with one hand and sighed. Humans were always the same. The moment they feared for their lives they would resort to betrayal and cowardly actions. Still, she was not about to show mercy to this betrayed man either. With a light swipe she pulled aside the cloth covering the man¡¯s entire body¡­


    ¡°A woman?¡± She was truly surprised. Usually these burly men and ¡®heroes¡¯ never relied on female companions.


    ¡°Ungh...¡± The woman lowered her head and bit her lip. ¡°What happened?¡± She asked in confusion.


    ¡°Do your job priestess! Think of all the innocents this thing has killed!¡± The young man exclaimed as he ran down the steps and reached the beach.


    She had let him slip away thanks to her short confusion. A shame. She watched the coward return to the boat and yell something to the terrified sailors.


    ¡°He is right.¡± Suddenly the woman spoke up from within the Gorgon¡¯s grip. ¡°You evil woman that would take the lives of good men!¡± She called out to her in a challenging tone.


    ¡°I had quite enough of such speeches.¡± The Gorgon squinted her eyes and then pulled up the woman¡¯s chin. She did not particularly like to petrify the defenseless, but this one had decided her fate the moment she stepped on this island.


    ¡°I am sure you are an ugly hag with horrible crooked teeth, but that¡¯s not a reason to do evil!¡± The woman, who was actually more of a girl maybe, gave her a piece of her mind. ¡°You are so strong, but you waste your time on breaking spears and snapping swords! You could have helped dig a new well in Athens or toil the fields with that strength!¡±


    The Gorgon was perplexed. No, that was an understatement. She was completely thrown off by that attitude. She was in fact so caught in her disbelief that she let the girl go by accident.


    ¡°Ouch! You should treat a woman with more care.¡± The priestess complained.


    ¡°I am going to petrify you now.¡± She declared with an emotionless voice. That was the first time she had ever been attacked in such an oddly personal way. She bent down and stared deeply into the girl¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I am not afraid of your tricks! The others will slay you even if you petrify me. You will get your comeuppance!¡±


    She wasn¡¯t shutting up. In fact her body was still remarkably lively. Her eyes were looking up, though they missed the Gorgon¡¯s face by a mile. That was probably because they were milky white.


    ¡°You are blind.¡± She realized.


    ¡°So? That just means I don¡¯t have to see your ugly face.¡±


    The Gorgon¡¯s expression turned to deep annoyance now. She couldn¡¯t help but smile intimidatingly, even if this girl could not see it.


    ¡°Do you understand what kind of mess you are in little girl?¡±


    ¡°What? I am not little! I am a full-fledged priestess in service of Lady Athena.¡±


    ¡°Athena¡­?¡± The Gorgon¡¯s face was covered in shadows as she hid her expression.


    ¡°Everyone! Strike her down while I distract her!¡± The girl called out to the others confidently while putting both her arms around the Gorgon¡¯s waist to hold her in place.


    Was she serious? Who announced a surprise attack to the target? The Gorgon crossed her arms below her chest and watched this curious human squirm.


    ¡°You were abandoned.¡± She finally broke it to her.


    ¡°Huh? You don''t think I would fall for such trickery, do you?¡± Her confidence was agonizing.


    ¡°They already set sail and are halfway across the ocean.¡± She watched the ship disappear in the distance.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± The girl finally seemed to understand that the Gorgon wasn¡¯t the type to make jokes. Her bravado dissipated like a drop of water on a hot stone and she fell to her hands and knees. There was nothing but silence around them. Only an island full of statues and death.


    This most unusual of meetings between the Gorgon and a blind woman was the start of something nobody could have ever expected. A tale for the ages to come.

 Chapter 1: Medusa and the ceasefire

    The ship shook on top of the waves that finally began to decrease in size after they left the storm belt behind. The crew had been working on deck as if possessed, no doubt out of bone-chilling fear of what they left behind. Even the most seasoned and tanned seamen were pale in the face and shaking in their sandals.


    Overseeing this desperate retreat were the grim faced captain and the young scholar which had much different expressions to show.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry milord.¡±


    ¡°Hm? What is there to be sorry for captain?¡± The young man was playing with one of his rings while calmly watching the blue ocean that surrounded them.


    ¡°Your expedition, ¡®twas a failure, no?¡± He scratched one of his scars and clearly attempted to sound overly empathetic.


    ¡°Far from it, Pelagios.¡± The scholar replied with a thin smile. Those ominous words were beyond the comprehension of a simple minded man like this ship¡¯s captain, so he just backed down.


    ¡°Real shame ¡®bout that woman. So very young¡¯n¡¯all.¡± The sailors around him groaned in agreement. This was probably the first and only time they would have a woman on their ship.


    ¡°The trump card fulfilled its purpose.¡± The young man replied and then leaned on the wooden rail. ¡°She will be remembered as the all-important piece that took down the Gorgon.¡±


    ¡°¡¯pologies milord, I don¡¯t get it. Why¡¯d we leave then?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t concern yourself with the details. This expedition was always intended to have a second trip.¡±


    ¡°Y-you wanna go back?!¡± Now even a sturdy man like captain Pelagios seemed legitimately shaken.


    ¡°Naturally. I suppose you will not object as long as I pay you double?¡± He gazed back from the corner of his eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s a whole lotta owls.¡± People would take great risks in the face of such ludicrous rewards. ¡°But I lost two good men for your li¡¯l strategic.¡±


    ¡°Strategy.¡± The scholar corrected him subconsciously and then sighed. ¡°I am truly sorry for your losses. Those men did not deserve this kind of end. I only intended to sacrifice the false heroes I hired as bait.¡±


    ¡°Y-you did-?¡±


    ¡°Please do not look at me like that, good captain. Those men were known cheats and impostors. They claimed to have slain the great Calydonian boar, but even children in the streets of Byzantium know that was the handiwork of Atalanta.¡± His words were carefully chosen and made him sound scholarly, to the people on board at least. Many had heard of the story, but nobody expected the mercenaries to repurpose it for their own fame.


    ¡°May Thanatos take ¡®is time with their wretched souls! Hunt ¡®em good across the plains!¡± The first mate spat out. The others joined in immediately.


    The scholar smiled vaguely.


    ¡°So ya were punishin¡¯ criminals?¡± The captain crossed his arms in confusion.


    ¡°That was just a bonus. As I have mentioned, the purpose of this journey was to plant the trump card.¡±


    ¡°Aye, that you did. Well then, when will we return to that forsaken place?¡± He was already speaking with the conviction of a successful return, despite the treacherous route behind them.


    ¡°First I will need to return to Athens for a bit.¡± He replied thoughtfully.


    ¡°Oh? That will take ya at least a few weeks with the roads this time o¡¯year. Should we take ya there?¡±


    ¡°That will not be necessary. Your motley crew will draw unwanted attention there no doubt. It is essential that I pay a visit to the grand temple of Athena, however. I will pay for your stay in a southern port, so you should not take on any new jobs until my return.¡± The unbelievable monetary power of this man was blinding to the sailors.


    A plan had been set into motion, but the results were yet uncertain.


    <hr>


    The blazing sun finally retreated at the edge of the horizon and covered the island into a deep tinge of red. Under different circumstances such a view would have been described as beautiful or captivating, but to the one sitting before the endless red ocean, such things were meaningless.


    The priestess sat on the dry sand with her chin pressed against her knees as she listened to the shallow waves. She hadn¡¯t moved from that spot ever since she was told that the expedition had left her behind.


    Not far away from her, the Gorgon laid on her side, leaning her face on one arm. She sluggishly watched a spot to the right of the hunched over girl without much interest.


    Neither of them seemed to acknowledge the other, but the tension building between them was undeniable. Even the drop of a leaf or the chirping of a bird would have been appreciated to distract from this agonizing silence.


    ¡°When are you going to petrify me, monster?¡± The priestess finally asked. She sounded downright annoyed.


    ¡°¡­that¡¯s the first thing you say?¡± The Gorgon didn¡¯t have any intention of going along with this girl¡¯s pace.


    ¡°You did it to these innocent men, so why not me? Just get it over with!¡±


    ¡°Hmph. Did they truly tell you nothing?¡± She didn¡¯t even move her head from her bored position. To think that they would bring her along as some ¡®trump card¡¯, but not even explain these basic details to her. It was too pathetic, even a monster would feel pity. Not that she did have anything like that to give, but at the very least she should say what needed to be said. ¡°My eyes are cursed to petrify any person that returns my gaze. For a blind girl such as you that would be impossible.¡±


    ¡°What? You mean I can¡¯t be petrified by you?¡± She sounded so surprised. They really kept her in the dark.


    ¡°It appears so.¡± She never had a chance to test it until today of course, but now it was finally proven. Even an old monster could still learn new things about herself.


    ¡°So then why don¡¯t you kill me with your bare hands?¡± She seemed really intent on dying for some reason.


    ¡°It would make a mess.¡± She replied without much enthusiasm. Getting rid of a corpse wasn¡¯t too hard, but the ocean tended to spill them right back.


    ¡°What¡¯s up with that?¡± The priestess muttered in annoyance. ¡°Just eat me then.¡±


    ¡°I would rather not.¡± She twisted her face in disgust.


    ¡°Are you just afraid to kill a priestess?!¡± She finally snapped and got up from the sand to face the Gorgon. She was surprisingly accurate in locating her.


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    ¡°Hm. About that¡­ who did you serve again?¡± Her question was seemingly out of boredom, but there was more to it.


    ¡°The great and wise Athena!¡± She exclaimed proudly.


    ¡°Is this another of her schemes?¡± The snake-haired woman whispered to herself and then finally raised her torso. ¡°I have no qualms with killing anyone who attacks me. Even women or children are not exempt from that.¡± Although she never had to make the choice for children until now.


    ¡°So why not me?¡±


    ¡°You did not raise a weapon against me, nor did you show any intent to slay me. Your passive-aggressiveness is quite grating, though.¡±


    ¡°If I attacked you, would you do it then?¡±


    ¡°Your frail body could not even scratch one of my scales.¡± She mocked her.


    ¡°But-¡± She clasped her white cloth tightly until her knuckles turned white.


    ¡°Why do you wish to die so quickly?¡± She crossed her arms and rested on her curled up snake half.


    ¡°Because¡­¡± The priestess turned away with a hint of moistness to her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m all alone.¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°If I died in the service of mankind, surely the gods would bless my soul and let me enter Elysium.¡±


    ¡°I would not count on that.¡± She dismissed the idea coldly.


    ¡°I must believe, so I can see my parents again. They must wait for me in Elysium.¡±


    Her yearning expression was painful to the Gorgon. Something all too reminiscent was stirred inside her. She had to completely reject that notion.


    ¡°Elysium is not for just any human. You overestimate your parents.¡±


    ¡°They were great people who served Lady Athena their whole life! Of course they would be rewarded.¡± Her faith was astounding.


    The Gorgon turned her body away and glared into the ruins. Now she understood why this human was so suicidal. Just another puppet of the gods.


    ¡°I will not take your life.¡± She declared. ¡°You will not die by my hand and you will not be able to slay me. If your great goddess values you so, certainly she will save you from this island?¡± Her malicious smirk as she turned back to the girl went unrecognized.


    The girl furrowed her brows and puffed out her cheeks like a child. After a few moments of quiet anger she finally opened that mouth again.


    ¡°Fine! You will see!¡± She pointed at the Gorgon and then walked up the stairs without trouble. Her balance and precision were sort of impressive for a blind girl. ¡°Someone will slay you and save me from this place, just you wait.¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡± She snorted and then watched as the girl walked towards the inner temple. ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°Away from you!¡± She threw back and then disappeared into the old ritual room.


    It was an exercise in futility. This island was too small to avoid each other for long. Then again, this suited the Gorgon just fine. She had no interest in sharing her idle days with a human anyway.


    Soon night would reign again and another monotone day would pass. Not even the feel of battle could stir any emotions inside her anymore. It was time to curl up in the basement and slumber for a few days.


    She slithered towards the edge of the old basement entrance and lowered her head. It was still a bit small for her in this form.


    ¡°Hey monster!¡± Suddenly the yell of the priestess echoed inside the temple and the Gorgon raised her head in surprise. ¡°Where is the food?¡± The girl moved her head around a pillar and asked such without making a mien.


    The Gorgon held her hurting head. The snakes all hissed in complaint for suddenly being hit against the stone ceiling.


    ¡°Well?¡± Unaware of what she had caused the girl approached her and raised a brow.


    ¡°Foolish girl¡­¡± She smiled angrily while calming the snakes.


    ¡°You must eat something, right?¡±


    ¡°I have no need for sustenance.¡± The Gorgon replied haughtily.


    ¡°How could that be?¡± She was surprised.


    ¡°I am not shackled to your human needs.¡±


    Now the girl was squirming about and seemed a bit more panicked. Finally an appropriate reaction.


    ¡°Are there no trees with fruit here? What about mushrooms and berries?¡±


    ''Why only vegetation?'' She wondered quietly in her mind. ¡°There might be some of that; I have no interest in them regardless.¡±


    ¡°As long as I can have some fruit I will be fine.¡± The girl declared far too optimistically. All worry was already wiped off her face.


    ¡°I do not believe humans can survive on just that.¡± Far be it from the inhuman monster to explain that to her, though. ¡°Why not try to fish?¡± That way she would stay away from the temple for a while at least.


    ¡°Oh¡­ yes¡­ fish.¡± She lowered her head and spoke hesitantly.


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just, well, all I ate at the temple was fish and stale bread. I am kind of sick of it.¡± She confessed with a downtrodden expression.


    ¡°Why should I care!¡±


    <hr>


    Due to her growling belly the priestess eventually gave in and sat down on the shore with a makeshift fishing rod. It was basically just a stick and some cord taken from her white cloth, topped with a rusty bent needle. The last rays of the sun warmed her for a bit, but then cold night arrived.


    Hours passed. The moon slowly rose to the top of the world.


    ¡°Cold.¡± The girl muttered while waiting for a fish to bite.


    <hr>


    ¡°Are you still here?¡± The Gorgon made certain to not pay attention to the distant figure of the girl even once after waking up. Yet when it turned noon and the heat started to put life into her snake half, she felt compelled to at least look at the human¡¯s spoils.


    The girl was hunched over and unresponsive.


    ¡°Not a single fish?¡± She glared at the empty sack next to the girl. How could one be so incompetent at fishing? Those tiny animals were even less intelligent than the average mercenary. ¡°What are you even doing-?¡± Just as she leaned down she suddenly realized something ¡°Why are you asleep?¡±


    ¡°Huh?! D-did something bite!?¡± The girl¡¯s eyes shot open and she pulled back the line with all her might. Of course due to the lack of resistance it just flung out of the water and she fell over. ¡°Ouch¡­ nothing again.¡± She touched the empty makeshift hook.


    ¡°I am probably just jumping to conclusions, but let me ask anyway.¡± The Gorgon and her snakes all looked at the hook with dulling eyes. ¡°Did you use any bait?¡±


    ¡°Bait?¡± She tilted her head innocently to the side.


    The Gorgon suppressed her deeply rooted instinct to throw the human off the cliff. She couldn¡¯t break her vow not to kill her over such a triviality! Even if she really wanted to.


    ¡°The fish will not bite if they have nothing that attracts them to your hook.¡± She explained with strained patience.


    ¡°I see.¡± She nodded as if she finally comprehended. ¡°So you also got sick of fish after a while.¡±


    ¡°How did you make that connection?!¡±


    ¡°If you are so knowledgeable about fishing, you must have done it often in the past.¡± The priestess said with a knowing smile.


    ¡°These are the basics, common sense basically.¡±


    ¡°I never fished before. My father took me with him once, but he didn¡¯t let me touch the rod.¡±


    ¡°Did you not see him put on the bait-¡° Suddenly the Gorgon stopped herself. That¡¯s right, she had somehow forgotten already. But could anyone blame her? This human had been acting so naturally that it truly could slip one¡¯s mind.


    The priestess was blind.


    ¡°Oh, so that was why he brought worms along!¡± She clapped her hands together in realization, only to swiftly catch the falling fishing rod. As she dug through the earth to search for worms (as if there would be any in a rocky cliff side), the Gorgon watched her with intense eyes. Something was off.


    ¡°Say little girl, are you truly blind?¡±


    ¡°I told you, I am not little. I am a woman.¡± She replied indignantly, but then stopped her toiling of the ground. ¡°I was born blind, yes.¡± It was a fact that didn¡¯t seem to bother her anymore.


    ¡°Your movements are too precise. You are aware where everything is. You even managed to construct this fishing rod without trouble.¡± It didn¡¯t add up.


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s because I am blessed.¡± She replied casually and brushed off dirt from her clothes.


    Of course in this world, when a human spoke of being blessed it could mean many things. Some felt blessed for the mere fact that they got to see another sunrise. That was not the kind of blessing this girl spoke off.


    It seemed that her claim about being favored by the gods was not empty talk after all.


    ¡°The great and wise Athena blessed me as a child. She granted me enhanced hearing, so I may find my way in the words of the world.¡± She clutched her chest and smiled warmly in remembrance of that day.


    A human touched by Athena - who became a priestess no less - ended up on Sarpedon. This could not be a mere coincidence. She had sensed something repulsive about this intruder¡¯s presence. A divine blessing was an eyesore that she should have noticed sooner.


    Now the Gorgon knew she made the right decision to wait and observe.


    ¡°What is your name, human?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± She raised her head in surprise at the ordinary question. ¡°I am Eugenia of Lamia.¡±


    It was a late introduction, but when she gained a name, finally the girl was more than just another human in the dozen to the Gorgon.

 Chapter 2: Medusa and Eugenia

    After asking for the girl¡¯s name the Gorgon left her to her fishing. Humans may be slaves to their curiosity, but she had no need to rush anything. This place was unchanging and tranquil, resembling the afterlife more than the world of the living. Although her connection to Athena was troublesome, she had no interest in this Eugenia girl herself.


    Time had long since become something intangible and unrecognizable to a long-lived monster like her, so she had lots to spare.


    With that in mind she went into her underground chamber and laid down, falling into a dreamless slumber.


    <hr>


    Three days had passed while she was drifting in and out of sleep. Sometimes she managed to sleep for weeks on end, but something was tugging at the corner of her consciousness. It was bothersome, but even she felt compelled to at least check whether the human was still alive. Her incompetence was surprising, considering she balanced out her disability so very easily.


    The Gorgon left her lair and slithered up the stairs. She was greeted by a rather intense burst of sunlight, so she squinted for a moment. The snakes on her head had fallen into a hibernation like state after being in the cool underground for so long, but the heat of day awakened them slowly.


    Looking into the courtyard she was made all too aware that Eugenia was still alive. In fact she had gone through a shocking metamorphosis. For the first time since she arrived, the Gorgon saw her without the long white cloth covering her head.


    The girl had long, wild chestnut hair that seemed to flow freely in the low wind. Her skin was reddened all over, telling of the sunburns that she received out here. Incidentally her skin had been exceptionally pale for a human from these lands, so perhaps she had been staying indoors most of her life.


    Right now she was preparing a fire or at least that¡¯s what the Gorgon assumed, considering the girl was piling on pieces of wood. She squinted her eyes a bit. Eugenia¡¯s hands were covered in small cuts and dirt. Despite her frail constitution she was not afraid to exert herself and become dirty. So she was not the sheltered princess type after all.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve awoken.¡± She didn¡¯t look up, but she acknowledged her at least. That was all she got, though. Silence spread between them like a sickness. After a while of watching her prepare the wood and building a circle of stones around it, the Gorgon finally yawned and moved back to the stairs. ¡°You are going to sleep again?¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± She replied wordlessly and moved on.


    ¡°I had almost hoped you had died in your sleep. I¡¯ve never met anybody who could lie down for that long and get back up.¡± Eugenia muttered and pulled out some strange object.


    ¡°Na?ve.¡± The Gorgon turned back with a dark smile.


    ¡°I know. It was just wishful thinking.¡± She seemed different from three days ago. More somber perhaps? The girl held the object above the wood and angled it so that the sun would shine on it directly.


    ¡°What are you attempting to do there?¡± Despite her claim to be disinterested she couldn¡¯t help but wonder what this odd thing¡¯s purpose could be.


    ¡°It is a burning glass.¡± She replied and angled it a bit differently. ¡°It saps the might of the sun itself to set ablaze anything in its way. Some even refer to it as Helios Eye.¡±


    ¡°Such audacity.¡± She watched the tiny glass contraption with a raised brow. How would a mere lens be able to create fire?


    But to her genuine surprise, a small trail of smoke eventually sprang from the wood and then a tiny fire spread across it from the one point the focused light was pointed at. Soon the flames spread and the pile of wood was burning brightly.


    ¡°Curious.¡± She had to admit that she was impressed, if only a little.


    ¡°A much bigger version of it is used in the grand temple of Athena.¡± Eugenia added as she put the Helios Eye to the ground.


    ¡°Was this one of her enlightened ideas?¡±


    ¡°Some claim that she appeared to the great scholars in a dream to tell them how to construct it.¡± She nodded, but didn¡¯t seem quite convinced herself.


    ¡°Giving humans powerful weapons far beyond their understanding? That woman¡¯s mind is a mystery to me.¡± The Gorgon snorted deprecatingly.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a weapon.¡± Eugenia seemed surprised to even hear such a notion.


    ¡°Hmph. Anything can be used as a weapon.¡± She did not intend to argue semantics. It was clear to her that greater versions of that contraption could focus even more of Helios'' power and become devastating.


    ¡°I suppose.¡± Unexpectedly, she didn¡¯t argue. Instead she grabbed something from the sack next to her. She pulled out a silver fish that was completely unmoving already. So she managed to be successful in her fishing after all. Using a sharp stick she impaled the fish and put it over the fire.


    ¡°¡­are you going to eat it that way?¡± The Gorgon could not stop herself from asking.


    ¡°You can¡¯t have any! I got burned by the sun for these.¡± The girl shielded her sack of fish with both arms.


    ¡°I do not want your meager fish.¡± The Gorgon¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°Will you not get rid of the guts first?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because the fish tastes better that way?¡±


    ¡°Just how much did you like to fish?¡± Eugenia shook her head with a smile. Before she could get her neck wrung by the Gorgon, she continued. ¡°I can¡¯t waste even a single bite. There isn¡¯t much food to go around here.¡± She sighed. ¡°I just wished it didn¡¯t have to be fish. I would love to have some goat cheese.¡±


    The fire sizzled whenever it licked the fish and a horrible smell spread across the courtyard. The Gorgon had not eaten anything in many years, but this was ruining even her non-existent appetite. Had this foolish human been doing that everyday right above her head?


    ¡°There are some fruit trees in the west of the island.¡± She finally said while looking away.


    ¡°I noticed already. I picked some fruit on my way to the cliff when I went fishing.¡± Eugenia said with a delighted smile. To her, the taste of the bitter fruit was much preferable over the animal roasting on the fire. ¡°I never ate so many plums in my life. They are quite expensive in Lamia!¡±


    Where did that frugality from before go? Perhaps she only reserved that for food she disliked. Quite childish. She would run out of fruit in no time at that pace and then have nothing left until new ones would grow. Not that it mattered to the Gorgon.


    ¡°Er¡­¡± As she turned the fish on the stick the girl looked down with a troubled expression. Much different from a few days ago where she just demanded food, she suddenly seemed more held back and shy. ¡°Is there a water spring on this island?¡±


    So that was the issue. The Gorgon crossed her arms below her bosom and looked up to the sky. Certainly, humans could not survive without water. Their bodies were so inconvenient and weak. She hadn¡¯t even thought about it before Eugenia brought it up.


    ¡°There are no springs on a tiny island in the middle of the ocean.¡± She replied unapologetically.


    ¡°I figured so¡­¡± The girl really did seem troubled now.


    ¡°What did you drink until now?¡± She couldn¡¯t help but wonder about that.


    ¡°Previous expeditions left behind many crates and barrels. Some must have spilled in from the ocean judging by the seaweed.¡±


    It seemed obvious in hindsight, but that would explain where Eugenia got all these materials, including some modern contraption to channel the sun that she had never seen before. It was true that she never wasted a single glance on whatever those humans brought along with them, with only two exceptions.


    ¡°There were a few barrels and metal canisters filled with fresh water. They won¡¯t last very long, though.¡± The priestess sighed deeply. ¡°If there was an underground spring I would be saved.¡±


    ¡°Heh. Why do you not use your blessed ears to listen for the sound of such a marvelous spring?¡± She mocked the girl without a hint of guilt.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Only if I have no other options.¡± She said hesitantly.


    Oh? So she did have that much confidence in her abilities. That was a little surprising at least. The Gorgon was more interested in the blessing than any of the other things really.


    ¡°I said there is no spring, but I am a monster that hates humans. Can you really trust my word?¡± It was such a horrible duplicitous attack on the mind, but she did not care.


    ¡°Probably not.¡± Eugenia agreed. And still she hesitated.


    ¡°So you would rather not rely on the incredible kindness of your favorite goddess and die instead?¡±


    Eugenia turned towards the Gorgon. Her expression was serious.


    ¡°I can raise my awareness and extend my hearing far. But in that state¡­ my mind is overwhelmed. Suddenly even the steps of ants are as loud as a marching army to me.¡± She confessed.


    ¡°What kind of blessing is that supposed to be?¡± The Gorgon laughed out loud. It was just too hilarious! Even those who loved her dearly were treated that way by Athena.


    ¡°I prefer to stay at a low intensity where I can hear everything as well as necessary.¡± Eugenia looked quite angry at her reaction, but she kept going anyway. ¡°Yet if I have to do it to prove you wrong, I will gladly take the headache!¡±


    The priestess stood still in place and clutched her hands to fists. She closed her milky eyes and mouth. She even stopped to breathe. All superfluous senses were blended out. After a few moments of silence she began twitching. At first it seemed random, but then the Gorgon noticed that she twitched in the rhythm of the crackling flames next to her. Then she twisted her face at a sudden gust of wind. Eventually she even seemed to be assailed by the sound of the rustling snakes atop the Gorgon¡¯s head.


    It was clear that she was in pain. Amplifying one''s awareness beyond a sensible limit could only bring doom. Despite that she kept on searching. Even as minutes went by she kept going. Eventually she took steps towards the eastern temple grounds. Every time her foot hit the ground she jerked her shoulders in recoil.


    She would wander the island to listen to every nook and cranny, wouldn¡¯t she? It was so pitiful, but also showed an astounding level of willpower.


    Eugenia stumbled and fell to her hands and knees, which sent another wave of pain through her body. She was overdoing it.


    There was no joy in seeing her torture herself for nothing. Even the Gorgon could not bear to keep watching. Not because she disliked seeing a pathetic human in pain, but because it was such a meaningless act of bravado.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. There is-¡° She began, but was interrupted.


    ¡°There is an underground basin below the temple!¡± Eugenia exclaimed. She opened her unseeing eyes and took a deep breath.


    The Gorgon was stunned. She had figured it out on her own. Indeed, there was a basin below the temple that gathered rain water during the occasional storms that ravaged this isle. It was of little use to her, but sometimes she felt like drenching her throat with the clear liquid as well. Still, that place was deep underground and the water was not flowing, but stale. How could she tell it was there from such small vibrations? Was she able to perceive the irregular drops hitting its surface? How far did she extend her senses?


    ¡°Haha, do you believe me now?¡± Eugenia joyfully pointed at the monstrous woman.


    ¡°Is that supposed to impress me?¡± She replied stoically. Compared to the things that she could do, let alone all the heroes she had slain, this was little more than a parlor trick used by the theatre troupe in human cities that the Muses loved to talk about.


    ¡°You could stand to be a bit more amazed by the graciousness of the great and wise Athena.¡± The priestess pouted.


    ¡°You can barely stand after utilizing that ¡®gift¡¯.¡± She shrugged and looked at Eugenia¡¯s shaking legs. They were so thin already; it reminded her of a newborn fawn.


    ¡°You are jealous.¡± She claimed and then moved back to the fire.


    Jealous, huh? Gifts given by the gods were nothing to be envious of. Ultimately they only served the gods themselves, not the one who was blessed. She had no mind to educate this foolish girl on the reality of this world, however.


    ¡°Ahhhh!¡± Suddenly she cried out in terror.


    ¡°Hm?¡± The Gorgon tried to spot the reason for her hysteria, but her nose found out first.


    ¡°M-my fish¡­ my p-precious freshly c-caught fish!¡± The girl stuttered as she took up the stick with a burnt black fish on top of it. Guts aside, this thing was about as edible as charcoal now. Eugenia was legitimately brought to tears by this discovery. ¡°It¡¯s all because of your distraction, vile monster!¡± She was raising her finger accusingly, but the Gorgon had already disappeared to escape any blame.


    <hr>


    Another day, another curious sight. After having decided to not pay the human any more mind, the Gorgon still found herself observing her from afar every day. It was deeply troubling to her that she could not stop herself from showing such obvious weakness, but for someone who had lived alone for decades, even the tiniest change was like a storm that turned the world upside down.


    In just a few days Eugenia had circled the entire island and walked from one end to the other. At first that seemed like a meaningless act, especially for someone who couldn¡¯t even enjoy the view, but eventually she began drawing circles into the sand and made small pictures of odd symbols. She was rubbing her temples as if these actions required deep thought. Sometimes a gust of wind would blow sand over her drawings and make her shake her fist at the sky. Even Poseidon wasn¡¯t petty enough to be responsible for that though.


    After many hours she finally jumped up with her hands raised above her head. With all that spare energy she ran up the steps to the temple and approached the Gorgon who was lying on her snake half as if dozing off.


    ¡°I calculated it! The diameter and circumference of this island!¡±


    For a few moments the Gorgon wondered why she should care. Then she wondered if this annoying human would leave if she just kept ignoring her. Eventually both became meaningless, because Eugenia just started talking by herself again.


    ¡°After counting my steps and comparing it to the standard measurement unit, I came to the conclusion thaaaaat.¡± She stretched it out for suspense apparently. ¡°Sarpedon¡¯s diameter is five times 8 stadia, or five milion. Which is uhm¡­ one parasang¨¥s?¡±


    Was she even speaking Greek anymore? The snake woman of all things felt that this girl was acting more foreign than any beast.


    ¡°What are you prattling on about?¡± She finally asked with a sigh.


    ¡°The size of the island is quite impressive. I thought it was much smaller. Did I calculate it right?¡± Her inquisitive expression was problematic. Apparently she thought that the Gorgon would know about measurements and the dimensions of the island. Such trifles were more fitting for human scholars who had no better use for their time.


    ¡°I do not know.¡± She replied truthfully. ¡°Where did you pick up this nonsense?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not nonsense! Mathematics are the crystallization of human ingenuity.¡± She said proudly.


    ¡°And what does that mean, pray tell?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t really know.¡± Eugenia admitted with flushed cheeks. She had just repeated a line she previously picked up it seemed. ¡°But with our minds we can create so many useful things that can change the world. The great and wise Athena taught us to never stop thinking.¡±


    "You seem to be quite certain of that. You can even regurgitate such pompous phrases. Just where did you learn such things?"


    "I studied in Athens for two summers." Her chest swelled with pride.


    ¡°Very well. Now what will you do with those diameters and circumfer-somethings?¡± She leaned her head on one hand and smiled dryly.


    ¡°I could draw a map.¡±


    ¡°Just looking down from the top of the temple is enough to see every end of the island.¡± A map would be pointless. In the first place, who was it for?


    ¡°You are a cruel, joyless thing.¡± She said with both hands on her waist.


    ¡°You realized that only now?¡±


    Still it was confounding. This human was not afraid of her. That might partly have been due to her blindness, sparing her the horrific nest of writhing snake hair, but despite knowing that the Gorgon had slain many humans, Eugenia still approached her dauntlessly. Was it because of her suicidal nature? There was no hint of that anymore, though.


    Then it dawned on her. These acts of involvement, trying to garner attention, striking up conversations.


    The girl was lonely.


    When trapped on an island, humans would even start talking to plants and animals. The Gorgon was the only other sentient being in this place. For the girl that could not reach out to her kind, there was no other person to turn to.


    A deep disgust welled up inside her body. Even this impertinent weakling was trying to use her. Using her indifference and mercy against her like this - human selfishness knew no limits. Turning to their oppressor and enemy for comfort, that quality was what truly made them unforgivable.


    ¡°I wonder.¡± Eugenia turned towards the endless ocean. ¡°When will another expedition come by?¡±


    ¡°They return every few years. They never learn.¡± The Gorgon replied with a frown.


    ¡°Years?!¡± The girl looked shocked. ¡°I have to spend years like this?¡±


    Human life trickled away faster than the sand in an hourglass. Even just a few years would be a sizable dent in their short lifespan. The Gorgon would only need to blink and the girl in front of her would be swallowed by the ground and her soul would wander to the underworld.


    Fragility was weakness. It was a blemish of mortals. Even she would one day fall to that weakness. It was a cruel reminder to see this young human already looking upon her own ephemerality.


    It enraged the Gorgon. There were things even she could not accept.


    ¡°No, it will not be years.¡± She said in a low voice.


    Eugenia turned back with a questioning look.


    ¡°Even if the next expedition comes, I will end all of those greedy humans. I will sink their ships and laugh at their weakness. No matter how many come, I will always end their journey in agonizing terror!¡±


    The girl silently lowered her head in response.


    ¡°So do not hope against hope that you will escape this island. Do not believe for a moment that humans will save you from my suffocating grasp. The only one who can save you from this fate is your precious goddess. That is my curse for you.¡±


    It was not fair. It was one of the cruelest things she had said in her life. There was no mercy or goodness inside such a dark promise. Those words could not be taken back.


    Eugenia put a hand through her chestnut hair that was waving in the ocean wind. Her expression was calm and somewhat sad.


    ¡°You want me to stay with you?¡±


    The Gorgon¡¯s eyes widened in stupor.


    ¡°Do not be foolish.¡± She replied in swift rejection.


    ¡°Ah, I just realized. I told you mine, but I never asked for your name.¡± The gentle smile on her lips was like an insult to the monster in front of her. ¡°I am Eugenia of Lamia. Who are you, o¡¯ great Gorgon of Sarpedon?¡±


    How many decades had it been since someone wanted to know her name? Let alone a lowly human.


    ¡°Medusa.¡± Her reply came after some time.


    Names had power over a person, especially in those times. Revealing it was the same as baring your true self to another. Medusa and Eugenia both would learn this fact soon.

 Chapter 3: Medusa and the idle days

    ¡°Good morning Lady Medusa!¡± Eugenia greeted her at the entrance to her lair.


    ¡°I fear sleep now, for when I awaken you change in ever more confounding ways.¡± Medusa looked down on the girl with exasperation.


    ¡°I am the same as always, though?¡± She didn¡¯t seem to think her actions were odd.


    ¡°Why did you call me that?¡± Medusa sighed. Straightforward was the only way with this human.


    ¡°Ah! Now you have a name - and you are the owner of this land - so that makes you the Lady of this isle. Lady Medusa.¡± Her explanation was to the point.


    ¡°Where did that sudden humility come from?¡± She grinned sardonically.


    ¡°How rude! As a priestess I was taught to live a humble and respectful life.¡± She patted her chest in pride.


    ¡°This coming from the impertinent human whose first words to me were childish insults?¡± Medusa could only scoff.


    ¡°Er, that was when I still thought you were just a heartless monster. I didn¡¯t know better.¡± She was actually ashamed. Somehow this pleased Medusa greatly.


    ¡°I am an evil monster.¡± She replied with a shrug.


    ¡°I think you can be so much more than that.¡± Eugenia replied and then suddenly put a hand on Medusa¡¯s cheek. The Gorgon¡¯s eyes widened in response and she reflexively pulled away.


    ¡°What¡­?¡± She had to regain her composure from the sudden ¡®attack¡¯.


    ¡°You are also a slacker and a pessimist!¡± Eugenia said with a giggle.


    ¡°Why you!¡± A vein popped on Medusa¡¯s face. This girl knew exactly how to anger her. She should have predicted the punchline. Surely she was testing how far she could push the Gorgon before she would devour her.


    ¡°Hehehe, I¡¯m sorry. That was the first time I could ¡®see¡¯ your face, so I felt a bit mischievous.¡± Eugenia apologized with a bowed head and a smile. How could she act this way after Medusa put such an evil curse on her mere days ago?


    What did she mean by ¡®seeing¡¯ her face anyway? All she did was touch her cheek. Her ancient mind was far from slow, so she quickly came to an answer. Did her special hearing react to the vibrations caused by touching the face to reconstruct it in her mind? That was rather impressive. Somehow it made Medusa feel exposed though. She needed to get her mind off that odd sensation.


    ¡°Listen human.¡± She addressed her seriously.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you call me by my name?¡± Eugenia twisted her lips in displeasure.


    ¡°You were about to enter my lair, were you not?¡± Medusa completely ignored her objection.


    ¡°Yes. I wanted to clean down there as well.¡±


    ¡°Clean?¡± Now she noticed the broom standing next to the door. She glanced across the courtyard which had been carefully swiped with said broom. The marks could still be seen. It was ludicrous to think a blind girl did this, although it would explain the unusual patterns. What would compel her to do this in the first place? The temple was far too big to be cleaned by a single human girl.


    ¡°As a priestess I cannot allow a temple to be in such disarray.¡± She claimed with a serious face. There must have been more to it than that, but Medusa did not care enough to pursue the truth.


    ¡°Are you also going to rebuild the walls and fix the roof then?¡±


    ¡°Uhm¡­ m-maybe another time.¡± Eugenia shifted on her feet nervously.


    ¡°No matter.¡± Medusa crossed her arms. ¡°You must never enter my lair, understood?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°That is the only place that belongs to me alone. It should never be sullied by humans.¡± She said sternly.


    The girl¡¯s face expressed a lack of comprehension. Perhaps she really didn¡¯t understand such boundaries when they were already living on the same cramped island together. It was time to add the threat then.


    ¡°If you step in while I slumber, my natural instincts might awaken and I shall kill you as you stand.¡± It was a grave premonition, but true nonetheless.


    ¡°You are worried about me.¡± Eugenia realized with surprise.


    ¡°How did you manage to twist my words in such a self-serving way?¡± Medusa shook her head and the snakes hissed in discontent. ¡°If I end your life with my own hands I will break my vow. I cannot allow that on my pride as a Gorgon.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Eugenia nodded slowly. ¡°Alright. I promise that I will never enter your lair. Even if I really want to.¡±


    ¡°You should keep that last part to yourself.¡± Medusa rubbed her forehead and shooed the girl away. Eugenia energetically made her way to the beach. She really loved that place the most out of the entire island.


    As she went out of view, Medusa turned around facing her lair. It was deep and dark and cold. A comforting space just for her to stretch and forget the world. Like she would ever allow a human to enter that innermost sanctum.


    ¡°And now for you lot.¡± She suddenly addressed the snakes on top of her head. ¡°If your mistress gets attacked, is it not natural for you to bite that hand?¡±


    The snake hair curled up into a ball of shame.


    <hr>


    ¡°I was jesting!¡± Medusa called up to the roof with a mix of disbelief and annoyance.


    ¡°I know! But you were right. Leaving thing like this is just sad.¡± Eugenia replied from on top of the fallen in roof.


    Unbelievable as it may seem, this foolish girl had decided to climb the temple fa?ade and then balance on top of the bow close to the roof. Just when she finally thought that this human was not suicidal anymore, she went and did something death defying as this.


    ¡°What are you even attempting to accomplish? You have no tools or materials. Just come back down before you become prey for the vultures.¡± It was so irritating. Why did she have to be the voice of reason here?


    ¡°I will just measure the size of the holes and get a feel for the damage. Then I can make a plan to fix it!¡± Eugenia balanced along the bow with steady feet and both arms stretched to the sides.


    Did she really imagine herself to be some legendary roofer? There were limits to the unnecessary skills a priestess should possess.


    ¡°Should you fall you can be certain that I will not catch you.¡± She said with a deadpan voice. ¡°And I will not nurse you back to health when you break your limbs.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry so much.¡± The girl stopped in her tracks as she heard that and then seemed to consider something. She turned her face down to Medusa several times, before finally making a move again. ¡°Oh my, this is sleeker than I thooought!¡± She suddenly shouted in a very unconvincing tone. Her foot seemed to lose halt and she flailed her arms around.


    Medusa stiffened up for a second.


    ¡°I might fall!¡± Eugenia exclaimed and wobbled back and forth. She was definitely listening for Medusa¡¯s reaction now.


    This cheeky human¡­ She was actually trying to bait her into responding? How arrogant. She was a hundred years too young to fool a Gorgon.


    After putting on her act for a few seconds longer she finally caught herself and stood steady. Medusa could have sworn that she saw the girl click her tongue. That was it. She would not continue to be an audience for this failed theatre performance. Without another look she slithered away from the entrance.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Eugenia listened to her leave and stood there in disappointment. Maybe she was regretting her actions a little as well. For now she would continue her exploration of the rooftop. With a determined step on the marble pillar¡­ she slipped off.


    The old marble had crumbled ever so slightly from years of wear and the edge had turned to dust under the girl¡¯s sandals.


    ¡°Waahh!¡± She flailed her arms trying to grab onto the ledge, but it was too late. She was already falling down to the courtyard at alarming speed. Although she could not see the ground closing in on her, the rush of the air past her ears was frightening enough. There was an odd feeling in her stomach as she fell to her doom.


    Her body tensed up in preparation for the inevitable impact. From this high up she would break most of her bones, if she was lucky. For some reason her last thoughts were not with the distant temple in Lamia and all the people she had met there, but rather with the one who had trapped her on this tiny island in the middle of nowhere.


    ¡°I am sorry Lady Medusa.¡± She whispered before she hit the ground.


    Flap!


    The sound of feathers rustling in the wind, a wingspan that exceeded its limits, the flapping of such great wings. The strong sound broke through all the anxiety and then caught her in the deadly fall. She could feel strong arms hold her up below her back and legs. What manner of bird could carry a girl all on its own?


    There was that sound - the sound of twisting scales and hissing. The ever lively ¡®hair¡¯ on top of a certain Gorgon¡¯s head. But how could that be?


    They landed on the ground and Eugenia shook in Medusa¡¯s arms for a moment. Then she was roughly slammed on the ground. She rubbed her lower back in pain.


    ¡°Your foolishness is unbelievable. I should have let you get squashed.¡± Medusa could barely voice her complaints, that¡¯s how angry she was.


    ¡°W-what? H-How did you do that?¡± She was too confused to mind the anger.


    ¡°That is not important right now.¡± She said with a seething tone.


    Eugenia extended her hand and caught a short feeling of feathers. These were undoubtedly wings. Great and powerful wings that could even carry a sizable creature like the Gorgon.


    ¡°You had wings?¡± She was shocked. If there had been wings, surely she would have heard them before, like she did right now. Their subtle flaps and motions were unmistakable, similar to the swans she had once fed in the rivers of Athens.


    Medusa acknowledged her curiosity begrudgingly. ¡°I can grow them at will. They are mostly in the way, so I keep them inside.¡± That explanation was all she was willing to give.


    ¡°That is amazing. I thought you were more snake than anything.¡±


    ¡°There is a lot that you do not know.¡± She retorted. ¡°But that is beside the point. Do you realize that your recklessness almost cost you your life?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± She nodded in regret. It was rather pitiful.


    ¡°Typical human. Overestimating your capabilities and then ending up as food for the crows.¡± She really could not let her get off that easily. ¡°Next time I will not save you. This is not a jest or a careless remark. I am not your protector and do not possess the kindness to remedy your idiocy.¡±


    Eugenia was kneeling and accepted the lecture. Truly, this was reminiscent to temple school for her. The head priestess had also lectured her the same way. How nostalgic.


    ¡°Are you smiling?!¡±


    ¡°N-no, Lady Medusa! I apologize for my misconduct and will never do it again!¡±


    ¡°As long as you understand.¡± Medusa retracted her wings and then closed her eyes to calm down.


    ¡°Still, I wish I could grow wings as well.¡± The girl said with a yearning expression.


    ¡°¡­so you can escape this island on your own?¡± Medusa glanced at her questioningly.


    ¡°So I don¡¯t have to ride boats actually. I get seasick very easily.¡± She said with a depressed mien.


    Medusa sighed softly. The rage had already evaporated.


    ¡°I got an idea!¡± Eugenia suddenly exclaimed. ¡°Let me give you something as thanks for saving me.¡±


    Maybe Medusa¡¯s hearing was getting worse, but she could have sworn that this girl just said she was thankful? That would be the day.


    <hr>


    ¡°Here take this one. It is really ripe.¡± The priestess handed a fat plum to the Gorgon.


    ¡°Is this how you want to repay me? With plums?¡± She regretted getting her hopes up. Not like this foolish human had anything to offer in the first place.


    ¡°I took out the seeds already, so it will be much tastier!¡± She smiled.


    ¡°I do not require nutrition.¡± She reminded her patiently.


    ¡°I wondered about that. You don¡¯t need food, but you can still eat it, yes?¡±


    ¡°That is correct.¡± Naturally, she had a mouth and the organs required to process food. But after so many decades even eating became a hassle. When something served no use, over time it would become tedious and unpleasant.


    ¡°Then please eat it. The ones from that tree are very sweet.¡± She pushed the plum into Medusa¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Very well.¡± Arguing with Eugenia in this state was an exercise in futility. She should show goodwill, as this was supposed to be repayment. Medusa took the plum to her mouth and harshly bit into it. Might as well get it over with quickly.


    Eugenia waited with a suspenseful air about her.


    ¡°It is sweet.¡± She nodded in mild surprise. For the first time in ages she chewed on something and it was not an unpleasant sensation at all. The sweetness mixed with a sour note really helped the enjoyment of the process. The plums of this isle had been bitter the last time she had tasted them so many decades ago. It was a wondrous thing that their taste changed in not even a century. She threw the remainder of the plum into her mouth in a carefree way.


    ¡°Haha, I knew you would like it.¡± The girl was nibbling on her own fruits with childish joy.


    What a strange feeling. Eating with a human under a tree. There had been a time in Medusa¡¯s life where such a thing could have been possible, but she had no fond memories of those times. In the here and now it wasn¡¯t as bad as she had expected.


    ¡°Eating food means processing it, though. Such a hassle.¡±


    ¡°Haht do¡¯yu meahn?¡± For a well-trained priestess she sure didn¡¯t care about appearances, stuffing her face while talking.


    ¡°That reminds me. Where have you been relieving yourself?¡± Medusa asked while looking at the ocean.


    ¡°GAHK?!¡± Eugenia almost choked on her food and had to hit her chest repeatedly to loosen the piece in her esophagus. ¡°Hrrk¡­ L-Lady Medusa, how could ask something like that while we are eating!?¡± She was really livid.


    ¡°Hm? Is that a problem? Coming in or out, it is the same to me.¡± She raised a brow and the snakes looked at each other in confusion.


    ¡°T-that¡¯s, you know! W-we shouldn¡¯t talk about shameful things like that so openly.¡±


    ¡°?¡± The Gorgon felt left out of the loop. What was there to be ashamed about with the call of nature? It was the one thing tying all living things together. With the exception of certain creatures like her of course.


    ¡°Now I lost my appetite.¡± Eugenia¡¯s head dangled down.


    ¡°Then you can hand me your share.¡± Medusa grinned a toothy grin.


    ¡°No way.¡± But Eugenia already gathered the remaining fruit and put them into a basket she had brought along. She must have made it from the reed at the bottom of the cliffs. She really had a knack for handicrafts.


    It seemed that she had lost her sweet plum rights for speaking carelessly. She didn¡¯t feel it to be much of a loss, as she could just pick them from a tree whenever she wanted, but she had no idea how Eugenia had gotten rid of the seeds without squashing the plum completely.


    Silence enveloped the two under the tree and they just listened to the rhythmic sound of the waves. It was all too familiar to islanders and sailors, until it became part of their own heartbeats.


    ¡°If you could fly.¡± Eugenia finally spoke up again, having apparently gotten over her disgust. ¡°Why do you not leave the island?¡±


    ¡°Did those cowardly men really tell you nothing about me?¡± Each time she broached the topic it seemed even more hopeless. Why would she come along on an expedition to slay a monster she knew nothing about?


    ¡°I am sorry.¡± She apologized as if it was her fault.


    ¡°Even if I wanted to do so, I could not.¡± Medusa leaned back and curled up her tail to sit on it. ¡°I would not be able to pass the barrier of storms.¡±


    ¡°What barrier?¡±


    ¡°Poseidon¡¯s.¡± She said curtly.


    ¡°Why did the great and imposing Poseidon¡­?¡± The question was expected, but it didn¡¯t become any less annoying.


    ¡°I am cursed to stay on this island. Poseidon keeps up his part of the promise. That is all.¡± She would not say any more no matter how much the girl would prod her.


    ¡°I see.¡± Surprisingly she didn¡¯t insist on an answer. ¡°Can you breathe underwater?¡± A rather random tangent. This girl must have thought her capable of anything at this point.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She was correct nonetheless.


    ¡°Have you tried going under the barrier then? By diving to the bottom of the sea?¡± She raised her index finger as if she had a brilliant idea.


    ¡°A meaningless endeavor. Poseidon is my gatekeeper, the ocean is his domain.¡±


    ¡°True¡­ Then how about flying to the ceiling of the world?! You could just jump over his barrier!¡±


    ¡°That would not work. My wings would freeze and become unable to move.¡± She rejected the idea.


    ¡°Huh? But warmth of the sun reaches everywhere.¡± She tilted her head.


    ¡°What about the ocean then?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s water. Water has to be heated with fire.¡± She smiled as if she was educating a child.


    ¡°Rrgh. It is hard to explain to someone who cannot fly, but at a certain altitude the air gets very thin and cold.¡± She would not let herself be treated clueless by a mere child.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± She was rather accepting of this new information at least. ¡°Well then, why don¡¯t you take me into the sky?¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡± Her eyes dulled in response.


    ¡°Take me into your arms and let us fly together! I want to know what it feels like.¡± She was ridiculously excited.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Please?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°I will give you another plum?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    This continued for a while. Medusa would not do it, no matter what. The day the proud Gorgon became a mount for a carefree human was the day she would stare into a mirror and petrify herself (whether that would work or not was unclear).


    ¡°Fine! Jerk.¡± Eugenia turned away from her and pouted.


    ¡°How did a child like you become a priestess?¡± She sighed.


    ¡°I am not a child.¡± She retorted.


    ¡°How old are you then?¡±


    ¡°I have experienced 16 summers.¡± She explained. ¡°I can¡¯t really tell the passage of time on this island very well, but it should be the 17<sup>th</sup> soon.¡±


    ¡°So you actually were of age?¡± That was a surprise.


    ¡°I told you so from the start!¡±


    ¡°Heh. Compared to me you are still no more than an infant, though.¡± The eternally youthful Gorgon shrugged and enjoyed the stewing irritation of this hopeless girl.


    Even meaningless arguments tended to be pleasant to her now. How odd.


    Slowly but surely their worlds expanded again. With each discovery the two grew closer to an understanding that they were previously denied.

 Chapter 4: Medusa and the moonlit night

    The sun rose at the horizon, its warming rays reflecting inside the morning dew on top the short yellow grass on the rocky temple grounds. Another peaceful day began on Sarpedon.


    ¡°Give it back!¡± Eugenia insisted loudly and kept swiping her hands after something held up above her head.


    ¡°I will not allow you to eat one more fish until you learn to gut them.¡± Medusa replied with a cold voice. She could raise her torso high enough to let the reddish fish dangle high above the girl¡¯s head.


    ¡°I would be happy if I didn¡¯t have to eat any fish at all! But bellies don¡¯t fill themselves.¡±


    ¡°That is your own fault for being a human.¡±


    ¡°You are pure evil!¡±


    ¡°Exactly, so give up.¡± Medusa was tired of dangling the fish up and instead threw it so hard that it was flung back into the ocean. Eugenia stretched her hand after it in despair.


    It was a pretty good act, but Medusa could tell she was secretly relieved not to have to swallow any more stinking, half-burned seafood. Her face was already shifting back to¡­ stone-like rigidness?


    ¡°This is?¡± The girl wondered quietly as she pushed her hand into Medusa¡¯s chest. While stretching she had hit it accidentally.


    ¡°My breast.¡± She replied neutrally.


    ¡°Where are your clothes?¡± The priestess asked with a twitchy expression.


    ¡°I wear none.¡± It was an odd question, wasn¡¯t it?


    Eugenia¡¯s face turned beet red. ¡°Y-you have no shame, do you?¡±


    ¡°Why should you care? You cannot see me anyway.¡±


    ¡°It is a matter of principle! So whenever you were attacked by those valiant men, you were-¡±


    ¡°Nude? Yes.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Eugenia put a hand to her face and sighed.


    ¡°Do you have any objections? Nudity is nothing strange even among humans. Many a warrior has challenged me naked as well.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s different. Men are different!¡±


    Medusa squinted her eyes in annoyance. This girl had double standards as well it seemed.


    ¡°To battle in the nude is to show our primal and natural strength. Nothing should interfere in such a battle. That is why many men wear nothing during sports and athletics. But as a civilized culture we have risen above such a primal display in all other areas. The great and wise Athena has always asked a certain dress code of her priestesses!¡±


    ¡°So that is why you act like a prude?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not prudish, but civilized.¡± She repeated with a troubled expression. ¡°I never realized just how monstrous you were.¡±


    ¡°Sometimes I doubt your hearing is anything special. You should have realized that there was no rustling of clothing on me.¡± Medusa crossed her arms below her bosom and smirked.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize, because you are so loud. The sound of your snakes, the rustling of scales, it all blends together.¡± She explained seriously.


    Medusa had never noticed that she made so much noise. She was known to be quite good at sneaking up on foolish attackers that thought they could overwhelm her with numbers. Certainly, normal humans had not nearly as developed a sense of hearing as Eugenia, but it was still confounding.


    ¡°¡¯Tis all the same to me. Clothes are inconvenient.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that.¡± Eugenia put her hands on her waist and shook her head. ¡°I know! Let me make you a fine chiton.¡±


    ¡°You can sew?¡±


    ¡°I have to mend my attire all the time. It gets torn so easily when I climb or run.¡± She pointed at a tear on her sleeve and at the bottom of her long garments. Seemed like a lot of effort. Well, for humans a bit of protection from the sun was necessary. Anywhere her clothes didn¡¯t touch, Eugenia had already developed a slight tan.


    ¡°My body is not fit for human clothing. It will tear right away.¡± She tried to make an easy excuse, but the girl would not be deterred so easily.


    ¡°Let me take your measurements then. I won¡¯t cover your lower body, just your torso.¡± She hummed as she already took a cord from somewhere and spun it around the Gorgon.


    ¡°Wait, listen to me.¡± She didn¡¯t resist, but it was going to be really bad if she didn¡¯t put a hurdle into her way soon. ¡°I am not careful about such things, so it really will tear instantaneously.¡±


    ¡°Then I will mend it as many times as needed.¡±


    ¡°And once you are gone?¡± She asked an unfair question, which made Eugenia stop her hands for a moment.


    ¡°Then I will show you how to mend it yourself when the time comes.¡± She said with a melancholic smile. At such an earnest display, even Medusa could not argue anymore.


    ¡°Just wait for a while. I will be done by dusk.¡± She promised and then scurried off towards the beach. Probably to get some more stray tools. Somehow Medusa had doubt that the expeditions brought along any sewing material.


    <hr>


    The Gorgon had fallen asleep on a particularly well placed rock in the sun. It was peaceful until she was awoken by the snakes on her head. They were all standing up to look at something out of view. Medusa yawned and raised her torso up to see what this was about.


    And there came Eugenia, carrying a bundle of white fabric. It was folded in a way that made it hard to discern its shape. When she arrived she was covered in sweat and sand, but she also appeared rather satisfied.


    ¡°I just put the finishing touches on it. This is my best work yet!¡± She extended her arms and let the fabric spread open.


    It unfolded into a slim and comfortably loose looking tunic. It was a chiton made of linen (taken from old sails) that could be fastened around the shoulder by a pin made of bronze metal. There was even embroidery at the fringes and hem, perhaps made with leftover string from stitched animal husks.


    Medusa had very little knowledge of fashion or sewing techniques, but even she could tell that this was crafted with deep frugality and resourcefulness. To make something so beautiful from such lacking base materials was unthinkable to her. Human crafting skills did improve over the centuries.


    ¡°I added a belt made from some fine rope that was used for some precious bag of jewelry. I wonder how it ended up in those supplies? The jewelry was not there anymore.¡± She was really chipper when talking about the creation process.


    Yet, she felt it was a waste. Something made with so much effort should be draped across her body? It was good that Eugenia had something to keep her busy, but she didn¡¯t stop to think how Medusa felt.


    ¡°If it scratches or itches¡­¡±


    ¡°Of course not. I wouldn¡¯t make such beginner¡¯s mistakes. This one turned out so well, it might be my best work. I could fetch quite a few owls for this on the market in Lamia.¡± She giggled.


    Owls? When had humans started to trade birds for clothing? And why owls of all creatures? They were hard to catch and yielded little meat in return. The only reason she could think of was that they were used to eradicate rat and mice populations around the fields. That would not explain why a priestess first thought of such a trade, though.


    She drifted out of her thoughts when she realized that Eugenia was waiting patiently for her to take the outfit from her slim hands. It was unavoidable it seemed. The fates were fickle seamstresses.


    Without a word Medusa took the chiton and slung it over her body. She hadn¡¯t worn clothes in eons it felt. The fabric rustled before settling down naturally across her curves. The tunic was sewed short enough to just barely touch the line between her human skin and her snake bottom. Those measurements the girl had taken were really accurate. She moved her arms that were still very much exposed. Her shoulder didn¡¯t feel constricted at all and the pin did not rub her needlessly. The belt was floating on her hips and occasionally touched her scales, but it was not obtrusive.


    ¡°It suits you.¡± The girl said happily.


    ¡°How do you tell?¡± She was doubtful for obvious reasons.


    ¡°Because going by your figure, anything would suit you.¡± She grinned. ¡°Also now that you put it on I can actually hear the rustling quite well. It doesn¡¯t chafe, right?¡±


    ¡°Probably not.¡± She would find out soon enough. All in all this was not too bad. Of course this earnest girl was balancing on her tip toes waiting for an assessment. And praise. Medusa was not the type to hand out such blessings idly. ¡°You made it, and that is all well, but even if you will mend it, this thing will begin to turn into a dirty rug soon. I am not fond of the odor of old clothing.¡± Her final resistance was here.


    ¡°Do I smell?¡± Eugenia asked innocently.


    ¡°Not particularly.¡± She admitted.


    ¡°That¡¯s because I wash my attire regularly.¡± She raised a finger playfully.


    ¡°In the sea?¡±


    ¡°Nay, that would not work well. Sea water is terrible for cleaning and drinking alike.¡± She waved her hand dismissively. ¡°I use the water from the basin.¡±


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°Oh?¡± There was more than enough water down there to last for months even if one drank as much as a bull, so it was not unthinkable. Now she could picture Eugenia carrying the water in a bucket to wash her clothes with a reddened face from the exertion. How sweetly pathetic.


    ¡°If you let me, I will wash your clothes as well. It will be much easier to clean it all at once.¡± She offered.


    Truly, the Gorgon was out of logical hurdles to set between them. There was the option to tear the fabric directly off her body and deny the human¡¯s kindness with cruel apathy. To what end, however? There was no harm in wearing them, was there? She would not take action for or against it.


    ¡°Incidentally, speaking of your smell.¡± Medusa spoke up.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t phrase it that way.¡±


    ¡°You do not stink at all. Which means you must be taking baths?¡±


    ¡°Of course! I am not some country woman sleeping with her farm pigs in the shed. The head priestess taught me proper hygiene at the temple.¡±


    How incredibly judgmental of her. Although Medusa could tell she was just repeating something she was taught as usual. She would not get distracted by that.


    ¡°How peculiar. I never once saw you do it.¡± One would expect she had encountered it at least once.


    ¡°That¡¯s beeeecause you always sleep so much Lady Medusa.¡± She managed to almost say it straight. She did get better at hiding her true thoughts when she needed to.


    ¡°Mhm. Plausible enough.¡± She had no desire to pry further. This was not a meaningful secret, so she had no reason to uncover it. As long as she was not awoken by the stench of sweaty human flesh, it would not matter to her.


    Without further ado she turned around and left for her lair. The sun had almost set already, so it was time to go back to her slumber. The clothes felt nice in the breeze.


    Eugenia kept standing in place with a troubled expression.


    ¡°It is well crafted. I have no complaints.¡± She turned her head back for just a moment to nod in approval. Eugenia¡¯s body seemed to become as light as a feather and she raised her hands high as if to shout in joy (she knew to stay quiet though to keep her dignity).


    ¡°Thank you Lady Medusa!¡±


    Foolish girl. Why was she thanking the one who received the present?


    <hr>


    It was the middle of the night. The island had turned completely silent aside from the low humming of some insects. These tiny creatures managed to make themselves a home in any and all climates. Their resilience was inspiring in a way.


    Medusa stretched inside her lair and rubbed her shoulders. The unfamiliar feeling of fabric on her body was making it hard to sleep. Not that it was aggravating or unpleasant, it was just different. She would get used to it soon enough.


    Still, the night had a fresh sensation about it. Even the smallest of crevices in the bricks and door revealed streams of light. The moon must have been strong and full today. Artemis was on the hunt.


    Something primal seemed to awaken inside the Gorgon¡¯s core whenever she felt the moonlight on her skin or saw its full round shape atop the world¡¯s ceiling. But there was more. She could sense something outside. Or someone?


    <hr>


    Eugenia touched the water¡¯s surface with one finger. It was uncharacteristically warm. The surface shook upon her touch and created ripples. Her wet finger cooled down from the low breeze.


    ¡°It¡¯s ready.¡± She declared and put the bucket aside. The hollow was filled to the brim with clear water. The brick work below the indentation prevented it from seeping away into the earth. The young woman pulled her white clothes over her head and then stepped into the water. Comfortable warmth spread into her toes and across her leg until it reached the core of her body.


    Eugenia sighed sweetly as she sank below the surface.


    Taking baths was one of the few civilized pleasures she could still experience so far away from home. The nights had gotten less chilly these days, as summer approached. The days were always sweltering hot, but the nights could actually get quite fresh around here. She had to cover herself in many animal skin blankets to not become sick.


    Now she could just relax though. The water was just the right temperature and the sponge she had brought along was soft to the touch. This was an old housewives¡¯ secret, but drying out a sponge until it died (though nobody truly knew how alive these beings were) made them quite viable for everyday use. Their ability to absorb lots of liquid did not disappear and they deteriorated only slowly.


    She rigorously scrubbed off the sand and dirt from today¡¯s work until she felt squeaky clean again. It was worth staying up this late just for that feeling of regained purity.


    To finish it off she wrapped her loose and wet hair into a long ponytail and wrung it dry.


    Tap.


    Her arms froze mid motion. Had she imagined that low noise?


    Tap tap.


    Not a chance. Her ears weren¡¯t playing tricks on her. Those were footsteps. Someone was sneaking towards her direction. Her first instinct was that it must have been Lady Medusa, but that was impossible. Those were human footsteps, not the slithering of snake skin across the ground.


    Someone had managed to sneak unto the island in the cover of night. Maybe a clever hero who decided to slay the Gorgon in her sleep? That wouldn¡¯t work. Lady Medusa had told her that her instincts would protect her even in her slumber. Yet an outsider could not know this. Which meant it was still very possible for them to have come up with such a dangerous plan.


    Eugenia had to stop them!


    ¡°Wait, why do I have to do that?¡± She muttered to herself. She wanted to get off this island, right? Finally someone had come along to rescue her and take her back home. That might not have been their goal, but they wouldn¡¯t let one lone priestess stay behind on her own, that much was certain.


    But her chest ached at the thought. Why was that? What was her stupid heart trying to convey at such a pivotal time?


    If this hero now went inside and got himself killed, he could not save her.


    Right! That was it. She was concerned for his well-being and her escape route. It all made sense in her head.


    ¡°Wait! Whoever you are!¡± She rose from the water, making loud splashing noise, and then called out to the stranger. ¡°Lady Medusa is not weak to surprise attacks! You will die if you attack her while she sleeps!¡±


    The footsteps stopped in response to her words. She must have startled him. Naturally, he had not expected a young woman to be here on the monster¡¯s island, let alone any living human. Yes, anyone who set foot into her territory would perish.


    That thought suddenly made her irritated. She didn¡¯t understand, but something was just wrong here. Why were heroes coming here to kill Lady Medusa again? It was because she was a monster that killed many innocent people. She had been told so over and over, even by the Gorgon herself. The stories were wild and gory and terrifying.


    But how was that possible?


    The Gorgon she had met here was stoic and cold, certainly, but she had no desire to venture into the world, no, she didn¡¯t even have the ability to. She was imprisoned on this island all by herself. Then how could she have attacked innocent people? The only humans that she could meet where those coming here to punish her.


    Punish her for what?


    ¡°Please.¡± She called out to the stranger again. ¡°I know she is scary and has killed many people.¡± She gulped. ¡°But Lady Medusa is not evil!¡±


    The hidden stranger sucked in some air.


    ¡°If you could please reconsider, killing her will not benefit anyone. She just wants to live her life peacefully far away from trouble. I- I will make sure that she doesn¡¯t do anything bad, so please don¡¯t try to fight her!¡± She lowered her head after that exclamation which she had put all her heart into.


    ¡°¡­you will make sure of that? With that scrawny body of yours and some overwrought goodwill?¡± The presence walked into the open and took steady steps towards the hollow and Eugenia. That voice!


    ¡°Lady Medusa?!¡± The shock was like a blow to the head and Eugenia stumbled backwards. ¡°How could that be?¡±


    ¡°Hmph. You think too much. If there are only two people on this island, who else could I be?¡± She made a sarcastic remark and the sound of rustling clothes signified that she had dropped her chiton. Then she entered the water next to her.


    Eugenia was still in stupor, but instinctively submerged herself deeply into the water and covered her body with her arms. What had she been doing? Exposing herself like that to Medusa. It would have been even worse if it was a stranger actually!


    ¡°B-but you have legs?¡± She stuttered with her back turned to the Gorgon.


    ¡°Of course. Legs are not as convenient, but this place is not big enough for my snake half.¡± She pointed out while leaning back inside the warm water. She rested against the edge of the brick wall.


    ¡°S-since when could you do that?¡± Was she actually a shapeshifter? Did she just pretend to be a snake monster?


    ¡°Since the beginning.¡± She splashed some water across her skin. ¡°The physical curse is weak, malleable. The only things I cannot change are my petrifying gaze and these children.¡± She doused the snake hair in water and they all hissed at her in response. They soon turned silent though as she kept rubbing them into submission.


    ¡°You could have told me.¡± Eugenia pursed her lips.


    ¡°To what end? I do not use this form often.¡±


    ¡°I could have made you normal clothes.¡±


    ¡°It stretches down to my knees, so it is fine either way.¡±


    Somehow it felt like they had changed the subject along the way. It was just that Eugenia could not even feel that surprised anymore after she had learned of the wings. Still, there was something unnerving about a human like Lady Medusa. She was stretching those unfamiliar legs in the water and sighed contently.


    ¡°Surprisingly warm.¡±


    ¡°I heated the water beforehand. It cooled down to a bearable temperature already.¡± The priestess explained in a low voice.


    ¡°Clever. Any liquid up here evaporates quickly, but it is a different matter at night. Honestly, I just expected you to dive into the reservoir.¡±


    ¡°Blegh. I am drinking that water!¡± She wanted to turn around to show her disgust, but she thought better of it and pressed her legs against her body again.


    ¡°Hmhm. I believe I could get used to this sensation. Baths are not so bad.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t bathe regularly?¡± She raised a brow and turned her head back.


    ¡°I do not sweat. As for my snake half, it just cleans itself in the sand.¡± Many snakes and lizards cleaned themselves with dust and sand baths. So it was even true for one this huge.


    ¡°Wait wait wait, you don¡¯t sweat?¡± Eugenia couldn¡¯t believe her ears and now sat down next to Medusa with a doubtful expression.


    ¡°Not much. After all I am not weak. Little exertion or heat will not tax my body at all.¡± She specified to sate the girl¡¯s curiosity. Under this full moon she seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood.


    ¡°I have to admit, I¡¯m envious.¡± The young woman let her tense shoulders drop.


    They sat next to each other in the soft waves caused by their occasional movements. The night was warm and quiet, leaving them only with the sound of their breathing and splashing water. Every now and then one of the snakes twisted to rub off some liquid.


    ¡°Why do you only bathe when I sleep?¡± The question came out of nowhere.


    ¡°I prefer to do it alone.¡± She replied quietly.


    ¡°Did you not share baths with the other priestesses?¡±


    ¡°I, er, had not many opportunities.¡± Her head sank deeper and deeper until her mouth went under the surface and she created bubbles with her mouth.


    ¡°A prude not by choice, but environment then.¡± Medusa smirked maliciously and stared down on the shy girl, inspecting her unabashedly. ¡°Your robes hide it well, but you are rather well developed for a child.¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡± Eugenia really was ashamed.


    ¡°All the exercise does your body good. Be more confident in yourself.¡± She already didn¡¯t care anymore and turned her eyes back to the star filled sky.


    ¡°You don¡¯t think I am ugly?¡± The self-conscious girl muttered.


    ¡°Are we talking purely in aesthetics? I have no eye for such things. Apollo would be a better judge. I met the Muses once and if they are the golden standard, you do not compare at all.¡± She was really talkative tonight. Her words were as harsh as ever, though.


    ¡°That is a high mountain to scale.¡± Eugenia said with a dry smile. She would have thought better than to ask this eccentric hermit. A blind girl¡¯s insecurities could not be soothed by that. But why was she compared to the Muses of all the beautiful goddesses out there?


    ¡°As far as humans go, I believe you are more decent to look at than those burly men with their sweaty chest hair.¡± It was a pretty provocative statement and Eugenia could not help but blush.


    Silence returned, for the human girl had things to mull over and the Gorgon did not have any reason to continue talking. A shimmering shooting star passed the intricate curtain above with a speed that made one miss it in the time of one blink. Medusa¡¯s gaze softened.


    ¡°A shame you cannot witness this world with your own eyes. ¡®Tis a beautiful night.¡± Her words could be interpreted as insensitive, but they came from a deep sense of true pity.


    ¡°Do you love the sky, Lady Medusa?¡±


    ¡°Not in particular. It just makes me feel at ease when I see it. It is so wide¡­¡± She slowly closed her eyes and began to breathe long and deep.


    ¡°Do not feel bad for me.¡± Eugenia whispered to the sleeping Gorgon. ¡°The entire world is that way for me.¡±


    To her everything was like the night sky and every sound and vibration was like blinking stars. Some formed the patterns of constellations, familiar and foreign. Sometimes she could not see the bigger picture in its endless expanse, but that was what made the world so limitless.


    She felt at ease now. It must have been the same for Medusa, as she did show such a vulnerable side to a mere human.


    Below the ceiling of the world many parties were looking upon the same constellations from different directions. Soon another such observer would reach Sarpedon and meet the dissimilar duo.

 Chapter 5: Medusa and the messenger

    The barrier of clouds surrounding the island of Sarpedon was some distance away from the shore. The gap was great enough to allow one to see a clear horizon at times, almost like an illusion. One could only see the storm when the ship had already entered it. In this fluctuating state of storm and clear weather it was impossible to tell what was coming the islands¡¯ way.


    High above the clouds, something was flashing past the shining sky. The blur moved across the constructs of gaseous water and dove down toward the wide ocean. Just before touching the surface the person dashed ahead through the air. Well-developed tendons and athletic constitution were supporting the sprint across the very air itself.


    The speed of this running figure far exceeded even the greatest sprinters in all of Greece. Air, water or ground, this figure could not be stopped, the embodiment of true freedom. Sharp eyes focused on the island ahead that came closer at astounding speed. Then just as the person reached the beach, their feet stopped and finally touched the sand with enough force to create a small wave of the yellow-white grains.


    He had arrived at his destination.


    <hr>


    Eugenia wrung out a pair of rags she had dunked into a bucket. She had trouble telling how clean something was, as stains were not always discernible by touch. Smelling them only worked marginally as well. To make up for that she tended to scrub everything extra thoroughly. This was the last piece of it, so she would finally be done with today¡¯s laundry. The rest of the ¡®housework¡¯ was also taken care of already.


    As she hung the cloth over the huge biceps of a man¡¯s statue, she wondered what she would do for the rest of the day. First she might rest a bit, but then what? Maybe she should wake up Lady Medusa.


    ¡°Are you always drying them that way?¡±


    Speaking of the Gorgon, she was questioning her methods already. Eugenia turned towards her and tilted her head to the side. She had no idea what she was getting at.


    ¡°Which way?¡±


    ¡°You know what you hung that rag over, right?¡± She asked with a dry voice.


    ¡°This oddly shaped pillar?¡± She patted the statue on the chest.


    Medusa coughed. ¡°I may be the least qualified to say this, but you should treat the fallen with more respect.¡±


    ¡°?¡± Eugenia clearly didn¡¯t follow.


    ¡°Nevermind, give me that. I will hang it over the heated stones above the temple.¡± Medusa snatched the cloth from the petrified hero¡¯s arm and then carried it to the top of the ruins, where they could be spread out in the searing sunlight. The cloth was bound to dry just as fast up there as in the courtyard, but it was less repulsive to have them hang far away from those statues.


    ¡°You are so odd at times.¡± Eugenia played with her hair as she listened to Medusa slithering away. Did she fear that it would get dirty again when hung close to the ground? The sandy waves propelled by occasional gusts did have adverse effects on them perhaps.


    As the priestess wondered about her companion¡¯s behavior, she felt an unusual breeze come from the west end of the island, straight from the beach. The wind rarely came that way, so she felt a shiver down her neck and shoulders in response. There was also something else.


    She raised her head and focused her ears. There was a nearly indiscernible sound in the air. At best she could describe it as the sound that was created when air escaped an empty water skin after pressing on it. But it repeated over and over, almost like the rhythm of a drum. The crunching of sandal straps echoed inside her head and then suddenly she could feel a presence right behind her.


    Her heartbeat increased rapidly. The presence had reached her in seconds and- It was floating above the ground? The tiny hairs across her body were all standing up in fright.


    ¡°Greetings young maiden.¡± A man¡¯s voice escaped the presence.


    A spirit?! It had to be a spirit! There were footsteps, but no feet touched the ground, it could levitate, but there was no sound of wings! This must have been an unfortunate soul of one of Medusa¡¯s victims, having lost their way to the underworld!


    ¡°I-I am so sorry!¡± Eugenia spun around and folded her hands in prayer.


    ¡°Hm?¡± The man sounded surprised by her reaction.


    ¡°It must have been so horrible, wandering the world of the living for so long. I may be a priestess of Athena, but even with my meager knowledge I shall attempt to help you, poor soul!¡±


    ¡°One of Athena¡¯s, hm?¡± The man just went with the flow, having a curious smile on his lips.


    ¡°You must have gotten stuck in this world because of this cursed land.¡± She hastily drew a few lines into the earth and then gathered some firewood.


    ¡°Is that how it transpired?¡± He asked calmly.


    ¡°I am not certain! Back in temple school we were taught to avoid stray souls, but that is too cruel.¡± She gathered some stones and arranged them in a circle.


    ¡°You humans have to look out for yourselves after all.¡± The soul argued jovially.


    ¡°If you ended up here due to what Lady Medusa did, then I just wish that you can forgive her and move to the underworld in peace.¡± She started a fire with the burning glass and then got some of the little incense that she had kept with her.


    ¡°Ah, is that ¡®Lady¡¯ Medusa still here then?¡± That seemed to be of major interest to him.


    ¡°Yes. I believe she is in her lair right now. It would surely be painful for you to face her again, so I will not call her.¡± Her compassion was genuine.


    ¡°It would be our first meeting actually, but I did hear some unfortunate stories about ¡®facing¡¯ her.¡± He joked.


    ¡°You weren¡¯t killed by Lady Medusa?!¡±


    ¡°Not yet.¡± He chuckled.


    ¡°I see. Then you must be one of the men that were shipwrecked before even arriving here.¡± To Eugenia that sounded even worse. Drowning was a terrifying fate, much worse that turning to stone. ¡°I cannot find your body to perform the last rites for it, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Not that she had any coins to put on his eyes to make the transition easier.


    ¡°There are even rites for victims of the sea?¡±


    ¡°A few. I did only hear about them from the head priestess a few times.¡± She nodded and then put an impaled crab into the fire. ¡°This is a cheap offering; I apologize o¡¯ great and swift Hermes!¡± She lowered her head and then spoke a prayer. ¡°Please guide this lost soul to the underworld so that he may find peace wherever he may belong. Guide him to Charon swiftly and safely.¡±


    ¡°Ah Hermes, I heard he is a reliable man.¡± The soul said with the widest smile.


    ¡°The great Hermes is responsible for guiding the souls to the underworld, but he is a very busy god. I am sure he did not overlook you out of malice.¡± She quickly tried to reassure the pour soul and at the same time gave Hermes proper credit.


    ¡°It¡¯s true; sometimes he forgets where his own head should go. And do not worry; he very much enjoys grilled crab.¡± The man said as he pulled the crustacean from the fire and cracked its shell with two fingers.


    ¡°Huh?¡± While Eugenia made a confused face, the sound of slithering returned.


    ¡°Be careful girl, there is an intruder. I have no rightly idea what he would want from me¡­¡± She stopped talking as she crossed eyes with the floating intruder. ¡°¡­but it appears he is already enjoying your hospitality.¡±


    ¡°Ho there, Lady Medusa! Fancy meeting you here.¡± He winked and looked straight at her eyes. His body did not petrify on contact with her focused gaze!


    ¡°What are you doing on my island, messenger boy?¡± She crossed her arms and stared him down.


    ¡°Such hostility. They did not exaggerate when speaking of your foul temper!¡± He smiled unperturbed and bit off the pink meat of the crab. As he did so he slowly floated down and touched the ground with his winged sandals. ¡°As you say, I am a messenger. I arrived to fulfill my duty in that regard.¡±


    ¡°You deliver messages to monsters now, Hermes?¡± Medusa asked with venom in her voice.


    ¡°I would even deliver a mountain to the ends of the world if a beautiful woman asked me to.¡± His overdone charisma was too intense for a hermit like the Gorgon.


    ¡°Wha- Ha- Her- HERMES!?¡± Eugenia finally broke out of her stupor and called out to him in a mix of fear and reverence. Instantly she fell to her knees and bowed down.


    ¡°Oh, I liked it better when you were treating me like a lost man.¡± He adjusted the cap on his head and acted disappointed.


    ¡°B-but? God! Real! In front of me?!¡± Speech escaped her mind, but she could barely string along a sentence.


    ¡°You have a curious companion with you Lady Medusa. One of Athena¡¯s favorites no less.¡± He turned back to the Gorgon and raised his hands to the sides in comical cluelessness.


    ¡°Drop that polite act and tell me what you are here for. What message would you have for me?¡± She sighed and moved in front of Eugenia, who seemed to suffer from a broken mind.


    ¡°Ah yes, this parchment is for you.¡± He pulled a piece of high quality parchment out of his cap and then put it back on. With an exaggerated bow he handed it to Medusa, who snatched it out of his hand forcefully.


    ¡°Lady Medusa! Y-you can¡¯t be so disrespectful in front of an Olympian god!¡± Eugenia grabbed her by the tail and tried to drag her back. Medusa lightly smacked the girl¡¯s head with said tail to make her shut up.


    ¡°This cannot be¡­¡± She muttered as her eyes darted across the letter.


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    ¡°You do not need to be so distanced young lady. I would not mind having a normal chat, especially with such a beauty.¡± Hermes squatted down next to Eugenia and offered a hand to help her up. The priestess felt her cheeks flush and hesitantly grabbed the god¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Careful human, if you get swept up by this womanizer you will soon bear his child before you realize it.¡± Medusa said with a thorny voice and swished her tail between them without looking away from the letter.


    ¡°Ouch. The sharpness of your tongue exceeds even that of Hephaestus¡¯ best works.¡± Hermes put a hand to his head as if he had felt a blow dealt to it. His act was quite charming, but Medusa didn¡¯t give it any heed.


    Eugenia rose up on her feet and gulped a few times, before finally gathering her courage.


    ¡°I w-will prepare some more food for you great Hermes! I am so sorry that we cannot accommodate to your needs in this rundown temple!¡± She closed her eyes and pressed down her shaking lips tightly before dashing off.


    ¡°Haha, I am not used to such devotion. I am starting to become envious of my dear sister.¡±


    ¡°Tsk.¡± Medusa flipped the message over, but there was no more to it. ¡°Did you come here just to buffoon around? Or was it to show off?¡± She glanced at the almost entirely naked man. He was definitely built like an athlete, but his face was youthful and fair. Gods tended to be eternally beautiful, but Hermes had a healthy complexion about him, certainly supported by his constant travels across the world.


    ¡°A cloak tends to be inhibiting when crossing the skies. I had not expected a woman such as yourself to put on luxurious clothing.¡± He measured her up with a neutral expression. It was the first time they had met after all. Already it appeared that they both knew exactly what the other was about.


    ¡°Do not think you can seduce me simply because you stand unaffected by my eyes, debauchee.¡±


    ¡°Why, did I really earn such an unflattering image? Even the infamous Medusa already seems to look at me with contempt.¡± He took her negative attitude in good humor. There was not much that could harm his cheer it appeared. ¡°Far be it from me to attempt such a thing. Our ever serious Athena has made quite clear how she stands on this issue. Poseidon is still trying to regain her favor to this day.¡±


    ¡°I hope they will suffocate on each other¡¯s oversized egos.¡± Medusa folded the parchment and put it into the inside of her chiton.


    ¡°Wishing doom upon the gods will backfire more often than not.¡± Hermes said as he playfully pulled over a piece of marble with his foot and then sat down at the fire.


    ¡°Is that a threat?¡±


    ¡°A mere observation from someone who has seen the corners of all realms to the fullest.¡± He shrugged amicably.


    ¡°Is this letter really from Stheno and Euryale?¡± Medusa asked with a grim expression.


    ¡°Is there something amiss with it?¡± He looked up in surprise.


    ¡°Why would they hand a letter to the gods¡¯ messenger? How did you even encounter them?¡± There were too many uncertainties in this. Hermes was known for his trickery and meddling. If this was a trick to divert attention from the real issue¡­


    ¡°Hm, I cannot say I much comprehended those two either.¡± He rubbed his chin and stared into the flames. ¡°Beautiful as they were, they did have some very particular personalities.¡±


    ¡°You were that close to them?¡± Now she really glared at him. ¡°What did you do to Stheno?¡±


    ¡°What did I do to her? Should you not rather ask what she did to me?¡± Hermes retorted with a pained smile. There was no deception in that uncomfortable reaction.


    ¡°So you really did meet them.¡± Medusa exhaled her tension.


    ¡°A test for the messenger? I must appear so very untrustworthy to the Gorgon sisters.¡± He shook his head with a wry smile.


    ¡°Anyone who meets Stheno would have the same reaction. It was an easy test.¡± Remembering that woman¡¯s temper, it was odd to think Hermes even delivered the letter at all.


    ¡°I would never speak ill of them, but do you not ignore the much more challenging ways of Euryale?¡±


    Indeed the other twin sister, Euryale, was well known for her terrifying bluntness and high standards. She would not hesitate to even insult Zeus¡¯ authority if he so much as looked at her wrong. Stheno¡¯s excess energy and physicality seemed almost cute in comparison.


    ¡°They are strong.¡± Medusa simply replied with a satisfied smile.


    The sound of rapidly smacking sandals made them aware of the priestess¡¯s return. She had hurried so much that her face was still red, this time due to exertion. With both hands she held on to a very confused looking bird¡¯s neck. It was a magpie. A thieving bird that was attracted to all things shiny. The irony of offering a thief to the god of thieves didn¡¯t get past their guest, but it seemed to amuse him more than anything.


    ¡°I¡­ haah¡­ caught it¡­ phew¡­ just now.¡± She wiped some sweat on the stained white fabric of her gown and then lowered her head again.


    ¡°That is very kind of you. I have gathered quite an appetite from my travel here. Olympus is far.¡± He patted the stone he was sitting on, which now started to resemble a bench somehow. It was a clear indicator that he wished her to sit next to him.


    Medusa suddenly kicked over one of the statues, transformed her snake half into that of a human and sat down on top of the (now doubly) fallen mercenary, decidedly cutting the path between the two off. Hermes snorted and then created a second bench out of thin air. Now all three of them could gather around the fire.


    Eugenia sat down shyly and held on to the struggling magpie. She clearly had never killed a bird before, as she was uncertainly feeling the disturbed thing for a weak point.


    ¡°However, plucking the wings off such a clever thing would be a waste.¡± He softly touched Eugenia¡¯s hand, which made her reflexively let go of the magpie. It immediately rushed into the air and chirped gratefully. ¡°I happened to come across some hares on my way.¡± He pulled off his cap again and grabbed into it. Soon enough he pulled an unmoving hare out of it! And then two more.


    ¡°Full of tricks.¡± Medusa said unimpressed.


    <hr>


    ¡°You have sisters, Lady Medusa?¡± Eugenia gasped at the revelation as she took the grilled hare¡¯s rib to her mouth. It smelled incredibly delicious.


    ¡°Two of them. They are twins.¡± The Gorgon replied listlessly while staring at the ears of her already devoured hare.


    ¡°I never knew. Are they Gorgons too?¡±


    ¡°Obviously.¡± Medusa retorted.


    ¡°Do they look like you?¡± She was far too polite to say ¡®like a monster¡¯ probably. At least Medusa assumed that¡¯s what she meant.


    ¡°They have a similar elegance to your Lady Medusa and they are indeed profound beauties.¡± Hermes joined into their exchange as he turned the hare¡¯s paw on the fire. He seemed to be especially fond of the paws.


    ¡°That is the only appealing attribute they possess.¡± Medusa said with a sardonic grin.


    ¡°How rude! They are your family.¡± Eugenia couldn¡¯t stand such defamation.


    ¡°Is it not because they are related that she can say it so clearly?¡± Hermes eased the tension right away.


    ¡°You met them too, so tell her how annoying they are.¡± The Gorgon turned her eyes towards Hermes and dragged him into it.


    ¡°Ahaha, they are eccentric, to that I will attest.¡±


    ¡°Where did you find them anyway? They left here decades ago and never even so much as thought about me I bet.¡±


    ¡°They were staying on Mount Olympus for a while.¡± Hermes explained.


    ¡°Ahhh!¡± Eugenia yelped in overwhelmed admiration. ¡°M-mortals on Mount Olympus? Is such a thing even possible?¡±


    ¡°Not as far as I am aware.¡± Hermes chuckled at her childish question. ¡°The truth is that the Gorgon twins are not mortal. They are of divine origin.¡± He raised a finger and symbolically pointed at the sea.


    ¡°They are deities?¡± Eugenia seemed fascinated for a bit, but then she spun her head towards Medusa. ¡°T-then if they are your sisters, does that not mean you are-?¡±


    ¡°I am mortal.¡± Medusa replied coldly. Immediately the friendly atmosphere died down.


    ¡°Ahem. Did you not tell her your story yet?¡± Hermes asked with a sly expression on his face.


    ¡°I did not. Why should I tell her anything?¡± Medusa showed her fangs to him in response. The snake hair was tensing up as if trying to decide whether they should flee or join the offensive.


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± He gave in far too easily and raised his hands in a placatory manner. But it was almost certain that the gears were turning inside his head.


    ¡°You said they were staying on the mountain ¡®for a while¡¯? What does that mean?¡± She got the topic back on track.


    ¡°Unfortunately Hephaestus threw them out last winter.¡± Hermes acted apologetic, but he so clearly could barely contain his laughter at the memory.


    ¡°How did that happen?¡±


    ¡°The twins were staying at Aphrodite¡¯s home since the very beginning. I am not privy to how it happened, but they seemed to get along quite splendidly. Stheno started to make moves on our venerated blacksmith some time ago. Aphrodite would not have minded, as you know she is not too fond of her husband. Unfortunately there was a loud argument between the two; and suddenly all of Olympus was made aware that those sisters were taking refuge in their home. Our stern king Zeus was rather clear about not allowing anyone on Mount Olympus, save us Olympians. Brother Hephaestus did not need much convincing to make them leave.¡± He recollected the events of last year with a calm and pleasing voice. He would make a good storyteller.


    ¡°That stupid brat. Why would she go for the deformed one?¡± She seemed to be chiding the image of her sister.


    Hermes chuckled and covered his mouth to suppress it.


    ¡°Have you something to say, errand boy?¡± She squinted her eyes.


    ¡°Ah well, to hear someone refer to Stheno as a ¡®brat¡¯; I suppose only her sister could be so impressive.¡± He wiped a laughing tear from his eye.


    ¡°Tsk.¡± She clicked her tongue again, but seemed to be slightly embarrassed. ¡°Her tastes were always unfathomable anyway.¡±


    They returned to finishing their meal (Medusa only threw the remaining long ears into the fire) and took a small break to digest.


    ¡°Then a long time ago you lived together with your sisters.¡± Eugenia picked up the conversation again with a thoughtful voice. ¡°I don¡¯t understand, why did they leave?¡±


    ¡°They got bored.¡± Medusa replied deadpan.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Eugenia didn¡¯t seem to believe her and she twisted her mouth in annoyance.


    ¡°There is nothing to do on this island and they were not cursed to stay here.¡± She looked at her long fingernails as she recollected those days.


    ¡°How could they abandon you?¡± Eugenia whispered. Her tone was tinged with sadness. For her, who had lost her family, such a notion seemed so alien.


    ¡°It is not decided that we will never meet again. Sometimes siblings need some distance.¡± Medusa conveyed that feeling as best as she could. A feeling that only siblings could really understand. Whether she believed it or not, it was a understandable sentiment.


    Back then they had gotten into constant fights over the smallest things. This tiny island was too small for all three of them. It was suffocating. At first the twins had stayed with her out of obligation and pity, but at some point her prison had become their prison as well. That was not fair. So when they had a particularly bad fight she told them to leave. Medusa had said some unforgivable things, but that was what she considered necessary to finally free her sisters from their familial bond. A bond which had been a source of suffering for all of them.


    Although they had been furious, in the end they still promised to return. The bond of blood was stronger than even the world itself.


    Medusa returned from her reminiscence and was faced with the image of Hermes'' analytical expression. There was deep wit hidden behind his relaxed exterior. He probably understood the relationship of the Gorgon sisters completely now that he had talked to both sides. At least he had the decency to feign ignorance.


    ¡°Your sisters are headed north, for the great mountain range beyond Lyssos.¡± The gods¡¯ messenger said calmly. That was a town so far north that neither of them could even imagine it anymore. ¡°They will be waiting for my return until the day after tomorrow. You already know as much, but they would like a reply.¡±


    ¡°Give me some time. I will think of something.¡± As much as it pained her, she had been feeling strongly about this piece of parchment that arrived so suddenly. She still needed to work through her feelings.


    ¡°You have time until a few hours before the agreed meeting time. I am confident that I will make it there in less than that.¡± His smile was reassuring. This was the promise of an Olympian god, so there was no reason to doubt his word.


    ¡°I shall be done by then.¡± This exchange felt like a set-up for a slick goodbye.


    But Hermes didn¡¯t leave.


    Eugenia piled up the bones next to the fire that was now half as strong as at the start of the meal. She was also lost in thought, stirred by the conversation about family. Even Medusa could tell she was being considerate by staying quiet.


    ¡°If I may be so bold to ask, how did the two of you get acquainted and ended up living together?¡± Suddenly Hermes raised his arms and looked back and forth between them. His curiosity was as endless as his duties!


    ¡°She came with a few humans to kill me.¡± Medusa said while pointing at Eugenia.


    ¡°She cursed me to stay on this island forever.¡± Eugenia pointed back at her.


    ¡°Oh my.¡± Clearly their bluntness caught him by surprise. Those were far from ideal circumstances to become companions in life on such a small island.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t try to kill you, though. I only came along to pray for the great Athena to bless them with wisdom and success.¡± Eugenia said with an upturned nose.


    ¡°You could have done that at home. You were so obviously used as bait to distract me.¡±


    ¡°I-I wasn¡¯t bait. I¡¯m sure it was a misunderstanding.¡±


    ¡°That ¡®misunderstanding¡¯ threw you straight at me.¡±


    The two of them started to bicker again, as per the usual, but Hermes had no mind to interfere. He quite enjoyed such a display of familiarity. It reminded him of the endless squabbles between his siblings and other gods all across the world. Mortals were more alike to the gods than most of them would like to admit. He dearly loved these flawed beings.


    Something about their story was puzzling to him though. He would have to investigate the matter as subtly as he could, to avoid another tragedy.


    As the god of trade, eloquence and thieves started to connect the pieces, the consequences of the women¡¯s fateful meeting were starting to take shape in the distance.

 Chapter 6: Eugenia and the messenger

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure this is a good idea.¡± Eugenia said with a jittery voice.


    ¡°It is merely a small leap.¡± Hermes replied coolly.


    ¡°Perhaps for one so great and powerful such as you¡­¡± She put both her hands on her face in fear.


    ¡°Hm.¡± The athletic god put his hands on his waist and watched the priestess'' actions with a bemused expression. Not wasting time he jumped down and then held on to the shaking girl. ¡°Excuse me.¡±


    ¡°Waaaaah!¡± She shrieked as she was raised up by the legs and then pressed against his shoulder. Seconds later they landed on the large branch of the ancient tree. While she still gasped for air in panic he set her down next to him and held her hands comfortingly.


    ¡°We have already arrived.¡± He said quietly.


    ¡°Oh no! No no no, I¡¯m going to fall!¡± She wobbled on the branch, then held on to the other smaller branches around her for dear life. Hermes looked a tad disappointed that she did not lean into his arms instead, but he took it with mirth.


    ¡°Do you have a fear of heights?¡± He inquired with a calming voice.


    ¡°T-that¡¯s not it. As a child I fell off a tree and injured my head. Branches, the bark, it¡¯s all so slippery. I¡¯d rather climb Athen¡¯s Akropolis than this thing!¡± Her lips were quivering as she tried to contain her fear.


    ¡°If you were to jump off now you would land firmly standing.¡± He assured her.


    ¡°R-really?¡±


    ¡°You were blessed by Athena, is that not so?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right¡­¡±


    ¡°Then simply silence all your other senses and listen.¡± Hermes said as his voice spread like a lullaby. ¡°Listen to the sound of the ocean waves, the whispering gusts and the echo of your heartbeat.¡±


    Eugenia, deeply concerned with always listening to the gods, did her best to follow his advice. First she only focused on that gentle voice. Then she expanded it to her own heartbeat. Eventually the surrounding world opened up and began to beat in sync with it.


    Ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum.


    The tension faded away with the waves, the breeze and the voice of the friendly god.


    ¡°I like sitting in trees, because it gives me a different perspective. When I run across the skies everything becomes just a small dot on the surface of the world. Yet a tree is just high enough above the winding roads that you can hear everything without interfering unduly in it.¡± Hermes explained with a warm smile.


    Eugenia nodded slowly. She felt that she understood the perspective of the gods¡¯ messenger just a little better by sitting here with him. On this branch she was only one leap away from sharing the same ground as Medusa. Eugenia could still hear her voice, her movements and her worries, but the Gorgon would not necessarily notice her. Unless she went out of her way to look up of course.


    ¡°The view is much more appealing from inside this little shell of branches and leaves.¡± Hermes said while putting his face into one hand and crossing his legs. He was watching the clear horizon that islanders got so used to eventually. ¡°Outside that barrier, there is nothing but toil and chaos to be found.¡±


    ¡°I did not notice much of the storm, because I was curled up under deck.¡± The girl reminisced. She had spent the entire time desperately trying not to throw up from seasickness (with lamentable results).


    ¡°So is it true that you came here for the sake of ending the Gorgon¡¯s life?¡± He asked with a casual tone.


    ¡°That is not how it happened.¡± Eugenia muttered with a sad expression. ¡°I didn¡¯t know anything.¡±


    ¡°They abandoned you. Was it out of cowardice? Or perhaps¡­¡±


    ¡°Please.¡± She urged him to stop with one hand on his arm. It was clear that she didn¡¯t want to think about this anymore.


    ¡°My apologies.¡± He put his hand on hers comfortingly and then raised his voice. ¡°While your captor is busy thinking of the right verses, let us have our own little verbal covenant.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± She tilted her head at his words.


    ¡°I may have come here for a different purpose, but I can hardly ignore a woman in need.¡± He gestured with one hand on his chest. ¡°You need only ask and I will escort you from this terrifying place myself.¡±


    His words did not quite reach the young woman immediately. After her mind tried to repeat it several times she finally seemed to realize they were real. Confusion gave way to reverence, but also distress. In time she averted her face and then put her hands together.


    ¡°Can I ask you why?¡±


    ¡°Oh? Did I not state my reason already?¡± He asked with a smirk.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I do not believe you. Rather, I feel that I am not worth such a selfless gesture.¡± She picked her words carefully, trying not to incite his wrath.


    ¡°Ahaha, I can tell you already saw through me!¡± He chuckled.


    ¡°What?¡± She was sweating from anxiousness, but he didn¡¯t seem to take her seriously.


    ¡°Indeed, there is another reason.¡± He put his index finger up and winked. ¡°If I were to save one of Athena¡¯s favorites, surely she would be in my debt. You can never have too many favors from that one.¡± His explanation was so jovial that she almost fell off the tree.


    ¡°Y-you can¡¯t use me like that!¡± She protested. ¡°I won¡¯t become a bargaining tool for the great and wise Athena¡¯s favor!¡±


    ¡°Dread. I spoke too much.¡± Hermes said theatrically and put a hand over his forehead.


    ¡°As her priestess I cannot be a burden to her.¡± Eugenia was serious about her indignation, which only amused the gods¡¯ messenger all the more.


    ¡°You truly are too much! This strong will and devout nature, I am growing more envious by the moment.¡± His laughter was like a mild rain on a scorching day and cooled down even the upset girl. ¡°I shall not attempt such folly then. I can see that you are set in your decision.¡±


    ¡°Yes! I will not rely on the power of the gods to get saved. You have so many burdens already, because of our human selfishness.¡± She spoke from the heart. ¡°Wise Athena gave me hearing that allowed me to be independent in the darkness. I can never; no I do not want to ever demand more of her!¡±


    Hermes listened to her serious declaration. A girl so young and na?ve, but also incredibly considerate had not been seen often in this world. Humans time and again claimed to revere the gods, to serve them and to follow them, but rarely was there ever one that wanted to support them. Who would ever think that the infinitely powerful beings above them needed to be worried after?


    The ¡®burden¡¯ she spoke of was nothing more than a human idea. The Olympians had their own matters to struggle with, that much had always been true, yet there was not much a human could do about that. All humans were ever able to do was to ask that their burden be reduced. Instead this human would claim independence for the sake of lessening the gods¡¯ burden.


    ¡°What do you think makes a hero, Eugenia?¡± Hermes asked curiously.


    For a moment she blushed, because she realized how impolite she had been, but also partially because a god had spoken her name. She cleared her throat to distract from her embarrassment and then considered the question quickly.


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    ¡°They need to have done great deeds, right?¡± She replied like a child in temple school.


    ¡°Hmhm, yes, that is a given, I suppose.¡± Despite the correctness of her statement, he still seemed to have wanted a different answer. ¡°Anything more?¡±


    ¡°Er¡­ a great weapon or gift maybe?¡± She fumbled around, clearly stressed over his nonplussed reaction.


    ¡°Many of those have been involved with heroic tales, true.¡± He nodded. Still a miss.


    ¡°I am sorry, I can¡¯t think of anything that would apply to all heroes.¡± Eugenia lowered her head.


    ¡°Most people would probably have added bravery or cunning to your list.¡± He joked.


    ¡°Then those are-?¡±


    ¡°I believe not.¡± He interrupted her. ¡°What a hero truly needs is a goal.¡±


    ¡°A goal?¡± Eugenia was perplexed by that answer. Of course a hero needed a goal, but wasn¡¯t that the case for pretty much anyone?


    ¡°Absolutely.¡± Hermes confirmed it. ¡°Some heroes are kind, some are brutal and most of them are brave. There are many ways to obtain a legend and to be heralded as heroic.¡± He put his cap on one finger and spun it in the air. ¡°But what all of them have in common is that something drives them. The Argonauts lived for adventure. Odysseus wished to return home and Achilleus fought for his people.¡± His eyes had seen so many legends firsthand already.


    ¡°But, even a butcher works to feed his family. A scholar searches for wisdom. A priestess wants to be a medium between mortals and gods.¡± Eugenia pointed out timidly.


    ¡°You realized it right away. Purpose and goals, those are things most humans possess.¡±


    ¡°Then everyone is a hero?¡±


    ¡°Most will never be praised in song and prose, but I believe that every human is the hero of their own tale.¡± It was then that Hermes finally got to his point. ¡°What is the goal of the gods, though?¡±


    ¡°Wha-? That¡¯s¡­!¡± The girl tried to reply immediately, but she felt that she shouldn¡¯t be hasty again. Thinking about it a bit more could not harm. No matter how she mulled it over, the answer seemed obvious though. ¡°To rule the world and keep it prosperous.¡±


    ¡°That is one interpretation. We all have our duties to guide this world, the underworld and even the heavens themselves. Those have been decided by our king, Zeus. Then would you say duties are goals? I might be inclined to agree.¡±


    ¡°Phew.¡± Eugenia released her repressed breath. She finally had gotten something right.


    ¡°Can gods be heroes then?¡±


    ¡°Of course! You saved so many people, great Hermes!¡± It wasn¡¯t even up to debate to her.


    ¡°I did give a hand in some matters, certainly.¡± He shrugged humbly. ¡°Do you comprehend what I am attempting to convey?¡±


    Eugenia shook her head honestly.


    ¡°The ¡®goals¡¯ given to us gods, they have mostly become dependent on one factor: Humans.¡±


    ¡°Humans?¡±


    ¡°We govern the world, but for whom? Ourselves? Pride and dominion are not satisfactory in and of themselves. We enjoy the world, but it is not as if we have a need for it. If we stayed in Olympus, what difference would it make if this world became a wasteland?¡±


    Eugenia gasped at such a horrific possibility.


    ¡°We gods¡­ stagnate. We were born without purpose and we only make purpose for ourselves to bide time. In the end, we decide what our goals are, but they only matter because someone is there to take note of them. Some engage in affairs, others play with mortals and yet others expand the realm of the possible.¡± Although his words were tinged in a profound mellowness, he still sounded like a curious young lad somehow.


    ¡°I don¡¯t follow.¡± The young girl of merely 16 summers could not understand the depth of a god¡¯s thoughts.


    ¡°I may be rambling. That is another thing people often associate with me.¡± He chuckled again. ¡°What I am trying to convey is perhaps very simple. Humans are necessary for us gods, just as we are for humans. We do not need your strength or support, what we need are your ¡®goals¡¯. If you attain true independence that will surely be a sad day for us.¡±


    ¡°I did not¡­ that was not my intention¡­¡± Her face was downcast.


    Hermes suddenly rose up on the branch and stood tall, making it shake violently and giving Eugenia nearly a heart attack.


    ¡°Do not feel sorry for me, because playing ¡®hero¡¯ is just another pastime. Everything I do for others is also for my sake. I am certain that most of my siblings feel similarly.¡± He declared while spreading his arms. ¡°Eugenia, if you ever feel that your ¡®independence¡¯ is a burden too great, ask me for help. I will promise to lend you my ear.¡±


    Then this was the covenant he had spoken of at the beginning. The young woman finally understood why he was called the god of eloquence. He knew how to find the goal at every long winded path of words. The destination was always in reach of the messenger.


    ¡°I thank you.¡± She bowed as well as she could on the shaking branch. And then¡­ she jumped down fearlessly. She really did land standing! Even if her legs shook pitifully in pain from the strong impact. ¡°I will do that! But if I can take a leap on my own I will do that too.¡± She smiled brightly.


    They had come to an understanding, the mortal and the god.


    <hr>


    ¡°You seem to be getting along sickeningly well.¡± Medusa watched the shining pair with squinted eyes. She really felt painfully blinded by their shine.


    ¡°Not as well as you two, I assure you.¡± Hermes replied with a tap on his cap and an amused expression.


    ¡°I thought the girl was the blind one.¡± The Gorgon replied with a sharp tongue.


    ¡°Have you written a reply, Lady Medusa?¡± Eugenia asked bursting with curiosity.


    ¡°Do you see a letter?¡± She asked snappishly.


    ¡°Hmph.¡± The girl didn¡¯t give her the satisfaction of reacting to that jab. Instead she went over to her bedstead and got something from below the animal skins. It was a piece of parchment. ¡°You should have just asked if you didn¡¯t have any.¡±


    ¡°I do not need any!¡± She retorted annoyed.


    ¡°Have your words failed you?¡± Hermes wondered while leaning back against a pillar.


    ¡°I did think about it seriously, for your information.¡± She crossed her arms. ¡°There is no need for many words. At least I will not write down a meaningless flood of fancy nonsense.¡± Stheno had managed to fill an entire parchment with nothing more than empty phrases she picked up somewhere. The core message could have been summed up in two sentences. ¡°Tell them I am doing well.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it?!¡± Eugenia protested, but Hermes nodded. He was just the messenger, nothing more, nothing less. ¡°No, you can¡¯t be so brief! They surely want to know what you have been doing in those decades.¡± But the girl insisted and held on to Hermes arm so he couldn¡¯t run off.


    ¡°There is not much to tell.¡± The Gorgon replied curtly.


    ¡°Then at least tell them what you truly feel!¡± Her words penetrated deep inside the Gorgon¡¯s mind. How impertinent, to assume she knew what someone like her truly felt.


    ¡°Well?¡± Hermes raised a brow, waiting for her decision.


    ¡°I am doing well.¡± She repeated. ¡°And I¡­¡± Could she really say something this shameful? Although she had long since given up on such feelings, it still did surprisingly hold true. ¡°I hope you are doing well too¡­ I miss you.¡± She wrung it out of her prideful mouth. To think that she could still feel shame over such banalities. Maybe there was a bad influence involved.


    Eugenia nodded in satisfaction, completely oblivious of Medusa¡¯s glare.


    ¡°Oh my! Is that a hare I spy?¡± Suddenly Hermes exclaimed and pointed towards the distant hills. And sure enough there was a hare, no, several hares! Their ears perked up at the shout and they rushed off to find a burrow.


    ¡°Whaaat? Where did they come from? I have never sensed any in this place!¡± The girl got so excited that she rushed off immediately. If she could make sure that there was a population, no matter how small, that would guarantee a source of meat other than straggling birds.


    ¡°So easy.¡± Medusa watched her run with dulled eyes. ¡°Do not put any more things on my island, messenger boy.¡± She hissed accusingly.


    ¡°They must have slipped from my cap some time while I was waiting for your message. An entire day has passed after all.¡± Hermes said with feigned surprise.


    ¡°Enough of your twisted half-truths. Just deliver my words already.¡± She shooed him off.


    ¡°Right away. There is only one tiny matter left to attend to.¡± He put a hand to his mouth. ¡°Could you tell me the details of the last expedition that came here?¡±


    ¡°You did not manage to pry it out of your new favorite toy yet?¡± Medusa asked toxically and rested on her long curled up snake half.


    ¡°How hurtful. I am a sensitive soul, which is why I cannot put a lady on the spot in such a crude way.¡±


    ¡°Figures. I am just a monster, so that would not apply to me.¡± She chuckled darkly.


    ¡°Consider it a small payment for my services.¡±


    ¡°Whatever. I have no reason to hide it.¡± She quickly summarized what had happened on the day Eugenia arrived on Sarpedon. Hermes¡¯ expression did not shift once, he was incredibly good at hiding his thoughts.


    ¡°Very intriguing.¡±


    ¡°Which part?¡±


    ¡°All of it.¡±


    ¡°That means none of it.¡±


    ¡°Your pessimism is just as developed as Eugenia said.¡± He sighed playfully.


    ¡°You even use her name. She must have enchanted you quite a bit.¡± Medusa decidedly put on a mocking face.


    ¡°Being enchanted is also a taxing profession. Have some pity for this sorry messenger.¡±


    ¡°You could ask my sisters to comfort you.¡±


    Medusa was heartless indeed.


    ¡°We shall see about that.¡± He turned around, exposing his naked body to the sun. The tendons on his legs were already straining for the sprint across the ocean.


    ¡°One last thing.¡± This time it was Medusa who stopped him in his tracks.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°If you really touch my sisters I will break your rod.¡± The snake-haired woman was suddenly exceptionally close to the messenger¡¯s face. He could see each individual pair of slit-like snake eyes seizing him up on her head.


    ¡°Unfortunately I do not bring Caduceus along for such trips.¡± He said mischievously. His famous staff was known all across the world, but it was not always on him, contrary to popular belief.


    ¡°I am talking about your other rod.¡± She looked down with great implication.


    Hermes face was covered in shade and he gulped.


    ¡°Understood.¡± Now he was the embodiment of professionalism. It could be said that the god of athletes had never rushed off so swiftly in all of known history.


    As he left behind a trail of sand clouds and parting waters, Eugenia came running back with a dirt covered face. She was out of breath, but clearly happy about her discovery.


    ¡°I have found a burrow with six hares! You were right, great and swift Hermes!¡± She rubbed dirt from her ears and moved her head around. ¡°Where is he?¡±


    ¡°He left to do his job.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± The priestess looked on with a blank expression.


    She couldn¡¯t even say goodbye. So much for listening to her!


    As the companions returned to being a duo, the messenger of the gods left for the north. On his way he would discover something that confirmed his contemplations. The stage of this event was Athens.

 Chapter 7: Athena and the scholar

    Athens was a sprawling city that grew more enormous by each decade and was the home to over 100.000 souls. Her citizens claimed proudly that there was no equal to it in all of Greece and declared it the cultural center of the world. Although Athens had been in many wars with Sparta, Thebes and Mycenae, it had kept its independence and been rebuilt from any damage it received.


    A carriage and two carts were slowly rolling into the entrance of the city and towards the grand stables that were located in the outer districts for travelers returning from their journeys. It was merely a short-stop for quick visits or a transfer point to the permanent stables in the central city, but even so it was important and there was never any shortage of customers.


    Sitting on a crate in the courtyard of the compound, leaning both his hands on a long wooden staff, was the stable master. He owned the enterprise and kept eagle-eyed watch on all new customers. Usually such dealings were left to a subordinate or a slave, but he was a curious sort.


    ¡°Hegord, are you listening?¡± A much younger man was gesticulating towards the old stable master and kept pestering him with some story about his wife. The old man sighed.


    ¡°I¡¯m listenin¡¯, but I don¡¯t want to hear any more. Just tell her to scold the boy and take away his dinner. That ought to teach him.¡± He scratched his grey beard with frustration.


    ¡°She is far too soft to do something so severe. His studies are not progressing too well, but he is not stupid.¡±


    ¡°Then where¡¯s the problem?¡± He shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ll tell ya what the problem is. You¡¯re a useless husband. Coming to an old widower for advice is pathetic.¡± He hit the man¡¯s leg with his staff which made him flinch strongly.


    ¡°Ow! But you are the most experienced man I know Hegord!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because you only deal pretty young maidens.¡± He snorted and then looked up when he heard the turning of wheels close in on the courtyard. ¡°Zeus¡¯ beard, finally some customers. Your little spat can wait.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± The younger man pulled back his himation to take a look at his bruised leg.


    As the carts and carriage rolled in, a few handlers came up to stop the horses and directed the drivers towards the back. Right away someone jumped out of the carriage and kept watch over the carts that were filled to the brim with luggage.


    ¡°Oi, Pelos, you recognize that lad?¡± The old man tapped the bruised leg of his friend roughly.


    ¡°Argh¡­ would you please stop it?¡± He winced, then looked up with tears in his eyes to follow Hegord¡¯s pointing. ¡°Is he important?¡± Now his demeanor changed. Pelos was the owner of a famous bathhouse and always looked for wealthy clientele.


    ¡°If my old eyes don¡¯t fail me I¡¯d reckon that¡¯s the Typhos lad.¡± He said with a stoic mien.


    ¡°Typhos? I believe I heard that name somewhere before.¡± He cupped his chin and closed his eyes. ¡°The scholar?¡±


    ¡°The same.¡± Hegord nodded.


    ¡°Look at him acting like some young aristocrat. Boisterous young men seem to be getting more common these days.¡± Pelos was the undemanding type that preferred to work in the shadows. He could not stand the fancy young aristocrats that loved to brag with their wealth and influence. His workers constantly complained about their outrageous demands to him.


    ¡°You¡¯re a young cub too, Pelos.¡± Hegord said dryly. Although his plump friend acted more like a bored housewife most of the time.


    ¡°At least not that young.¡± He looked at the scholar named Typhos with furrowed brows. ¡°Is there something special about him? You rarely remember people¡¯s names.¡±


    ¡°Hrm. Special, eh?¡± Hegord made some noises as he wet his mouth with saliva before resuming the conversation. ¡°He¡¯s a scholar alright, but nobody knows where he came from.¡±


    ¡°Is that so odd these days? Everyone comes to Athens to study.¡± It was even something the townsfolk took pride in.


    ¡°Aye, but this one¡¯s different. He¡¯s been livin¡¯ here since he was ill more than a toddler.¡±


    ¡°Could he have fled from some war torn barbarian land?¡±


    ¡°He came with a couple of servants and a wagon filled with expensive goods if my sources aren¡¯t lying.¡±


    ¡°A lord¡¯s estranged son? Perhaps a bastard?¡±


    ¡°Sounds about right. Maybe that explains his resources.¡±


    ¡°Two carts filled with wares and all those gold rings. That¡¯s a lot of riches for a mere bastard. I can¡¯t fathom why a lord would be giving him such an impressive gift on departure.¡±


    ¡°Strikes your fancy, doesn¡¯t it? Made me curious as well. Y¡¯see, my nephew works for the council and they keep a close look on the citizenship of newcomers.¡± Hegord shook his head. ¡°But this lad is listed as an Athenian citizen. Some greedy bureaucrat pig was bribed, I¡¯ll be damned if it isn¡¯t that.¡±


    ¡°Nothing unusual. Why are you so fixated on him anyway?¡±


    ¡°When you grow as old and bitter as me, you start to get tired of the tedious day to day.¡± Hegord said cynically. ¡°So solving mysteries is the best pastime y¡¯can find.¡±


    ¡°My, you are unbelievable.¡± Pelos put one arm into his himation and smiled. ¡°So he paid off the officials and moved in. Considering the hefty sums that must have gone around, there shouldn¡¯t have been much left to live off. Let alone pay for his tuition.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. And now look at him.¡± They watched Typhos move over the cart and pull up some urns made from the finest burned clay to inspect them.


    ¡°Unless he got new funds from his family, all I can think of is that he has talent as a merchant.¡± Pelos yawned and rubbed his nose.


    ¡°You¡¯d think so, aye? A merchant¡¯s gotta have workers, though. A shop too.¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t?¡± Pelos deduced.


    ¡°Henord, my nephew, he said there is nobody noted under the name Typhos in the merchant registry. And even without that tidbit, I see everyone move in and out of this city, but there is nothing related to him to be seen.¡±


    ¡°A mystery indeed.¡± The plump bathhouse owner was stumped. ¡°All I heard is that an influential young scholar was making the rounds a few months back. That¡¯s where I heard of him.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell this to anyone, but I think I¡¯ve figured out one secret of his.¡± The old man said conspiratorially.


    ¡°You got my curiosity already! Out with it!¡±


    ¡°The boy¡¯s got connections to most of the high society. But it isn''t because of noble birth or somethin¡¯ like that. They say he lends money to aristocrats in need.¡±


    ¡°A money-lender?!¡± Pelos could not have seen that coming. Money-lenders were notoriously unpopular, as part of their profession involved the collection of what was owed.


    ¡°What¡¯s more he¡¯s got his fingers in several projects. Investing in the works of more influential people around Thebes.¡±


    All of this was very suspicious. Only few commoners would have the power to invest in other big cities and still be welcomed back in Athens. Even less if they were money-lenders.


    ¡°This does not add up.¡±


    ¡°Hehe, so y¡¯see? He¡¯s got them by the testicles. He lends money and gets hefty returns from the fees. Then he graciously gives back to those who are short on funds and always makes sure to leave ¡®em satisfied. They owe him.¡±


    ¡°A scholar with ambition? Hearing such things makes me pray to Poseidon sometimes.¡± A risky joke in these parts, but it made Hegord laugh out loud. ¡°He must be charismatic to balance all these things without drawing ire.¡±


    ¡°Guess so. I just wonder where he is going.¡± He didn¡¯t mean physically of course. Something about a determined man with such influence smelled of revolution. Athens was still weary from the last uprising a few decades back.


    ¡°I, for one, know where I will be going. Back to the bathhouse to loosen my stiff shoulders.¡± He said with a heavy sigh and rubbed said shoulders. ¡°Have fun with your little mystery scholar. Be sure to tell me what you find out next time!¡±


    ¡°Safe travels Pelos.¡± The old man waved him off and leaned forward, waiting for Typhos to finally make his way to him.


    Not much later the young man really did come over himself. Aside from the drivers he seemed to have no workers or slaves to take care of his business for him.


    ¡°Greetings, good master.¡± He greeted him politely and lowered his head ever so slightly.


    ¡°Good day, sir. Will you be moving to the central stables or are you just passing through the city?¡±


    ¡°No need for the ¡®sir¡¯, we are of the same ilk, no?¡± Meaning he considered himself a commoner, just like Hegord.


    ¡°Forgive this old man, but all my customers are sirs to me.¡± His reply was humble, but serious.


    ¡°I see. Well then, I plan to stay in the city for a while, so could your men move the carriage to the stables in the northern district? I loaned it from there.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± He went through his grey beard and then looked at the two carts filled with goods.


    ¡°Oh, as for those.¡± Typhos eyes became a bit sharper. ¡°I would be grateful if you could send them to Lord Kerhones estate.¡±


    Hegord was lost in thought for a moment, but then nodded softly.


    ¡°Is there something amiss?¡±


    ¡°Lord Kerhones, that¡¯s a name I haven¡¯t heard in a long time, is all.¡± He muttered.


    ¡°He has fallen ill as of late. His wife takes care of the land I heard.¡± Typhos smiled neutrally.


    ¡°Got a message my men should bring along?¡±


    ¡°Ah, only that I wish the good lord will recover quickly.¡± He said with an amicable gesture. ¡°Also, I am looking forward to see what she prepared for me.¡±


    Vague words only served to make Hegord more curious. Yet the old man knew not to be hasty and just scratched the words into a piece of hardened bark.


    ¡°Do you not use parchment?¡± The scholar would obviously have asked such a question. Writing was an important matter to their kind.


    ¡°It¡¯s been humid lately. The building¡¯s not too well kept, so parchment gets soaked real quick.¡± He explained and finished the message before whistling for one of the workers to come over. ¡°It¡¯s a verbal message, this is to memorize for the guy who brings the goods up to the estate.¡± It was located on a hill near the Akropolis.


    ¡°Interesting. We never cease to learn.¡± Typhos smiled and then turned to watch the state of his wares being transported.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll make sure to get them there safely.¡± Hegord rose from the crate and then began shouting. ¡°Hey, you good for nothings! Break time¡¯s over, move the goods and make room for the carriage! Put the wine aside already you filthy drunkards!¡± The world of transport and honest work was rough and loud, which seemed to make Typhos uncomfortable. Or at least he was acting the part. Soon the half dozen muscle-bound workers threw aside their wooden plank which they had been playing dice games on and rushed to do their job.


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    ¡°I am impressed. Seeing you handle them so well firsthand really makes all the fantastical recommendations I got for you pale compared to the real thing.¡± Typhos adjusted his silk scarf and took out a small pendant that seemed to have a needle in its center. When the sun touched it, it threw a shadow on the ground that made an odd pattern. He nodded to himself and put it back below his clothes.


    ¡°You honor me, sir.¡± Hegord stayed calm, unperturbed by flattery.


    ¡°Someone with your logistical mind could be of great help to me. Can I ask you for one more job that may go a bit outside the realm of your usual dealings?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m no merchant, ¡®fraid, but if it¡¯s something you want to be delivered I can get it organized.¡± He hesitated just enough to appear unwilling, but still offered his services nonetheless. Of course Hegord was deeply interested in anything Typhos had planned, so this was a welcome turn of events. He just wouldn¡¯t show it on his old parchment like face.


    ¡°Once Lord Kerhones is informed there should be a package prepared for delivery at the servant entrance of the estate. If you have an especially trustworthy man under your employ, I would like him to take it to the Akropolis.¡±


    ¡°Where exactly, if I may inquire?¡±


    ¡°The grand temple of Athena.¡± He said with a cunning smile.


    <hr>


    The temple of Athena was almost central to the Akropolis and towered high above the rest of the city (with exception of the palace), as was the desired effect back when it was built on the large hill. Athens¡¯ Acropolis (also referred to as Cecropia) was mainly only accessible for the upper citizens and officials.


    The priestesses here were highly regarded and had been performing rites and services since they founded the cult of Athenai many centuries ago. There were almost solely women appointed as mediums and workers at such temples all over the country. The sisters of Athena had a harsh policy that disallowed men from interfering with their work or business outside of appointments. It was even rumored that all of them were virgins, only devoted to their goddess, albeit such unsubstantiated fantasies were usually far from the truth.


    Aristocrats and kings had often bent such rules and used their authority to overrule the opposition, but one usually only came to the temple if one wished for support from the goddess, so angering her acolytes and direct subordinates was far from clever.


    Typhos walked up the long sandstone stairs of the Cecropia and looked upon the large temple with expectation. His long journey from Sarpedon back to Athens was all worth it soon. The men and women around him were either greeting him politely or rushing past him without looking up. Both were familiar reactions for him.


    At the end of the plastered road he found himself at the pillar of the temple entrance. It was currently opened, afternoon sun shining right inside. He had waited half a day before coming here, just at the time where the light would shine on the shrine. One of the young priestesses was adjusting an ornament, but stopped when she noticed him. She was watching him with flushed cheeks and hid behind the pillar. That too was a reaction he had become fond of when encountering young women.


    He gave her a smile and waved casually before moving inside the temple. Of course he was stopped right away by several women in long veils. Despite his calm demeanor they were on guard and told him to wait. A few moment later the hurried steps of a famous woman echoed inside the entrance hall.


    ¡°You have come at an inopportune time, Typhos.¡± It was the head priestess herself, Akacia.


    ¡°It always seems to be a bad time for you, dear head priestess.¡± He replied with slight jest and lowered his hands. The rings reflected the sun into the dark brown eyes of the priestess, making her squint angrily.


    ¡°I am serious. Lady Athena is in a foul mood due to the fire at the olive grove east of Piraeus. Some lunatic took a torch and set it on fire with his own hands. Afterwards he committed suicide by jumping off a cliff. Gods know what kind of curse caused this madness, but we should consider ourselves lucky that we do not go to war right now.¡± Her eyes were covered in dark rings, indicating that she had experienced little sleep. Appeasing a war goddess was far from an easy task it seemed.


    ¡°What a horrible thing.¡± Typhos gave her his condolences. ¡°As a scholar of the mind, I can only make some informed assumptions on the nature of a man¡¯s head. A desperate soul can jump to drastic measures when they see no other options.¡±


    ¡°You sound like you know why he did it.¡± She replied with a sharp look.


    ¡°Far from it! I did hear about the catastrophe, but alas, there is nothing I could find out.¡± He apologized.


    ¡°It has been done and the ¡®why¡¯ matters little now. I read your letter and would have liked to prepare a meeting, but under these circumstances all prayers to our Lady will go unheard. She wishes to find out what the criminal¡¯s allegiance was, so she may lay waste to his people. All we can do is to wait it out.¡± One of the sisters began to sob and was embraced by another. These young girls were not used to the wrath of the gods yet.


    ¡°Hm. So if I were to find out the truth behind this unfortunate crime, would you let me speak to her?¡±


    ¡°What are you scheming?¡± Akacia watched him with caution and raised a hand to stop the other priestesses from throwing him out.


    ¡°Schemes are for those of impure intentions. I simply wish to calm our revered goddess so I may have a talk with her.¡±


    ¡°You dare face the goddess of war in such a state?¡± She mocked him visibly.


    ¡°Yes.¡± He nodded with certainty.


    ¡°¡­how much did you figure out?¡±


    ¡°That remains to be seen. Right now one of my acquaintances is returning to the Akropolis to bring me the evidence from the scene of the fire.¡± He smiled darkly when seeing Akacia¡¯s face twitch for a moment.


    ¡°When did you¡­?¡± She pressed the words out between her teeth.


    ¡°The when is irrelevant, rather it is the ¡®who¡¯ you should be concerned with.¡± He smirked and walked forward, passing the head priestess without resistance. ¡°My offering for Lady Athena has arrived, I presume?¡±


    ¡°We put it next to the shrine.¡± She replied with crossed arms and her back turned to him.


    ¡°Head priestess?¡± The sisters looked at her with shock as she did not call Typhos back.


    ¡°Prepare the ritual. Incense and blue candles. Hopefully we will make it out of this alive.¡± Her voice was grave, but she was still strong. Her countenance as the head of this temple was unrivaled.


    <hr>


    Typhos knelt down in the ritual chamber. He was looking at the giant statue of Athena with an unchanging expression. The smell of incense permeated the air as it was unleashed from the holes in the floor. Additionally dozens of blue candles were spread across the room, forming an unfamiliar pattern.


    Lying on the altar was the offering that Typhos had gotten from Lord Kerhones¡¯ wife. A legendary cake made from the finest milk and honey. She was renowned for baking pastries that even Dionysus would love (with a good wine of course). Additionally there were two carafes with the purest water that could be found in all of Greece, or so he was told.


    ¡°Lady Athena will only appear if she so desires, so do not feel too disappointed if even these offerings cannot garner her attention.¡± Akacia said coldly before kneeling down next to him. She went into a pose of prayer and urged him to do the same.


    ¡°I am certain she will want to hear this.¡± He said self-confident.


    ¡°O¡¯ greatest of ladies, the goddess that grants us wisdom and guides us in times of war! I beg of you, hear the prayer of your most devoted priestess. We offer you these gifts with utmost respect and love. Please, hear the call of your follower, the young scholar Typhos who has knowledge of the crime that has upset you so!¡±


    The last part was certainly ad-libbed and Typhos knew that she was saying it not to gain her Lady¡¯s attention, but rather to make certain he had no escape. If he had lied about knowing something he could not get out of this safely now.


    At first nothing happened. The chamber was quiet aside from the low mumbling of Akacia and the sound of some distant ringing beyond the walls. Just when his legs started to tire from his knelt position something in the air shifted. The ringing stopped and the silence left behind was oppressive to his ears, as if a new layer had been added to the world.


    The eyes of Athena¡¯s statue began to shine blue, as if filled by a supernatural fire!


    ¡°I am Athena, your goddess. Your call has been heard. Leave us alone Akacia.¡± The statue did neither move nor emote, but still an echoing voice was inside the room. It was an unnerving experience. The head priestess left with a bow, just as she was told.


    Now Typhos was alone with the burning eyes of a goddess.


    ¡°You claim to have knowledge of the crime that has insulted me so gravely?¡± Her voice was deep and scathing and somehow seemed to form right behind his forehead. It gave him a minor migraine already.


    ¡°Indeed.¡± He spoke with a few sweat drops gathering above his brow. ¡°My friends in Piraeus have gathered all the evidence they could and after surveying it, I came to the conclusion of who is responsible.¡±


    ¡°Speak.¡± The command was heavy.


    ¡°The arsonist was a man named Lysandros. He hailed from Sparta and lived in Athens after being exiled.¡±


    ¡°Sparta.¡± The anger in the goddess¡¯ voice was hot like the fire of the candles. This kind of incident was the cause for wars in times past. It may well have been the same now.


    ¡°He was exiled due to his love for Athenian culture. I do not dare make assumptions myself, but he claimed to have been devoted to you.¡±


    ¡°My followers do not burn my trees, lest I burn them!¡± Of course her retort was terrifying.


    ¡°I agree. The man¡¯s mind was clouded by emotion, however. The truth is he had a romantic interest in one of your priestesses.¡±


    ¡°Which one?¡± Here came the question that made Akacia so grim and was the reason she had kept it all a secret from her goddess. If he revealed the name now, there was no telling what would happen to the girl.


    ¡°I¡­ could not find out.¡± He said with delay.


    ¡°You claim to know, yet you withhold information? You are courageous if nothing else, mortal.¡± Right now she balanced between ridicule and wrath.


    ¡°Her identity is meaningless, I believe! She did not reciprocate his advances, because she devoted her all to the temple and you! Thus he came to hate that focus of her admiration, Lady Athena herself.¡± He explained steadily, not showing his fear.


    ¡°So he destroyed my trees and threw himself into the maws of the sea, in hope to escape punishment?¡± She had already gathered the full picture in mere seconds.


    ¡°His suicide letter seemed to imply as much. My associates are delivering it to your head priestess as we speak.¡±


    ¡°Foolish man. He thinks that he is safe beyond this life? He will suffer in Tartarus for all eternity, like the coward deserves.¡± Thus was spoken the judgment of this soul.


    Charon would not take a soul across the river if they weren¡¯t buried properly, with few exceptions of those righteous who drowned at sea. Though cowards who committed the sin of taking their own life or defying the gods would always be thrown into Tartarus. If he had not committed a sin so grave he might have made it to the mourning fields, where those ended up that wasted their lives on unrequited love.


    ¡°Love can drive humans to great mistakes. If someone had been there for him to convince him to stay his hand, perhaps everything would have ended more favorably.¡±


    ¡°Are you suggesting that my priestess'' love for myself was the cause of this mistake?¡±


    She certainly was far too quick-witted for the likes of him. Typhos had to smirk, despite his sweat covered face.


    ¡°There is nothing further from my intentions.¡± He replied with conviction. She seemed to accept his humbling words and pose.


    ¡°You have done well, mortal. I shall thank you for assisting me in bringing justice to this Lysandros.¡±


    ¡°I aim to please.¡± He bowed again and smiled professionally.


    ¡°I sense you have a desire beyond unveiling the truth of the arson. You may speak.¡±


    ¡°Thank you! It is true; there is another issue that bears heavily on my mind.¡± He acted deeply concerned. Inside he was rather happy with his performance. He got the goddess¡¯ trust and she was still livid, so this next revelation would certainly focus her wrath. ¡°I happened upon one of your priestesses in Lamia, her name was Eugenia.¡±


    ¡°Eugenia.¡± Athena spoke in recognition. Perfect.


    ¡°Her purity and compassion were greater than of any woman I have ever met. When I told her of my expedition to Sarpedon, she came along out of her own free will.¡±


    ¡°Sarpedon? The lair of the Gorgon Medusa.¡± She could already tell why he would go to such a horrible place. There was only ever one reason why humans traveled to that cursed isle. ¡°You survived the expedition. A rare feat.¡±


    ¡°Barely, I assure you. Many of my comrades fell to her vile gaze.¡± He said with a bitter voice. ¡°Among the slain¡­ was the priestess.¡± He spoke those words slowly, stretching each syllable.


    Silence enveloped the chamber. Athena had already been enraged by the burning of the olives, so the death of one of her favorite priestesses should cause an uproar that would make him fear for his own life. He prepared himself, braced himself, but the explosion never happened.


    ¡°That is not so.¡± She said with full certainty.


    ¡°Pardon?¡± He looked up in surprise.


    ¡°Eugenia lives. All humans blessed by me are connected to me. If one dies, I will know.¡± Her words were matter of fact and could not be challenged.


    Typhos felt like he lost his balance and was sinking into the ground. The priestess was not dead? The Gorgon had spared her? She could not have escaped, not when she was already in the Gorgon¡¯s hold. He had taken the only boat off the island. How? How had this happened?!


    His speechlessness seemed to leave Athena disinterested, so she spoke again.


    ¡°Not all your information is as accurate as you think. Unless you have evidence, as with the case of the arson, always withhold hasty conclusions.¡±


    The wisdom she spoke only splashed off of him right now. His plans were thrown on their head and he had to grit his teeth. He had to use his mind and fast!


    ¡°I apologize for the misunderstanding. When I last saw her, she appeared dead, which is why I had to leave her behind. It pains me to have done so now and I feel nothing but shame for my actions.¡±


    ¡°That monster, the Gorgon, it inspires fear even in heroes, so I shall forgive your inattentiveness, mortal.¡± She was in a much better mood already, which should have made him happy, considering the circumstances, but he could not let it go.


    ¡°Yet, I confess, that leaves me puzzled. The Gorgon did not slay Eugenia, but what became of her then? Did that monster capture her to turn her into cattle for the slaughter when she feels a craving for human flesh?¡± He tried to make it sound as vile as possible.


    ¡°I cannot see her.¡±


    He stiffened up when hearing those words.


    ¡°There is a barrier around that island, which was erected by Poseidon on my command. It is impenetrable even to the eyes of the gods. Be assured, though, that she will not touch Eugenia. The Gorgon knows not to lay hand on my things, so she will reconsider dearly before calling my fury upon herself.¡± She explained. Despite the danger experienced by one blessed through her, the goddess appeared detached and calm.


    Such a thing was possible? A place not even the gods could see? And the Gorgon was intelligent enough to make such important differentiations? The gears in Typhos'' head kept spinning and turning. This new information was valuable.


    ¡°I see. Then I can only pray for the poor maiden, that she is not defiled or suffering.¡±


    ¡°Your compassion honors you. In return for your service I shall answer you any one question. Choose wisely.¡±


    The favor of the goddess of wisdom was information. Naturally. This was a valuable thing to him right now. Despite his plans and schemes though... he felt something burning on his mind. A question he had wished the answer to ever since his childhood. The truth that he could not let go. There might have been a more useful question, but in the end Typhos was only human. He asked as his heart dictated.


    ¡°Please tell me this truth: How did King Heroides die?¡±


    Silence pervaded the halls for a long moment.


    ¡°That is one thing I cannot tell.¡± She replied honestly.


    That was all he needed to know.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    The meeting between the scholar and the goddess of wisdom and war tied the strings of fate forcefully to an unavoidable path.

 Interlude: The messengers path

    The smell of incense had still not faded inside the chamber as the rays of sunlight moved away from the shrine. The young man had left and the priestesses dared not return for a while after this meeting. It was said that the trail of divinity left behind after a god had entered the world of mortals was sacred and should not be disturbed. They would wait until it naturally dispersed.


    Thanks to that fact there was nobody inside the immediate area. All but one.


    ¡°Do you enjoy eavesdropping on my business, Hermes?¡± The statue spoke in a less booming voice than before. The blue fire of its eyes had died out, but something else seemed to replace it. The deep gray eyes of a woman.


    ¡°I was just resting my weary feet after a long run and thought it would be rude to interrupt.¡± The messenger of the gods stepped out of hiding from behind a pillar.


    The blue robed body of the goddess of war melted out of the statue that was bearing her likeness and the next moment she stood in the middle of the chamber, posing with awe inspiring confidence. Her helmet reflected the last rays of light that were still strewn about inside her temple, giving her an even more divine appearance.


    In stark contrast to that, Hermes was just laxly resting against the pillar; wearing nothing but a common tunic (even he wouldn¡¯t traverse the city in the nude). If it wasn¡¯t for his handsome recognizable face, nobody would have been able to tell it was him.


    ¡°You are rude nevertheless. What brings you to my temple?¡± She was questioning him briskly, but with less antagonism than he expected.


    ¡°I was passing through and wanted to give my regards.¡± He replied with a smile.


    ¡°Hermes.¡± She squinted her divine eyes.


    ¡°Considering your words to that mortal just now, I apparently have one more delivery to make as well. Charon will not be pleased. He dislikes the ride to that ghastly place.¡± Hermes tapped his elbow and thought of that gloomy ferryman. They got along, didn¡¯t they? He just could never read that man. An ashen face below the dark hood with black blotches were eyes should be. It was not easy to discern his feelings, much less so when he acted like a mute.


    ¡°Lysandros¡¯ soul should be wandering the ocean.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the advice. I will be looking.¡±


    ¡°Where have you been the last few days?¡±


    ¡°Hear hear, someone missed me up there!¡± He clapped in joy.


    ¡°Zeus wanted you to deliver a message to Poseidon.¡± She shattered his delight with all too much satisfaction.


    ¡°Figures.¡± He shrugged. ¡°As you will inevitably press it out of me all the same, I shall surrender. I have been paying a visit to Sarpedon.¡± He admitted with an emotionless look.


    ¡°Sarpedon again?¡± Athena seemed disgruntled. At the same time this information seemed to suit her well. ¡°Then have you seen a priestess of mine? Her name is Eugenia.¡± There was no worry in her voice, but certain indignation.


    ¡°Yes I did.¡± He nodded and then pulled down his cap to put his hands through his curly hair. ¡°She is doing quite well for herself, I was somewhat enamored.¡±


    ¡°The Gorgon did not harm her?¡±


    ¡°Not in the slightest.¡± He replied instantly.


    ¡°Why did you not take her off that island?¡±


    ¡°Ah, it must have slipped my mind.¡± He averted his face to avoid her penetrative stare and exhaled.


    She was dissatisfied with that reply, but chose to keep her displeasure contained this once. Showing emotion so readily was unseemly, even if he had met her on a particularly unhinged day. His sister was most known for her tacit composure and occasional stone-faced sharp remarks.


    ¡°Say, do you really care all that much about her wellbeing?¡± He asked as if he was talking about the weather.


    ¡°What is it you truly want to know?¡± She didn¡¯t play along.


    ¡°Let me be frank. Is she not just another of your experiments?¡± His eyes turned sharp and his smile faded.


    ¡°Hermes, your attitude towards humans is problematic. Will you repeat this mistake again?¡±


    ¡°Do not misunderstand; it would not bother me if you really did just play with her for the sake of your studies.¡± He assured her with a raised hand. ¡°I do feel compassion for humans, but I have no obligation to help every last one of them. This is just some personal curiosity. You rarely bless humans like this, even rarer for it to be out of pure sympathy. We all play favorites; there is nothing to hide, right?¡±


    ¡°I never hide my thoughts. My mind is logical and just.¡± She said proudly. ¡°Eugenia was born blind. I gave her the blessing of enhanced hearing, something she can adjust at her own will.¡±


    ¡°She is making good use of that talent.¡± He confirmed.


    ¡°I wished to see how far the human mind has come. If I enhanced a sense beyond its capacity, if I tuned them to the higher spectrum, what would one devoted to my cause achieve with it?¡± She spoke with a distant fascination, something she had felt long ago apparently.


    ¡°The results?¡±


    ¡°Disappointing of course. She could not handle much beyond the normal human limit. I gave her an opportunity to advance her species, but she decided to live in the shadows of others. She was unable to use her gift even to save her bearer.¡±


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°You watched and let them die?¡± Hermes asked neutrally.


    ¡°I already handed her the tools to create her own miracle. There is nothing more I owed them.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡± He lowered his gaze thoughtfully. ¡°Is that when you stopped watching over her?¡±


    ¡°No, I did watch her until a few summers ago. But-¡±


    ¡°There was nothing more to learn from her example?¡± He cut her short. Athena nodded. ¡°I did wonder how she could end up in such a perilous situation if you had still watched over her, but now it makes sense. Unsupervised, she went on an expedition to slay a monster that petrifies one with her gaze. It seems like they were made for each other.¡± He smirked sardonically.


    ¡°If she had been a man, perhaps she might have used this to her advantage in slaying the Gorgon.¡± Athena agreed.


    ¡°Instead she managed to see something only a blind woman could.¡±


    ¡°What are you insinuating?¡±


    ¡°Hm, just some idle thinking, do not mind it.¡± He deflected calmly. ¡°Do you intend to free her from her imprisonment?¡±


    ¡°What happens on Sarpedon is none of my concern anymore. That was part of our arrangement.¡± Athena denied his suggestion matter of factly. ¡°I cannot even observe her now.¡±


    ¡°There must be ways to do it if you put your mind to it.¡±


    ¡°There is an option I have considered.¡± She had already made a plan while they were talking, nothing less of Athena. ¡°For now it should be enough to know her state of being. I thank you for the knowledge you imparted on me.¡±


    ¡°It was mere coincidence, truly.¡± He humbly dismissed her thanks and put the cap back on his head. ¡°You do trust the Gorgon more than I had thought possible.¡± He added as he left for the exit.


    ¡°Nonsense.¡± Athena said with a frown, before fading away inside the statue¡¯s eyes.


    <hr>


    Hermes passed the halls without making a single sound. The priestesses that walked past him did not even notice his presence. One of them shivered a little as if she had felt a breeze across her ankles, but that was it.


    When he passed a partly opened door he stopped in his tracks. The sound of sobbing echoed inside the halls, becoming louder the closer he put his ear to the slit. Curiosity piqued, he entered the room without making any noise and looked at the back of a young priestess and her superior, Akacia.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be¡­ hic¡­ Lysandros would nevar do something hike dis!¡± Her words were blurred from crying, but he still understood enough.


    ¡°The letter has his handwriting. You confirmed it several times. We must face reality.¡± Akacia was rubbing the girl''s back, but could not ease her worries beyond that.


    ¡°But¡­ but! He said he would wait for me to make my choice! Lysandros was a gentle person- Y-you knew him head priestess! He would not destroy Lady Athena¡¯s precious trees!¡± She clung to Akacia¡¯s sleeve and looked up to her with desperation.


    ¡°I know that.¡± She clicked her tongue. ¡°When he appeared here seven nights ago he was looking pale and desperate. Perhaps he was in monetary trouble; he must have gotten drunk as well. There are many reasons for men to lose their mind, girl.¡± She spoke from experience, but the young priestess did not want to hear it.


    ¡°Not Lysandros! He never¡­ touched wine¡­ He only wanted to study and¡­ and¡­¡± She succumbed to her tears again. It was clear that she had loved this man dearly. ¡°If only I hadn¡¯t hesitated¡­¡±


    ¡°What did he tell you? Why can you not say it? Perhaps I could have put my word in for him.¡± Akacia said something rather cruel now, but she was clearly stressed. Her insistence made the girl curl up into her tear soaked sleeves.


    ¡°He said¡­ he loved me.¡± She admitted and put her face into her hands. ¡°And that I should forget about him.¡±


    ¡°That foolish mule.¡± Akacia turned away and gritted her teeth. She must have known this Lysandros quite well. Just as she looked up, the messenger who had stood at the door was gone.


    <hr>


    Now that the sun was setting, Hermes sat atop a spire on the Cecropia¡¯s walls. The view of Athens from up here was something even the greatest poets sometimes found hard to describe. Enjoying such a thing at his own leisure was the prerogative of a free spirit.


    Although the hustle and bustle of the city was slowing down as daylight faded, he could still hear quite a few commotions, be it fights between merchants having crashed into each other¡¯s wagons or the occasional fistfight between early drunks.


    Between all those things he could hear the distinct rhythm of one pair of sandals. Despite having only heard it once he had already memorized it completely. This deliberate way of walking had been distinct enough to be etched into his mind.


    With a quick jump he hopped over the walls of the Acropolis and descended into the city. In seconds he reached the low streets of the agora, a public space were many citizens would mingle, discuss and trade. The dark alleys at the edges were looking forlorn, but there was one person walking towards the shadier district.


    The young scholar looked around, probably having heard someone¡¯s footsteps behind him, but there was nobody.


    Eventually he reached the location he had been looking for and sat down on a bench. It didn¡¯t take long for a second man to appear, completely covered in scarves and a hood. Only his eyes were visible.


    ¡°Athens is like an owl¡¯s nest¡­¡± The scholar said with exasperation.


    ¡°¡­but who is the one caging it?¡± The covered man replied with the second half of the password.


    ¡°Well met.¡± The scholar smiled.


    ¡°Such a pretentious line.¡± His fellow grumbled.


    ¡°People in these parts are quite fond of such things. It is very apparent that you are from Thebes.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s quieter there, that¡¯s for sure. No stupid babbling from philosophers, least not when I walk by.¡±


    ¡°Yet you are fond of our owls as well, no?¡± The scholar pushed a bag filled with clinking coins into the hooded man¡¯s pocket. He didn¡¯t even look at him while doing it.


    ¡°Business is business, even if I got almost burned.¡± He coughed on cue, as if he still had some dust in his throat.


    ¡°Did you recover the corpse?¡±


    ¡°Sure, ain¡¯t lookin¡¯ pretty though, what with all the bloatin¡¯. Drowned ones are nasty.¡± He dropped his professional attitude now that his contract had ended.


    ¡°I hope you gave him a proper burial.¡±


    ¡°Do I look like some grave digger?¡± He spat out, but then realized that he really did. ¡°Let my men take care of it after the burning. Messy thing that, almost got caught by the guards in Piraeus.¡±


    ¡°Everything went smoothly then. I hope we can come to another agreement in the future.¡± The scholar rose from the bench and stretched his arms. ¡°Until then I am counting on your discretion.¡± It sounded almost amicable, but there was a hint of a threat in there.


    ¡°¡¯course, sir. We ain¡¯t anything if not discrete.¡± His coarse laugh was grating.


    ¡°Say, do you know of some pickpockets that can steal even a person¡¯s clothes without them noticing?¡±


    ¡°That a local legend or somethin¡¯? Got those in every big city.¡± He didn¡¯t seem to pay those much mind.


    ¡°I would like to meet such a person one day. They say that these men would be able to sneak up even on their own shadow.¡±


    ¡°What do you need sneaky feet for?¡±


    ¡°I am thinking of taking them along on my travels.¡± He said with a smile.


    ¡°For protection?¡±


    ¡°Just to save a friend from an overly cautious guard dog.¡±


    ¡°¡¯fraid I never met them. You''ll hafta ask a local.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I just might.¡± He put his arms into his tunic and let his cape flutter behind him in the wind. The hooded man stuck around for twenty more minutes before leaving in the opposite direction.


    <hr>


    The northern exit of the city was leading into a plain that reached as far as the eyes could see. Only few carriages and wagons were still moving at this hour. There was only a half moon at the firmament, so light was sparse.


    Hermes walked slowly towards the direction of his next destination. The words the Gorgon had given him for her sisters were still deeply ingrained into his mind. After delivering them, he would turn back and guide a lost soul to its final punishment.


    All of this was just a job, nothing more. Another ¡®goal¡¯ set for him, dictated by others. He had no wish to change this and no need to bend the way things worked.


    He was a messenger, delivering the wishes and wills of others.


    No more, no less.

 Chapter 8: Medusa and the temples secret

    ¡°Aaah¡­ he was such a gentleman.¡± Eugenia sighed sweetly for the umpteenth time that day while resting her head in her hands.


    ¡°You are still fawning over that messenger boy?¡± Medusa was lying on her side, leaning her head on one arm and watched Eugenia with a bored expression.


    ¡°I heard so many gallant stories about the great and swift Hermes, but he was not just kind, but also humorous!¡± She smiled like a little girl.


    ¡°He is also a deadbeat father.¡± Medusa said with a dismissive grin.


    ¡°We all have our flaws. He is just a free spirit!¡± It was hard to shake her out of her happy daze.


    ¡°You really are just a blind maiden with a girlish crush, hm?¡± Medusa couldn¡¯t stand looking at it anymore and turned her head to the ocean.


    ¡°I-I d-don¡¯t fancy him that way!¡± She stuttered in embarrassment.


    ¡°Could have fooled me.¡± Medusa muttered under her breath.


    ¡°I am just so honored! I met two gods face to face in my life. I am not worth such happiness.¡± She folded her hands together and smiled warmly.


    Medusa huffed in response.


    ¡°But I know that I only met them because of the people around me. The great and wise Athena came to me, because of my parents'' devotion and I could only meet Hermes because he delivered a message to you.¡± She turned to Medusa and lowered her head. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°You are a strange one. Thanking your captor for keeping you in this place. Was meeting that womanizer worth all the hardship?¡± She wondered with an unreadable tone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. But right now I am happy and that¡¯s all that matters.¡± Eugenia¡¯s positivity returned with a vengeance.


    ¡°Really¡­¡± The Gorgon rose from her relaxed position to prepare for some quirky lecture from the girl, but then got her tunic stuck on a rock. She pulled up with her unnatural strength so quickly that the fabric tore in an instant. She stayed completely still, watching the tear in her sleeve with a forcefully neutral expression.


    She slowly turned towards Eugenia to see if she had noticed anything, but the girl seemed too lost in thought. Safe for now.


    ¡°You are a priestess and yet meeting the gods is special to you?¡± She didn¡¯t miss a beat in the conversation to play over her clumsy accident.


    ¡°Yes, it is my duty to speak to the gods in the name of people in need.¡± Eugenia nodded. ¡°But all I have to do is convey prayers and wishes. I don¡¯t actually have a conversation with them.¡± She confessed.


    ¡°They never respond?¡±


    ¡°People make offerings and ask for support. Then if the gods have time or deem the person worthy, they will help them!¡± She explained with a raised finger.


    ¡°Is that so? How do they do that?¡± Medusa raised a brow.


    ¡°Er, for example, there was that old baker in Lamia who wanted to make rye bread that would make his daughter get better. She was very sick. He was desperately serious; he even came all the way to my temple after all. He made offerings to almost every god with a temple in the area.¡±


    ¡°And his daughter got better after eating the bread.¡±


    ¡°Yes! It was a miracle.¡± Eugenia was beaming a smile at the memory of that day. Perhaps because she felt that she had contributed to saving a girl, no matter how minor her part was.


    ¡°She could not have gotten better on her own?¡± Medusa raised a brow.


    ¡°Maybe? But it must have been the gods¡¯ work! He prayed to so many after all.¡±


    ¡°So if I go to every temple in the world and make an offering I will get my wish granted, guaranteed?¡±


    ¡°N-no¡­ If you make a bad wish then the gods will surely not listen.¡±


    ¡°What other examples are there?¡± She started to enjoy seeing Eugenia¡¯s flustered expression.


    ¡°A wrestler wanted to win a tournament, so he asked for a boon from the temple of Hermes.¡± She spun her long hair around one finger and tried to remember more local stories.


    ¡°And he won?¡±


    ¡°He got second place.¡±


    ¡°I suppose he was not worthy of the first place then.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about that¡­¡±


    ¡°Is there also a story about a gambler who prayed for great gains in his dice game? Or a tale of an old wife that wanted to conceive a child and suddenly managed to become fertile again?¡±


    ¡°How did you-?¡±


    ¡°Those are self-fulfilling prophecies.¡± She felt a sense of amusement from the foolishness of humans.


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± The girl asked with a tilted head.


    ¡°People want something to happen and ask the Fates or the gods to make it possible. Those wishes are all achievable by humans themselves or perhaps sheer luck. If their desires are satisfied they then attribute it to the gods or destiny. If it goes wrong they assume they did not pray strongly enough or it was their destiny to fail.¡± Medusa explained with a shrug.


    ¡°Why are you so cynical?¡± Eugenia pouted, probably because she could not really deny Medusa¡¯s words.


    ¡°You would not be able to take the truth.¡± She replied honestly while crossing her arms.


    ¡°Maybe I am not as weak as you think.¡± The priestess stood up and walked over to the perplexed Gorgon. ¡°Isn¡¯t the truth that you are just afraid of telling me?¡± She reached her hand forward - and then grabbed the torn sleeve. So she had noticed after all. This girl was perceptive in ways she couldn¡¯t always see.


    ¡°Do not be ridiculous.¡± She averted her face as she let Eugenia fix the sleeve quietly.


    <hr>


    ¡°Lady Medusa? Where are you? I want to wash our clothes, so could you hand me your chiton?¡± She called out to her sole companion on this island, but there was no sign of the snake woman. Usually Eugenia could hear her slithering body or her low breathing as she slept in her lair, but today there was just nothing.


    A low breeze grazed her neck and made her shiver for a moment. There was some strong wind today. The air was unusually humid too. The occasional lapse of sunlight on her skin meant that there must have been clouds gathering as well. Would this mean the first rain shower since she arrived here was about to come?


    She instinctively moved behind a fallen in wall to shield herself from another gust. This was the northern side of the temple where she rarely ventured. There was nothing here except ruins and some old gate as far as she had explored. Most of their time they spent either in the southern temple yard or at the cliffs, so this was a fairly unused space for the two of them.


    Eugenia¡¯s sandals scratched across old marble and dust that had been piling up from the worn down bricks. There were just too many holes around, so no matter where she stood, she would get assailed by wind. It made her want to curl up in the animal leather blankets back in her personal corner of the temple.


    Her hands went along the walls to guide her, as the wind picked up and interfered with her hearing. Suddenly she touched upon the gate she had discovered previously. There was something odd about it though. She had thought it was just a remainder of the northern entrance, but actually, there were walls on both sides of it. Those walls lead further outside the temple.


    ¡°A separate building?¡± She could barely believe it. Something had survived all this decay and destruction? If only she was strong enough to move the heavy wooden door¡­


    ¡°There you are.¡± A voice appeared right behind her, making her nearly jump out of her sandals!


    ¡°D-d-don¡¯t surprise me like that!¡± She held her pumping heart in shock. It had stopped for just a second. Eugenia wasn¡¯t used to getting surprised as she could usually hear anybody approach from far away. Now that she listened she could hear the flapping of wings under the wind.


    ¡°You are like a frightened hare. Weak.¡± Medusa replied unsympathetically and then settled down on the ground. ¡°Poseidon must have stubbed his toe or something; he is currently tossing like an injured bear, moving the clouds and waves with him. Storms usually do not get close to the island, but there will most likely be some rain.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good for the trees. They must be dying of thirst.¡± She replied absentmindedly.


    ¡°Why are you rubbing that moldy old thing?¡± Medusa couldn¡¯t help but wonder, watching the girl press against the gate with all her might.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°I¡¯m not rubbing it! I am trying to open the door.¡± She huffed from the exertion.


    Medusa smiled wryly. Then she broke the moldy wooden beam, which had locked the entrance, asunder with her snake tail and Eugenia fell forward straight into the room as the door swung open. As the girl ate dirt, Medusa slithered inside and took a look around. What she saw surprised even her.


    ¡°Pfftt! Ew¡­ That was so mean!¡± Eugenia wiped her mouth and face and complained to the distracted Gorgon.


    ¡°There was a place like this, hm?¡± The snakes on her head turned in every direction and extended their tongues to smell the unusual stale air.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Eugenia rose to her feet while still wiping her face. As the door fell shut behind them the room suddenly turned incredibly silent. There was a low sound of an air current that went through the large room, but it didn¡¯t do much about the suffocating atmosphere.


    She stepped forward and felt the soft crunch of grass. There was a low rustling of leaves ahead. With every step she took she could feel a hint of sunlight on her face, as if she was walking through gaps above her.


    ¡°What is this place?¡± She could sense all these things, but they didn¡¯t make sense to her.


    ¡°If I had to make a guess: this is a garden.¡± Medusa replied curiously.


    Indeed, the large room was long and wide enough to fit several trees and wildly growing weeds. There were even some bushes. The walls were overgrown with old vines. All of this had somehow survived the decades inside a closed off space.


    ¡°A garden?! Inside a building?¡± The girl was even more taken aback than her. ¡°Is there soil? Water? Sunlight?¡± She moved her head and hands around frantically to search for the essential things needed to keep a garden alive.


    ¡°The ground is not tiled, it is all dirt.¡± Medusa rubbed her tail across the dry earth. ¡°There is some odd indentation in the ground¡­ Water is gathering inside it.¡± She leaned down to look at the long canal that went outside through a wall. ¡°The sunlight is coming from the ceiling.¡± The snakes shielded her eyes from the blinding light that came out of the gaps above.


    ¡°The ceiling? But I can¡¯t feel any wind coming from the hole?¡± Eugenia was utterly confused.


    ¡°There is no hole. The ceiling is made of something see-through.¡± Medusa had never seen something like this before.


    ¡°Is it glass?¡±


    ¡°Can you support an entire ceiling with glass?¡±


    ¡°I never heard of a ceiling made of it.¡± Eugenia cupped her mouth and raised her head as if to look at the glass ceiling. ¡°Why don¡¯t I feel that much sunlight then?¡±


    ¡°There are wooden covers over the glass. They left some gaps, though.¡± Medusa felt weird having to explain this unfamiliar construction to a human. If anything she would have expected Eugenia to be more used to it.


    ¡°Why would they have constructed it this way?¡± Eugenia moved through the garden and spun around to take in all the sounds and smells. ¡°If you let the sun shine in through glass that would seal the heat inside. It must be very hot in here without those covers!¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± This reminded her of the burning glass the girl had used before.


    ¡°But glass is so expensive, why would they build it like this?¡± She was as fascinated as a child with a new toy and she hopped around carelessly. Inadvertently she tripped on a vine and then caught herself on one of the walls. ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± She declared while pulling herself up.


    ¡°I did not ask.¡± Medusa replied with dulled eyes.


    ¡°Good thing this wooden handle was here¡­¡±


    Clack.


    ¡°¡°Clack?¡±¡± They both repeated the sound in unison.


    As the lever was turned the entire room began to tremble. Before they could flee for safety, the ceiling began to move. Actually it was just the wooden planks. Medusa got an unexpected dose of burning sunlight to the eyes and had to cover them briefly to adjust as the snakes hissed. Eugenia didn¡¯t suffer the same fate for obvious reasons, but breathed in some of the dust and dirt falling from the old ceiling.


    ¡°What ¨C cough - what now?¡±


    ¡°Do not ask me, foolish girl.¡± Medusa smacked the snakes with her hands and tried to regain her vision.


    Soon enough both of them realized what had occurred. The wood covers had retracted and now the glass ceiling, albeit a bit dulled from dirt and stains, was letting in the full power of the sun. The rise in temperature was immediately apparent. Now that the light fully shone upon the interior garden, things became a lot more colorful. The trees and grass were showing signs of dehydration, but they were far from dead. The occasional rain water coming in through the canal must have been enough for these southern plants to survive.


    ¡°Amazing! One lever can move the entire ceiling like that.¡± Of course Eugenia was impressed by the construction.


    ¡°Who would have thought this kind of thing was here the entire time?¡± Medusa looked over the room with an odd sense of nostalgia.


    She had never once entered this place in all the decades of being imprisoned here. For her, there was simply no need to explore anything. Rather she had never felt any drive to pay attention to anything around her. Maybe Stheno would have found this place eventually, but she was too busy coming up with terrible songs at the beach, while Euryale was even less inclined to move than Medusa, so she would not have stepped in here at all.


    In all the destruction that was wrought upon this place, why did this garden get spared?


    ¡°Lady Medusa, look! There are berries!¡± The girl called out and dragged her away from her inner world. When she looked over she was met with a mind numbing sight.


    ¡°What if they are poisonous?¡± Medusa asked with a deadpan voice as she watched Eugenia stuff her face with berries until her mouth was colored red.


    ¡°Huh?¡± The blank expression she gave in return told everything about her careless attitude! ¡°Bwut - gulp - this is a garden, so they wouldn¡¯t grow poisonous stuff here, right?¡± She retorted as if Medusa was being silly.


    ¡°We will see about that soon enough.¡± She replied with a sigh.


    Eugenia seemed to finally feel a tinge of anxiety now. She held up the remaining berries with both hands and then stretched them forward to Medusa.


    ¡°I am not going to eat them.¡±


    ¡°Tsk.¡± The priestess clicked her tongue and put them back on top of the bush.


    ¡°Why you¡­¡± Her brow was twitching at the nerve of this girl.


    <hr>


    ¡°Carrots!¡± As they explored the garden they soon realized that it was apparently made mostly for food growing purposes. There were barely any flowers in here, but very tiny vegetables and some pitiful fruits. Even the trees outside were carrying better yields. That much should have been expected considering nobody looked after this place in more than a century.


    ¡°What are those?¡±


    ¡°You never ate carrots?¡± Eugenia seemed surprised and pulled out a weirdly shaped almost curled up vegetable. It had an earthen color and seemed to be dried up. ¡°This one¡¯s no good anymore, but they are really good for your health and taste great in broth.¡±


    ¡°You humans will eat anything that grows out of the dirt it seems.¡±


    ¡°This garden is a treasury.¡± Her milky eyes were almost sparkling.


    ¡°There are no riches here though.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t eat gold.¡± Eugenia replied with her tongue stretched out playfully. It was still red from the berries.


    They were almost done exploring the room when a tapping sound started to envelope the place. The pitter-patter increased more and more and eventually long streams of water splashed across the glass ceiling. The rain had arrived.


    ¡°This sound, it is so calming.¡± Eugenia was sitting on the ground and listened to the rhythm of the shower outside. When rain hit glass it sounded much different from coarse stone or wood. This was nearly melodic. Watching her sit there with closed eyes as the music of nature enveloped them sent goosebumps across Medusa¡¯s skin.


    This sensation really was calming. She subconsciously curled her tail up and sat down next to Eugenia. The garden was still warm from the sun¡¯s lingering heat and although it had turned dark from the clouds above, she felt comfortable, unlike in her lair. Whenever a storm arrived she would just lie down and try to sleep through it. For the first time she felt it was nice to let the shower spill over her island.


    ¡°Oh, there is something here.¡± The girl touched a fallen over marble plate in the dirt. With a lot of effort she managed to tumble it over and then wiped the dirt off of the front. There were letters carved deeply into it. She traced them with her fingers to read them. ¡°Gr.. een.. hou¡­ se.¡± The unfamiliar word went over her lips.


    ¡°Is that the name of this building?¡± She had seen similar signs on other wings of the temple before.


    ¡°I think so. A Greenhouse? I am sure when every plant here is in full bloom this place must be exceptionally green indeed.¡± She chuckled.


    ¡°How could you even know what green is?¡±


    ¡°I just have to imagine it.¡± She replied undaunted. For someone who never saw colors before, the concept must have been unfathomable. Many times she must have heard people describe a meadow as brightly green and so it had become an obvious association.


    ¡°These humans astound me all over again.¡± Medusa had to change the topic. ¡°Building a garden inside their buildings, whatever were they thinking?¡±


    ¡°There must have been a purpose. This sounds like one of the miraculous ideas that the great and wise Athena would give people in their dreams.¡±


    ¡°I do not see what is so miraculous about it.¡± She replied with spite and glared at the stone sign.


    ¡°Making a glass ceiling that can resist even storms is almost divine. I wonder which god these priestesses served.¡± Eugenia leaned against one of the trees and imagined what the temple was like when it was still full of life.


    Medusa stayed quiet and subconsciously bit her lip. The snakes on her head drooped down to cover her face, as if to hide it from the world.


    ¡°I am surprised, though. This is your home, but even you didn¡¯t know about this room!¡±


    ¡°Heh, are you saying I am clueless about my own territory? Is that funny to you?¡± She muttered self-derisively.


    ¡°Not at all. I am just glad that you still have new things to learn, even on this small isle.¡± She grabbed Medusa¡¯s hand without hesitation. ¡°It gives me hope that I too can still find out things about the world around me when I feel like the days become repetitive and empty.¡±


    ¡°You...¡± Although she strictly told herself not to care about this human, even though she claimed indifference on her past, that melancholic expression on her young face was like looking into an old stained mirror.


    She opened her mouth and then closed it again. There was no reason to pry.


    ¡°So for the sake of discovery you should really taste these berries at least once!¡± Eugenia pulled away her hand and revealed some red and black berries on Medusa¡¯s palm.


    ¡°I will not!¡± Medusa cracked an annoyed smile and then stuffed the fruit into Eugenia¡¯s shrieking mouth. ¡°You really think you can drag me to the underworld with you?!¡±


    Despite her aggressive retaliation both of them had to laugh.


    <hr>


    As the rain passed Medusa found herself snapping out of a light nap. She had relaxed a little too much for her own liking. Of course she was never defenseless, but who knew what Eugenia would have to say about such an act?


    ¡°Mrrrmm¡­ fuuh¡­¡± Except she was snoring flat on her back already.


    Even more impudently, she was leaning her head on Medusa¡¯s tail as if it were a pillow!


    ¡°Why you!¡± She pulled her tail back without remorse and let the girl crash on the ground.


    ¡°Ouch! W-who- where- wha-?¡± She rubbed her eyes and the back of her head at the same time.


    ¡°The rain has stopped, so we can leave.¡± Medusa said coolly and slammed open the door.


    ¡°Yes? Okay.¡± She was still half-asleep, judging by her sluggish reactions. Before she could even steady her legs Medusa added more.


    ¡°I have no use for this place and as far as I am concerned this was never part of my territory.¡± She clutched the door a bit tighter. ¡°So you can have this human made garden if you want.¡±


    ¡°You mean it?!¡± In an instant the priestess was wide awake.


    ¡°I always keep my word.¡± She confirmed. ¡°Should you annoy me too much however, I may accidentally destroy this place.¡±


    ¡°You can never do anything nice without adding a threat, huh?¡± The lack of worry in the girl¡¯s voice was a bit aggravating to the Gorgon. ¡°I still think it belongs to you, but I will gladly borrow it.¡±


    ¡°It belongs to your kind.¡± Medusa replied with certainty. ¡°Specifically to a priestess of hers like you.¡±


    Eugenia¡¯s confusion was apparent when she heard those words.


    ¡°You asked whose temple this was.¡± Medusa turned back a little and caught the young woman in her deep eyes. ¡°It belonged to your mistress, Athena.¡±


    Eugenia¡¯s mouth was agape at the revelation, but before she could catch herself, Medusa was already gone.


    The Gorgon was imprisoned on the land of her old enemy and the priestess had come to the temple of her sworn master. This forced coexistence was stained by their diverging paths, yet they still did not understand how far. And the storm would bring something that tested their fragile equilibrium.

 Chapter 9: Medusa and the castaway

    Sometimes even the shallowest waves could draw in the greatest surprises. When things started to float across the ocean they began to lose buoyancy over time, which was especially true for humans. They could only float on the surface so long before an unfortunate wave would lead to their inevitable demise by drowning. To avoid that ghastly fate, a conscious person would cling to anything they could hold on to.


    There was one such person engaging in a desperate struggle to hold on to a ragged piece of driftwood right now, as the waves shook him left and right without mercy. The floating lifeline creaked under the weight of its passenger and the force of the waters. The man coughed ceaselessly as the ocean tried to drown him, knowing well that if he lost consciousness he would lose everything.


    His tired eyes and worn body wanted to rest - until he finally caught a glimpse of the distant shore. The darkest clouds above him seemed to part and the incessant rain stopped pelting his body. Sunlight was reflected across the surface of the sea and blinded his night trained eyes completely.


    There was an island in front of him with a shining white beach. Something in its center reminded of architecture and civilization, in other words: hope!


    The man felt relief spread across his mind and chest, but that was his greatest mistake. As he loosened his despair, his hands let go as well. The tension left him completely and so he fainted, sinking into the greedy tendrils of the sea currents¡­


    <hr>


    Eugenia took a walk along the beach, something she had gotten used to doing across the slow days on Sarpedon. It helped her clear her mind and she also had hopes that something useful might get spilled onto the island. It was surprising how many times she found the odd chest or barrel that had fallen off a ship and been carried here across the storm barrier. It seemed like the captains of the ships still didn¡¯t quite learn to avoid this circle of destruction yet. That or the cargo came from ships wreckage in the island¡¯s surroundings, of which there seemed to be many if Medusa was to be believed. Whether they were victims of the storms or the owner of the cursed isle was hard to tell.


    The more she thought about it, the more amazing she had to consider the captain of the ship that brought her here. They didn¡¯t lose a single person or thing from the ship during their entire journey here. Typhos really knew how to pick the right people for his endeavors.


    Eugenia stopped to release a long sigh. No matter how much she told herself to forget about it, she still couldn¡¯t stop thinking about the expedition and how she was abandoned. That was most likely her biggest regret of being stuck here. She could not find out the truth behind that day.


    Shaking her head wildly, she forced her feet to keep moving and then with some surprise, hit a wooden something with her toes. After jumping in a circle and suppressing a cry she finally settled back down and patted the barrel to find any sign of what it contained. There was no marking or seal on it to indicate a specific city ownership and she could not find an easy way to open the lid either.


    All she could tell from the texture of the wood was that it was relatively new compared to most things that landed here. The wood hadn¡¯t been soaked completely yet and there were no traces of seaweed or salt on it. To find out more she would need to get a rod or something to break it open. Maybe she could ask Lady Medusa to do it for her, considering her enormous strength. No, that was a bad idea. She told herself not to rely too much on the Gorgon.


    Eugenia walked back the way she came to find a tool, but was surprised to run into another barrel already! A strange coincidence. Now she was more careful about walking and ended up avoiding any more collisions. Surprisingly there were several more chests, baskets and barrels stranded across the beach. She had to conclude that a big ship must have gotten stuck in the storm and lost most of its cargo.


    With a heavy feeling in her chest she prayed that none of the sailors had lost their lives to the ocean. At the same time she stepped on something squishy.


    ¡°Ghk!¡± A strange noise was released from that squishy thing.


    Eugenia froze and slowly raised her leg afterwards. Then she set it down more softly. Again, she was pressing down on something squishy. Yes, this was definitely a hand.


    ¡°By Athena¡¯s mercy!¡± She knelt down next to the person and fidgeted around anxiously. ¡°Someone got shipwrecked and drifted all the way here?! Are you alive?¡± She shook the person, who turned out to be a man, but he didn¡¯t reply. Although the sound of pain he made before was a good indicator that he was still alive.


    The priestess held her ear to his chest and could hear a faint heartbeat. She gulped and considered her options. It was good that he was alive, but he probably swallowed a lot of water. From his cold and stiff limbs she could tell he had been inside the freezing ocean for a while. All she could do was to try and revive him as best as she could, but¡­


    She turned her face up to the temple. Lady Medusa had a natural instinct that told her of intruders. The fact that she hadn¡¯t rushed over yet meant that this man, ever so close to death as he was, didn¡¯t trigger it. Was that a good thing? Could she really keep this a secret? For how long?


    ¡°Krhrk.¡± The man had a bad case of water lung. That wasn¡¯t good.


    ¡°How do you go about extracting the water?¡± She wasn¡¯t a sailor and much less a medico, so there was no way she knew how to save someone from drowning.


    In a desperate attempt to find a solution she walked in circles and eventually tripped over the guy¡¯s legs. She fell elbow first on his stomach and chest, making him cough up some water.


    ¡°Guaaaargl!!¡± He cried out for a moment before fainting again.


    ¡°So I just need to apply force!¡± She said with unfounded confidence as she got up. While stepping back to prepare another body drop, she hit something big and metallic. Her back shivered in response and she spun around, hitting a lever.


    Pang! Swiiish!


    Something shot forward with incredible speed and arced across the entire temple yard, all the way to Medusa¡¯s lair. Eugenia listened to the loud impact with a petrified face. Moments later a rumbling went through the temple and then the door was thrown open and a very angry snake-woman slithered towards them at the speed of a horse-drawn carriage.


    ¡°Intrudeeeeer!¡± Medusa growled with death in her eyes. ¡°Too cowardly to face me in direct combat, you dare to use projectiles now? You made a fatal mistake. Not even Chiron would manage a shot that could slay me inside my chambers.¡± She was holding a long metallic thing that resembled an arrow, but with a bend sharp tip that had gotten stuck terribly inside the door, which would explain the big hole inside it. Medusa had simply torn it out, ignoring the barbs.


    ¡°Wait Lady Medusa!¡± Eugenia stepped in front of the fainted man and stretched her arms to the side. ¡°That was an a-accident! I was the one who shot that thing!¡±


    ¡°You? Not in one hundred years of deception would I believe that you had the strength to draw a bow that far!¡± She didn¡¯t believe her for a second and slammed the metal ¡®arrow¡¯ into the sand where it got deeply stuck. It was as long as her arm.


    ¡°It really was me.¡± Eugenia insisted with a sweat covered brow.


    ¡°Is that a confession that you collaborated to kill me then? I am impressed by your audacity.¡± The Gorgon was furious. Eugenia could tell that her glare could have petrified people even without the curse right now.


    ¡°I already told you it was an accident! Listen to me for once you... you¡­¡± She didn¡¯t manage to come up with a brave response, let alone an insult.


    Seeing her upset reaction Medusa was taken aback a little and cooled her head. She crossed her arms and inspected the situation. Eugenia was blocking the way to the unconscious human who was looking quite worn out.


    ¡°Even if I were to accept that you were responsible for that attack.¡± She said with a low voice. ¡°That man clearly came here armed with unknown weapons to slay me. Step aside and let me deal with the intruder.¡± Her words did not leave room for objection.


    ¡°No.¡± Yet she objected nonetheless.


    ¡°What was that?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know what his reason for coming here is. You can¡¯t take his life so hastily.¡±


    ¡°I will show you right now what I can do.¡± She stretched her hand forward and revealed her long nails, which appeared almost claw like now. Her murderous intent was palpable.


    ¡°He almost drowned and his lungs are still filled with water. If we don¡¯t help him he will die.¡± The girl said with a begging expression.


    ¡°All the better for me. Then I will not have to dirty my hands. Then again, it may be preferable to end his suffering quickly.¡± She said with a dark smile.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you do something so violent!¡± Eugenia shouted and then turned around raising both her fists. For a second Medusa considered that she might attack her, but instead she slammed them down on the man¡¯s chest with all her weight.


    ¡°GUAAARH!!¡± He cried out in pain and water left from his lungs.


    Medusa wondered who was actually more violent here.


    ¡°Live! Please, I beg of you, liiiive!¡± She kept hammering his chest and stomach with force.


    ¡°Gah! Argh! S-stooop! Aheeee!¡± His cries of pain were a lot more conscious now.


    ¡°I think you are killing him actually.¡± Medusa pointed out dryly. Seeing this intense display of incompetence made her rage dissipate like vapor in the air.


    With a pained expression the man slowly opened his salt encrusted brown eyes. His hair was short and black as ink, while his skin was almost a scorched brown. A short stubble framed his chin, but otherwise he had no facial hair. His tattered clothes didn¡¯t look very noble, but they were made in an unfamiliar way. This wasn¡¯t the fashion around the Aegean Sea, at least not in any of the major ports.


    ¡°Where¡­ am¡­ I?¡± He whispered with a sore throat. His eyes met the face of the woman that was holding him up by the back first. ¡°Graces¡­ Are you¡­ the goddess?¡± He stretched his hand forward to touch her face, but lacked the strength.


    Eugenia caught his hand and pressed it tightly.


    ¡°I am no goddess, sorry. Gather your strength before I tell you what you want to know.¡± She pulled out a small skin filled with fresh water and put it to his lips. He thankfully gulped it down until it was empty. After a few seconds his eyes regained focus. ¡°Please remain calm, but you stranded on the island of Sarpedon.¡± She revealed the truth after he seemed to have gathered his mind.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    ¡°Sarpedon?¡± He shook his head softly in her arms. He had no idea what this place was.


    ¡°It¡¯s the home of the Gorgon.¡± Eugenia explained without looking up to the Gorgon in question. She could feel her glare on them though.


    ¡°Is that a title of some kind?¡± He questioned without recognition.


    ¡°You never heard of the horrible monster on the cursed island?¡± The priestess was surprised. Even children knew about this old tale!


    ¡°Monster-?¡± Now his eyes filled with fear. ¡°T-there couldn¡¯t be a monster here if it let a beautiful maiden like you stay untouched.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s er¡­ complicated.¡± She blushed slightly at the compliment, but what she was really flustered about was the swishing of a certain tail behind her.


    ¡°I am sorry for being unknowledgeable about these lands¡­ I was gone for a long time.¡± He coughed again and leaned forward on his own. His torso had regained some strength. His words explained his strange accent at least.


    ¡°Are you done now? What kind of guest does not look the Lady of the isle into the eye?¡± Suddenly Medusa spoke maliciously. The man had clearly not realized that there was another person behind him and turned around in surprise.


    ¡°Sanctified sand!¡± Eugenia shouted and threw a handful of beach sand into the man¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Gaaaaah!¡± He rolled over the beach holding his burning eyes.


    ¡°How could you Lady Medusa?! That was so cruel.¡±


    ¡°If he looks into my eyes that is his own mistake.¡± Medusa shrugged. ¡°Also what about that sand was sanctified exactly?¡± She watched the bending and screaming man with squinted eyes.


    ¡°B-because I am a priestess, any sand I use is sanctified.¡± She said with embarrassment.


    ¡°Is that how it works?¡± She snorted.


    ¡°It was just a slip of the tongue! Never mind it!¡± She bit her cheeks and tried to get a hold of the writhing man. ¡°I am sorry about that! You cannot look at the Lady of this island directly or you will suffer a horrible fate.¡±


    ¡°I am feeling very horrible already!¡± He retorted while holding his tear filled eyes.


    ¡°W-we can wash the sand out. Just relax for a moment-¡°


    ¡°Ahhh, this place really is cursed! First I feel the bulls of Helios trample me and then they throw sand into my eyes!¡± He pushed his head against the ground as if to surrender.


    ¡°Quiet already. Men should not complain so much.¡± Medusa grabbed him by the hair and pulled him up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t-!¡± Before Eugenia could stop her, Medusa moved forward and splashed the man¡¯s face into the shallow seawater closeby.


    ¡°Bluurbrglgl?!¡±


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± The girl was confused.


    ¡°That should wash the sand out of his eyes and cool him down.¡± Medusa replied coldly.


    ¡°But that is ocean water.¡±


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s salty, so it will hurt even more. Human eyes are frail!¡± Eugenia said matter of factly.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    She watched him struggle inside the water, bubbles indicating that he was screaming in pain. Several seconds passed.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t pull him up soon he will drown.¡±


    ¡°Human lungs are frail as well.¡± Medusa huffed and pulled the poor shipwrecked man up. ¡°Better?¡± She asked in feigned kindness.


    ¡°My eyes - huurgh ¨C buuuurn.¡± He was falling down like a sack of flour.


    ¡°Are you alright? She doesn¡¯t mean anything bad by it; Lady Medusa is just not used to interacting with humans.¡± Eugenia knelt down next to him and apologized frantically. ¡°Why are you so cruel to this poor man? He barely escaped the horrors of the ocean, we should show him hospitality.¡±


    ¡°Actually could I go back to¡­ the horrors of the ocean?¡± The man muttered with a pale face and a defeated expression.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give up!¡± She shook him violently to keep him from fainting again.


    <hr>


    ¡°I apologize for fainting again. I had a strange and very painful dream.¡± The man said with an ashamed smile and settled closer to the fire Eugenia had prepared.


    ¡°Yes, it was a ghastly experience; it is only natural that you were in a sort of delirium.¡± The girl said with a dry throat and handed him something to eat.


    ¡°Let me introduce myself.¡± He cleared his throat. ¡°My name is Themistokles of Rhodes. Most of my companions called me Zosimos, though.¡±


    ¡°I am Eugenia of Lamia.¡± The priestess returned the introduction and sipped on her mug of water. ¡°Why do they call you Zosimos?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because I always get out of troublesome situations by the skin of my teeth.¡± He laughed hoarsely. Zosimos was a name associated with survival, but to hear it used as a nickname meant he must have had quite a reputation. ¡°Even now I was saved by such a gracious young lady! The goddess must be with me.¡±


    ¡°Which goddess do you pray to?¡± She asked with curiosity. She knew almost nothing about the distant city of Rhodes. There were stories that the men from that island were the toughest sailor folk in the entire known world. With that in mind she would have assumed he was a follower of Poseidon.


    ¡°Lady Artemis.¡± He replied with a serious look.


    The goddess of the hunt and the moon? Eugenia could not make sense of that. Certainly, nobody was forced to follow just the gods that were closest to their trade or home, but it was strange to think that a Rhodian would pray to her.


    ¡°She has guided me since childhood and gave me the strength to face my destiny.¡± He spoke with reverence. ¡°I am a merchant, but Lord Hermes is not very popular on our island. But the moon, the moon is always watching over me, no matter how far I travel.¡±


    Eugenia smiled softly. It was a beautiful sentiment. No matter how foreign the world around one seemed, the moon was always the same. Artemis watched the night, as Helios did the day.


    ¡°If you are a merchant, does that mean you were on a cargo ship to trade your wares in one of the ports?¡±


    ¡°Indeed. I have returned from distant lands with so many exotic wares. Oh such woe to have lost all of it to the callous sea.¡± He lowered his head in sadness.


    ¡°What happened to the crew? Did they make it?¡± She inquired sympathetically.


    ¡°Ah, there was¡­ no crew.¡± He muttered while rubbing his head awkwardly.


    ¡°Eh?¡±


    ¡°I sailed on my lonesome.¡± He explained with an apologetic expression.


    ¡°You were crossing the ocean on your own?!¡± Eugenia¡¯s mouth was agape from the sheer madness of what she heard.


    ¡°I wanted to cut on costs and the port master said that the ocean was calm around the coast!¡± He justified it hastily, but was clearly aware of how suicidal his actions had been. ¡°This punishment is deserved I suppose.¡± He fell back into depression.


    ¡°Nobody deserves to lose their fortune to the wiles of nature.¡± She shook her head and put a hand on his lap to give him her condolences. It seemed to give him some comfort at least. ¡°I cannot imagine that you were just doing it out of greed.¡±


    ¡°Why do you say so?¡± He was surprised to hear her claim.


    ¡°It is just a feeling I got while talking to you. Can you tell me why you were traveling so far and went through so much danger?¡±


    ¡°I would be a thankless dog if I denied my savior something so simple.¡± He scratched his stubble and looked up at the sky. ¡°There is someone I love dearly.¡± He began. Eugenia listened intently. That kind of story made her heart flutter.


    <hr>


    Themistokles was a merchant, but he had not always been one. He was once a simple thug on the streets of Rhodes, barely scraping by each day. In his youthful idiocy he thought he could rob an aristocrat¡¯s daughter that was traveling through Greece, passing by the large island. Her entourage was distracted by the rest of his gang and he soon managed to slip past the bodyguards. Entering the inn they had rented, he snuck up into their rented quarters and took all the valuables he could.


    Just as he was about to escape through the window he was discovered by the noble daughter. To prevent her from exposing him, he pushed her against a wall and covered her mouth with his rough hand. Unexpectedly, she bit his hand until she drew blood and he let go with a suppressed yelp.


    ¡°There is no need for such crude behavior.¡± She spat out his blood and wiped her mouth angrily.


    ¡°Don¡¯t scream or I¡¯ll cut ya down!¡± He threatened her with his curved dagger while wiping his bleeding hand on his rags.


    ¡°What made you assume I would scream?¡± She replied with both hands on her waist and stared him down. She was dressed formally, but her eyes were filled with a fire that he had only seen in the toughest brawlers of the gang. ¡°Look at your desperate face, I would feel appalled to let someone like that take my life.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯d you say, wench?!¡± He flipped his dagger and gritted his teeth. For some reason he was hesitant to cut down this beautiful pale maiden, despite her attitude.


    ¡°Quiet now or my father will hear you.¡± She put her dainty hand on his mouth to shut him up.


    ¡°Hrmgh?¡± He was entirely confused by her actions of course.


    ¡°You are a lowly thief, but you did not kill me on the spot when you had the chance, so I will repay you. What you have in that sack of yours is not that much.¡± She spoke quietly and then pulled something from her robe. ¡°This is my father¡¯s precious golden cup. He loves it more than even mother.¡± Her words were derogatory and her blue eyes filled with disgust. ¡°You may have it if you call off your friends. The guards are not at fault for this, so I would prefer you did not hurt them.¡± She gave him a questioning look, as if to ask whether he understood.


    He nodded and she slowly let go of his mouth. He did not say a word just as she told him.


    ¡°Now go already.¡± She pushed him to the window.


    ¡°Thanks¡­¡± He mumbled in stupor and climbed out of the window.


    ¡°You do not make for a good thief. Use your skills more wisely from now on.¡± She looked after him from the window with a last glance and then returned inside.


    <hr>


    ¡°That was my first meeting with Eopia.¡± He said with nostalgia. ¡°I fell in love with her on the spot.¡±


    ¡°Huh? What? But you robbed her family!¡± Innocent Eugenia was already lost.


    ¡°True. I gave the boss the entire booty and got praised for it too. The only thing I kept was that golden cup she gave me. I just couldn¡¯t let it go. It reminded me of her dignified expression.¡± His words were filled with deep affection. ¡°It just so happened that I ran into her father when he was combing the slums for the thieves. The gang was publically executed and everything retrieved, except the cup of course. When I met that man I gave him back the cup and apologized.¡±


    ¡°Truly? How did you survive? Was he moved by your honesty?¡± She now hung on his lips.


    ¡°Hah! Not at all! Eopia¡¯s father is a ruthless aristocrat who would have killed me on the spot. I didn¡¯t tell him that I was the one who stole it. I just said that I took it from my brothers in the gang to return it, because I knew it was the right thing to do. He lowered my punishment to thirty lashings.¡±


    ¡°You are cunning, Themistokles.¡± She could hardly believe his bravery in the face of death.


    ¡°I was just lucky. Now you see why they call me Zosimos.¡± He could look back on that with mirth now, despite the scars it must have left. ¡°Eopia was not happy about it of course, because she is too kind. She felt responsible for giving me the cup, but it was my mistake to keep it.¡±


    ¡°You survived that day, but how did you become a merchant? I don¡¯t see the connection.¡±


    ¡°Yes, about that. Eopia¡¯s father took me in as a servant after my punishment. I still do not know why he was so gracious that day, but it helped me learn a lot from his business. I also was able to see Eopia almost every day.¡±


    ¡°A mistress and her servant.¡± These kinds of tales were common enough, but they never ended well. Yet they were exactly the kind Eugenia loved to hear.


    ¡°It took me two years to finally make myself worthy in her eyes.¡± He gulped down the remains of the apple he had been eating and threw the stalk into the fire. ¡°Sadly, the good lord would not give his daughter¡¯s hand to some peasant.¡±


    Eugenia nodded. She had feared as much.


    ¡°So I asked what he wanted for her hand in marriage. He said I would have to become of higher standing than even him! What a trial.¡± He sighed. ¡°The only way to improve my standing was to amass riches and influence to become part of the council in Rhodes. I couldn¡¯t have done that in time before they finally continued their journey. They were headed for Athens.¡±


    ¡°Oh no¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s when I promised that I would become a renowned merchant and come to Athens in five years¡¯ time. If I could buy myself into the council there and become as influential as a true aristocrat, if I could even become an Archon, father should have no objections.¡±


    ¡°How long has it been since then?¡±


    ¡°Four summers. My time is running dry.¡± He said woefully. ¡°This ship was my last hope. Eopia will not be able to hold off her father much longer and she will be married to some rich boy in Athens.¡±


    ¡°I am so sorry.¡± Eugenia felt herself tear up.


    ¡°Please shed no tears for me. It was by my own foolishness that my dream ended this way. I was too greedy and tried to cut on all possible costs. These rare and exotic wares had to be kept hidden from jealous eyes or so I thought. Now only the fish can enjoy them.¡±


    It was heart wrenching to see all his efforts sink to the bottom of the heartless sea. Eugenia wished she could do something to change his fate.


    ¡°That ship of yours sank like a rock.¡± A deep voice echoed inside the destroyed temple and they noticed Medusa standing leaned against a pillar behind them. She did not turn to them, instead watching the beach. ¡°Your cargo is a different matter.¡±


    ¡°Are you speaking the truth?¡± He looked up with hope.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Eugenia rose up excitedly. ¡°There were so many barrels stranded on the shore when I found you.¡± Her hopeful words broke the chains of sadness around Themistokles¡¯ heart.


    ¡°I need to take a look right away! If my greatest treasure is still there I still have a chance.¡± He rose on his wobbly worn legs and moved forward determinedly. Eugenia came to his side and lent him a shoulder.


    ¡°Close your eyes please.¡± She asked him nicely.


    ¡°Oh? Erm... as you wish.¡± He didn¡¯t get why, but he closed his eyes and followed her guidance.


    They passed by the pillar which Medusa leaned on.


    ¡°Thank you. I knew you have a good soul.¡± Eugenia smiled happily towards her companion.


    ¡°Hmph.¡± Medusa did not acknowledge her and instead closed her eyes. The snakes were unusually calm and hung down like real hair.


    The tale of the merchant had not moved her in the slightest. Just one foolishness after another. Even if his treasure was among the wreckage, there was nothing that could change his fate. This island was a prison to all. Hope was an insidious poison.


    The Gorgon mused over these things as the humans did cling to the hope they adored. The newcomer had survived a perilous journey, but how would he affect the nature of this fragile peace established by the women¡¯s hands?

 Chapter 10: Medusa and the merchant

    The castaway merchant and the priestess spent all noon searching the beach and cliff side for stranded cargo. The waters around Sarpedon were not lacking in wreckage and sunken pieces of old ships, but their target were relatively new looking pieces. Eugenia felt the texture of the wood and tried to evaluate its age by the state of decay. Although both of them were not strong, they somehow managed to gather the chest and barrels at the entrance of the temple grounds.


    Themistokles was still exhausted from nearly drowning, yet he kept moving even after Eugenia capitulated and took a rest on their loot. She wiped her sweat with a rag and regained her composure after sipping some water. If she had counted right, overall they ended up with thirteen wooden boxes, six barrels and one chest (which was made of iron and thus heavier than the rest). Yet whatever the merchant was looking for didn¡¯t seem to be among them.


    ¡°We were lucky that the iron chest didn¡¯t sink.¡± She said while wiping the wet metal with her left hand. There was only a single one, so the others must have sunken to the depth. These chests were expensive in their own right, but their contents were supposedly something that needed extra protection. In that case the most valuable wares were also gone. She felt bad for the man who tried to change his standing on sheer determination alone.


    Only a bit later Themistokles returned with ragged breaths. He was dragging his leg a bit, because of the slight sprain he had received before, so it was easy to tell it was him. Additionally his feet seemed to sink deep into the sand, which meant he was carrying something.


    ¡°Did you find more?¡± She called out to him.


    ¡°Yes! I finally found my treasure¡­¡± He was overjoyed if at the brink of complete exhaustion.


    ¡°What could it be?¡± Now she was excited as well and jumped off the chest.


    ¡°Sorry ¨C phew -  I need to rest for a moment.¡± He dropped to his behind without another word and sank into the sand. Something heavy was pressed against his chest and he didn¡¯t let go even after passing out.


    ¡°Hm.¡± Eugenia was too curious to resist temptation. She carefully took the smaller chest from the merchant¡¯s arms and put it down on a barrel. It was about the size of her head and also reinforced with some metal. When she tried to open the lid it didn¡¯t budge at all. After feeling around she realized there was a lock on it. The type that required a certain sequence of pictures engraved into wheels to line up. An incredibly complex mechanism, the like of which she had never personally encountered. The scholars in Athens would have loved such tinkering.  ¡°How disappointing.¡±


    It was for the best, because if the lock required a key it might have been washed away, but if something had happened to the owner nobody would know how to unlock this one.


    ¡°Touching someone¡¯s belongings without their consent? You are a failure of a priestess.¡± Medusa sounded almost happy for some reason. Of course Eugenia had heard her approach long before she spoke up, but she was surprised that the Gorgon got involved. Her words gave away her true purpose though. She just came to mock Eugenia again.


    ¡°I was just checking if the lock was intact.¡± The girl replied as stoically as she could manage.


    ¡°What an odd contraption.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s impressive, right? This is advanced craftsmanship that only rich people will ever get to see.¡± For some reason she was boasting about someone else¡¯s property.


    ¡°Then he was not lying.¡± Medusa glanced at the sleeping figure on the ground next to them. ¡°At least about amassing riches.¡± She added with contempt.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t doubt people like that. I am certain that Themistokles has worked very hard for his Eopia.¡± She folded her hands together and smiled girlishly, smitten by the separated lovers¡¯ tale.


    ¡°He should have worked harder on making it to shore then.¡± The Gorgon shrugged.


    ¡°Hngh¡­¡± The man twisted around and rubbed his sweaty face. His dark hair hung down like seaweed after the exertion. It almost looked like he had been dragged out of the ocean all over again.


    ¡°You have to be careful not to look at him so much.¡± Eugenia said seriously.


    ¡°Oh? Do you give me orders now?¡± She immediately glared at her companion.


    ¡°No. I am asking you with all respect.¡± The priestess lowered her head. ¡°Please do not harm him.¡±


    Medusa sighed. ¡°It is none of my concern what happens to this human. I shall not hunt him down, but if he dares approach me carelessly that is his own fault. I will not change my ways to appease an intruder.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all I wanted to hear. I will make sure that he doesn¡¯t look at you directly or disturb your sleep.¡± She guaranteed it unwaveringly. Her earnest nature was troublesome as always.


    ¡°Eo¡­ pia.¡± Themistokles muttered under his breath.


    <hr>


    ¡°My apologies! I didn¡¯t intend to drift off to sleep.¡± He straightened his oily hair with shame.


    ¡°No problem at all. In the meantime I made sure that the cargo is intact.¡± She replied with a chuckle and handed him some water.


    ¡°R-really? I cannot thank you enough for your kindness!¡± He took it gratefully and gulped down as much as he could.


    ¡°Why are you talking like this anyway?¡± She tilted her head.


    ¡°How do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I heard you talking in your sleep. You weren¡¯t speaking so formally.¡± As she pointed it out he seemed to lose his spirits and sunk back into the sand.


    ¡°You heard that? I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s because I didn¡¯t speak my mother tongue in so long or somethin¡¯ like that, but it¡¯s hard not to speak like a merchant.¡±


    ¡°Like a merchant?¡± She was confused by his wording.


    ¡°Yeah. Merchant folk always talk flowery to seem more competent. It¡¯s a real bother!¡± He dropped his stilted speech and already sounded much more like a commoner.


    ¡°The merchants on the market never talked like that.¡± Eugenia put a finger to her head as she recalled Lamia¡¯s markets.


    ¡°I ain¡¯t talking about your average street merchant!¡± He laughed amicably. ¡°I didn¡¯t wanna sound pompous or anything, sorry if I came off that way.¡±


    ¡°You want to raise your standing, so it¡¯s only natural.¡± She gave him an understanding smile. ¡°It made your story sound more like a legend, which is wonderful.¡±


    ¡°I have a knack for that, is what I was told.¡± He nodded.


    ¡°Do all Rhodians have this odd accent?¡± She wondered.


    ¡°Odd?¡±


    ¡°Ahh, I didn¡¯t want to sound rude! I am sure to a Rhodian my Athenian accent sounds weird instead.¡± She realized her offensive slip up and hid her face.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not that. This probably doesn¡¯t sound much like back home.¡± Themistokles crossed his arms and leaned his back against the large iron chest. ¡°I was traveling around a place where they barely spoke any familiar tongue.¡± Before he could elaborate he mustered his surroundings as if looking for something.


    Eugenia realized what it was and handed him the smaller chest carefully. She was a tad nervous, unsure if her tempering was visible. She had turned the wheels a little¡­ hopefully he didn¡¯t remember the previous combination!


    ¡°Thanks. This hunka¡¯junk really didn¡¯t break after all these years.¡± He was caressing the chest for a moment before turning the wheels. Eugenia could not see the symbols, but she heard every single click and turn. Three times left, one middle and six right. The chest opened with a quiet clang sound. ¡°Thank the goddess.¡± He released his stuck breath after looking inside. The treasure seemed to be safe.


    ¡°May I know what your treasure is?¡± She asked with a mix of shyness and guilt. After touching it behind his back she didn¡¯t feel deserving to know.


    ¡°Of course. I can¡¯t say no to my savior.¡± He grinned and then pulled the treasure out of the chest. ¡°Look at this. That¡¯s worth more than the entire temple here!¡± He held it up for her to look at, but she didn¡¯t give him any reaction. He was surprised and looked at the object to see if something was off, but there was nothing wrong.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Eugenia asked excitedly.


    ¡°Er... as you can see, it¡¯s a map.¡± He explained and unfolded it, which made the paper rustle. ¡°Good thing the chest was water tight. I¡¯d have been ruined if this thing got soaked.¡±


    ¡°A map? Is it really worth that much?¡± She was partly impressed and a bit disappointed.


    ¡°Haha, if it was any ol¡¯ map you¡¯d be right. But once you read this¡­¡± He pointed at the top of the map where a word was written in big letters. ¡°¡­it all makes sense, yeah?¡±


    Eugenia tilted her head to the side and furrowed her brows. This lack of reaction made him very self-conscious.


    ¡°What does it say?¡± She again asked patiently.


    ¡°Huh? But¡­ I am sure it¡¯s written in our tongue?¡± He spun the map around and eyed it intently. The words were written quite clearly. The confusion only increased. ¡°You said you were a priestess.¡±


    ¡°Yes. I serve the great and wise Athena.¡± She replied automatically.


    ¡°Do they not teach you how to read in Lamia? I never went there, but I heard it¡¯s well in the Attican area of influence.¡± He scratched his chin stubble, lost in thought.


    ¡°I can write, but not read. Not unless it is carved into wood or stone anyway.¡± She explained slowly.


    The confusion was written on Themistokles face.


    ¡°I am blind.¡± Eugenia finally pointed it out.


    ¡°Blind? Is that a title?¡± He blinked a few times without recognition.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what blindness is?¡± Now it was her turn to be surprised.


    ¡°Is it a common word? I¡¯m rusty.¡± He was really concerned now. ¡°Could you explain it to me?¡±


    ¡°My eyes cannot see.¡±


    ¡°As if they were gouged out?¡± He gasped.


    ¡°I suppose.¡± She nodded hesitantly. ¡°You never met a blind person before?¡±


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    ¡°I saw people lose their eyes in battles¡­ It was gruesome.¡± He sounded disturbed by the memories. ¡°So it¡¯s the same as that. Your face looks untouched and the way ya move is too natural. I really didn¡¯t realize.¡±


    ¡°In my case I was born that way. I have never seen the world with my own eyes.¡± Eugenia didn¡¯t sound remorseful, but it was unusual to explain this to an adult.


    ¡°Is that why- why your eyes appear milky white?¡± He started to connect the dots.


    ¡°I never saw them myself, but that¡¯s how people often describe them to me.¡± She smiled wryly.


    ¡°Naturally, how insensitive of me. This is all so unexpected. I made someone with such a terrible lot help in my search. My shame is unspeakable.¡± He carried genuine dejection in his voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s not so bad. This is the first time I¡¯ve been seen as a¡­¡± Eugenia hesitated for a moment. ¡°Normal person.¡± It made her feel unexpectedly glad.


    ¡°Alright. Then I shall treat you that way henceforth. With small concessions.¡± He put on his noble merchant voice for a moment and then unfolded the map again. ¡°This map is of a distant land. Its name is Persia.¡±


    ¡°P-P-Persia?!¡± Eugenia was so taken aback that she almost fell off the chest. ¡°The land of the barbarians!¡±


    Her reaction was only natural. The large empire to the east of Greece was uncharted territory that no Athenian would dare venture into. The people over there were violent and their armies even more so. She had heard many horrific stories of their unholy rituals and defiance of the gods. They believed in fake dark deities that asked for human sacrifices and unending bloodshed.


    ¡°Just that place.¡± He couldn¡¯t help but snicker at her reaction.


    ¡°How did you obtain a map from those uncivilized men?¡±


    ¡°It was actually quite easy. I drew it myself.¡± He replied as he rolled the map back up.


    Eugenia was shocked. The implication was just now sinking in.


    ¡°T-the distant land you traveled!¡±


    ¡°That was Persia.¡± He confirmed. ¡°There was barely anyone who spoke my language, so I had to learn their tongue. Honestly, that was probably the worst part of goin¡¯ there.¡± His relaxed attitude after the reveal was certainly meant to calm her.


    ¡°You traded this with them?¡± She patted the barrels in stupor.


    ¡°Almost everythin¡¯ here is from the Empire. Pretty amazing, huh? It¡¯ll fetch lots of owls I¡¯ll assume.¡±


    Eugenia nodded frantically. It was absolutely rare to have anyone trade with the Persians beyond the border cities of Ionia and Lydia. Phoenicians were the largest distributors for both sides. Persian wares were sparsely shared and usually at an outrageous price. The Archons had put embargos on the export or import of Persian goods itself, but there was a black market for anything. At least that¡¯s what Themistokles told her.


    ¡°If you have all these goods, why is the map the most precious item?¡± That just didn¡¯t make any sense to her.


    ¡°This map is relatively accurate. I asked ¡®em for their local maps wherever I stayed and then stitched this together. It ain¡¯t perfect, but you will find none of its kind anywhere in these lands.¡± He put it back in the chest with a serious tone. ¡°This is one of a kind. A complete map of the Empire is - well it¡¯s pretty desirable.¡± He locked the chest and stared towards the evening horizon.


    To the priestess this sounded like a tall tale. Even if other merchants might want to venture into Persia to trade, they wouldn¡¯t need a map of the entire empire. Only the borderlands would suffice. Who would buy it for such an outrageous sum?


    Yet Themistokles was so confident that she could only believe him. If this was his trump card, his greatest treasure, then she was glad that he managed to retrieve it. With this he might just have been able to gain the monetary power he needed.


    ¡°You saved my life Eugenia and that is worth more than any of these wares.¡± The man smiled softly. ¡°But if this map hadn¡¯t been here with me, I might have lost my will to go on. I¡¯d have given up right when I told ya my story.¡± He adjusted his rugged chiton and loosened the dirty binding around his legs that had left deep impressions in his tanned skin. It seemed to give him a sense of relief that matched his emotions. ¡°I owe your Lady for this.¡±


    He was referring to Medusa¡¯s words that had reached them just at the right time. Like a messenger of the gods she had known exactly what to say.


    ¡°Lady Medusa always keeps calm. She knows exactly what¡¯s important.¡± Eugenia nodded with a fond expression.


    ¡°I want to thank her personally.¡± He seemed to remember something. ¡°I feel like someone mentioned a monster, though?¡± The trauma they had given him had blocked out most of the events surrounding his arrival.


    ¡°You must be mistaken.¡± Eugenia replied whimsically. ¡°There are no monsters on this island. Only a very grumpy Lady.¡± Perhaps her words would cause trouble in the future, but this is how she truly felt.


    ¡°Then may I meet her now?¡±


    ¡°Uhm, y-you can meet her, but she doesn¡¯t like visitors. She will only yell at you and throw you out.¡± She flailed her hands around nervously.


    ¡°I see! I know my way around hostile nobles, I can tell ya stories.¡±


    ¡°Not this kind of hostility.¡± Her lips were shaking a bit. ¡°Lady Medusa is¡­ cursed, yes, cursed that¡¯s it! You cannot look upon her face under any circumstances.¡±


    ¡°Is she ugly?¡± He asked plainly.


    ¡°Ssssshhh!¡± She pushed her hand against his mouth with more force than intended. ¡°She may hear you!¡±


    ¡°Mmghmm.¡±


    ¡°Her looks are not important.¡± Eugenia whispered. ¡°Her eyes are bewitched. If you meet her gaze your body will turn to stone.¡±


    Now the merchant finally turned pale. His eyes darted around anxiously. Eugenia let go of his mouth.


    ¡°T-Those statues? T-They-¡° He stuttered.


    She confirmed his suspicions with a grave nod.


    He took a few deep breathes to calm himself. Despite his initial shock he was a grounded man and so he managed to focus on the things he knew best. A merchant could tell a person¡¯s character just from a few exchanges. He decided that this Lady Medusa was not a bad soul. It was not possible if such a kind priestess was serving her.


    ¡°I see. So your blindness protects you from her curse. I have been so focused on my own misfortune that I barely took a look around.¡± The temple grounds around them seemed to be more real now. ¡°Could you tell me more about this island?¡±


    ¡°I do not know much myself, but I would be glad to help.¡± It was a relief to the girl that he was not upset.


    <hr>


    ¡°And this is our garden.¡± Eugenia led him into the Greenhouse. His amazement was just as great as hers when she first discovered it.


    ¡°Mighty impressive. I reckon this would make even the old kings of Babylon turn red in envy.¡± His words were not just flattery.


    ¡°Lady Medusa appointed me to take care of it. I didn¡¯t really get to do much yet, though.¡± The few things she had prepared this morning were hardly worth mentioning.


    ¡°So you get your food from here.¡± A merchant always had a logistical mindset.


    ¡°I hope I can grow something edible soon.¡± She laughed awkwardly.


    ¡°Do you have gardening experience?¡±


    ¡°Only a little.¡±


    ¡°I wonder how you can sustain yourselves with this little. Even if it¡¯s just you two.¡± He cupped his chin.


    ¡°I make do somehow. Lady Medusa doesn¡¯t eat much.¡± She added hastily.


    ¡°And it will hardly be enough for one more mouth.¡± Suddenly Medusa slithered by the entrance. Both humans stiffened up in response.


    ¡°Stop Lady Medusa!¡± Eugenia raised her hand and then pulled something from her robes. She handed it to Themistokles who put it on in a flash.


    ¡°Oh?¡± She watched the man put the blindfold around his eyes with curiosity.


    ¡°I am deeply sorry for not paying my respects yet.¡± He turned her way as best as he could without his vision.


    ¡°I do not care for human pleasantries.¡± She threw his words aside. ¡°It is not my concern, but this island cannot sustain you both. Knowing this single-minded girl, she has not even given it any thought.¡± Her assumption was proven correct when Eugenia acted flustered.


    ¡°I won¡¯t impose on your resources.¡± Themistokles said so seriously.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, we can ration everything! If both of us fish we will definitely catch enough-¡± She trailed off when she realized that he was not worried at all.


    ¡°The goddess was with me even in my most perilous times. Not only did she save my treasure, but also half of my wares. Among them is plenty of food that I bought at the port before setting sail.¡± He revealed his most pleased grin yet. ¡°If you wish, I could share what I have with you.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. I cannot be bribed with offerings like one of your gods.¡± Medusa refused his offer on principle, but when she glanced to the side she saw Eugenia visibly salivating.


    ¡°Real food?¡± She seemed dazed, but had enough presence of mind to wipe the drool with her sleeve.


    ¡°Most of them are traveling rations, but I got a few more excellent wares that I wanted to sell. I can¡¯t be stingy with my savior, though.¡± He winked.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± She cried out in joy and hugged the unsuspecting blindfolded merchant. He almost toppled over. ¡°I would even love to eat some stale bread for old times¡¯ sake!¡±


    ¡°I hope it didn¡¯t turn stale quite yet.¡± He replied with a wry smile.


    Medusa watched this display with squinted eyes and a downturned mouth. She had nothing to say to this of course. If they found such a compromise then the peace was kept for a while. But the cargo would run out eventually and then the true struggle began.


    ¡°I will treat you to some of my best food then. Do you really not want anything milady?¡± His words were honest, but it was clear that he still expected to improve relations with such a basic tactic. Medusa was not going to fall for that.


    ¡°Not a bite.¡±


    ¡°A shame. Wine gets ever better with increased company.¡± He was dragged through the door by Eugenia, but still managed to get that final line in.


    ¡°Wine?¡± Medusa¡¯s ears perked up for just a moment. She didn¡¯t manage to hide her changed tone completely. ¡°Not interested.¡±


    ¡°A shame.¡± He repeated with a knowing smile.


    ¡°Less talk, more walking Zosimos!¡±


    ¡°Now you call me by that name too?¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°Sooo gooood!¡± Eugenia cried tears of joy as she took another bite of the salted meat.


    ¡°I, er, haven¡¯t seen anybody devour their meal like this since I visited that famished village.¡± Themistokles watched her so intently that he forgot about his own food for a while.


    ¡°What is this? And that! And over here?¡± She kept pointing at the urns and bowls. She could only smell the food, but that alone almost drove her insane.


    ¡°Those are olives, that is a sort of honey they make into solid chunks and this is¡­¡± He patiently explained what each item was, but eventually he had to stop, because she would have opened all boxes and barrels on the beach if they continued.


    ¡°Persian food¡¯s incredible!¡± She said while stuffing her mouth.


    ¡°Well, half of it is actually common over here too.¡± He scratched his neck while watching her pick up the case filled with olives. A priestess of Athena should recognize her goddess¡¯ representative fruit at least, not that he would say something like that.


    They ate until they were satisfied, although Eugenia might have eaten even more than that. Oversatisfied, she rubbed her belly and enjoyed the late evening breeze. The sun had already set. The fire they made to warm the food was still strong and lit the provisional camp with ease.


    ¡°Is she still watching us?¡± He asked cautiously with one hand on the blindfold tied around his wrist for quick access.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Eugenia replied with a well fed sigh. ¡°I think she is curious about you.¡± They were of course referring to the snake-woman in the distance. Medusa was resting atop the bow of the fallen in temple, which Eugenia had climbed a few weeks ago.


    ¡°I would be glad to have a conversation with her once she lowers her defenses a bit.¡± He said as he stirred the fire with a stick.


    ¡°I am not sure she can lower them.¡± The girl replied with a shrug.


    ¡°You know her well.¡±


    ¡°Not well enough.¡± She shook her head. ¡°If I asked her about herself she wouldn¡¯t tell me anyway. She can be really stubborn, like a mule.¡±


    ¡°Kindred spirits I see.¡± He chuckled at her nonplussed expression. ¡°Even a place this ruined still seems lively with you around. I have seen entire cities that appeared dead and rotten in comparison.¡±


    ¡°You traveled so far in barbarian lands. It must have been scary.¡±


    ¡°Maybe at first. But if there''s one thing I learned on my travels it¡¯s that everywhere¡¯s the same.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Not literally, no. I meant to say, well, it¡¯s tough to explain this. There is always a market, a big palace and a bunch of drunken guards.¡± He twirled his finger in the air as if to recreate the image he head in his mind.


    ¡°They are always drunk?¡± Eugenia laughed.


    ¡°Judgin¡¯ by their breath.¡± He joined in with her.


    The fire crackled loudly and then the mood changed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think the Persians are barbarians. Although I did miss the bathhouses sometimes. Scratch that, a lot.¡± His woeful reminiscing of the sandy lands was not entirely joking. ¡°And the sun¡¯s even worse there. Helios must love Persia more than Rhodes. My skin got burned crispy all over.¡±


    ¡°I know how it feels. My skin is so dry and burnt.¡± She lamented as well.


    ¡°You¡¯re barely even tanned compared to me.¡± He pointed out.


    ¡°Really? I didn¡¯t know that.¡± She seemed glad to hear it though. A pale skin was the sign of a good priestess, at least in some circles.


    ¡°It¡¯s true. Ink would be envious of my taint.¡± His sardonic chuckle didn¡¯t go unnoticed. ¡°Eopia¡¯ll be surprised I reckon.¡±


    Eugenia had almost nodded off for a moment when the satisfaction of the food and the warmth of the fire met in her body, but those last words snapped her out of it. She felt a bit sad for having been so cheerful when Themistokles was going through so much.


    ¡°Themi-¡°


    ¡°Eugenia.¡± He interrupted her and finally showed his most determined expression. ¡°I will leave this island and return to Athens no matter the cost.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± She just made an approving sound.


    ¡°I know it won¡¯t be easy, but from what I¡¯ve seen there is enough material around here to make a boat. If I work hard enough I¡¯ll be able to finish in a few weeks at the most.¡±


    ¡°Mh.¡±


    ¡°All I ask is that you put in a word for me in front of your Lady so I may use what I can find and make some noise.¡± Although their eyes couldn¡¯t meet, they were on one wavelength.


    ¡°I will talk to her.¡± She made an approving gesture. ¡°And I will also help you build the boat!¡±


    ¡°Ah, I can¡¯t ask this of you.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to. If I can make your dream come true then that¡¯s all the motivation I need.¡± She pumped her fists adorably and gave him a fiery smile.


    At first he wanted to object, but his lips did not move. Who could honestly deny this kind girl when she made such a face?


    ¡°You¡¯d give Heracles a run for his money, ya know that?¡±


    ¡°It would be great if I could lift as much as him too.¡±


    ¡°I can drink to that.¡±


    He pulled up a bottle of wine and they both cheered to the night sky.


    <hr>


    Medusa watched the two overly enthusiastic humans from the distance. They were so loud that she could make out chunks of their conversation. The last words about a boat were especially loud to her ears.


    Could they truly build that on their own?


    She had underestimated humans all her life, but recently she started to see just how much they could accomplish. Suddenly the impossible didn¡¯t seem so unlikely anymore.


    She bit her lower lip.


    ¡°Foolishness.¡±


    With a new goal in front of them the humans cheerfully made their plans for the near future. The Gorgon alone stood rigid in her never changing world.

 Chapter 11: Medusa and the trade

    ¡°Please, let me rest¡­¡± Themistokles held his blood drained head while kneeling in the sand.


    ¡°I told you not to drink so much.¡± Eugenia replied with crossed arms and little pity in her voice.


    ¡°Ack! It was my first drink in weeks! I had ta enjoy it rightly¡­ Owowow.¡± The sound of the waves hitting the beach seemed to make his head spin.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have the time for your hangover to cure itself. You only have a few more months left until the promised time!¡± Eugenia pulled back her short sleeves and pumped her fists to inspire confidence in the sunken in eyes of the merchant.


    ¡°Aaagh¡­ please don¡¯ yell.¡± He covered his temples as if he had been hit by the roar of a dragon.


    ¡°The sun has already risen, so it¡¯s time to get to work.¡± She was chipper as could be and already walked across the beach to gather materials for their big project.


    ¡°Izzat why she wouldn¡¯t drink with me?¡± He wondered, sluggishly getting to his feet. Eugenia had refused to drink even a drop of his wine, but she didn¡¯t give a reason aside from saying it was improper for a priestess. In hindsight he regretted drinking her share as well.


    ¡°I gathered some of the sails and linen that were washed ashore before. I used some for Lady Medusa¡¯s clothes and my bedding, but there is still plenty left!¡± She shouted from a distance away. It still felt like Zeus¡¯ lightning bolts shattering his skull.


    ¡°Aye, dats good.¡± He muttered and walked across the hot sand. His mouth felt drier than the Persian wastelands. He looked up towards the burning sun that was dragged across the world on Helios¡¯ chariot. It must have been hotter than a volcano on his backseat.


    Eventually he caught up with Eugenia and inspected the sails. They weren¡¯t rotten or anything, but they had seen better days. The best parts had been cut out and used for the islanders¡¯ purposes. There was still enough to make one big sail or two medium sized ones.


    ¡°What kind of ship are we making?¡± The priestess asked brimming with excitement. For some reason she was especially interested in this part of their work. He had to admit it was very reassuring, if charming even.


    ¡°Even if¡­ urgh¡­¡¯scuse me.¡± He swallowed some bile while holding up his hand to make her wait. ¡°If we had the materials to build a big¡¯un¡­ I wouldn¡¯t be able to man it on my lonesome.¡± In fact the boat he had managed to sink in that storm was already too much for him alone. That was one of the reasons he misjudged the navigation and ended up here. But there was so much cargo, he had no choice back then.


    ¡°That¡¯s true. So we should build a compact one that can be steered from one position.¡± She followed along with his brainstorming.


    ¡°It¡¯s gotta be bit reinforced to last thru dat storm¡­¡± He shakingly moved his finger across the line of the horizon. Even if he had the ability to point straight there would have been no point. On this island it always appeared like an infinite blue horizon surrounded them. It was quite jarring.


    ¡°Reinforcement, huh?¡± She went into a cute thinking pose and racked her brain.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just use ¡®e metal and strong wood from the chest and some other stuff.¡± He rubbed the back of his nose. ¡°Can ya get me some parchment?¡±


    ¡°Yes! I have it all stored up at my sleeping place.¡± She rushed off without a second thought and returned just as swiftly. Themistokles barely managed to pull a piece of charcoal from his cargo in that time. ¡°Here you go. What do you need it for?¡±


    ¡°I jus¡¯ wanna¡­ mmrpph¡­ draw a plan. We can¡¯t just hammer some planks randomly.¡±


    ¡°You said you know a little about shipbuilding?¡±


    ¡°Just a tad. I sold some sketches in the past and when you¡¯re bored outta yer mind durin¡¯ travel; let¡¯s say I memorized a few pointers.¡± Which didn¡¯t mean he also knew how to construct the boat. He hadn¡¯t even so much as built a chair in the past, so this was quite extreme of a jump in difficulty.


    ¡°You even learned how to sail too. That¡¯s impressive.¡±


    ¡°Haha, they called me jack-of-all-trades Zosimos sumtimes!¡± He laughed, but that just made his stomach rumble in reproach.


    She smiled happily, which made him feel unworthy somehow. What a bright girl.


    ¡°You got some skills of yer own, no?¡± He just recalled all the things she and that Lady of hers had already done for him since he arrived.


    ¡°I picked some things up here and there.¡± She said humbly and then turned her face to his sketch. ¡°What is that half circle?¡±


    ¡°The bow¡­ we need it to reinforce the¡­ the thingamajig¡­¡± He slapped his cheeks a few times to focus up. Thanks to her burning questions he actually managed to remember more things and made some important connections. The plan was finished in just an hour.


    ¡°This is so intricate. I never knew that ships were this layered.¡± Eugenia complimented him.


    ¡°Sure are. Just look at this rudder and- wait a sec! How do ya know what this looks like?¡± He rather abruptly realized the peculiarity in her actions. He held up the map and then stared at her milky eyes.


    ¡°I heard each of your strokes on the parchment.¡± She said innocently as if it was natural.


    ¡°Do all of Athena¡¯s girls have such a great memory?¡± He asked perplexed.


    She tilted her head cluelessly.


    ¡°Nevermind.¡± He felt like the odd one now. Instead of worrying he just blew the charcoal dust off the map and then put it down on the crate again. ¡°We got the plan and most materials.¡± He moved to the edge of the beach and then submerged his head in the cool waves! ¡°Brrr! And now I¡¯m sobered up.¡±


    ¡°Then next we just need to build it.¡± Eugenia nodded.


    ¡°Ya sure make it sound like a cakewalk. Should have some tools in the mossy barrel over there. Was supposed to hold water, but ya know.¡± He stepped forward, but immediately regretted it as his bare foot hit something heavy and metallic with full force.


    After he squirmed on the ground for a few seconds Eugenia squatted down next to him and gave him a sympathetic expression which basically conveyed ¡®I¡¯ve been there¡¯. Then she touched the big hunk of wood and metal that was responsible for his pain.


    ¡°What is this construct? It was next to you when you arrived here and it attacked Lady Medusa¡¯s door.¡±


    ¡°Artemis¡¯ bow, I¡¯m sorry to hear that! She didn¡¯t get hurt or anything?¡± He was wondering if the Lady¡¯s attitude towards him originated from that slight.


    ¡°She is fine. Even an iron arrow wouldn¡¯t harm her.¡± Eugenia replied dismissively. ¡°More importantly what is it?¡± She could be pretty callous in her own right.


    ¡°This thing shoots harpoons.¡± He said and patted the mechanism lightly.


    ¡°What¡¯s a hairpuhn?¡±


    ¡°That ¡®iron arrow¡¯ you mentioned, where¡¯s it now?¡±


    ¡°Over there.¡± She pointed at some metal sticking out of the sand. Looking at it made him feel oddly anxious. Must have been his imagination.


    ¡°See, this here¡¯s a harpoon. It¡¯s got the barbs and all.¡± He wiped the sand off and dragged it over. It was still lighter than the average spear, but heavy nonetheless. ¡°Eastern sailors use it to hunt big prey in the sea.¡± He explained.


    ¡°So it works like a bow and arrow, but for fish?¡±


    ¡°Not just any tiny fish. That would be excessive.¡± He put the harpoon back into the device and looked at the back. There was some snapped rope back there. ¡°Must have been destroyed when it was set off. Usually the harpoon is attached to rope so you can reel it back in.¡± He made the hand motion.


    ¡°Ohh, what do you hunt with it?¡±


    ¡°Lesse. I guess sea lions and dolphins. Maybe even sharks?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Lions? In the sea?¡± She was astonished by his suggestion.


    ¡°They aren¡¯t real lions.¡± He scratched his cheek and thought about it for a bit. ¡°They are more like dogs with fins and lots of fat.¡±


    ¡°Fishdogs? That sounds amazing.¡± He had her full attention now. So she liked dogs. That was an unusually masculine preference. Any town girl he had ever met was afraid of mutts. There were more wild dogs and war dogs than the tender kind in this world.


    ¡°They¡¯re really harmless compared to our own land version.¡± He remembered eating the succulent meat of a sea lion once. It was worth the price to say the least.


    ¡°What is a shark then?¡± She wanted to know more and more.


    ¡°Imagine a fish the size of a real lion. Then give it more teeth than you can count. That¡¯s a shark.¡± He summed up with a shadow over his eyes.


    ¡°Terrifying!¡± She was taken aback. Compared to the swimming dogs this was a harsh contrast.


    ¡°They make some good soup though.¡± He forced himself to laugh to liven up the mood. After telling her about some more of the many sea creatures he knew or heard about, they pulled the harpoon and its device all the way to the edge of the temple steps.


    ¡°Why did you bring it along with you? Did you want to hunt something?¡±


    ¡°It came with the ship. I didn¡¯t really need it, but ya buy the whole package.¡± He shrugged and leaned against the heavy thing. ¡°If ya don¡¯t mind, I¡¯d leave this one behind. It¡¯s heavy and takes too much space.¡± He requested with a smile.


    ¡°We have a lot of junk lying around, so this won¡¯t be a problem.¡± She approved it without a second thought.


    ¡°Won¡¯tcha need to ask your Lady first?¡±


    ¡°Lady Medusa doesn¡¯t care about anything on the island.¡± Eugenia said dejectedly. ¡°She gets bored of anything I show to her in just a few moments.¡±


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    This description made her sound more like a cat than a great lady, but he would avoid speaking his mind in this case. It was still causing him to smirk.


    ¡°I have a few things among my wares that could interest her. If her tastes aren¡¯t as mundane as ours.¡± He winked.


    ¡°I tried to teach her mathematics, but that seemed to bore her even more than building a miniature version of the temple in Lamia.¡± Eugenia let her shoulders sink with a sigh.


    ¡°You must¡¯ve a lot of free time around here.¡± Mathematics were not a mundane thing for certain, but they were also far from intriguing to the average person. Maybe he should keep that to himself as well. ¡°Should your Lady not be up by now? Do you need to prepare her breakfast?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about such things. Lady Medusa doesn¡¯t eat often and she sleeps for days on end. We may finish the boat before she wakes up.¡± The girl said absolutely serious.


    ¡°Haha.¡± He laughed loudly at her exaggeration. It must have been a joke, right? It would take them maybe weeks to finish this. Nobody could sleep that long, curse or not.


    <hr>


    Medusa sat atop the toppled statue of Athena that had shattered into twelve equally sized pieces long ago. It was not reminiscent of her appearance anymore and thus this unfortunately couldn¡¯t count as a slight against her. In the first place this temple was abandoned and banished from the cult.


    With her deep silver eyes, the Gorgon stared into the distance. From this angle she could just about see the humans talk and gesticulate. Their conversation was rather lively. Although the merchant had reeked of alcohol when she passed their camp, he now seemed sober enough.


    They were making unfamiliar signs and discussed the form of the boat they hoped to build with their four hands. She could not believe that they were capable of such a feat.


    Every ship that had arrived here to bring foolish warriors was taller than her lair and longer than the southern courtyard. They were manned by two dozen stark faced humans that moved giant oars in a melodic rhythm. When they arrived the rhythm was still steady and reminded of an unknown hardy song. In the rare event that they managed to escape to the ship before she could petrify every last one of them they returned to their oars and rowed in a panicked melody of dissonance.


    Of course she was not the infamous Gorgon for nothing. The survival rate of humans that dared enter her island was below one in twenty. Sometimes she killed too many for the escapees to still get the boat off shore and then she climbed on deck and scared them all into one place before ending their lives with one malicious glare.


    The ships were an eyesore, so she destroyed and sunk them without fail. The crumbling chunks drifted off or sank, carried away by storms. The pieces that the girl and the merchant gathered right now were the remains of such failed expeditions. They were not even aware that they were building their freedom on the backs of their brethren¡¯s corpses.


    Their freedom?


    She closed her eyes and once again forced herself to subdue that nagging thing deep inside her soul. Something was slowly edging its way into her consciousness, forcing her to acknowledge it soon. She would not let it. There was nothing in this world that could control her. Not even her own heart.


    <hr>


    The days passed quickly. It was strange for the Gorgon to stay awake for such long periods at a time. She made sure not to make herself noticeable for most of that time passage. Eugenia was exceptionally perceptive thanks to her blessed ears, but she was rather distracted with her work and went to sleep completely exhausted. She gave no sign of noticing Medusa¡¯s presence at all.


    Every day they worked on a new piece of the ship, creating unfamiliar shapes. The Gorgon had torn apart ships and boats many times, but she had never paid attention to the giant wooden beasts¡¯ innards. She could hardly imagine that these curved and pointed parts would ever form a ship in the end.


    It took them an entire week to finish just a single long piece that would barely be able to float on its own. When both were asleep she surveyed their work at night. The wood was thin and seemed unreliable. If this was supposed to carry all the cargo and a human, it would certainly sink.


    Her long nails scratched across the old wood and she let the moonlight reflect off of her hand.


    ¡°Ngh¡­ don¡¯t touch.¡±


    Medusa froze up. The girl had called out to her. She glanced back towards the camp with a hint of uncertainty, but realized that the priestess was just twisting and turning in her sleep. She had decided to sleep close to the small tent that the man had built for himself. It looked pathetic, but it would protect him from some minor winds and showers at least.


    The foolish girl on the other hand was just lying on a pile of sails as if she had not a care in the world. Her expression was self-satisfied, like only an earnest days¡¯ work could make it. It was aggravating to look at.


    Medusa flicked her tail against a half finished plank and threw it off the stone it was perched on. The low thunk as it fell down was not enough to appease her angered mind. The exhausted humans didn¡¯t even notice the noise.


    <hr>


    ¡°You need me to do what?¡± She raised a brow and glared down the blindfolded man.


    ¡°I am deeply sorry to make a request of my benefactor, especially when you are letting me roam free like this already.¡± He went down on one knee to bow in front of her. At least he thought he did, but she was actually to his right. ¡°We will not be able to complete the boat in time if we don¡¯t get access to coal. The tools are too worn down and we need to make new ones. Melting the old bronze tools and the iron chest is an arduous process which requires incredible heat.¡±


    ¡°And what makes you believe that I have any intention of giving you this coal?¡± She asked coldly. This human¡¯s audacity was starting to make her lose her composure. He just kept taking more and more and never showed anything in return. Even for a greedy human, no, a merchant, this one had very little common sense.


    ¡°I know that I cannot ask for more than you have already given me.¡± His voice was strong. That was the only good thing about this weak man. The voice. ¡°But we cannot find any on this island. As the Lady of this isle, you are the only one who has the knowledge.¡±


    ¡°Did you not ask the girl?¡±


    ¡°She told me that she arrived here not too long ago and isn¡¯t familiar with everything yet.¡±


    That was only half true. The Gorgon huffed, thinking of how she had probably pretended to be more incompetent than she truly was. At this point the priestess must have known more about this island than Medusa ever had. Yet her instincts were unnaturally accurate.


    ¡°Why did you not send her to negotiate in your stead?¡±


    ¡°I would have liked that, as my presence seems to incense you.¡± He was sharper than he looked. ¡°But Eugenia said she wanted us to...¡± He gave her a troubled mien and stopped short.


    ¡°Out with it human.¡± She prodded him on. He called the girl by her name so naturally. Humans really were weak, trying to find solace in each other¡¯s arms to escape the wheels of solitude that crushed all equally. Even after they grew so close he still had the intent to use her as he pleased. What would the priestess have had in mind? Why did she not run his errands as expected?


    ¡°She said she would like us to get along.¡± He pressed out with a subtle sigh.


    ¡°Of all the foolish reasons.¡± The Gorgon joined his sigh unabashedly.


    ¡°I share her wish to a degree.¡± He suddenly added. ¡°I always prefer to have a good business relationship.¡± His sly expression was unbefitting of his bumbling appearance. Were all merchants so unaware of their own insignificance?


    ¡°Business is not a one way road.¡± She said while looking down on him and slithering in a circle around the confused man. He did still not lay eyes on her true form, always blindfolded when meeting her. How tempting it was to tear it off just to see his priceless expression. ¡°I expect compensation.¡±


    ¡°Of course! You can have whatever I have in stock. I will trade you anything.¡± He replied hastily, but regretted his poor choice of words immediately.


    ¡°Anything you say?¡± Medusa smirked.


    ¡°¡­anything I have in stock.¡± He managed to find a small loop hole.


    ¡°So any one thing you have brought with you?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± He nodded with a gulp.


    ¡°Even that precious map of yours?¡± Her words struck like a dagger in the night and hit the merchant¡¯s vitals. He jerked back as if he had been kicked.


    ¡°You know of that?¡±


    ¡°I know everything that happens on my isle.¡± She replied mysteriously. It was a mild exaggeration, but the more imposing she appeared the better.


    ¡°I can-¡± He balled his fists. ¡°I cannot give you the map.¡± His words were shaky, but unyielding.


    ¡°Not even for your precious coal? Your journey could find a premature end then. That map will not serve you well when you are stuck with us.¡± Her words slithered inside the man¡¯s head like snakes in a pit.


    ¡°What use could you have for a map of a distant land?¡± He went on the counter offensive.


    ¡°That is meaningless. It is my privilege as the sole seller to ask for any ware in return. The market is about to close, feeble merchant.¡±


    He gritted his teeth. The curly hair hung deep into his face, even covering the blindfold.


    ¡°The coal you seek is below my lair. In the deepest cave that sprang up below the temple. You can take all of it, should you manage to enter there.¡± She was taking delight in this little game. It was rare that she could torment an enemy with her words rather than her fearsome eyes.


    ¡°My apologies, but I cannot do that either.¡± He replied with forced countenance.


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°Eugenia told me that I am not allowed to ever enter your lair. She made me swear on Eopia¡¯s honor.¡± His face had returned to being determined.


    ¡°Tsk.¡± Medusa clicked her tongue and slithered around a pillar. That young priestess had told him something unnecessary. How much did she blabber anyway? ¡°Did she say why?¡±


    ¡°That she did not.¡± He denied her firmly.


    ¡°Hmph. How irresolute.¡± Even a priestess would keep secrets from those she guided, huh? Well, she would not let her have such a fantastical ideal world. ¡°Your name was?¡±


    ¡°Themistokles.¡±


    ¡°So that is the name she called countless times.¡± She said with a seething smile. ¡°Listen well human. I shall tell you where you are and who you are talking to.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡± He did not comprehend at first. But when the Gorgon put her mouth to his ear and the snake hair wriggled around his head he turned pale despite his dark skin.


    She told him the truth without any embellishments, but that was more than enough to sway his cowardly mortal heart. She could taste his fear in the air. The leg he was kneeling on was shaking a bit and sweat poured down his neck.


    Medusa felt that dark flame inside her rejoice. It was finally able to lick across the source of its burning hatred.


    ¡°So that is why she was so unclear.¡± He whispered. That was when he put on a false brave mask. ¡°When I arrived someone told me about a monster, but to think it would be the lady she reveres. I suppose the curse should have given me an idea.¡± He slapped his forehead as if he just got a joke he was told long ago.


    ¡°That weak girl does not revere me. She serves that woman who hates me more than any mortal.¡±


    ¡°That is unfortunate.¡± He said with a nervous chuckle. ¡°I feel sympathy for such an earnest girl. Neither of her idols is very kind.¡±


    ¡°Stop your muttering.¡± His knowing attitude was only fanning her ire.


    ¡°Keeping her here is indeed no better than a curse.¡± He agreed. ¡°So let me take her with me.¡±


    Crunch.


    A large piece of the pillar next to Themistokles crumbled as the Gorgon had clawed her hand through it mere finger lengths away from his face. He did not even flinch as the dust rained on his head.


    ¡°Never.¡± She replied, stressing the word with all her cold rejection.


    ¡°I will finish the boat.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I will finish it and make my dream come true. That is all my life is worth right now, a single promise.¡± He clutched his hand around his leg until it turned white. ¡°I cannot carry the burden of anyone else. My shoulders are not wide enough for that.¡±


    Medusa scratched across the pillar to release her irritation physically. His words made no sense to her.


    ¡°You wanted a trade that is worth your time? Then let me trade Eugenia¡¯s freedom.¡±


    She listened as if she had heard the footsteps of the Titans of old across the land.


    ¡°If I cannot save her, if you will keep her imprisoned with you no matter what, then I will give up on convincing you. I will bear the shame of my cowardice until the end of my life. Is that of suitable worth to you, Lady of Sarpedon?¡±


    ¡°Heh. Hehehe.¡± It was impossible to stop the rising laughter that escaped her throat. Bearing this second rate act with a serious mind was impossible. Completely beyond her power! Human nature was revolting from birth until the last step towards the underworld. She could see his scheme, could feel his sincerity in relying on his weakness to justify the deal.


    She could respect how far he would go.


    ¡°I accept your offering. The coal is all yours.¡±


    ¡°I thank you.¡± He replied with his head lowered in shame.


    For the first time in over a week Medusa felt the pressure leave her unsteady soul. It was only a slight reprieve however.


    <hr>


    ¡°I feel real villainous now.¡± Themistokles lamented as he sat down next to Eugenia inside the camp.


    ¡°Did she agree?¡± She asked while chewing on some wheat bread. She had gotten used to the good food he had brought along.


    ¡°As ya predicted. I¡¯m amazed.¡± He wrapped the blindfold around his wrist and sighed. ¡°She told me the truth about you two.¡± He added with a heavy voice.


    ¡°Did she?¡± She gulped the bread down a little too hastily and had to hit her chest repeatedly to avoid choking.


    ¡°Now I see what your plan¡¯s all about. I don¡¯t know if that was a good idea.¡±


    ¡°Lady Medusa cannot act nice without justifying it to herself.¡± Eugenia said as she split the bread and handed some to him. ¡°So we had to give her a chance to act like a monster.¡±


    ¡°I was all terrified too. Thought she would put a hole in me.¡± He was too afraid to even recall that sound of crumbling sand stone.


    ¡°She promised me that she would not attack you.¡± Eugenia said with conviction.


    ¡°You trust her implicitly, but she did try to bait me into her lair.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Eugenia reacted more surprised than he expected. ¡°How could she! That¡¯s just too cunning, even for her!¡±


    ¡°Hey, are you tellin¡¯ me ya didn¡¯t see that comin¡¯?¡± The bread felt very tight in his throat all of a sudden.


    ¡°What? Uh, I did, naturally.¡± She wiped some sweat off her brow and put the bread aside to turn away from him.


    ¡°Womenfolk will be the death of me.¡± He shrugged jovially and gave up on worrying.


    Due to the schemes of the humans, construction of the boat progressed to the next stage. But with each step forward everyone¡¯s troubled hearts would soon come to a clash.

 Chapter 12: Medusa and the drunkard

    Holding true to her words, Medusa procured the coal from below her lair and carried it to the boat construction site. She dropped it there without a word and left. With that her part of the trade was fulfilled and she had no more reason to stick around. As she left, the girl called out to the merchant to come out of the tent. He had been hiding from her eyes the moment he saw her approach.


    ¡°There is so much! It¡¯s enough, right?¡± The priestess asked excitedly.


    ¡°I¡¯m no Hephaestus, but this ought to be enough for our purposes. Just need to test it out on some smaller stuff first.¡±


    They were quick about it and started their work almost immediately. Medusa had her back turned to their activities, but she could hear it very well. They were piling up the wood and coal in the ruins of the temple under some contraption she did not understand. The fanning of the fire, the dropping of fabric as the heat rose and the amateur blacksmith took off his clothes. The screeching of metal over rock all echoed inside the barely roofed space. The heat could not escape so easily in the walled space as it would have outside.


    ¡°It¡¯s so hot. Warmer than anything I ever felt. Worse than the hearth at home.¡± Eugenia said while wiping sweat from her face. She had pulled her layered garments off and was only wearing some thin linen now.


    ¡°Don¡¯t inhale the smoke or you¡¯ll be coughing for days.¡± He warned her and adjusted the flames.


    The Gorgon slithered over the steps and then leaned back, watching their work from afar. From this distance it was impossible for her to meet eyes with the merchant. It was needless to worry about such things when he was so absorbed in his work, but she had made a promise.


    The man was dark skinned from countless months in the burning sun, but he still was covered in sweat in the blink of an eye. Eugenia stood back only fanning the flames and handing him the old tools to be molten in the carved rock forms, but her clothes were soaked in sweat before long as well.


    Unlike the merchant¡¯s, her skin was still just slightly tanned and her constitution was not fit for such grueling work. Medusa glanced across her sweat covered neck and the tied up hair. No matter how many times she watched her work to her bones for some goal that wasn¡¯t her own, she could not tell when the girl would approach her limit. There seemed to be a source of infinite energy inside her. She was glistening, shining and somehow hard to tear her gaze away from.


    Watching this work, similar to a spinning wheel, was oddly entrancing. The metal was heating up and glowing red, the hammer went down in a grand swing, then the process was repeated. Smashing the metal chest apart as it was getting soft and then letting its pieces melt into the casts prepared beforehand took many hours. The bronze tools in comparison were liquefied much faster. The day passed in what seemed the blink of an eye.


    Medusa had not moved a single step from her perched position and still felt not the least bit stiff. Just like the statues circling the temple, she could stand here for all eternity, no, only until even her lifespan finally would find its faraway end. The humans had stopped their rough work for the day and collapsed on the spot.


    Although they were gasping for air and greedily drank from the water jar, they seemed satisfied. Eugenia said something to the merchant and he laughed. They forcefully dragged themselves back to the camp and sat down to eat.


    ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve been pounded like dough and baked in the oven for too long.¡± Themistokles rubbed his stiff shoulders. He was far from athletically built; most people would have described him as thin and boyish, despite his stubble. Seeing him lift a hammer over his head was conflicting with that image. Now he felt the consequences of that.


    ¡°The old carpenter that visited my temple sometimes said that sweating is healthy and shows you are alive.¡± Eugenia replied with an exhausted voice as she seemed to be desperately trying not to nod off.


    ¡°Did he also have somethin¡¯ to say about muscles feelin¡¯ like burning tar?¡± He asked with a strained laugh and then splashed an entire water skin over his face.


    ¡°Not when he was praying with me at least.¡± She laughed in response to his silly actions and fell onto the bunched up sails as if declaring it was time to rest for the night.


    ¡°Must¡¯ve been nice to live in a community.¡± The weary merchant let slip out something he didn¡¯t intend to and covered his mouth awkwardly.


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Eugenia just moaned and closed her eyes. ¡°It wasn¡¯t that lively.¡± Still she managed to continue the conversation in that comfortable state.


    ¡°Lamia¡¯s not too big about Athena?¡± He asked with a joking tone to lighten the mood.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that¡­¡± She yawned loudly. ¡°My temple was just very¡­ far¡­¡± Before she could finish her words she was already out like a light.


    Themistokles watched her for a while and then sluggishly got up from his spot. He walked over to her and pulled the sails over her mostly exposed body. His eyes were filled with nostalgia that seemed out of place.


    ¡°Nights get cold when you¡¯re covered in sweat.¡± He muttered and then went into his makeshift tent to collapse as well.


    The stars sprang from the dark night curtain to create the same patterns she had seen thousands of times. Medusa finally moved her stone-like body and leaned her head in one hand. What was she waiting for, honestly? She could not explain it even to herself. Watching them should have been no different from slumbering.


    Sleep let her mind fade and allowed for an unencumbered way of wasting away eternity. Unlike a human she had no need for entertainment or distractions. Merely existing was her only duty and her only desire. To continue onwards to spite her.


    Her eyelids felt heavy. And yet she still could not calm her mind. In a futile attempt she wandered the fallen in temple and circled the island for the first time in years. All of this was hers, but what was the point? She hadn¡¯t even known about the garden that had been here this entire time. Everything she knew was in ruins, yet there had been something protected at the heart of that destruction for so long. The one who had showed her that was the girl.


    ¡°Lady Medusa.¡± Her voice reached her in even the deepest contemplations. Medusa turned back to see the sleep-deprived girl wobble towards her. It looked like she was walking in her sleep, but there was purpose to her steps.


    ¡°What is it? You look pathetic.¡± The Gorgon replied curtly. Standing there in just such thin fabric with unkempt hair and a dazed expression, how could she not look down on a weak human like that?


    ¡°You are mean.¡± Eugenia yawned in response. ¡°I¡¯ve been so busy that I forgot to wash your clothes.¡± She raised her hands as if to request an offering.


    ¡°Worry about your own appearance first.¡± She sighed and stripped herself of the clothes she was given so randomly by the same girl that now took them back.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a bath right after.¡± She nodded with an expression that signaled how uncomfortable she was with the stickiness and dirt covering her body.


    ¡°You put the cart before the horse.¡± Medusa crossed her arms with a wry smile.


    ¡°I can sleep¡­ later¡­¡± She rubbed her face with Medusa¡¯s chiton.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°¡¯s fine¡­ I¡¯ll wash it right away¡­¡± She was seriously sleep walking. There could be no other possibility. She stumbled down the stone steps into the reservoir and got a bucket of water. She proceeded to do her chores without even opening her eyes (although it would have made no difference).


    The silence between them was unusually strained. The Gorgon could not pinpoint this sensation. It was somewhat like the feeling she got before a big storm approached. Poseidon was quiet since his last outburst, though.


    ¡°You seem to get along well with that man.¡± Completely unlike herself, Medusa started the conversation. Simply waiting for her clothes to be cleaned was just too aggravating.


    ¡°Mhm.¡± Eugenia just nodded, which seemed dangerously close to falling over, straight into the bucket.


    ¡°Do you truly believe you can build a boat that will last through a storm?¡± She asked more perturbed than before.


    ¡°If the great and wise Athena wills it so.¡± She said with a reverent expression. ¡°Her wisdom is imbued in all ship construction. How wonderful to think she carries us¡­ with her mind alone¡­¡± Her smile was genuine, although her words became blurry.


    ¡°Will you not-¡± Medusa began, but abruptly stopped. The question was meaningless. It didn¡¯t matter what the girl wanted, because she had already made the decision for her. Asking now was just a sign of weakness in her conviction.


    ¡°This hare paw would go great with some olives and goat cheese.¡± Eugenia said and started to chew on the wet clothes in her hands.


    ¡°Go to sleep already!¡±


    <hr>


    The days passed faster the more they approached the promised day. Again and again they were bumping into an issue, but resolved it with teamwork. And every day Eugenia and Themistokles grew closer as well, a bond forged by tools and companionship alike. Each hit of the hammer on the chisel was followed by new piece of wood.


    Then when the sun set, they would sit down and tell stories of their past. Themistokles had quite a few more in his repertoire, albeit he was only a few summers older than Eugenia. Surprisingly most of the stories he wanted to share were not about his travels through Persia, but rather about Rhodes and the life under his old master, Eopia¡¯s father. Those years seemed far more important than the four spent far away.


    Eugenia was holding her belly from all the laughter after he retold a story of how he barely escaped Eopia¡¯s room when her servants grew suspicious of the ladder at the window.


    ¡°Drunk as I was, I¡¯d barely managed ta jump onto the tree next to the house right as the ladder was dragged out from under my feet! Old Mestoka was about to get his ancient bow from the shed to shoot sum holes into me!¡± He retold the story with flushed cheeks, thanks to the ample wine coursing through his veins. ¡°Toooo bad, he was a terrible shot even back in the war. Hit his own superior against the back of the helmet and got punished in labor camp.¡± He snickered and almost spilled his red drink everywhere.


    ¡°Ahahaha, how did you manage to conceal that it was you?!¡± Her cheeks too were flushed from all the excitement.


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s the funniest part. I was wearin¡¯ Eopia¡¯s himation over my head like some drunkard runnin¡¯ from his angry wife.¡± He had to put the wine aside as he couldn¡¯t keep himself straight anymore.


    Their laughter echoed inside the fallen in temple and seemed to intensify evermore thundering when it reached the Gorgon in her lair. She had tried to lie down and blend it out, but alas, she might have to bury herself completely to achieve such relief.


    They sounded unfathomably happy, just retelling their life stories as if they could relive them through each other. The past was in the past, how did they not understand this? Their lives were so short and yet they insisted on repeating those pieces, picking them out of their faulty memory and glorifying them doubtlessly.


    Every human was their own storyteller. They created legends that were just as ludicrous as the tales of true heroes, but on much smaller scale. Every retelling altered the past just a little bit in their minds. For someone who could recall each and every moment of her existence in painstaking detail such a thing was impossible.


    But did she envy them? Of course not. Deluding oneself was the greatest folly.


    That was why she had to face the truth now. Ever since that man had arrived she had felt the stark contrast between this life and the one before. And the one before that.


    Eugenia was happy to speak of experiences so relatable. She sought solace in the words of one like her. The Gorgon did not regret her rejecting attitude, but she could feel those swaying emotions clearly now. The girl had tried to clutch to her captor, desperately wishing for a connection such as this. Medusa would not serve as such a branch to cling onto. She could not be that.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    And once the merchant left there would be nothing to hold. Right now Eugenia was throwing herself at this small happiness with all her heart, knowing it would disappear due to the Gorgon¡¯s imprisoning curse. That carefree smile would soon turn into a distant frown.


    Her curse was far too cruel, wasn¡¯t it? But it had been spoken. Words had power, no matter the era.


    At the camp the heated storytelling had not calmed down yet.


    ¡°Stupid as I was, I came back the next day to hand it back to her personally.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate the foolishness of a hungover boy. Naturally she threw a vase at my face and kicked me out.¡±


    ¡°How violent.¡±


    ¡°I deserved it though. The scar over my left eyebrow is a great reminder.¡± He touched it softly and then sat down. He¡¯d been retelling the story while reenacting his actions.


    ¡°You really deserve each other.¡± She said teasingly.


    Finally they both calmed down.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you drink with me on that, at least a li¡¯l bit?¡± Again, Themistokles posed the question. He was exceptionally persistent sometimes.


    Eugenia swallowed the rest of her water and leaned her head to the side. He would not stop until she budged, even if just a little. That was abundantly clear.


    ¡°When we finish the boat, I will gladly toast to it with you.¡±


    ¡°Is that a promise?¡± He asked with a sly grin.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She played with her long hair and smiled sheepishly.


    ¡°Then I¡¯m more motivated than ever now! Let¡¯s finish this by tomorrow!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡±


    ¡°Did Heracles say it¡¯s impossible when he ate the Nemean lion? Didn¡¯t think so!¡±


    ¡°What? Did he eat it?!¡± She gasped.


    ¡°Dunno! Would¡¯ve been a waste of good meat if he didn¡¯t.¡± He chuckled drunkenly.


    ¡°I am not sure that would have been very tasty.¡± She smiled though. ¡°If you don¡¯t like wasting meat, you could give me your share!¡±


    ¡°No way¡­ this is the last boar chest meat we got.¡± He walled up around his dinner, creating a second Troy.


    <hr>


    ¡°Aaaargh! My thumb!¡± Themistokles sucked on his swollen red fingers as if they were on fire. ¡°Tartarus! May the Titans devour this hammer!¡± He threw it against the boat¡¯s hull and cursed some more.


    ¡°You should not swear or take the gods names in vain.¡± She scolded him, but then handed him some cool water to push his hand into.


    ¡°Sorry. Forgot you were a priestess for a second.¡± He apologized with teeth gritted from the pain.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t do it even if there is no priestess with you Zosimos!¡± She lightly smacked his head and he laughed. ¡°I was not joking.¡±


    ¡°My apologies Eugenia. You just sounded so much like Eopia there.¡± The pain was as good as gone when he started to laugh.


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°Except when she scolds me she tends to kick me out of her room.¡± He reminisced with nostalgia.


    ¡°I am a bit envious.¡± She said quietly.


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. You should take care of your thumb!¡±


    ¡°Right away milady.¡± He splashed his hand in the water with confusion. After the swelling subsided he returned to the tent for a bit.


    It wasn¡¯t long before the slithering sounds of a snake joined the girl as she was wiping the small bump on the boat. There wasn¡¯t any real damage caused by the angry hammer toss, but she still felt bad for their work.


    ¡°It looks like a real boat now.¡± Medusa admitted begrudgingly.


    ¡°We poured all our effort into it. Doesn¡¯t she look beautiful?¡±


    ¡°This coming from the blind girl.¡± The Gorgon snorted and then inspected the boat. It was small. At least compared to what she was used to. This would barely fit a few people, let alone lots of cargo. It rested half in the water already, but the small waves could not carry it off on their own. ¡°Who is this ¡®she¡¯?¡±


    ¡°I think sailors name their ships after women.¡± She said something vague again. Her knowledge was always hearsay after all.


    ¡°Pitiful.¡± Men truly were lustful beings to the core.


    ¡°Did you need something Lady Medusa?¡± Eugenia asked curiously.


    ¡°Me? Not exactly.¡± She left her inner world and suddenly found herself lost for words. Why had she come here? Her lower body had just moved on its own.


    ¡°Do you want some food? It¡¯s delicious!¡±


    ¡°I think not.¡± Her voice became sharp. ¡°What about¡­¡± She looked away from the girl. It was hard to speak the following words. ¡°What about the garden I gave you?¡±


    Eugenia furrowed her brows and turned her head back to the temple, as if futilely trying to see where Medusa was staring. ¡°Well. It¡¯s not like the garden will die if I leave it alone for a few weeks. I can¡¯t really harvest anything for a few months and Themistokles supplies will turn bad eventually. It would be a waste to let such delicious food go bad! That¡¯s why taking care of the garden is not very important-¡° She stopped herself midsentence as she felt Medusa tense up.


    ¡°True.¡± The Gorgon simply replied one-note and turned her back on the priestess. ¡°The boat looks shaky, but well done nonetheless. You defy expectations, as usual.¡± Her words sounded like praise, but lacked any emotion.


    As fast as she arrived, she had already decided to leave.


    ¡°Does she want me to take care of the garden for her?¡± Although she knew something was off, the girl could simply not connect the dots.


    <hr>


    Another week passed and they finally reached the endgame. Without a doubt the boat that they had now named ¡®Zosimos II.¡¯ (A joke that seemed much funnier in the delirium of sleep deprived minds) was ready to take off.


    ¡°Incredible.¡± Themistokles patted the boat¡¯s wooden bow with glistening eyes. ¡°Once I become Archon I¡¯ll donate some coin chests to the harbor. They¡¯re gods among men for doin¡¯ this every day.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget to give to the temples as well.¡±


    ¡°How could I forget?¡± He chuckled.


    ¡°Then this is it. When the sun rises again, this boat will be ready to sail towards Athens.¡± Eugenia became sentimental as well.


    They enjoyed the bliss of their triumph for a little longer as the last rays of the sun dripped off their faces. Night returned once more. The last evening of their shared time had arrived.


    ¡°Let¡¯s pull out all stops! I¡¯ll break the final crate with the real good stuff.¡±


    ¡°You have been holding out on me?¡± The priestess said with a playful smile.


    ¡°Some things are only good for the right occasions.¡± He put a hand on her shoulder. ¡°And of course I¡¯ll have to bring out the best wine I have for our first drinking party.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡± She pretended not to understand.


    ¡°A promise is a promise. Or didja think Athena¡¯ll forgive it if her priestess turned out to be a liar?¡± He pulled her into a tighter hold with a devious grin.


    ¡°Oh great and wise Athena.¡± She gave up under his forceful cheer.


    A few hours passed as they had the banquet for two. It was the best party of their lives, undoubtedly.


    Or at least that went for one of them.


    ¡°Zosimoooos, gimme more of the spicy one!!¡± She repeatedly hit him with her cup.


    ¡°S-sure. You mean the wine from southern Attica?¡± He pulled another amphora out of a crate and hastily filled her cup. She had been guzzling the stuff like a dehydrated horse. He might have been tipsy since a while ago, maybe he didn¡¯t even know how much she had forced him to drink, but those were unhealthy amounts of alcohol she was pouring into her gullet right now.


    The tent reeked of alcohol and grilled meat and the atmosphere was loose for the most part. He couldn¡¯t tell when exactly they had gotten into this position, but Eugenia was sitting on his woolen bedstead and had him in a deadly neck clutch the entire time. Her face was redder than blood itself and her drunken voice was something to behold.


    ¡°Thi¡¯sum good drinkin¡¯! Not like the watery crap in the head priestess¡¯ cabinet.¡± She laughed loudly and almost fell over. The tent was shaking dearly.


    ¡°Aha, I didn¡¯t know they allowed alcohol in the temples.¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t!¡± She snorted and then chugged her entire cup in one go. ¡°Ohooo I feel so light! ¡®s like I could just fffffly off.¡± Her body was spinning a little. ¡°Heeeey Zosimos, why¡¯s your voice comin¡¯ from left¡­ right¡­ behind?¡±


    He thought about it and realized that this was probably a blind woman¡¯s equivalent of spinning vision.


    ¡°Eugenia, maybe you¡¯ve had enough to drink, don¡¯t ya thin-?¡±


    ¡°Huuuh?¡± She put him into a chokehold that would have made ringers shrink in fear.


    ¡°I said- M-maybe another refill?¡± He held up the wine with fear in his eye and a lack of oxygen in his throat.


    ¡°Yeeeesh!¡± She was pleased. Pushing the cup into his face, she took some cheese and stuffed it into her mouth and missed. Then she missed again. Eventually the entire face was covered in it. This seemed to amuse her even more and she wiped it on Themistokles chiton.


    He watched it with an unmoving expression, but clearly uncomfortable.


    ¡°Listeennnn, Zosimos.¡± She drew him closer until he could feel the heat radiating off her face. ¡°Who¡¯s prettier? Your Eo---popoia¡­ or me?¡±


    The question didn¡¯t sound like friendly banter. This was a query that would decide his fate, he could simply feel it.


    ¡°That is¡­¡± Her milky eyes seemed to focus on him, which made him ten times more anxious than if it was a normal gaze. ¡°S-something like that I cannot answer. I only look at Eopia. Comparing other women to her is wrong.¡± He gulped. It seemed that even with his mind in a murky soup and no air reaching his brain he still managed to stand his ground. He could never betray Eopia, but he also didn¡¯t want to disappoint Eugenia.


    ¡°What¡¯s with thaaaat? Dats worse than Lahady Medushaaaa.¡± She slapped his back so hard that he was thrown on his belly. ¡°Can you believe it? She said I wasn¡¯t pretty, Muses are better. Not even the Graces! Just Muses¡­¡± She was lamenting it as badly as a war crime.


    ¡°Comparing mortals to the Muses?¡± He joined her disbelief, although for different reasons.


    ¡°Would it kill ¡®er to compliment me a bit? I¡¯m still a maiden.¡± She growled and then suddenly face planted into the woolen blankets. Seconds later she began snoring louder than a dragon.


    Themistokles rubbed his spinning head and grinned weirdly. This had not turned out the way he expected at all. Her inhibitions had disappeared with the first sip and from there it only became a whirlwind that would make the storm he experienced before lower its head in shame.


    In return he was forced to drink far past his limit as well, so his head was already pounding. If he didn¡¯t sober up a little he might not be able to move tomorrow.


    Thus he left the tent and gasped for some fresh air. All he had been breathing for the last few hours was alcohol and the odor of a young woman. Such things could mess up a man¡¯s head.


    Zosimos had survived another deadly situation, but he didn¡¯t feel proud for it. Instead he took some water and drank it all in one go. His thirsty throat was crying tears as well. Afterwards he wondered what to do. The night was long and the snoring behind him troubling. He decided to take a walk. But then it dawned on him. There was something he felt compelled to do on his last night.


    <hr>


    The steps were wide, flat and allowed even a drunk man to climb them rather safely. His sandals stopped in front of the large door (which had an oddly shaped hole in its center for some reason). With a deep breath he prepared himself and knocked.


    ¡°I am over here.¡± But the unsuspecting merchant was caught off guard by the call from the inner temple. He hastily closed his eyes which made his head spin. ¡°Behind the altar. You can open your eyes.¡± Her words were not particularly friendly, but she did allow him to approach.


    Instead of coming closer, he sat down on the temple steps. He leaned on his legs and sat down something next to him.


    ¡°I said I do not want your gifts.¡±


    ¡°¡¯Tis the best wine I have.¡± He replied calmly. ¡°And Eugenia already drank half of it anyway.¡±


    The Gorgon didn¡¯t respond. The silence hesitantly spread between them as if uncertain when it would be cut down.


    ¡°What a beautiful moon.¡± He looked up with reverence. His goddess was watching over him tonight as well.


    ¡°Why do you not go back to the girl? You should enjoy yourself more. It will be the last time you can touch her.¡± The Gorgon¡¯s words were neutral, spoken merely as an observer.


    ¡°I let¡®er rest. She¡¯s actually real wild, that one.¡± He coughed. ¡°Just let her sleep it off.¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡±


    ¡°Might be the wine talkin¡¯, so please don¡¯t tear my head off.¡± He said somewhat lightheaded. ¡°Ya think this can go on forever, your li¡¯l curse?¡±


    ¡°A drunkard dares to question me?¡± She replied flatly.


    ¡°Fair.¡± He rubbed his face. ¡°Thing is, Eugenia¡¯s a good woman. If I didn¡¯t have my Eopia, who knows what would¡¯ve happened tonight.¡± He said it more jokingly than anything, but it was still a weight on his shoulders. ¡°That¡¯s not really what matters, though. She deserves better than¡­ this.¡± He stretched his arms to the sides as if grasping the entire island.


    ¡°You want to go back on our trade?¡± She hissed.


    ¡°Pfft, no way.¡± He snorted loudly. ¡°I¡¯m a coward, remember?¡±


    ¡°That is right.¡± She agreed.


    ¡°Meddlin¡¯ is just the Zosimos way, I s¡¯ppose. ¡®course I also love to make profit and seein¡¯ such talent go to waste hurts me in here.¡± He patted his chest.


    Eugenia really was just that much of an asset. He didn¡¯t look at her like a ware in the trade house, but he could see that she was wasted even on her previous profession. Skilled, devout, good-natured. Those were perks that would make even most high ranking men ask for her services.


    ¡°Meaningless.¡± The Gorgon replied stoically.


    ¡°Is it? Even I can see that you¡¯re not much of a monster. And I can¡¯t even look at ya!¡± His joke was not rewarded with laughter. Tough audience. ¡°So why¡¯re ya clinging to such cruelty? Why are ya punishing her?¡±


    There was no sound, except for dragged out breathing. Was he not worth a reply?


    ¡°I won¡¯t convince ya. That¡¯s not my right. But if Eugenia wants off this ruined island.¡± He spoke carefully, knowing full well that his life was on the line. ¡°Somehow she will escape.¡±


    ¡°Do you consider yourself an Oracle now?¡± She huffed.


    ¡°Who knows? I¡¯m called flexible-to-a-fault Zosimos by some.¡± He laughed mildly and then got up from the steps. ¡°So long Lady of the isle.¡± He raised his hand in goodbye without looking back.


    He left behind only a small amphora of wine.


    <hr>


    What a self-indulgent man. The Gorgon¡¯s face was rigid and emotionless.


    Many thoughts were toppling each other in her head, but she did not want to confront them. For now she needed to forget.


    She moved to the steps and picked up the wine. Although she would never accept anything that man left behind, he did say this was Eugenia¡¯s wine. The leftovers of her prisoner belonged to her as well.


    Even she thought that was a terrible excuse, but she needed a drink. Without a care she downed the entire contents and threw the amphora aside. It shattered somewhere in the courtyard and she then curled up on her snake half and sighed warmly. He didn¡¯t lie, that was some of the best wine she had ever partaken of.


    Tonight she would sleep well.


    Tap. Tap tap.


    Footsteps. Medusa¡¯s left eye opened and she sighed. Had that drunkard still not given up? Or did he come back for his wine after all. She would knock his head clean off if he made a cocky comment.


    ¡°Huff¡­. Phew¡­¡± Ragged breathing, maybe from exhaustion? He hadn¡¯t wandered that far yet.


    The Gorgon moved up her torso and looked at the disturbance.


    It was Eugenia.


    Red faced and huffing from exhaustion she seemed entirely unfocused. Her feet were dragging and her clothes awry. Overall she had never seen her this out of shape.


    ¡°You wish to berate me as well, girl?¡± She squinted her eyes in annoyance.


    Eugenia seemed to focus on her voice and then raised her hands.


    ¡°Tail!¡± And exclaimed such.


    ¡°Pardon?¡± Medusa¡¯s eyes dulled.


    ¡°Taaaail!¡± Eugenia stumbled forward and then jumped on Medusa¡¯s long snake tail.


    ¡°What do you think you are-?¡± She was taken aback. The girl hugged her tail and clung to it with all her might. Without any shame she rubbed her face against it over and over. Her hot cheeks were oddly pleasant against the cold scales and the tip of the Gorgon¡¯s tail twitched involuntarily.


    ¡°Coooold.¡± The girl smiled with deep satisfaction and closed her milky eyes.


    Medusa was stuck between wanting to throw her off and being paralyzed from the sheer audacity. Her tail was undulating naturally, but the girl did not let go.


    ¡°You cannot be serious.¡± The Gorgon held her head from a sudden migraine. After all this heavy thinking, she was attacked in such a, such a¡­ moronic manner.


    This would have consequences. She would pay this human back a hundred times over.


    Now that this was decided she leaned back against a pillar and curled her tail up ever so slightly. Eugenia¡¯s body shifted in her sleep and rolled into the small hollow created between the snake folds.


    Her face had never been more peaceful than this instant.


    The last night passed peacefully as the dawn of the new journey arrived all too soon.

 Chapter 13: Medusa and a goodbye

    The first rays of the sun softly caressed Eugenia¡¯s face that was resting comfortably on something slick and warm. Although there were dark circles below her eyes she found herself unable to return to her slumber. It might have been connected to the incessant hammering against her forehead. It wasn¡¯t physical in nature, so she had no way to escape the pounding, though.


    ¡°Urrk¡­¡± She raised her torso from the warm scaly ground and rolled over onto the cold stone. Every sound and sensation was completely irregular and made her feel like she had been spun in a circle for a few hours straight. This feeling was familiar.


    With exhaustion she rubbed her face and lamented her own susceptibility to peer pressure. If she hadn¡¯t taken Zosimos offer to drink she might not be feeling like death right now. Thinking of which.


    ¡°Where am I?¡±


    It was extremely hard to tell in her state, but by the feeling of the stone floor she could at least guess that this wasn¡¯t the tent she had been drinking in at the start. Just how did she manage to return to the temple without remembering?


    ¡°Finally awake?¡± The clear cut and all too familiar voice of a certain Gorgon echoed inside her hurting head.


    ¡°Lady Medusa?¡± She focused on the low flapping of snake tongues to the right and managed to make her out. This was the last thing she wanted right now. To be seen in such a pathetic state by the ever sarcastic snake woman.


    ¡°Mhm. I am surprised you managed to recognize me in your state.¡± And right away she gave her smug commentary.


    ¡°Please spare me.¡± Eugenia turned her face around dejectedly. Medusa looked at her with surprise, but then smirked.


    ¡°That suits you quite well.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± The priestess asked with confusion and rubbed her stiff cheek. She had been lying in some odd spot as serenely as a dead fish for many hours it seemed.


    ¡°Nevermind that. Should you not be seeing off the foolish merchant before he finds his assured demise in the storm?¡± She slapped Eugenia¡¯s back ever so slightly with her tail, but it still made her stumble down the temple steps, ending with a magnificent impact on the dirt.


    ¡°Ow.¡± She said in monotone.


    ¡°Hurry. He might try to slip away without a word.¡± The Gorgon warned her casually and then slithered off.


    Uncertain how serious that advice was, Eugenia pushed herself up again and walked down the courtyard and slope all the way to the beach. Themistokles had been drinking as well, so she expected him to be sleeping off his intoxication. The first place to search for him would be around the camp area.


    She didn¡¯t need to search long, as the steady sounds of rope being tied pulled her towards the boat. The tanned merchant was working on top of the small deck with vigor and precision unbefitting of a drunkard.


    ¡°Good morning!¡± He shouted down from the sail he was tying up.


    ¡°Ouch, quiet please.¡± She held her head in response to his loud voice.


    ¡°Haha, we are even now.¡± He declared and jumped down into the sand next to her. ¡°I never expected you to be a heavy drinker, good priestess.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± She replied with a dry mouth and embarrassment.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen sailors go down from less, but if you say so.¡± He was in a good mood. When he mustered her, he suddenly was taken aback. ¡°Eugenia, does your Lady make a habit of branding her possessions?¡±


    ¡°What? I don¡¯t think so. Why do you ask?¡± Another strange question so early in the morning.


    ¡°It¡¯s uh, not important.¡± He said while nervously rubbing his cheek in response.


    Eugenia mirrored his action automatically and felt her cheek again. There was an imprint in her skin. It sure felt odd for a simple rock formation, but to call it a brand was a bit much.


    ¡°Where did you go off to afterwards?¡± He asked innocently and patted the boat¡¯s hull for any signs of inconsistency.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember. Didn¡¯t you see me leave the tent?¡±


    ¡°I was takin¡¯ a nice moonlit walk.¡± He replied with an odd expression of satisfaction.


    ¡°You really love the dexterous and strong Artemis¡¯ light on your skin.¡± She of course interpreted it this way.


    ¡°The only lady I could follow to death. Aside from Eopia ¡®course.¡± He smiled and then put a hand on Eugenia¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m really thankful for all this. You and your Lady gave me a second chance at happiness. I¡¯ll never forget it.¡±


    ¡°Gosh, Zosimos, you are embarrassing me.¡± She replied nervously. This already sounded like a goodbye.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t wanna do that!¡± He laughed.


    Even though they had not much left to say they felt like they should keep talking. They kept it up while inspecting the boat one last time. For two amateurs they definitely had every right to be proud of the results of their hard work. Perhaps a real sailor would have laughed at this badly constructed wooden sea coffin, but to them this was a symbol of human ingenuity.


    When they finished they returned to camp one more time. There were dozens of boxes and barrels left. Themistokles had not moved them onto the boat yet for some reason. He only tore down the tent and rolled up the fabric to throw it into the small space under deck. That¡¯s where he would probably sleep.


    ¡°I have little more than two months left.¡± He spoke with severity while watching the gushing ocean waves. ¡°It¡¯ll be rough, but this is what I worked for.¡±


    ¡°I hope that you will be able to convince the Archons.¡±


    ¡°Athenians. Far as I heard money¡¯s the only language they¡¯re fluent in. Shouldn¡¯t be a problem for a foreigner to get in that way.¡± His confidence was an act and they both knew it. But acting brave was also part of chasing one¡¯s dreams.


    The silence spread between them again. It was unclear what they wanted to say or how to say it or who would even speak first.


    Luckily that burden was taken from their shoulders.


    ¡°Still here? Do you have second thoughts on traversing Poseidon¡¯s barrier on a sinking barrel?¡± Medusa had joined them, which made Themistokles anxiously pull out the blindfold. Just before he could wrap it around his face his hands were stopped by the girl next to him.


    ¡°She has her eyes closed.¡± Eugenia said with an analyzing expression. Even she did not quite understand why the Gorgon would do that. ¡°Will you keep them closed until we see him off?¡±


    ¡°If I must.¡± She replied curtly. The fact that she had come here like this was proof enough of her goodwill.


    Themistokles was uncertain, but he slowly let the blindfold sink down. It may have made a man suspicious that Eugenia could tell whether someone had their eyes closed, but not him. She had already proven her unique skills many a time. He could hardly prepare to leave while blindfolded anyway. ¡°Ah, I see why you¡¯re here.¡± It seemed to dawn on him quickly though.


    Eugenia turned her head back and forth between the two as if waiting for an explanation, but they just silently smiled.


    ¡°Will you not carry this junk on your ¡®boat¡¯ already?¡± The Gorgon asked and tapped the barrel with her tail.


    ¡°Heh, nothing goes by you, does it?¡± He grabbed something from the top of a barrel and held it to his stomach. It was the small locked chest with the map of Persia inside. ¡°This is all my luggage.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Eugenia and Medusa spoke in unison.


    ¡°That¡¯s not entirely true, I guess. Already stored some foodstuffs and water on board. Just enough to make it to Athens ¡®course.¡± He dropped his polite speech in front of Medusa and whistled with the chest in his grip.


    ¡°Why are you saying this Zosimos?¡± Eugenia furrowed her brows and poked his head as if he was a foreign object. ¡°Didn¡¯t you need to sell all of this to make it big?!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡± He said with a bemused expression as his face was poked. ¡°Those were just some extra owls just in case. To be honest, this map¡¯s all I need.¡± He revealed theatrically.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Eugenia was stumped.


    ¡°How could one map hold so much value?¡± Even Medusa was curious.


    ¡°I told ya, there is none like it. This map¡¯s going to decide the future of the world one day.¡± He slapped the chest confidently.


    Medusa turned to Eugenia questioningly, but the priestess shrugged. This was beyond her understanding as well.


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Does this have something to do with the brand on your arm?¡± The Gorgon suddenly asked a dangerously pinpointed question.


    Themistokles expression became more serious in response.


    ¡°Perhaps.¡± His reply was as vague as his plans all of a sudden.


    ¡°What brand?¡± Of course there was one girl left out of the loop.


    ¡°Just a souvenir from Persia.¡± He rubbed his arm where a symbol had been burned into his flesh. ¡°Speakin¡¯ of which, I¡¯d like ta give ya a souvenir as well.¡±


    ¡°But you are the one who visited us.¡± She pointed out, but then grabbed the piece of parchment he handed her. ¡°This is?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a map of the island.¡± He said happily.


    ¡°You know I can¡¯t read- Huh?¡± She touched the parchment and felt rough resistance on its surface.


    ¡°Was quite a big deal to trace it so much, but now it¡¯s got some nice impressions.¡±


    Eugenia nodded. She could feel the lines that had been pressed through the parchment and created a map on the opposite side that even she could feel. With her excellent memory she would be able to use this map very quickly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been gettin'' lost around this place so much that I found some interestin¡¯ stuff. Maybe something even you didn¡¯t notice yet.¡± He shrugged.


    ¡°Themistokles.¡± Eugenia was moved. ¡°We can¡¯t accept all this!¡±


    ¡°To be way honest with ya, this is actually better for me as well. The reason I ended up stranded here was ¡®cuz of my wares, so I think they¡¯re better off with my saviors.¡± His humble expression was laid on a bit thick, but he wasn¡¯t wrong.


    ¡°Hmph. This is not a place to discard your mistakes.¡± Only Medusa didn¡¯t seem to feel much moved by this.


    ¡°I wish I could repay you.¡± The priestess ignored Medusa completely and clutched the map tightly. ¡°But we don¡¯t have any owls.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s alright. My bleedin¡¯ merchant heart will get over it in no time.¡± There was at least some regret in his voice, but he covered it well. All of these wares were things he had worked hard to trade after all.


    ¡°What is it with you humans and owls? Do you love their meat that much? Do you cover yourself in their feathers?¡± The Gorgon interrupted the bittersweet mood with an ignorant question.


    ¡°Apologies, we ain¡¯t talking about birds.¡± The merchant put down his chest and pulled out something from a small pouch. Glistening coins were welcoming the fresh morning air.


    ¡°Metal shards?¡± Obviously Medusa could not see the coins with closed eyes, but her hearing was outstanding as well.


    ¡°They¡¯re the currency of Athens. Guess we common people got used to callin¡¯ them owls.¡± He explained with a wry smile.


    ¡°Currency?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what money is?¡± Eugenia could hardly believe it. Sometimes she forgot who she was talking to. The Gorgon was getting annoyed already.


    ¡°Precious metals get molten and molded into these coins. Each city¡¯s got their own version. We exchange it for wares.¡± As an experienced merchant these were the basic foundations he could explain in his sleep.


    ¡°And they are called owls because they are from that woman¡¯s city?¡± She gathered that much already.


    ¡°If ¡®that woman¡¯ is Athena, then yes. There is an owl imprinted on the back, in honor of the patron goddess.¡± He confirmed it and held the coins up.


    ¡°Really now?¡± Medusa leaned forward and opened her eyes to take a look.


    ¡°Sanctified scissors!¡± In a flash Eugenia extended her fingers.


    ¡°Aaaargh my EYES!¡± He cried out and rolled over the beach in agony. The coins fell to the ground with a silent pomf.


    ¡°Lady Medusa, how could you? Do you want to petrify him?!¡±


    ¡°My bad. I forgot.¡± She replied with a distinct lack of remorse. Then she picked up one of the coins and inspected the owl symbol carved into its back.


    ¡°You are so callous sometimes.¡± Eugenia was far from forgiving and frowned.


    ¡°Ouch... goddess light¡­ why always my eyes¡­?¡± Themistokles held his bloodshot eyes and just pushed his face into the sand.


    ¡°Oh? This stuff is money then?¡± Medusa seemed satisfied with her inspection and threw the coin back down. ¡°I wondered why they would mold treasures into such an odd form.¡±


    ¡°They?¡±


    ¡°Those foolish expeditions always brought along all kinds of waste, but there were also some nice things. These coins for example, I have a lot of them in my lair.¡±


    ¡°Is that true? What could you need them for in there?¡± Eugenia tilted her head, already completely over her previous anger.


    ¡°They heat up nicely when you lie on top of them.¡± She explained seriously.


    ¡°Are you a dragon?¡± The priestess shook her head.


    ¡°They get stuck below my scales sometimes, so I grow tired of them occasionally. You humans should consider changing their shape.¡± For once she seemed intent on sharing her personal experiences.


    ¡°They aren¡¯t made for sleeping after all.¡±


    Their banter was overshadowing the poor man¡¯s pain until he finally contained himself again. Medusa had returned to keeping her eyes shut, so he could safely look up again (even if his burning eyes would be better off being closed too).


    ¡°You mentioned it at the most opportune time.¡± Eugenia smiled deviously. ¡°We now have a way to pay you!¡± Her excitement was great.


    ¡°Who said I would share them with anyone?¡± Medusa growled.


    ¡°There is so much good food in these crates; it¡¯s worth all your riches!¡±


    ¡°Sometimes I wonder where your insolence comes from.¡±


    ¡°I dunno what to say.¡± Themistokles, now recovered, was a bit lost. ¡°I¡¯d have given it to you for free, but you still wanna pay me?¡±


    ¡°Definitely.¡± Eugenia nodded.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t all the world be honest like ya?¡± He gave up and grinned his best salesman smile. ¡°There¡¯s a lot more than just food in there. I¡¯m sure even our fine Lady will find somethin¡¯ to enjoy among my inventory!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need any-¡°


    ¡°Sold.¡± The priestess interrupted her and shook the merchant¡¯s hand on it.


    ¡°Listen here you numbskull.¡± Medusa was going to make this young woman a head shorter.


    ¡°Please. This is the best conclusion for everyone.¡± Suddenly Eugenia turned to her with sincerity. ¡°You said yourself that you don¡¯t need the money. It will be a relief for your scales?¡±


    For a moment their opposing viewpoints seemed to clash again, but all too soon the Gorgon backed down. She knew this would go on forever if she didn¡¯t go along with it. Although she didn¡¯t like how certain the girl was of her victory, she couldn¡¯t deny the fact that this trade made no true difference to her. It only made this one person in front of her happy.


    <hr>


    ¡°Unbelievable! This is the first print of the series and these are coins I¡¯ve never even seen before.¡± Themistokles went through the pile of treasure with shimmering eyes, fully embracing his avarice. This mountain of coins would make even kings look twice!


    ¡°Can you buy your title with this?¡±


    ¡°Hm. I don¡¯t think so. The exchange rate on these is probably abysmal. And the owls are real pure, so they are worth more, but it¡¯s not even half of what I¡¯d make with the map.¡±


    Eugenia gasped. She never had so much money piled up in front of her in her life, yet this was still worth less than a map? That really put it into perspective.


    ¡°I¡¯ll gladly take it, though. Still, my wares are worth about two thirds of this. An honest guy wouldn¡¯t rip you off like that, so ya can keep these.¡± He divided the coins and pushed a great deal of them back towards Medusa. ¡°Is that acceptable?¡±


    ¡°They are all the same to me.¡± She replied with crossed arms. There was no doubt that she would be taken advantage of in any real trade negotiation. Or perhaps not, considering she could end the charlatan in too many ways to count (of which petrifaction was the most merciful).


    ¡°I¡¯ll bring ¡®em on board then. Can ya give me a hand?¡± He urged Eugenia to come along. There was no reason to refuse, so she followed him onto the boat, leaving Medusa behind to play with the small hill of coins that remained.


    Under deck they poured them into a linen sack and sighed at the sound of wealth. Before Eugenia could move back up he suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled her back. She was about to ask what he was doing, but he covered her mouth softly with his hand.


    ¡°Quiet or your Lady might hear us.¡± He whispered and closed the hatch above them.


    ¡°Why are we hiding?¡±


    ¡°Hear me out. I gave the Gorgon my word that I wouldn¡¯t convince her to let ya leave with me.¡± He squinted his eyes and turned serious. ¡°But I never said I¡¯d not take ya with me if ya came of your own volition.¡±


    The words had to sink in for a moment, but then they truly hit her with full force.


    ¡°You mean¡­¡±


    ¡°Somehow we¡¯ll manage, I promise. This is eatin¡¯ me up inside - leavin¡¯ you behind I mean. I sold my pride and all that, but you¡¯re too nice for your own good. Ya don¡¯t deserve this exile.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± She shook her head reflexively.


    ¡°Why? Y¡¯know she isn¡¯t human and she will never understand you.¡± He insisted and grabbed her wrist tighter.


    ¡°She will never let me go...¡± Eugenia¡¯s voice trailed off.


    Themistokles eyes widened as he saw her troubled expression. He let go of her arm.


    ¡°I see. This isn¡¯t about bein¡¯ able to leave, is it?¡±


    She didn¡¯t reply.


    ¡°I meant it. She won¡¯t get yer kindness. You can¡¯t change someone with a heart of stone.¡± He implored her, despite knowing that it was fruitless.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know that.¡± She retorted with conviction.


    ¡°Is this really what you want to devote your life to? This might be the only chance you¡¯ll ever have to leave.¡± The desperation in his voice was a sign of a good soul. He truly cared about Eugenia¡¯s happiness.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see it that way.¡± Her words were chosen carefully. ¡°Someday I will leave this place. I know it. I can feel it. Until then I will do whatever seems right to me.¡±


    Themistokles knew right away that the negotiations were over. There were some people who would never buy his wares even if it was the best deal they would ever get. There were things a person could neither sell nor buy.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± He said with a sad expression.


    ¡°I think I know why Eopia believed in you.¡± Eugenia said with a warm smile and touched his cheek softly. This was her way to truly see a person¡¯s face. She would remember his thankful expression for a long time.


    <hr>


    ¡°Did you get lost?¡± Medusa greeted the priestess with a dry smirk when she jumped down on the beach.


    ¡°Everything¡¯s ready. All that¡¯s left is jumping into the waves.¡± Themistokles raised his fist to motivate himself.


    ¡°Never give up!¡± Eugenia shouted. ¡°And tell Eopia¡¯s father that your marriage will be blessed by the great and wise Athena!¡±


    ¡°Can you make such claims?¡± The Gorgon raised a brow.


    ¡°I will just have to pray extra hard.¡± She shrugged.


    ¡°Eugenia, Lady of the isle, I thank you again! Despite the horrible pain and almost drowning in Poseidon¡¯s cold arms, I don¡¯t regret comin¡¯ here all that much! I¡¯ll remember this adventure for the rest of my life!¡± He shouted from atop the boat.


    Eugenia waved from below with misty eyes and the sun shone brightly behind the towering figure of a friend that was leaving to pursue his dream.


    Or at least that would have made for a good ending, but alas.


    ¡°Are you not going to move?¡± Medusa asked deeply amused.


    ¡°Oh. This is regrettable.¡± Zosimos looked at the ¡®Zosimos II.¡¯ that was half on land and half in the water. They had built it that way so it wouldn¡¯t drift away, but now it was obviously stuck.


    Eugenia wore the same stone like face as him.


    ¡°By Typhon¡¯s dragon headed fists, your foolishness is incurable.¡± Medusa sighed and then walked (her snake tail had turned into legs) towards the boat and put her hands against the hull.


    ¡°We will need at least the strength of ten men to move-¡° Themistokles let his head sink, but in a moment he was holding on tightly to the rudder.


    Medusa pushed the boat through the sand with muscle strength alone! It was unreal. The entire boat moved forward and slid into the waves of the ocean. The humans were too baffled to even open their mouths.


    ¡°Good luck merchant boy. You will need it.¡± She chuckled darkly as the boat drifted towards the storm barrier and the sails opened to pick up wind.


    ¡°Goodbye! I hope we meet again!¡± Eugenia recovered first and shouted with all her might.


    ¡°Likewise!¡± His quiet reply was pushed back by the wind, but his cheerful laugh could be heard even from far away.


    They both waved for a long time until the boat disappeared into a twist on the horizon.


    <hr>


    ¡°That was really nice of you.¡±


    ¡°I just wanted that annoying man off my island.¡±


    ¡°If you say so.¡± She chuckled. ¡°You are looking out for people after all. Is it because you are an older sister?¡±


    ¡°I never took care of Stheno or Euryale. They can look after themselves.¡± She denied it swiftly.


    ¡°Hm? Then maybe you are more like a mother. Mother Medusa¡­ Momedusa!¡±


    ¡°I will tear out your esophagus and make you swallow it if you ever say that again.¡± It wasn¡¯t an empty threat if those maliciously cracking fingers were to be believed.


    Eugenia simply smiled contently and skipped along the beach towards their freshly acquired wares.


    Even if it took a while, eventually her companion followed behind with a sigh.


    The two unlikely life partners bid goodbye to the merchant on good terms. The stir he had created in their tranquil world caused unpredictable waves, but all ripples would still eventually. The surface reformed, but the depth of the waters had been changed.

 Chapter 14: Medusa and games

    Atop the western cliff sat a girl with a melancholy expression, head leaned on her hand and legs dangling in the air. If her eyes hadn¡¯t been of a milky white one could certainly have described her gaze as longing and distant.


    ¡°Ahh, he was such a gentleman. And funny too.¡± She sighed sweetly and leaned on her hand all the more.


    ¡°Is this going to be a reoccurring sight now? Some man arrives, abandons you and then you act akin to a heartbroken poet?¡± Medusa crossed her arms and shook her head.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind more visitors.¡± Eugenia seemed fine with that image.


    ¡°You appear to have a certain attraction towards disturbances. I dare hope this was the last of them.¡± The Gorgon wasn¡¯t amused.


    ¡°He must be dozens of parasang¨¥s away now. I pray that he is safe.¡±


    ¡°I expected his corpse to be washed back ashore around yesterday.¡± Medusa said deadpan.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so pessimistic!¡±


    ¡°That was my optimistic prediction. The worst outcome would be that he made it back here alive.¡±


    ¡°You can be so childish sometimes.¡± Eugenia huffed.


    The Gorgon squinted her eyes and watched the girl pull back her legs and lean her head on her knees. She was acting moody today, but that much was expected after saying goodbye to a friend. That she was giving her so much lip again on the other hand¡­


    ¡°Calling me childish? That is rich coming from a barely matured human girl. A spoiled brat that cannot accept losing its toys no less.¡± Her words were as sharp as ever, but Eugenia seemed to take them differently, because she began to smirk.


    ¡°Just like a child. You get jealous so quickly.¡±


    ¡°Jealous.¡± Medusa could not decide whether to outright ridicule the notion or to simply kick the girl off the cliff. For now she was frowning.


    ¡°Why did you treat Themistokles as such a despicable enemy? You were so aggressive with him.¡± The priestess pointed out.


    ¡°Because he was an intruder. I deal with all intruders in this way.¡± She looked at the statues around them and then corrected herself. ¡°In truth, I bestowed him greater mercy than any man before.¡±


    ¡°He was harmless, unlike the people who came here to slay you, so there was no reason to antagonize him. Just like you spared me.¡± Her words were unduly filled with faith. ¡°Did you not dislike him rather because he could have taken me off this island-?¡±


    ¡°You seem to have gotten comfortable with your role here, but you insist on forgetting the truth of the curse I put on you.¡± She grabbed Eugenia by the head and pushed it down so she was hanging over the cliff. The girl dangled over the splashing waves like a rug in the wind. ¡°You only live to satisfy my desire for revenge.¡±


    ¡°Your grip doesn¡¯t even hurt.¡± Eugenia said calmly.


    ¡°Tsk.¡± Medusa threw her back on the cliff.


    ¡°Ouch! But you could stand to be gentler with my behind.¡± Eugenia rubbed her lower back that had so painfully crashed down on the rocks.


    ¡°I made a vow to spare your life, but I have my limits. Your mindless insinuations and human stench are revolting to my very core.¡± The snake-woman hissed and pushed the girl down with her long tail, as if wrapping up her prey. ¡°I do not feel jealousy or compassion. Engrave those facts in your mind.¡±


    ¡°I am not going to leave you.¡± Eugenia said with little breath left in her lungs, but a serene expression.


    Those words were aimed so deeply at the Gorgon¡¯s deepest mind that she was almost staggered by them. Again Eugenia proved her certainty in knowing the Gorgon¡¯s true feelings, without a doubt she spoke the words she thought Medusa wished to hear most.


    It tormented her. This human knew nothing. The hubris of trying to comfort her was the most vexing thing she had ever experienced since she became this monster. Over and over she had wrought down Medusa¡¯s patience, acted overly familiar and treated her like just another human. Her attempt to anchor to someone had created a dependence.


    One that she sought to make mutual. Already her words were like barbs stabbing into the very soul of her captor. This malicious bond she was crafting from pure loneliness would drag them both to the depth of the ocean floor.


    Yet, if she resisted, if she kept getting angrier, more disturbed, would she not be losing to this human as well? She had no need to play along, but neither did she have a reason to keep spiting her so harshly.


    Medusa let go of the priestess and looked down with a darkened expression.


    Just what was she going to do?


    ¡°I think your reactions are endearing in their own way.¡± Eugenia said as she rubbed her throat. ¡°You are Lady Medusa, the Gorgon, but you are also your own person. I can ¡®see¡¯ that clearly. If I overstepped my boundaries, then I will stop acting so familiar. This curse you put on me is heavy, but not unbearable.¡± She adjusted her robes and pulled back her hair that was swaying in the wind. Then she put her arms behind her back and faced the much taller Gorgon. ¡°I am your prisoner; that much is true. But you too are imprisoned here with me.¡±


    ¡°You talk too much.¡± Medusa sighed. Her snake hair was instinctively wrapping itself back so she could not hide her face. ¡°There is nothing but regret ahead for you. If you have not understood that much, then you truly are immature.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps.¡± Eugenia nodded. ¡°But humans grow fast. I will catch up with you eventually.¡±


    ¡°Nothing short of a miracle can make that happen.¡± Medusa snorted.


    ¡°Our world is full of miracles, so we merely need to stretch out our hands and take hold of them!¡± The girl raised her hand to the blue sky as if to latch on to the ceiling of the world itself. With the sun shining behind her, she truly seemed radiant for just a moment.


    Even a monster might have found this sight encouraging deep down.


    <hr>


    ¡°Let¡¯s break open some cargo!¡± The priestess shouted with her fists raised.


    ¡°You change gears astoundingly fast.¡± Medusa had followed her to the line of wares left behind by the merchant. They had bought them with real currency, which was a first for her as well. Usually she took what she wanted much more directly.


    ¡°Thank you for helping me open them, Lady Medusa. I can barely crack most of them open even when I jump on an iron rod. They are sealed tighter than the Titans in Tartarus.¡±


    ¡°I have been reduced to muscle once again.¡± She said with venom in her voice.


    ¡°This is your property, so you should at least take inventory, right?¡± It was abundantly clear which of them cared more about the contents of these baskets, barrels and chests.


    ¡°Very well.¡± She hunched over and smashed the lid of the nearest barrel open with her bare hands.


    ¡°Hey! Careful, there might be breakable things in there.¡± She went to her knees and sifted through the inside. It was filled with fabrics. They were rather small, but of excellent quality. Soft and stretchable. ¡°These must be from Persia or even further beyond. They would make terrible chitons. I don''t like this fabric.¡±


    ¡°You certainly obsess over banalities.¡±


    ¡°Aesthetics are important, but consistency also helps with the weather. Nature is fearsome.¡±


    ¡°Anything seems deadly when viewed from a human mind. How do you find the courage to leave your bedstead each morning?¡±


    ¡°At least we don¡¯t sleep for days on end.¡± She retorted snappishly and then stowed the silky fabric back in the barrel. ¡°Next!¡±


    Medusa didn¡¯t like the commanding tone, but she had to admit that she was a tiny bit interested what else they would uncover. Strange, she had never felt any excitement when scavenging the loot of expeditions before. The occasional bottle of wine did always brighten her monotonous days though.


    With this hint of curiosity she kept breaking the tops of boxes and barrels. The wood splintered everywhere and one hit Eugenia¡¯s face, which made her screech like a dying pig. Medusa didn¡¯t even wait for her to calm down as she kept up her smashing exercise.


    It didn¡¯t take long before they reached the last three pieces of cargo.


    Eugenia (after pulling out the splinter from her cheek with teary eyes) stopped Medusa.


    ¡°Wait a second. There is something on top of that one. Zosimos must have left it there on purpose.¡± She flipped the parchment open and went along the lines with her fingers. They had been so deeply imprinted into the paper that she was able to read them. Clearly this had been written for her specifically.


    ¡°Well, what did that foolish merchant have to say?¡± She raised a brow in anticipation.


    ¡°Squiggly dibadibi kaflegi doo.¡± Eugenia recited the words seriously.


    They both let the important message sink in. Such profound words had been left behind for them; they needed to give it much deliberation.


    ¡°What?¡± Medusa finally cracked.


    ¡°Er¡­¡±


    ¡°That is gibberish. Did he have a fit of madness when writing it?¡±


    ¡°To be honest, I can¡¯t read this.¡± Eugenia admitted and handed her the letter. ¡°The imprints are too varied.¡± She was clearly embarrassed. ¡°Could you read it for me?¡±


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°Heh.¡± Medusa grabbed the message, grinning maliciously of course. ¡°Hm. He says: ¡®The boxes with the black circles are exceptionally fragile, so treat them with care. The one sealed with painted wood is especially interesting for you Lady Medusa.¡¯¡± She groaned. Clearly he knew exactly how this would turn out. Cheeky human. ¡°¡¯I hope you enjoy everything I left behind to the fullest! I lost a lot of money on those!¡¯¡± Apparently he had written this message before they had decided to buy them off of him. So he really had planned to leave his wares behind either way.


    ¡°Understood. We just need to tear them open gently then.¡± The girl pressed herself on one box and used all her body strength to push the lid off. To no avail of course. Medusa watched her try repeatedly until her face was red from exertion. Only then did she push Eugenia forward so the lid flipped over alongside the girl.


    ¡°Clever boy.¡± She looked inside and saw exactly what he had deigned of interest to her. All the cargo was sealed with wax inside, to prevent the moisture from ruining the contents, but this one was also filled with sheep¡¯s wool. That was so because the items stored in it were rather fragile.


    ¡°What is it? Idols of the gods? A new set of brushes and combs? Please let it be more honey.¡± Eugenia was excited enough to just pop back up from behind the box.


    ¡°You know nothing about me, do you?¡± Medusa¡¯s eyes shrank, but she was too pleased to let it drag her down for long. ¡°Judging by the smell these are of good quality.¡± She pulled out several small sized (even for human standards) amphorae and clay bottles sealed with corks.


    ¡°I don¡¯t smell anything but wax.¡± The girl shrugged.


    ¡°You should ask your favorite war goddess for a better sense of smell next.¡± Medusa snarked and opened the first bottle carefully. It made a satisfying ¡®pop¡¯ sound and then a herbal smell wafted through the air.


    ¡°Is it wine?¡± Now even Eugenia could smell it.


    ¡°Indeed.¡± The Gorgon nodded and took a tiny sip. The liquid left a sharp burn in her throat and afterwards a delightful herbal taste spread in her mouth. This might have been one of the best she had ever tasted. ¡°Hmhm, perhaps that mule was good for something in the end.¡±


    ¡°There is nothing but wine in there?¡± She sure was disappointed.


    ¡°He might have been unable to look at me, but he had an eye for a good drop befitting of my tastes.¡± She was a mildly impressed. From the beginning he had been able to tell that she enjoyed a good wine. Sometimes merchants had a sixth sense for such things.


    ¡°Is it that good?¡±


    ¡°You may not have a single drop.¡± Medusa immediately shut the box in front of Eugenia.


    ¡°Stingy.¡±


    ¡°You would chug this divine grape blood down like a mug of goat¡¯s milk. I cannot allow such wastefulness.¡± She chided her seriously. Although she had another reason for her strictness. ¡°I said I would make you pay for the crime of that night. Consider yourself abstinent from now on.¡±


    ¡°Huh? What night? You are so vague.¡± She really had no idea.


    The brew must have completely erased her memory. It might have been better that way. Medusa felt a little bit of relief knowing that the tail escapade was forgotten now.


    ¡°I did not think a priestess would be a bad drunk, but you always find new ways to impress.¡±


    ¡°W-who told you that? I d-don¡¯t even want your stupid wine!¡± She walled up and turned to the next wares for distraction. ¡°I never drink, out of principle. So much for your punishment!¡± She really was every bit as childish as she said Medusa was. The humiliation was extremely satisfying to the Gorgon for sure.


    ¡°Let us finish this survey already so I can return to sleep.¡± Lingering on it would be too much, though, so she joined the girl in her attempt to gently open the remaining marked ones.


    ¡°Ohhh!!¡± Now it was the girl¡¯s turn to be impressed. She touched the contents all over and made many strange faces.


    ¡°What are these things?¡± Medusa didn¡¯t like this reaction one bit.


    ¡°They are games! So many different playthings!¡± Her face lit up cutely.


    ¡°These do not look like spears or arrows.¡± Medusa grabbed a ball-shaped piece of glass and inspected it dubiously.


    ¡°Not those kinds of games. I am talking about games for the mind.¡± The excited priestess kept pulling out things and piled them up.


    ¡°Do games not serve to celebrate your gods?¡± Her information was most likely outdated, but such faithful puppets wouldn¡¯t abandon their rituals so easily.


    ¡°Those are different. The festivals have a lot of athletic competitions and dances in the name of Zeus, Hermes or Athena. The Olympics are a contest of influence between rulers. But these things here are for the personal entertainment of the people.¡±


    ¡°You have the time to spend on pointless diversions? Has humanity grown so complacent?¡± She could hardly believe it. Humans were constantly at war, but even the most common man was fighting for his livelihood every day in manifold ways. Who could afford such luxury as enjoying games?


    ¡°They are mostly for children, but many of them challenge even an adult mind!¡± Eugenia insisted and then pulled up a small ball.


    ¡°Alright. Tell me about these games then.¡±


    ¡°This is a ball made from animal leather. It is filled with air, but it keeps its shape even when thrown by the strongest man.¡± She held the brown ball up with reverence. The construction was certainly something else.


    ¡°How does this challenge your mind? Throwing things seems athletic to me.¡±


    ¡°It can be used in a variety of ways, but you are right, this one¡¯s more on the physical side.¡± She balanced it on her fingertip as if it was natural. Medusa watched the ball sway in the breeze, but it never dropped.


    ¡°You used to do this a lot, I take it?¡±


    ¡°Haha, I even balanced two at once before.¡± She smiled happily. ¡°But I have a hard time kicking it far, so I could never join the other kids.¡± Her mouth twitched a little as she suppressed a memory. ¡°But it was still fun throwing and catching it by myself.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± She could sense the discomfort, but it was none of her business. ¡°What of these things then? Do you throw them as well?¡± She pulled up a few round neatly polished stones.


    ¡°Yes, actually. This game is called knucklebones. You throw five stones on the ground. Then you pick one up like so.¡± She had taken the stones from Medusa and then spread them on the dusty ground. ¡°Afterwards you throw this one up.¡± She threw it as far up as possible and then immediately scurried to the ground. ¡°Next you quickly take another stone and then¡­¡° She had just gotten the small stone as the other came down on her. With surprising agility she caught the falling stone in the same hand as the other. ¡°¡­you catch it in the same hand.¡±


    After that display Eugenia grabbed the two stones tightly and chuckled. She had shown off in front of someone for the first time in ages.


    ¡°This challenges your mind, hm?¡± She didn¡¯t buy it.


    ¡°More the coordination of your hands and eyes.¡±


    ¡°Are you not cheating then? Super-human hearing was not intended for this game.¡±


    ¡°Nevermind that!¡± Eugenia pouted and then threw both stones into the air. She picked up two at once from the ground and then caught the falling ones in the same hand again. ¡°It only gets harder from here. I can hear them, but that doesn¡¯t mean I can keep up with them.¡± She childishly justified herself, which was admittedly kind of entertaining.


    ¡°Tossing things is not my idea of challenging the mind, but you do know your way around these stones. You must have practiced a lot.¡±


    ¡°Not that much.¡± She played with her hair sheepishly.


    ¡°Then let me take a guess. These are thrown as well?¡± She picked up a small square shaped object made from bone. It was small enough to fit comfortably between her fingertips.


    ¡°That¡¯s a die.¡± The priestess explained after touching the die once. ¡°It has six sides and whichever is on top will be seen as the dominant one.¡±


    ¡°What are these markings?¡±


    ¡°They represent numbers from one to six.¡±


    ¡°So the goal is to throw a certain number.¡± She figured it out immediately.


    ¡°Yes. Although most games have you throw several dice at once.¡± She rummaged through the chest and found a handful more. ¡°Dice are forbidden in the temples though.¡±


    ¡°Hm? What could these trinkets have caused to be so reviled?¡± She flicked it up repeatedly in a rhythm. It was more fun than she expected.


    ¡°They are used for gambling - mostly. The guards and officials have outlawed gambling in public and it is said that any priestess or priest that is found gambling will be banished from the temples. They even whipped people in the town square.¡± Unhappy memories were welling up as she spoke. ¡°They even cut off the fingers of some gamblers as punishment.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. Bloodshed over such trivial games. Humans are barbaric indeed.¡± She put the die down and looked at Eugenia who was for once not intent on defending her species.


    ¡°It¡¯s not trivial.¡± She said slowly. ¡°People gamble for money, slaves and even possessions. I heard that one influential aristocrat gambled his estate and lost. It ended with a fight between the houses that left both of them in ruins.¡± She clasped her hand tightly around the dice and held them against her chest.


    ¡°You gamble real possessions and people?¡± The Gorgon listened up. ¡°You even make your livelihood dependent on mere luck?¡±


    ¡°Maybe I was focusing on extremes. There are much lower stakes involved in most gambles.¡± She hastily deflated the tense atmosphere and took a piece of salted meat from the pile. ¡°We could even gamble over just a meal. Do you want me to teach you some dice games?¡±


    ¡°I have nothing that I would want to gamble from you, though.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that. It¡¯s more fun if we have something to bet with. For example!¡± She pointed at the box filled with good wine.


    ¡°Out of the question.¡± Medusa turned into a thorn covered brick wall the moment she realized the girl¡¯s scheme.


    ¡°There is a lot more skill and prediction involved in dice games than you might think. They truly challenge your mind and intuition.¡± Eugenia smiled smugly. ¡°I suppose you are right to be afraid of the human intellect. You don¡¯t even know mathematics after all.¡±


    Crunch.


    The bone die had just turned into bone dust.


    ¡°Bring it on.¡± Her sharp eyes were ready to cut through the gleeful girl¡¯s smile.


    Secretly Eugenia jumped in joy inside her mind. She finally managed to interest Medusa in something!


    <hr>


    ¡°I beg of you¡­!¡± Eugenia was kneeling in the sand, completely naked and with tears running down her face. ¡°J-just give me one more chance! I will definitely¡­ definitely win it all back¡­!¡±


    ¡°You are surprisingly bad at this.¡± Medusa started to feel a slight sting of compassion when seeing the pathetic display in front of her. That and genuine revulsion.


    Behind the Gorgon stood every single box, barrel, and piece of clothing that Eugenia had owned. Well she did not exactly own any of it (aside from the clothes) in the first place, but the moment she began losing she used her Themistokles card to say they were given to both of them. They had split the loot evenly and continued to throw dice, with pretty one-sided results.


    ¡°Just my clothes¡­ One more game! So I can cover myself up.¡± The priestess looked more like a very pale skinned beggar now. The contrast between her tanned limbs and the rest of her body was very apparent now. Medusa found this sight equal parts intriguing and unbearable.


    ¡°If you were such a failure at this game, why did you challenge me in the first place?¡± The Gorgon was merciless and threw the dice in front of her. ¡°You have nothing left to offer, so why should I keep going?¡±


    Eugenia picked up the dice and wiped her tears. With her bangs covering her face she started to chuckle desperately. ¡°Then I will offer you the last thing I have left.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°My body!¡± She said with a mixed expression. One half despair, another pure shame.


    ¡°I have no use for that.¡± She threw another die at Eugenia¡¯s face.


    ¡°I knew it.¡± She slumped down into the sand and gave in to despair.


    Medusa snorted all of a sudden and then laughed. It was rare enough for her to crack up, but she truly felt herself lose control for a moment.


    ¡°Yes, laugh at this shameful wreck. Toss me into the ocean so I may join Zosimos.¡± She spoke with her face in the sand.


    ¡°You really thought he sank too, huh?¡± She still had to laugh some more at her silly reaction.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t look at me great and wise Athena.¡± Eugenia¡¯s long hair brushed over her exposed back as the breeze picked up. She shivered a little.


    ¡°Not to worry, your goddess cannot see anything on this island.¡± Medusa said something comforting. How odd.


    ¡°Truly?¡±


    ¡°The barrier prevents it.¡± She nodded and then tossed something again. A pile of clothes landed on the shamed girl. ¡°Dress yourself already or you might fall ill.¡±


    ¡°Wha-? Bu-? I lost!¡± She was perplexed enough to not care about her nakedness for a moment, but then immediately covered herself up.


    ¡°Magnificently. After all of your boasting at that.¡± Medusa could simply not drop her wicked smile.


    ¡°How prickly.¡±


    ¡°Just remember, I am not human. Your laws do not apply to me. I have not given you my word to uphold any of the rules.¡±


    ¡°You are truly devious!¡± Eugenia realized now that even if she had won, Medusa had no intention of handing over anything she fancied.


    ¡°You can have your precious food back. I will even let you have the rest as well. The wine stays with me.¡± She grabbed her loot and put it away. The rest she left where it was. ¡°Learn from this, girl. You need to know when something is futile and when to stop your impulses.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Lady Medusa.¡± She bowed her head while gritting her teeth.


    ¡°Now that I have seen it first hand, the power of dice will be remembered.¡± She had underestimated these small things quite a bit. What frightening power they held over the human psyche.


    ¡°Are you going back to sleep now?¡± Eugenia heard her snake half brush over the ground to leave for her lair.


    ¡°Naturally. When I wake up you should not show me such a pathetic sight anymore.¡±


    She slithered across the steps in a terrifyingly good mood. There was no way she could suppress this feeling.


    ¡°It was entertaining.¡± She admitted to herself. Perhaps she was too far away for the girl to hear it, but that was unlikely.


    Eugenia clutched her clothes with a slightly tear filled smile.


    Returned to their previous constellation they found new equilibrium. As the islanders advanced their days peacefully, the distant city of Athens kept moving. Preparations were made for the next page in the tale.

 Chapter 15: Typhos and the mentor

    Athens was experiencing an unprecedented hot summer this year, preceded by a horrific drought in the previous year. The people blamed the destruction of the olive orchard a few months back as the reason for the gods¡¯ wrath upon their subjects. It was unknown who committed the atrocity and investigation turned up nothing, so ultimately the Archons had to take recourse and try to bribe Athena with offerings. There had been a festival in the name of the patron goddess of the city for two entire weeks, which did not help the dwindling resources that should have been kept for the coming winter.


    Humans were afraid and reverent of the gods. At the same time however they blamed all their misery on the same gods as well. They did not know that Athena¡¯s thirst for revenge had been quenched by the deeds of a young scholar months ago. They were spending and prostrating for naught. Droughts happened with or without the gods involved, every farmer knew this. Instead of trying to appease the goddess of wisdom and war, they would have done better at begging Artemis and Dionysus for support.


    Typhos knew all of this. He wandered the busy streets of Athens with a neutral smile. All around him the townsfolk were occupied with clean-up after the festivities. Spirits were high, as the common man was short-sighted and reveled in ephemeral pleasures. They were the ones who would suffer the most come the harvest, while the aristocrats would enjoy their plentiful stored goods at the top of the city.


    He could hardly complain though, his business was blooming beautifully in such times. That is, the business of lending people in need his support, with interest on return of course.


    ¡°How sweet.¡± He hummed as he picked up the scent of freshly baked bread from the street ahead. Despite his gaudy ring-covered hands and golden necklace, he did not usually indulge in pleasure. He had not tasted sweetened bread since childhood and would keep it that way. A wonderful memory like that could be tainted by disappointment. In the scholar¡¯s eyes the risk of ruining the memory of the bread by eating something inferior now was unacceptable. He had to preserve it - no, not just that - everything at its best.


    As he crossed an intersection he grabbed the peasants'' attention as naturally as he was breathing, so they were making way for him wherever he went. All he did in return was smile and wave occasionally. Naturally a man of his caliber was not wandering the streets aimlessly to enjoy the morning sun on his pale and youthful skin.


    This was the commoners¡¯ district, more specifically the domain of the poor and forgotten. To venture here meant to abandon hope. When they saw a man of wealth walk here as if he owned the street, all those poor folk could think of was this: A tax collector.


    Was there any profession more reviled? He chuckled in face of such a misunderstanding. But as anything, this image too could be wielded like a weapon.


    ¡°Miss, may I ask you a question?¡± He approached an overly skinny older woman whose eyes lit up in fear the moment she realized that he had addressed her. Her fallen in cheeks were twitching as she was no doubt biting them.


    ¡°Y-yes, sir?¡±


    ¡°My name is Typhos. I have come to this place with great purpose, but I must admit I feel somewhat lost. The locals seem to avoid me a great deal, which makes my job that much more taxing. Would you kindly assist me?¡± His words were carefully picked. He sounded friendly and polite, but there was something sinister in the subtext.


    ¡°I¡­ But sir¡­ We paid on time¡­¡± She was uneasily twisting a dirty rag in her hands. She had been cleaning it in the water bucket next to her humble abode until now. With one glance Typhos could tell that she was a washer¡¯s wife.


    ¡°Pardon? I just need directions.¡± He said with feigned surprise.


    ¡°Oh¡­ I¡¯ll help as well as I can sir.¡± She was sweating below her stringy grey hair.


    ¡°I am truly grateful. To explain my circumstances, I am searching for a well-known scholar friend of mine. He has relocated many a time, but my sources tell me he has settled down in this area last month.¡±


    ¡°Scholar, sir? ¡®Tis no place for th¡¯ kind.¡± She seemed confounded by all this.


    ¡°Is there such a thing? Scholars are subject to none but their own curiosity.¡± He said with an amicable smile. ¡°Time and place are meaningless for their kind.¡±


    ¡°¡¯course, sir! You¡¯re right.¡± She immediately backed down with a nervous smile.


    ¡°Perhaps he is not known well in these parts yet, but there should be signs. Is there a building that puffs smoke no matter the time of day? Do you wake from strange noises at night? Rumors of such sort would be more than enough.¡± He put his fingers through his short and well-kempt hair as he elaborated.


    ¡°¡¯Tis true, there¡¯s rumors aplenty.¡± She nodded. ¡°Ol¡¯ Kamos¡¯ wife told me she¡¯s been havin¡¯ a hard time breathin¡¯ around the bleachers as o¡¯ late.¡±


    ¡°Hm, the bleachers you say?¡± Hardly an unusual place for respiratory problems. ¡°Was there anything else bothering the people there?¡±


    ¡°All them linen¡¯s covered in soot and white blots, sir, yes ¡®tis so! Curses be afoot.¡± She insisted strongly.


    ¡°My, how terrifying.¡± He said slick as an eel. ¡°Did they also hear the sound of thunder on a day clear as this?¡±


    ¡°Yessir! Loud as a bull kickin¡¯ down the door they say!¡± She twisted the rag in her hands excitedly.


    ¡°Hahaha, that sounds like him.¡± Typhos laughed. ¡°I thank you for sharing your knowledge with me. Now if you could just guide me to where the bleachers do business.¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°Ah. There he is.¡± Typhos glanced at the crooked house near the bleachers with a sardonic grin. There had been no need to question the locals, for anybody with eyes and a sense of smell would have been able to locate this place.


    Smoke was emanating from an opening in the badly covered roof, the fa?ade was covered in odd colors that made one¡¯s stomach revolt and of course he would be amiss not to note the abundance of gears across the windows. It was like looking at a land bound shipyard with nary a rhyme or reason to its design.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t dare approach no further, sir.¡± The rough skinned woman pointed her crooked finger ahead and then took a step back when a loud bang shook the foundation of the building. ¡°Titans take ¡®em!¡± She cowered.


    ¡°You should wash your clothes extra carefully from now on. Do not drink any water that flows through the river close by either.¡± He said with a serious voice, handed the woman a sparkly coin and then proceeded to enter the surreal house. She clutched it tightly in her dirty palms and gazed after him gratefully.


    The door was expectedly unlocked (unhinged would be more fitting) and the interior looked like it was trampled by a thousand inquisitive tax collectors. Parchment and odd constructs were spread everywhere, carelessly thrown about. Typhos had to be careful not to step on anything. His concern was not for the objects, but rather his own health. There was no telling what these things would do on contact.


    Judging by the loud metallic noises from deeper inside, the owner was at home. Most would have guessed so by the smoke coming from the roof, but Typhos knew that this madman would leave his homestead with a raging fire inside any time of the day or night. That was just the kind of man he was.


    ¡°Epiphanes!¡± Typhos shouted across the twisted hallways. He could not tell which direction the noises came from, thanks to the strange echo inside this building. Opening doors carelessly could lead to unfortunate consequences as well, so he was careful. ¡°I have come to talk!¡±


    BOOM.


    The floor shook again with the thunder of Zeus'' wrath. Typhos held onto a candelabra to his right, something he would certainly regret. His hands gripped the cold metal frantically and got stuck to the odd skin of oil on it. He tried to pull it away with force, but it only hurt his hand.


    ¡°Gods be damned.¡± He stared at his newly acquired accessory and decided to press onward nonetheless. The loud rumbling had come from the center of the building, so he could make an educated guess whence the madman was assaulting the townsfolk¡¯s ears. He increased his steps and eventually pushed open a door with all his might. It hit the wall next to it with enough force to make it crack. Brittle construction even for this district.


    He had finally reached the sanctum of human madness. Or as Epiphanes would have called it: his ¡®workshop¡¯. Dozens of contraptions were spread everywhere, making odd noises or excreting horrible substances. Bottles and cylinders made of glass and stone were spread everywhere and spilled their contents on the tables and even the floor. Smoke escaped the very active furnace in the back.


    Some may describe Tartarus as something similar to this sight.


    In its midst stood one man, covered in layers of protective clothes and covering his eyes with a see-through protective gear. His head was bald, though not from age, but rather from being burned one too many times. There were clearly scars to see over the few parts of exposed skin he dared to show. Right now he was slowly inserting something into the furnace, using wooden pliers.


    Typhos coughed from the intense smell inside the workshop. The smoke made his eyes tear up immensely. Without even trying to garner the man¡¯s attention he smashed open the window with the candelabra that was still stuck to his palm and let the fumes escape outside. The smoke loosened the accessory and let it fall down to the street.


    ¡°Hurrg! Air¨C cough ¨C grant me air!¡± The young scholar desperately gasped for fresh air and waited until his cough fits ended.


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    ¡°Hrrrm? Is someone there?¡± The old man finally seemed to realize something was off when the smoke cleared up around him.


    ¡°You mad old dog. How have you not suffocated yet?¡± Typhos covered his mouth with a white rag from his pocket. He had expected something to this affect.


    ¡°Kh? Is that you Typhos, my boy?!¡± He dropped whatever he was holding so carefully before, which made it plunge straight into the fire¡­ and explode. The floor shook briefly and then the old man coughed up black saliva. ¡°Hah, too much burst powder.¡± He pulled off his eye protection and wiped his dirty face with an equally dirty rag, basically just spreading the blackness evenly.


    ¡°Do you have no love for your own life?¡± Typhos felt he could finally breathe in the surrounding air again and lowered his rag. He walked into the center of the workshop and squinted his eyes. ¡°You are bothering your neighbors.¡±


    ¡°That so? I never intended to step on anybody¡¯s feet.¡± He drained an entire water jar in seconds and wiped his mouth before extending his arms to the side. ¡°No matter, we have not seen each other in so long, my boy!¡± He went in for the hug, but Typhos side-stepped him gracefully. The old man instead got to hug a dingy shelf.


    ¡°You were thrown out of so many places for polluting the air and water supply before. Do you never learn?¡± He glared the scholar down and put a hand to his waist.


    ¡°Some smoke won¡¯t hurt a soul!¡± He replied with a disappointed expression. The shelf was a poor replacement for Typhos it seemed.


    ¡°You are just an abnormality. The average human would already have perished from all that soot in your lungs.¡±


    ¡°Hurhurhur!¡± His laugh was raspy and deep, but his facial features were relatively noble under all the dirt. Cleaned and dressed up he would certainly have been able to pose as an aristocrat, even with all the scars. Yes, once he was known as someone that even the Archons would respect.


    ¡°I can sparsely believe you found someone desperate enough to take your money to rent this place.¡± He tapped his finger against his belt and looked around. ¡°How did you get your hands on all this material?¡±


    ¡°Is that a serious question?¡± Epiphanes stroked his black (originally brown) beard thoughtfully. ¡°I paid good coin for it of course!¡±


    Typhos mouth twitched and he balled his fists.


    ¡°Whose money do you think you are spending here?¡± He asked in a cold voice.


    ¡°I don¡¯t follow?¡± He truly seemed clueless.


    ¡°This is the money I lent to you. For the sake of repaying your debts and getting a new start.¡± His anger was rising. ¡°For the third time.¡±


    ¡°And thankful I am, my boy!¡± He smiled his toothy smile. Of course he was missing a few teeth from previous failures that blew up in his face. Sometimes literally.


    ¡°You could show it by learning from your mistakes.¡± Typhos rubbed his temple exasperatedly.


    ¡°I always do. Failure is the crux of all invention and scholastic form.¡± He clapped his hands together (which sent a layer of dust into the air). ¡°For you see, I have made great advances over the past year. I have to show you my third generation water purifier! Do you remember the extendable sword? Ohhh and and and also I had great breakthrough on the self-riding carriages-!¡±


    ¡°Epiphanes.¡± Typhos¡¯ voice cut him off swiftly. ¡°Is there anything not in the testing stage? Do your fantastical inventions get any results?¡±


    ¡°That depends on what you categorize as ¡®results¡¯. Certainly nothing I could sell to my backers yet.¡± The old man had no inhibitions at all and openly spoke of his failures and mistakes, like nobody Typhos had ever known.


    ¡°I thought as much¡­¡± The young scholar sighed.


    ¡°You are still obsessed with money I see.¡± He said with an empathetic smile and picked up a device that was making ticking noises.


    Typhos didn¡¯t like the old man¡¯s pitying tone at all.


    ¡°That money is the only reason you are still able to freely spend your time on toys.¡± He pointed out.


    ¡°I taught you that the ends justify the means, but I never said the means are the ends.¡± The old scholar reminisced of the days that they had been teacher and student.


    ¡°I am grateful for the many wisdoms you taught me. And I have never forgotten that lesson either.¡± Typhos rubbed one of his rings and nodded. ¡°I have a goal that justifies any means.¡±


    ¡°Hah. You always were the ambitious type.¡± He was screwing something into the device with a nostalgic smile.


    Had it been anyone else, Typhos might have been unable to forgive all these affronts. Anyone who owed him money would pay it back or serve him in other ways. As a moneylender he knew no scruple. Someone who took him lightly or just treated him like a clueless boy would soon find themselves in the gutter without means.


    Not so Epiphanes. The old scholar and inventor was Typhos¡¯ first and only true mentor. He was the man that taught him everything he needed to become a ¡®scholar¡¯. Back when Typhos had nothing, this madman had taken him in and shown him the intricacy of the world and nature. Something he could learn in no temple and not in the dark corners of the world he usually dealt in either.


    This honest desire for knowledge was something he had always admired in the old man. It brought him no shortage of grief, but ultimately he would always support this aimless madness. Or was it aimless? It rather seemed to be aimed everywhere at once.


    ¡°I am glad you visit me again.¡±


    ¡°You make it hard to sniff you out.¡± Despite the horrid sulfuric smells coming from the house.


    ¡°I had to relocate without much preparation time. The landlord of the last place was up and ready to send his dogs after me.¡± He retold it as if it was a funny anecdote. The device in his hands clicked and he called out in triumph.


    ¡°What is it now?¡±


    ¡°My invention that can tell time has finally been finished!¡± He held the round object up excitedly.


    ¡°Tell time?¡± He pulled up the metallic accessory on his wrist which had a needle in its center. This was something he had been gifted by the mad inventor before. A sundial that could be worn and used anywhere. ¡°You were still hung up on that?¡±


    ¡°This one¡¯s different! Doesn¡¯t rely on the sun at all! If Helios is too far away, how could you tell time, hm? Well here is how. A dial that is entirely mechanical. It will turn through the gears inside and move the arrow across the times of day.¡± He pushed the thing into his former disciples¡¯ hands.


    It was round and the size of his hand. The arrow was moving across a circular path that had words carved into it. ¡®Early morning¡¯, ¡®Midday¡¯, ¡®Noon¡¯ and so on.


    ¡°It works on its own?¡± He raised a brow.


    ¡°Just got to wind the screw every two hours and it will run all on its own.¡± He affirmed.


    ¡°Then it doesn¡¯t work autonomously at all.¡± Typhos let his head sink. ¡°Such tedium is not worth anything. What is wrong with a sundial?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re relying on Helios too much.¡± The old man said with a serious look.


    ¡°Here we go again.¡± The young scholar pushed the time-teller back into Epiphanes¡¯ hands and moved through the workshop. There were many odd devices spread everywhere, unfinished and half-finished contraptions as well as many materials he had never seen. ¡°You still wish to master the abilities of the gods.¡±


    ¡°It is not possible to match the gods, never said that boy. But we can imitate them. Find our own use for their gifts and the world they created. We can¡¯t rely on them forever.¡± He lectured him once again and put the time-teller on a pile of other inventions.


    ¡°I am not surprised that you were kicked out of the emporium for blasphemy.¡± The young man looked into a strange glass tank with two metallic rods. He tapped the glass and suddenly a small spark went between the tips. He flinched for a moment.


    ¡°Those old-timers don¡¯t appreciate change, boy.¡± He shrugged. ¡°I see you¡¯ve taken an interest in my little lightning conjurer!¡±


    ¡°Do you dub yourself Hephaestus now? Trying to create lightning bolts?¡±


    ¡°They are not bolts. A person could not wield them like a blade as Zeus does. But these miniscule currents of lightning are very fascinating. So much concentrated force at our fingertips!¡± He got excited again.


    ¡°Unless we can shoot them at our foes they are meaningless.¡± Typhos tore his gaze off the tank and moved on. ¡°Imitating the gods only makes us more aware of how inferior we are.¡±


    Typhos had a different philosophy from his master. While the old man wished to gain independence from the gods by imitation, Typhos knew that such a thing could never work. The gods controlled the world; they were its foundation and its end. In front of their might, anyone was powerless. Humans begged for their support, tried to distance themselves from them as Epiphanes did or lived their lives in constant fear.


    He would not be like them.


    ¡°The gods are essential, but they are not infallible.¡± He continued as he picked up some odd silver rock. Then he realized that it was far too soft to truly be a mineral. ¡°In that case we should not beg for their aid or revolt against them. We should use them, just as we would humans.¡±


    ¡°And I am the blasphemer?¡± Epiphanes chortled deeply.


    ¡°I give plenty of donations to the temples, I assure you.¡± He smirked.


    ¡°You should be careful with that ore boy. It is prone to exploding.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Typhos was kneading the soft rock in his hands and froze up.


    ¡°When it makes contact with water it suddenly lights up. Very curious - very fascinating!¡±


    Typhos face was rigid as stone as he slowly put the rock down, not daring to let out a single sweat drop. When he set it down on the linen, he swiftly wiped his hands as well.


    ¡°Where did you find such an abnormal ore?¡± He inquired.


    ¡°An old miner friend of mine discovered it north of Thebes. It was unlike anything he¡¯d ever seen, so he sold it to me.¡± He reminisced. ¡°Cost him an arm and a leg to get it here.¡±


    "Transport was that expensive?¡±


    ¡°No no, he truly lost them. Because it blew up on him of course.¡± The scholar laughed.


    ¡°Ore that catches fire in water¡­¡± Typhos cupped his chin and mustered the small pile in front of him.


    ¡°I named it Kalio, after my friend who unearthed it. I thought his wife would have liked that.¡±


    Typhos blended everything around him out before coming to a conclusion.


    ¡°Do you have any more of this magic ore?¡±


    ¡°A tidy pile in fact. You can have it if you wish.¡± He smiled knowingly.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± The young man nodded. ¡°In unrelated news, did you hear of what happened to Lysandros?¡±


    ¡°The gambler?¡± The old man¡¯s eyes turned sharp for a second, but he resumed his work without fail.


    ¡°The very same. It appears he committed suicide.¡± He focused on the old man¡¯s back.


    ¡°A real shame. Was a good man I heard, deep down.¡± His comment was neutral, not tainted by knowledge.


    ¡°I believe so too. He caused head priestess Akacia quite a bit of trouble with his actions, though.¡±


    ¡°Ahhh, the lass never was good with pressure. She can lash out like a lioness, but hates getting pricked with the tiniest splinter.¡± He said with a deep sadness.


    ¡°You should visit her from time to time.¡± He said with a hand on his hip and a sigh.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t have any love for her old man, even I can tell that.¡± He put down his tools and leaned on the table.


    ¡°¡¯Sometimes we cannot look upon the truth, because averting our eyes is easier¡¯. Those were your words.¡±


    Epiphanes¡¯ shoulder twitched lightly when receiving those words.


    ¡°I do believe that children should appreciate their father. You did not give her the chance to learn that.¡±


    ¡°Typhos, my boy.¡± He turned around and showed his pathetic old face. ¡°I devoted my life to the discovery of the world. The five elements-¡°


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t it four?¡±


    ¡°-and the tides as well as the circling ceiling of the world. But nothing I ever did could compete with this one achievement, with my greatest creation.¡± A tear rolled down his dirty face. ¡°My daughter is the only legacy I don¡¯t want tainted by my foolishness. For that reason I can never meet her.¡±


    The two men met eyes for a long time, but eventually the old man broke contact and wiped his face again, smearing the dirt all over. Typhos felt a certain melancholy from this sight. The old man was always excited and curious, never showed much dismay or scruple at anything his pupil did either.


    But even so, this man had regrets, same as anybody else.


    Same as him.


    ¡°You were a great mentor.¡± Typhos said honestly. ¡°I will be going on another journey soon. Perhaps after that you will go somewhere I cannot find you next time. So I truly want to thank you for everything you did for me.¡± He bowed his head.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t like you at all, boy.¡± The old inventor was a bit choked up, but he still had the swiftness belying his age to embrace the scholar. ¡°I¡¯m proud of you, no matter what your future will hold!¡±


    ¡°Please¡­ unhand me¡­ you¡¯re sullying my clothes!¡± Typhos grumbled as he was covered in soot and who knows what else. The warm embrace was not at all unpleasant, he had to admit.


    As the young scholar felt a hint of what he could never have, he did not lose sight of his goal. On the distant shores of Sarpedon he would have found that the struggles of the inhabitants continued even without his schemes. A storm was brewing.

 Chapter 16: Eugenia and the storm

    One day at the door to Medusa¡¯s lair.


    Knock knock knock.


    A frail hand banged softly against the heavy door (that still sported a small hole in it). Then it repeated this action. Again. And again. Eventually it found a certain musical rhythm to its banging. Then a foot began tapping in a complementary beat. A low hum escaped that girl¡¯s throat.


    A long groan clawed its way up to the entrance and then got interrupted by the creaking of the opening door. A certain snake woman was rubbing her eyes while her snake hair was dangling down as if dead.


    ¡°What is it? Why do you feel the need for this musical performance in the middle of the night?¡±


    ¡°Good morning Lady Medusa!¡± Eugenia greeted her unperturbed by the annoyance in her voice.


    Medusa narrowed her eyes to look outside and realized that the sun was rising already. Not that this fact would make a difference to her. The chipper girl in front of her balancing on her tiptoes was already brighter than the solar circle behind her.


    ¡°You will never believe it.¡± Eugenia said excitedly. ¡°I just found something incredible among the cargo!¡±


    ¡°More shameful human games?¡± The Gorgon asked tiredly.


    ¡°N-no! You didn¡¯t want to try out the rest with me.¡± She pouted. This girl actually had unexpected expectations of her. ¡°Rather I found something special even for my hometown¡¯s standards.¡± She extended her hand and showed off a small hemp sack.


    ¡°Marvelously crafted. Very interesting. Good night.¡± Medusa turned around to close the door.


    ¡°Wait! I¡¯m talking about what¡¯s inside!¡±


    Medusa sighed. She begrudgingly turned back.


    ¡°Well?¡± She crossed her arms and waited.


    ¡°Look at these.¡± The priestess opened the small sack and poured a few strange looking seeds onto her palm.


    ¡°Plant seeds?¡±


    ¡°Of course, but I have never held any like these before.¡± Eugenia said excitedly. ¡°The note that came with it said that these do not grow on any common soil and are worth more than an entire ship full of olives!¡±


    ¡°What is the merit of seeds that do not grow?¡± Medusa asked with a yawn.


    ¡°I am sure these are incredibly rare vegetables from a distant land. We should plant them in the garden and see what grows by autumn!¡±


    ¡°You believe this old soil will be able to grow anything that outlandish?¡±


    ¡°We just have to try! That¡¯s the most exciting part, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°I think that you should not have woken me from my slumber.¡± Medusa rubbed her tired face. ¡°Go forth and plant your seeds as much as you wish. The garden is yours; did I not tell you so? No need to ask for permission.¡± She was already sliding down the steps subconsciously.


    ¡°You should be there to plant them with me!¡± Eugenia said exactly what Medusa didn¡¯t want to hear.


    ¡°No.¡± Medusa closed the door and toppled back into her lair.


    <hr>


    The next day.


    Knock knock knock.


    ¡°Good morning Lady Medusa!¡±


    ¡°Haaawhat¡­ do you¡­ want?¡± Medusa muttered under her yawn.


    ¡°The mother hare has just given birth! You need to touch those fluffy little babies~!¡± She was shrill like a town girl that had just gotten proposed to.


    ¡°Don¡¯t play with your food.¡± She banged the door shut in front of the priestess.


    <hr>


    KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.


    ¡°Good morning Lady Medusa!¡±


    She didn¡¯t even respond.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask me what I want today?¡± She tilted her head to the side expectantly.


    ¡°It is something meaningless and inane, I am sure.¡± The Gorgon¡¯s brow twitched strongly.


    ¡°No way! This really is important.¡± She gave her a serious look.


    ¡°Do tell then.¡± Medusa knew it was too optimistic of her, but she had to at least hear her out. Perhaps there really was something important going on.


    ¡°I went fishing today, but instead of a fish I caught this shoe!¡± She pulled it up from behind her back. Didn¡¯t she seem too relieved that it wasn¡¯t a fish?


    Medusa¡¯s expression became even more stoic.


    ¡°I think this might be one of Zosimos sandals! Do you think he lost it while sailing through the storm?¡±


    Medusa shut the door so heavily that it almost broke out of its hinges.


    Knock knock knock


    ¡°ENOUGH!¡± Medusa burst the door open which made the knocking girl fall flat on her behind. ¡°This has gone on for long enough. You think yourself clever or something?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Eugenia was clearly confused.


    ¡°I told you to never enter my lair while I slumber and you promised to heed this warning. Yet you believe you can exploit a gap in the agreement by waking me from outside whenever you so please? In the early morning?!¡± She was glaring daggers at the girl on the ground.


    ¡°But you sleep so much, Lady Medusa.¡± The priestess sat down in a prostrating pose, similar to when she prayed. ¡°I thought you would be missing out on all the happenings of the world.¡±


    ¡°I have lived here for over one hundred years. This mundane monotonous life has nothing to offer that could justify disturbing my slumber. I am not your playmate. I am not your governess. I will not entertain you. Do you understand?¡± Her words were an ultimatum and filled with contempt.


    ¡°¡­yes.¡± Eugenia lowered her head with a torn up expression.


    ¡°Never disturb my sleep again. Swear it on your beloved goddess.¡± Medusa was dead serious.


    ¡°But-¡°


    ¡°Now.¡±


    ¡°I swear on my love for- For the great and wise Athena. I will never willingly disturb your sleep again.¡± Eugenia swore with a miserable voice.


    ¡°I shall wake and come out when I please. If there is something you need to bother me with, wait for such a day.¡± The Gorgon seemed satisfied, although still embraced by frustration. She slammed the door shut for the last time.


    Eugenia sat in front of it for a long time.


    <hr>


    The next day Medusa did not wake from her lair at all. Just as the day after that. To the human girl living on the same island, it felt like she truly was stranded all alone.


    She could not understand why Medusa indulged such a long slumber for days at end. The Gorgon had very few mortal limitations. Eugenia already knew that she needed not to eat or drink, sweat or sleep. Everything Medusa did was for her own satisfaction, but in the end, how did she truly feel about this? Her tone, her actions and her deep rooted melancholy, they were all enigmas to the priestess.


    How was a girl of now seventeen summers to understand someone who had seen ten or even a hundred times that amount?


    She brushed her hair absentmindedly atop a fallen over pillar. The wind was strong today, so it made her bangs flutter. This island was usually dry and hot like the southern provinces of Greece, but its weather was even more unpredictable than the sea surrounding it.


    Today she could even smell the humidity in the air. The sunlight on her skin was repeatedly blocked out, meaning that many clouds had gathered above. Eugenia expected rain soon. The distant cracking of something in the sky unnerved her deeply. This was a full-fledged storm. Lord Poseidon was furious about something again, as he was known for his ill temper. Many things could attract his ire and sailors feared him just as much as they revered him.


    On this small island a storm could be quite terrifying. More so than in a small village even. There were rumors of storms that flooded and crushed entire coastal cities in the past. Such events were rare however, so Eugenia did not feel too tense.


    Thanks to the interior garden, the so called Greenhouse, she had a place that she could find shelter in during a rough shower. To that end she rose from the pillar and made her way through the ruined temple. The wind was picking up yet again and she felt a shiver down her back. Such freshness was unusual around here with the exception of night time, so she had gotten weaker to it over time.


    Inside the Greenhouse she felt a lot safer already. The stone walls and glass ceiling were sturdy enough to keep out most of the wind and especially the sounds. She was most thankful for that last part.


    It didn¡¯t take long for the clouds to drop their contents on the island. The prattling of rain and the occasional creaking of the large wooden door were all that seemed to reach Eugenia for a while. There was of course the hole in the wall that let a stream of water flow into the garden, essential for supplying the plants with the nectar of life, but it also let in other noises.


    RRRRUMBLE!


    The girl sprang up in shock from the sudden tremor in the air. Thunder struck the world and her ears. It was louder than expected. Zeus was throwing lightning across the sky today!


    Eugenia put a hand on her left arm to suppress its shaking. She was surely safe inside here. All she needed to do was sit it out. If she blocked her ears and laid down, she would perhaps manage to sleep through the terror, just like Lady Medusa.


    The storm got worse. Much worse.


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    Water was flowing into the garden as if the floodgates of a dam had been broken. Eugenia soon found her feet becoming wet on the formerly coarse earth. The mud stuck to her sandals and made her shiver from the cold. Next thunder shook the entire Greenhouse.


    Stumbling towards the wall, Eugenia held on to the bricks with a tightly shut mouth. If she opened it, she felt that she would scream.


    Just when she finally loosened her grip on the wall, something horrible happened. It was so loud that it seemed to shatter her eardrums, but in truth what shattered was one of the windows above! Glass shards rained into the garden alongside a magnitude of water. Eugenia bit her lip so strongly that she drew blood. The taste of iron made her nauseous, but the sudden impact of the noisy storm that had penetrated her protective shell was far worse.


    The wind had picked up something heavy, a rock perhaps, and crashed it into the glass ceiling above. It was far too fragile to resist such force. Eugenia finally realized that the wooden covers hadn¡¯t been there just to limit the scorching sunlight, but also to protect the ceiling from storms!


    Without delay she rushed to the lever at the east side and pulled it up. With a low rattling, completely drowned out by the storm, the wooden planks moved back across the ceiling. They covered each of the windows respectively as they should - until a horrible screeching filled the air.


    Eugenia could not see. She could not feel or smell or hear what had happened. She was truly unable to perceive what was going on. But her mind was not limited to her senses. Although she had never encountered such a construction before, she could make a good guess of what had transpired. One of the planks had gotten stuck on something. No, perhaps the rope that dragged it across the ceiling got tangled up?


    If she didn¡¯t do something about this soon, the glass ceiling might have gotten hit again, until it finally shattered completely.


    ¡°No.¡± She could not allow that. No matter what, this was a place she needed to protect!


    It was unwise to leave in this current weather, but she had to at least try to loosen the rope and allow the mechanism to complete its purpose. Otherwise Lady Medusa¡¯s garden, the one she was entrusted with, would be destroyed. With that burning thought as motivation, the young woman pushed open the wooden entrance. It resisted far more than ever before, despite not being locked.


    Soon Eugenia realized that it was because of the insane wind force pressing against it. She barely managed to slip out due to her thin frame, before the door loudly shut behind her. The moment she stepped out she was assailed by strong winds filled with enormously large rain drops. In a matter of seconds her clothes were soaked as she got pelted.


    Putting up a hand in front of her face, she made her way around the walls. Although her eyes needed not be opened, her ears were just as troubled by the heavy rain. It was so loud and fast that it just echoed inside her head like the pounding of a drum. The droplets hit her like small rocks and hurt her skin, aided by the fact that she was losing her body heat quickly.


    She painstakingly trudged alongside the wall until she reached the western side and the outer part of the mechanism that controlled the planks. The rope had indeed been tangled up between gears and poles! She extended her hands through the cutting wind and grabbed the rope. It was tangled up badly, but she could manage. Just as she tried to undo the knot, the wet rope slipped through her hands and scraped them open.


    ¡°Ahhh!¡± Eugenia sank to her knees and held her burning hands into the cool rain. She wanted to cry from the pain, but knew there was no time. Her legs felt weak, but she pushed herself back up and held on to the rope with all her might. Using her entire body as a weight, she dragged the rope back and then kicked the knot with her foot. There was no time or leeway for subtlety here; she just needed this rope to untangle, no matter how!


    With a final kick she could feel the knot unwind and the rope instantly shot out of her bleeding hands. A loud noise above signaled the continuation of the mechanism. The protective planks were all in place.


    The force of the last kick had made her lose her footing and she fell headlong into a giant muddy puddle. Eugenia pulled her face out of the murky water and spat out some of the muddy soup. Her entire body was covered in it already, but right away the rain did its best to spill it away. Her clothes were so soaked that she felt nothing but cold and wetness across her skin. She was soaked to the bone.


    Shivering and miserable, but relieved that she had accomplished her goal, the priestess walked back to the entrance. The currents of wind and rain seemed to keep her away, almost intentionally, but that must have been a figment of her tired imagination. She dragged her heavy clothes over a small collapsed wall and flung herself into the former hallway connecting to the Greenhouse.


    She reached the door, reached out for the door, reached the door to her sanctuary-


    KRA-KOOM!


    Lightning. Thunder. Death.


    Eugenia¡¯s mind blanked out in pure fear. She sank to her knees and held her head like a fearful child. Before she even realized minutes had passed. Her perception had been drowned out by the all-encompassing horror of thunder.


    Before her the world had changed. The darkness that had swallowed her faded, but what it revealed was a large pile of broken walls. Lightning had struck the ruined temple and what little was left of the old hallway ceiling had collapsed in front of her. One more step forward and she would have been crushed. Just a puddle of red in the rubble.


    Her wet hair was stuck to her face and exposed shoulders, making her feel like she was tied up in vines. Everything was spinning. The tension and the anxiety were overpowering her. There was no way she could get inside now, there was nothing she could do at all.


    ¡°Lady Medusa!!¡± She cried out. There was nobody else that came to mind. She only had her.


    The exhausted girl crawled across the wet floor and made her way towards the southern courtyard. Just a little more, she just needed to drag herself there, so she could¡­


    Her mind blanked out.


    What would she do if she reached that place?


    Her ears picked up nothing but incoherent noise anymore. She felt lost physically and mentally. Her hands could feel the muddy earth of the courtyard ahead, so she just needed to crawl a bit further, but her heart was as far away as Athens right now.


    Eugenia held a hand to her freezing face. What was she doing? Hoping to find shelter in there? Lady Medusa¡¯s lair? The Gorgon¡¯s lair? She was just as foolish as the lady of the isle always accused her of being. A promise had been made. She had sworn on the one thing she loved most. Neither could she wake the slumbering Gorgon, nor could she ever enter her lair, her world.


    Amidst the incessant rain, the bone chilling thunder and the growing puddles, she finally understood what she had been trying to deny to herself all along. She could never reach her and would never be able to pull her towards her side of the door either. There was a wall between them, invisible even to those who could see everything. She had been blind to it out of her own volition.


    She coughed violently. Her body felt heavy as lead and numb as ice.


    Her dirty, scraped hands stopped dragging across the courtyard. With a heavy head she moved back. Close by she fell into her bedstead, merely a layer of animal skins and wool. It took all her remaining strength to move below the pile, shivering and teeth rattling. The skins were too thin, even piled atop each other. The wind penetrated unexpected gaps and the rain dribbled on every exposed part of her final sanctuary. And the thunder? It was inescapable.


    Each boom across the sky made her curl up with tears in her eyes. Memories swelled up like great waves in a disturbed lake. She didn¡¯t wish to remember anything, but she could not even blend out her own ragged breathing among the swirling noises in her head.


    ¡°Please please please¡­¡± She repeated the word with compulsion and pain.


    The breeze dragged away the few layers she still had between her and the storm. She did not even feel the difference anymore.


    Consciousness began to fade. It was not the pleasant voice of Hypnos¡¯ sleep that enveloped her however; she could feel her body strength wane. Her rapid heartbeat was slowing down in her hurting chest. Her limbs she felt no longer, her head pulsated strong enough to overpower even the sound of the rain now. She was slipping¡­ away¡­


    She was alone once more. All alone.


    Alone.


    ¡°Foolish girl.¡± A voice cut through the storm and even reached her fading mind.


    The rain¡¯s hail, at first like arrows, now ceased entirely. The wind, like sharpened blades, did not even touch her skin. The storm had been pushed away by a protective bubble. At its center lay Eugenia, weak and mystified.


    What she heard made no sense to her. The sound of flapping feathers, the low friction of scales on rock. She was surrounded by something.


    ¡°Me¡­du¡­sa?¡± She forced it out of her burning throat. The swirls of rain in her mind were blocked out by a protective layer, which she now realized were wings so large they surrounded her entirely. Something long and gentle picked her up and wrapped all around her. The long snake tail was not at all rough, but rather comforting.


    ¡°You are ever miserable on your own.¡± The Gorgon spoke quietly as she held her up with her tail and shielded her from the storm.


    ¡°No, the promise¡­ can¡¯t¡­¡± She was in delirium already, but the one prevailing concern in her mind was this. She could not break her vow.


    ¡°Do not worry. I will not make you break your promise.¡± Medusa said softly. ¡°I will not drag you to my lair. Instead I will stay with you.¡±


    Eugenia¡¯s heart stopped for a moment, but then she forgot herself and began to cry.


    Completely unlike her usual harshness, Medusa allowed her to show weakness. She even embraced her. The Gorgon¡¯s warmth was unfaltering, unlike the frozen body of this frail human girl.


    ¡°Me¡­dusa¡­ you¡¯re cold¡­ rain¡­¡± Eugenia¡¯s fading consciousness did not allow her to form full sentences, but her concern was obvious as she pressed herself against Medusa¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Have I not told you countless times? I am not frail like you humans. This storm does not even faze me in the slightest. Can you not feel the warmth of my flesh?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Eugenia felt the warmth all too strongly. It seemed to burn her numb limbs and face. A heat permeating all through her body and soul.


    This genuine warmth of another was calming her hurting heart.


    RA-KOOOM!


    Thunder struck the air and shook everything.


    Eugenia tensed up, her nerves at the breaking point. She had already spilled all her tears until they mixed with the rain and soaked even Medusa¡¯s clothes, but she still could shiver more, tremble more!


    ¡°Thunder? Are you afraid of the thunder?¡± Medusa whispered a question into her ear.


    The fearful girl nodded frantically.


    ¡°I see. Zeus is battling something today, but let it not shake you. None of his bolts will reach you.¡± Her words were so comforting that it made Eugenia want to cry again, but she shook her head. Medusa contemplated it for a moment and then understood. She was not afraid of the lightning; she could not even perceive it after all. Only the thunder made her tremble.


    Knowing exactly what to do, she tightened her embrace, closed in her wings a bit and then settled Eugenia¡¯s head in front of hers. Slowly the snakes on her head wrapped around the girl¡¯s ears and blocked them out completely.


    Her lips moved, saying something, but Eugenia could not hear anything anymore. It was a wonderful feeling of kind silence.


    <hr>


    The storm lasted through the whole day and the following night. When the clouds finally cleared, they seemed to do so only reluctantly. The argument between the heavens and the seas had finally come to an end.


    Sunlight meekly pushed itself into the open and covered the ball of feathers and scales in the center of the temple. The ball was dripping with water, but the inside was as dry as could be. Eugenia¡¯s clothes had dried in Medusa¡¯s embrace and her coughing had stopped during the night. Her sleeping face was gentle and pure.


    With a large flap Medusa opened her wings and shook the rainwater out of them. Then they promptly retreated into her back. Without waking the girl in her arms she slowly released her from her tangled tail and then leaned her against the steps she had carefully swiped with said tail beforehand.


    Just as she was about to let her go from her arms, Eugenia sprang up and held unto her. At first it seemed she was acting in her sleep, but then she opened her mouth.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± The priestess said with all her heart.


    ¡°Tsk.¡± Medusa peeled her off and pushed her down on the dried ground. ¡°You were foolish enough to save my garden, but not yourself. Instead of following your greedy human nature, you kept your promise to stay away from my lair. If you view it from that perspective, it would have been me who ended your life by making you swear something impossible. That would break my vow not to harm you. Keep your thanks for someone who requires it.¡± Her rejecting words were accompanied by an averted face and a restless swing of her tail.


    Of course those did not slip by Eugenia, but she did not feel like pointing out her dishonesty. Not this time.


    ¡°Then in the human way, selfishly, for my own satisfaction.¡± She stood up with renewed energy. ¡°Thank you.¡± And kissed her on the cheek.


    Medusa froze and seemed to be lost for words. Then she just as suddenly swiped he tail after the girl, who had already ducked ahead of time, completely expecting this reaction.


    ¡°You have some nerve! Treating a monster like a mere child!¡± She said with a twitching right eye and seething tone. Naturally kissing a child on the cheek was a parent¡¯s privilege, which meant this foolish girl thought herself above the Gorgon.


    ¡°I owe you my life.¡± Eugenia said, ignoring the accusations. ¡°It is hard for me to express how much you saved me.¡± Her words were unusually deep and serious.


    Medusa stopped her usual antics and just took in the sight of the girl sitting in front of her. ¡°You were afraid of the thunder. There is more to it than merely loud noise, is there not?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Are you willing to talk about it?¡±


    ¡°Do you really want to hear me out? This is none of your concern, right?¡± Her words were certainly unfair. She used the Gorgon¡¯s own philosophy against her now. The reason was obvious, though, she was afraid to talk about her past.


    And she was right; Medusa had always insisted not to inquire about anyone¡¯s past. The less she knew, the less she connected and the easier it would be to part eventually.


    Her old and weary eyes could see the hesitation on the priestess¡¯ face, but also her longing. After what Medusa had done, it was hard to argue that she had already invested herself in this mere human. She could make excuses and rationalize it as much as she wished, but she knew this truth already.


    ¡°Tell me as much as you dare.¡± The Gorgon curled up her tail and sat down on it. In the light of this new day, she would seriously listen to the girl¡¯s story. That was her decision.


    ¡°I am not good at telling stories, so please bear with me.¡± She smiled with deep melancholy and then began her tale.


    Finally, the priestess would open up about her past and the Gorgon listened ever so intently. The short life of a human held more adversity than many an immortal would ever understand.

 Chapter 17: Eugenia and the past

    First I have to explain something about my hometown. I said that I hailed from Lamia, but the truth is that I was not born in the city itself. My parents lived in a small village north of Lamia, called Dankana. It was named after the large pattern on the mountainside which many believed to have been carved into it by a giant beast.


    My father was a craftsman who was responsible for almost every new building and piece of furniture in Dankana. He was popular with everyone and extremely kind. What I remember most about him is the way his scruffy beard tickled my cheeks when he kissed me.


    Thanks to his hard work the old temple of Athena had been rebuild after nearly fifty years of decay. That¡¯s where he met my mother, who was a freshly assigned priestess. I don¡¯t know much about how they lived their lives before I was born, but they were very devout and praised as role models for the community.


    Yes, everyone loved them, especially me.


    I was born blind as you know, but I was not always blessed. I don¡¯t remember what it was like before Lady Athena came to me in my dreams and granted me her favor. The moment when her spirit touched mine, I shall never forget. Her wisdom and enormity flowed into me and then I woke up, able to hear even the lowest of sounds. It should have been terrifying for a toddler like me, but I only remember happiness when I heard the distant chirping of birds as if they were right there with me.


    It was a miracle and my parents knew that I had been blessed right away. Mother had prayed for the great and wise Athena¡¯s favor many times and for her undying devotion, she was rewarded. I was rewarded. Father was so proud and overjoyed that he told everyone in the village about it and kept praising the gods from dusk till dawn. The other villagers seemed happy for us.


    Thanks to my blessing I was quickly able to do so much more than before. The darkness that I knew was not so oppressive anymore. I learned soon just how incredible my gift was. For a blind girl to be able to learn like any other child, to go fishing with father and to climb trees without harm, these were priceless experiences I could have never had without Lady Athena¡¯s blessing, I am certain of it.


    The gods are sympathetic to us, the clueless creatures below them. Someone who had not done anything for them in her life was treated like a chosen one. That was when I decided to become a priestess just as mother before me, to repay them with all my heart. Mother was happy to teach me of course, but I was no more than a child of six summers, so she did not wish to rush things. I was childish as could be and tried to imitate her during prayer and her duties all the same.


    Mother was always a good singer; I think that¡¯s what I remember most about her. She sang for us on rainy days cooped up in the temple or when I couldn¡¯t sleep in the hottest summer nights. The song that meant most to me was the ¡®Praise to Athena¡¯, a hymn so light, yet heartfelt that it often made the villagers cry. I can still hear it in my head even now¡­


    I am getting sidetracked, my apologies.


    My life changed a second time towards the end of my sixth summer. One night I had a strange dream, similar to the one where I was blessed. An owl with grey piercing eyes showed itself to me and flapped its wings. The swirls of air took the shape of pikes and arrows. They tore into the village and laid it to waste!


    I awoke in a cold sweat and screamed for my mother. I never had a dream in which I could ¡®see¡¯ before. Colors, images, this sense that I did not know had suddenly been unleashed on my pure untouched mind, utterly overstraining it.


    My parents came to comfort me, but they also knew what this ¡®vision¡¯ could mean. It was a warning from Lady Athena. Rather than descend on us, she warned me, specifically, of impending danger. Mother immediately performed rituals to converse with our goddess, but she only got weak, distant replies. I did not understand much of what was happening, but father convened with the village elder and the men became restless in the following days.


    I was not allowed to play with the other kids anymore and had to stay inside the temple. Back then I was angry and cried to be freed, but now I understand that I was being protected.


    An omen of death had been given to Dankana and it often happens that the messenger of bad omens was linked to the dark future itself. The villagers might have seen me as a threat, although I do not believe they really would have. They were all good people after all.


    In the following weeks the weather got worse and worse. It seemed that the dark clouds from the east would never stop. The fields were drowning in the rain and the river was wilder than ever before. Something was on its way.


    Then one morning, a single ray of light penetrated the clouds and paved the way for a white owl which swiftly flew into our temple. Mother dropped her candles; I remember the loud clanging of the bronze handle. The owl perched itself on top of my shoulder and cleaned its feathers. Mother called for father and they tried to lure the owl away from me, but to no avail.


    It was very calm, unlike any bird I had heard before. After some time it finally flapped off my shoulder and unto the ground where it picked up a wooden stick with its beak. Thereafter it tapped the stick against the windowsill three times and then dropped a rotten acorn in front of us. As it flew outside, the sun was drowned out by more clouds and we were left alone.


    Mother determined that whatever calamity was nearing would arrive in three days. The acorn represented the day of thanks for the harvest were the swine were fed with baskets of such acorns. Father gathered the village men and instructed them to barricade the entrance and exits of the village. It was too late to ask for Lamia¡¯s support and they ill had the resources to grant it in the first place. I learned many years later that they were in conflict with a neighboring city and thus on lockdown themselves.


    That night we prayed fervently that Lady Athena would be with us and impart her wisdom to the village. She had already warned us of the calamity, but we still greedily asked for more.


    On the morning of the third day everything still seemed fine. The rain had even stopped for a time. Uncomfortable as I was cooped up in the temple, I did the unthinkable and escaped through the window. I just wanted to feel the sun again and move through the fresh air. The villagers noticed me, but kept their distance. Even the other children didn¡¯t want to play.


    I settled down near one of the houses of our neighbors and jumped through a large puddle. The splashes of cold were funny to me and I all but forgot about the impending danger already. Until I heard the voice of my father only a small distance away, that is. I quickly hid behind a fence near the group. It was a mindless reaction driven by my guilt for escaping our home no doubt.


    ¡°Today¡¯s the day. Gettin¡¯ a bit antsy here.¡± The old man from the mill said.


    ¡°Keep calm. Lady Athena is with us, you know that.¡± My father put a hand on the old man¡¯s shoulder and nodded encouragingly.


    ¡°Bad news!¡± With a shout someone came running into the village and rushed towards my father and the miller. They stiffened up as he stopped in front of them and leaned on his knees from exhaustion. ¡°They¡­ they¡¯re¡­ coming soon- Must- It¡¯s-¡° He stumbled over his own words until father pulled him up and held his shoulders steady.


    ¡°Slow down Mar. You have to breathe.¡± His deep voice was always soothing and it did help Mar to focus.


    ¡°Whatsa matter, boy?¡± The miller acted calmer than he was. I could hear his increased heartbeat even from my position behind the fence.


    ¡°I was hunting for some small game down in the forest, next to the brook, you know?¡± He moved his hands around as if to show the path he had taken. ¡°Was following some animal tracks, but then I found imprints of sandals.¡± He anxiously swallowed his spit.


    ¡°How many?¡± Father asked seriously.


    ¡°Can¡¯t be sure! At least fifty, but could¡¯ve been around a hundred, sir.¡± His body was still shivering in the afternoon breeze, but it was not because of the cold.


    Father and the miller stayed quiet for a while, but they seemed to have an idea what this meant. Mar, the hunter, was anxiously looking back and forth between them, clearly out of his field.


    ¡°Which way did those tracks lead?¡± Father¡¯s voice was low.


    ¡°Towards the old mountain. Who are these people? Why would they go up there?¡±


    ¡°Hrm, did ya hear of the war, boy?¡± Old miller asked while stroking his short beard.


    ¡°Between Lamia and that faraway city? I only heard some merchants talk about it during their spring visit.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not looking good for Lamia¡¯s enemy.¡± Father explained with crossed arms. ¡°They lost a big battle in the plains and their siege was broken last week.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that good news, sir?¡± The young hunter was confused.


    ¡°I would agree, if it wasn¡¯t for the deserters.¡± He clicked his tongue. ¡°Slave infantry. They either fight the fiercest or are the first to flee the battlefield.¡±


    ¡°You mean slave deserters are marching through the forest, towards the old Scar Mountain?¡± Mar tried to keep up.


    ¡°Lamia, with the help of her allies, is hounding the scattered army across the plains to the west, but if these men deserted early on they could have escaped north. The mountain is a good place to hunker down and get a good view over the area. If they want to wait it out until all stragglers are caught or killed, then that would be the best place for them.¡±


    ¡°Except¡­¡± The miller muttered dryly.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°If they see Dankana from up there and decide that they don¡¯t want to stay on the cold windy mountain top.¡± Father insinuated the rest with a grave voice. ¡°This is the disaster we were warned of.¡±


    ¡°They will try to take over the village?!¡± Now Mar held his head in fear.


    ¡°Deserters are no better than bandits. They will take what they want and destroy what they don¡¯t.¡± Father growled. I had never heard him so angry before.


    ¡°Gods have mercy.¡± The old miller lowered his head.


    ¡°A hundred men! That¡¯s more than our entire village combined.¡± Mar lamented.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    There were eight families in our small village, none boasting more than perhaps seven family members. I remember every single one of them. Of course the amount of able men that could defend us was much lower. Back then I did not understand why everyone was acting so scared. It made me feel sad to hear father this downtrodden, for he was an unshakable rock in the relentless sea to my young mind.


    ¡°Not all is lost.¡± Then came the strong voice of a fourth man. I recognized him right away as the village elder. We called him ¡®elder¡¯, but in truth he was younger than father. The old village elder was his father, who was sickly in bed since last spring. He had taken over his duties for the time being. ¡°Good work Mar. I knew sending you out to hunt during the lockdown was a good idea.¡±


    ¡°Thanks brother- I mean chief.¡± Mar corrected himself hastily. The temporary chief smiled at his little brother¡¯s turned down gaze.


    ¡°What do you have up your sleeve?¡± My father asked with suspicion.


    ¡°You know this village better than anyone, you built most of it after all.¡± Chief replied with respect.


    ¡°Dankana already stood before I arrived and it will stay around after I¡¯m gone.¡± Father said curtly and then impatiently added. ¡°What is your plan?¡±


    ¡°You said they are deserters, slaves forced into service.¡± He put up a fist. ¡°They are cowards who fled from battle before. If they believe they will take too many losses they will avoid us.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s too-¡°


    ¡°Hear me out.¡± The chief stopped father. ¡°We already barricaded the entrances, but we can do more. If we put up guards and patrols around the village, equipped with weapons, they will surely think twice of raiding us. We have the advantage here, because we already know what we are dealing with.¡±


    ¡°Those are equipped soldiers! They have swords, spears and slings. Even some cheap armor is better than none. If they decide to risk it out of desperation, we will have a bloody battle in front of us.¡± Father said with strong conviction.


    ¡°Then what would you do instead, hm? Hand them our homes without a fight? Let them eat our food and take our women?¡± Chief glared father down.


    ¡°We should evacuate.¡± He said.


    ¡°Where to? Lamia? They won¡¯t let anybody into their city until this conflict is resolved. If we leave our home behind these bastards will take it over and destroy all we worked so hard to build.¡±


    ¡°Chief¡¯s got a point.¡± The old miller took his side with a long sigh.


    Father was furious, but he did not argue further. Nobody wants to leave their homes behind. There was not one person in this village who would want to take that chance if they could resolve this differently. If only father had been more adamant about it back then.


    ¡°Tell everyone to round up all axes, swords and bows they own. We are going to prepare for the night and patrol the barricades. That show of strength should make those deserters think twice.¡± Chief ordered Mar and the old miller to inform the rest of the village. Then he turned to father. ¡°I trust you to look after your wife and daughter. We need Athena¡¯s support more than ever tonight.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t expect my child to get involved in this.¡± He refused him right away.


    ¡°She is not a mere child. Blessed people are not like us.¡± He didn¡¯t wait to hear his complaints and moved back to the elder¡¯s house.


    Confused by their serious words I backed away behind the fence, but the splashing noises of my feet in the puddles made father suspicious. He looked over and must have spotted my white clothes, because he rushed to my side and embraced me suddenly.


    ¡°Eugenia, my little Cassiepeia, what are you doing outside?¡± He was not angry, but rather worried. He always called me his ¡®Cassiepeia¡¯ after the famous princess of a distant land who was renowned for her beauty and grace. Mother never liked it when he did that, though.


    ¡°It was lonely inside.¡± I replied, very ashamed of being caught. I did not fathom how serious the situation was.


    ¡°I am so sorry, honey. It will only be a little longer. You should stay with your mother and practice your prayers.¡± His chest was so warm and strong that I stopped feeling any dread and anxiety right away.


    ¡°I will.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my girl. I will be back later, so you can show me how much you improved your singing.¡± His words were light, but his arms heavy.


    I smiled at him, because I loved singing just as much as mother did. Usually father did not stay around to listen to me, though.


    The village was like a wasps¡¯ nest that had been poked with a stick, people buzzing about, not even paying attention to me on my way to the temple. Even when I went back inside and was scolded by mother, I could still hear them shouting outside. Things calmed down near the day¡¯s end, when the village was covered by the blanket of night.


    At first it was eerily quiet. I sat next to mother near the altar and prayed silently. My thoughts wandered to father who had still not returned. Just as my heart grew restless the storm returned. Heavy rain pushed against the roads and houses. It got colder rapidly. And there was the distant noise of thunder in the air.


    This was the first time since the bad weather had begun that we had lightning strike around the mountain. Back then I did not believe that this noise came from Zeus wrath as he threw lightning bolts at his enemies. Surely the father of Olympus could not be fighting all the time. It was loud, but not unbearable inside the confines of the temple. The echo was uncomfortable however.


    ¡°Eugenia, you must focus on your heart.¡± Mother whispered and put an arm around my back to draw me in. She knew of my sensitive ears and was always ready to comfort me during such loud weather.


    ¡°Yes mother.¡± I focused on the accelerated heartbeat in my chest, but it was soon joined by another. Mother too was anxious, I could hear it in her chest. ¡°When will father come home?¡±


    ¡°He will be back soon, dear.¡±


    And so we waited. The night stretched forward, marching to the drum of rain. The warmth of the candles started to fade and mother got up to relight them, but as she left I sank into the dream world.


    Once again I was met with a strange vision. This time I could hear Lady Athena¡¯s voice.


    Tune your ears. She said.


    I jumped up from the blanket that had been put over me and sucked in the air. The great and wise goddess had spoken to me. She wanted me to use my gift!


    Right away I told mother, but she was lost in thought. What could this cryptic message mean? To strain my ears to listen for something, that much was clear, but what was it that only my ears could perceive?


    Without direction I simply perked my ears and picked up the sounds around me. The low rustling of mother¡¯s clothes as she shifted her body, the low squeaking of mice in the cellar, the drumming of rain against the temple steps, those were the only things I could hear.


    There had to be something else. The grey eyes told me to listen.


    In a sort of trance I rose to my tiny feet and walked to the wooden door. Mother was concerned and held me back. She said I cannot leave. All she wanted was for me to be safe.


    But I knew there was a purpose to her words! I could not shake this feeling off. So I slipped out of her arms and opened the door. It was cold and windy outside, the creaking of tree branches sounded like the steps of beasts. The rain hit my face with force, but I barely felt the cold. I had to move, had to listen to the world around me.


    My ears picked up more and more. The noises swirled like a typhoon of voices and unsettling melodies. Steps. Hushed whispering. Distant coughing. The wild stream outside the village. They kept piling on and on¡­


    My head started to spin and I felt a horrible pain assail it. Indeed, using my gift made me feel nauseous. It hurt¡­ it hurt so much¡­


    I went unto my knees in the mud and just held my head. I could not stop listening, but the noise was crushing my mind, the very essence of my being!


    ¡°Eugenia, stop!¡± Mother had run after me and was pulling me up. She was crying when she saw my bleeding nose and pain filled face. Her goodness overpowered her reason and even her belief in Lady Athena and so she dragged me back into the temple.


    I should have resisted. I should have been stronger. I should have¡­


    But I wasn¡¯t. And so disaster struck.


    At the edge of midnight we heard screaming, the clanging of metal and the sound of extinguished voices. The horrible storm of chaos had swept into the village and consumed it whole.


    Mother clung to me when loud knocking hit the temple doors. They would not hold under great pressure of several men¡¯s muscle strength. Unable to do anything we just awaited our destiny.


    ¡°Open up! It¡¯s me! Hurry!¡± That voice was all too familiar. It belonged to father!


    Mother rushed to the door and unlocked it from inside. The next moment father slipped in and smashed the door shut. He put his hand on mother¡¯s arm and locked the entrance again. His breathing was ragged.


    ¡°Dear, you are hurt!¡± Mother gasped and put a hand to his cheek and chest.


    ¡°It looks worse than it is.¡± He replied reassuringly and pushed her hands away. ¡°Flesh wounds.¡± Just as he said that he sank down the wall.


    ¡°What¡­ what is happening? Please dear¡­!¡± Mother was swallowing her tears as best as she could.


    ¡°They found another entrance¡­ we overlooked. Nobody stood guard near the mill, because we didn¡¯t think they would cross the river in this forsaken weather.¡± He pressed something on his chest and then forced himself to get up.


    Mother bit her lip and took out some rags to wipe father¡¯s wounds.


    ¡°They got the chief and his family. Stabbed the patrol at the northern entrance in the back. Can¡¯t believe that Mar¡¯s-¡° He stopped his words when he noticed that I was standing at the door frame. ¡°Kynthia, you have to take Eugenia and flee.¡± He was saying it in a voice that allowed no objections.


    ¡°Where would we go? There is nothing out there. This is our home, dear.¡± She said with more countenance than she showed before. ¡°And even if there was such a miraculous escape route, what of you?¡±


    ¡°Me and the remaining men retreated to organize the escape, but we don¡¯t have any time. We¡¯ll be holding them off as long as we can-¡°


    ¡°You are going to run into your doom! I will not allow it! We must surrender and appease them!¡±


    ¡°Kynthia, please¡­ We have already lost. These slaves, they are no better than savages. I have seen the fire in their eyes. Lost and bereft of all reason. There is no negotiating, no compromise. They have come to take everything and what they can¡¯t have they will lay to waste.¡± His voice was so grave that I felt my heart freeze.


    Mother was brave and stubborn, but so was father. And yet they both were out of courage. They had all but given up, yet there was one thing that prevented them from giving in to despair.


    ¡°Eugenia. We can¡¯t let them get to Eugenia.¡± Father said and balled his fists. ¡°There is no other way. I have to go back and stop them.¡±


    Mother pressed her head against his chest and sighed mournfully.


    ¡°My little Cassiepeia.¡± Father pulled me into a hug, so he could embrace both of us. ¡°Your father has a job to do. Can you take care of your mother for me, while I am gone?¡±


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± I asked anxiously. ¡°When will your return?¡±


    He swallowed.


    ¡°I may not return¡­ right away this time.¡± He said with a stilted voice. ¡°But you know, this temple, it¡¯s our home. I put every brick and every stone in it exactly where it is now. This temple is a part of me.¡± His rough hand was caressing my cheek. ¡°So even if the wait is long, I will always be with you as long as you stay here. Do you understand?¡±


    I nodded slowly.


    ¡°Now promise me that you will watch over your mother.¡±


    ¡°I will, father. I promise!¡± I clutched to his side without knowing why.


    ¡°Know that the goddess watches over you.¡± Mother kissed father deeply with tears streaming down her face.


    ¡°You two mean more to me than anything in this world, even the gods. Never forget that.¡±


    And with those words he got up, ruffled my head one last time and walked out the door. On his way out he picked up an old sword that was hanging from the wall. The sound of it cutting air was the last thing I remember of my father¡¯s exit.


    He never returned.


    <hr>


    ¡°Your village was attacked by bandits and yet you survived?¡± Medusa wondered as she picked up large pieces of rubble in front of the Greenhouse. The collapsed ceiling had blocked the entrance completely, so the Gorgon decided to clean up with her incredible physical strength.


    ¡°Back then I wished that I didn¡¯t.¡± Eugenia said with a frown as she bandaged her scraped up hands.


    ¡°Your village men, they did not win, did they?¡±


    ¡°It was impossible. The deserters had the tactical advantage and outnumbered us three to one.¡± The girl held her shoulders and lowered her head. ¡°The storm raged on, but I couldn¡¯t stop hearing the screams.¡±


    Medusa stopped her noisy work and stared at the clearest skies she had seen in a long time. Memories could be haunting and sometimes knowledge was worse than any curse.


    ¡°They gathered the survivors in the village square¡­¡± Eugenia¡¯s mouth was shaking. Every word pressed out was an unbearable effort.


    ¡°No more. I understand.¡± She stopped the human girl with a motion of her hand and put down a large piece of rubble. ¡°A cornered dog will bite its master, but a cornered human will tear down the very world with them if they are given the opportunity.¡± She could now see what had caused the girl¡¯s trauma and fear of thunder. It was far worse than she had thought. A night that was soaked in blood and regrets.


    Eugenia nodded and then took a deep breath. ¡°In the end there were thirty deserters left. And of the village¡­ only six women and eight children, including my mother and me.¡±


    ¡°They let you live? To do their dirty work I presume?¡±


    ¡°At first.¡± She nodded.


    Medusa had to scold herself for feeling pity. She had agreed to listen to the girl¡¯s story, but it was not out of charity or sympathy. She merely wished to know how this priestess, this incomprehensible person next to her, had come into existence. Her heavy heart could not have been more than an illusion, a trick of the mind.


    ¡°If you wish to stop, I shall not look down upon your for it.¡± She said despite herself.


    Eugenia folded her bandaged hands and seemed to contemplate that option, but then she shook her head.


    ¡°I decided that I need to be open with you.¡± Her reasons she kept to herself however.


    ¡°Suit yourself.¡± The Gorgon shrugged. ¡°What happened next?¡±


    ¡°They occupied our village, our home.¡±


    Eugenia gathered her courage to continue her tale, lost in her memories as the Gorgon absentmindedly cleared the rubble, lost in her own heart.

 Chapter 18: Eugenia and the origin of faith

    They occupied our village, our home.


    After the village men had been defeated, the former slave soldiers quickly settled down in our homes. They were rowdy and short-tempered. Despite all that they left the temple alone. Even these downtrodden invaders were fearing the divine to the core. They may not have prayed or paid their respects, but burning down a temple was a crime that nobody took lightly. Slaves or not, they were raised in the lands of Greece and taught the power of the gods.


    The thirty remaining bandits were led by a man of mysterious countenance and charisma who went by the name of Simon. Unlike his comrades he had never been a slave. He was a high ranking member of the army that had besieged Lamia, but instead of dying on the field he deserted alongside his troops, leading them through the countryside ever since. We did not know him or his infamous betrayals, but even to uneducated villagers it was clear that this man commanded an intense presence.


    On the first day after the bloody battle for the village Simon gathered all the survivors near the old mill. His voice was gravelly like pebbles grating against granite.


    ¡°Poor villagers of Dankana, hear my words. I am Simon of Thebes! In front of you stands the 4th battalion of the Lamia offensive. What¡¯s left of it anyway.¡± He lowered his hand on his sword hilt with a weary voice. ¡°We did not come with ill intent, but your men have shown us nothing but hostility. On the first day of our desertion we counted 85 free men. Now not even three dozen are left. Blood and steel have wrought our souls down with horror and despair, but we are done running and we have no intention of ever being threatened again.¡±


    The bandits around us roared in unison.


    ¡°Be assured that we will not treat you ill for the offenses of your husbands, sons and brothers-¡±


    ¡°How dare you!¡± With burning rage the miller¡¯s wife stepped forward and spat at Simon¡¯s boots. Her husband was one of the patrollers that had lost their life first during the attack. The only reason she did not attack the bandits was that her daughter was clinging to her leg.


    I was scared, not only of these foreign men, but also of the villagers. These people I had known since I was born suddenly became different. They were not the people I knew. The only one I could lean on was mother, who was holding my hand tightly and watched the events unfold with a stern expression. Since father left she had not once shed a tear or spoken a word.


    ¡°You killed my husband, trampled our fields and lie about your intentions! You¡¯d never have negotiated; you¡¯re all dishonorable bastards that prey on the weak! Zeus smite you all!¡±


    ¡°Shut it wench or I¡¯ll make ya silent real quick!¡± One of the bandits drew his short sword and was dragging the miller¡¯s wife by her hair. The struggle didn¡¯t last long; she would have no way to resist the swift slice of a sword.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Simon interjected and raised his hand which made the bandit stay his hand. ¡°Your rage is justified, but our suffering is equal to, no, far greater than yours. If you value what little lifeblood is left of your village, you will obey my commands. You will accept the path fate has paved for you and be the legacy of your kin.¡± His words were harsh and uncompromising, just as his stance on the world.


    We did not have any say, no recourse or hope to escape. Back then I did not understand what an occupation truly meant. My only wish was that I could stay with mother at the temple. The temple was our home, it was where father was.


    Just as Simon had declared the only reason we were allowed to live was to tend to their needs. The women kept the houses and cooked, while the children were used for errands and entertainment. As a priestess, mother was given a little more respect. They did not force her to serve them directly and allowed her to stay at the temple with me.


    However, Simon often called her to his new base inside the elder¡¯s house. I simply could not know what he wanted with her and I never did find out. Mother never spoke of her meetings or what she thought. She was strong. Her stubbornness got her into trouble many a time.


    I was treated like a foreign object. Something that nobody wanted to deal with, but could not ignore. The bandits found my blindness amusing at first. They threw things at me, wanting to laugh at my inability to see it coming, but I managed to dodge most of it thanks to my hearing. That surprised them, but only made them even more fired up to torment me. They often asked me questions of where something was or to solve their disputes over which of their meal rations was bigger. When I failed to answer right I was forced to carry everything into the storage on my own and then bring two equal portions back.


    When their harassment escalated one of the village mothers cursed them and said that I was a blessed child. They didn¡¯t believe her, but after mother came to my aid and confirmed it their attacks became less frequent. Nobody wanted to accidentally kill the child that was blessed by a goddess.


    I felt guilty to be treated better than all the other children. I could feel their glares on my back. They were treated even worse in my stead.


    When one of the bandits beat one of the boys ferociously until he was bleeding, mother went between them and shouted at the man. Her sheer righteousness humbled the drunkard and made him turn tail. The next day he came after mother with three of his companions, but Simon stepped in at the last second. His rule was strict on both the villagers and his own men. He did not allow them to touch the women and he mostly shunned unprovoked violence. Whoever disobeyed would get more severe punishments each time.


    These ironclad rules loosened as the months passed on. Incidents piled on. The bandits had attained freedom and a place they could call their own, but they lacked a goal. Wasting away each day waiting for winter to pass was driving them up the walls. At one point one of the boys disappeared. He never returned. After that incident mother confronted Simon and their argument could be heard across the entire village.


    In the end he smacked her across the face and let her be tied to a tree for two days and two nights. I wanted to sneak to her while the guards were sleeping, but when she saw me approach she shook her head and simply whispered ¡®Leave¡¯. Her voice was so exhausted. Her clothes were soaked from the nightly rain and the cold winter wind.


    After her punishment was over mother fell ill. I took care of her as well as I could. With the little food that was distributed amongst us there was just enough for one adult. Mother had always cut on her own meals so I could fill my belly. Now it was my turn to give her all my food. She was having trouble swallowing and keeping it inside, but I kept feeding her. When I was sick, father had told me that I needed to eat even if I felt like the bread was sand and the water mud.


    Simon stopped calling for mother and none of the bandits approached our temple anymore. We also didn¡¯t leave, so the only way to get information on what was going on outside was to talk to the children that ran errands to give us supplies. Just like me, they had become silent and lost their cheer. We barely exchanged a word beyond the bare minimum. For once I was thankful that I could not see their expressions.


    Mother¡¯s condition worsened on the sixth day of her sickness. She was sweating all over and coughing until she spewed blood. I cried in her arms every night, just wishing her spasms would stop. In the few moments where she was awake and aware, she rubbed my head and told me to stay strong. Those were the same words I uttered to her constantly while she slept.


    To my surprise and fear, much later into her sickness she kept talking to father. He was not here, he had still not returned, but she kept talking to him! I searched the temple, looked for him everywhere, but I could not find him. He did not return! Why was mother speaking to him? I could not see - that I had always been used to - but I could not hear him either. My small heart feared that I was losing my other senses as well. If father was really with us, like he said, then why did I not feel him?


    While I was despairing, I turned to Lady Athena. I prayed; begged for her advice and support, but she never responded. At first I blamed her. How could she warn us of this evil, but not end it? Were we not worthy of her grace? Such blasphemous thoughts were clouding my childish mind. My immaturity got the better of me and I tried to deny it¡­ deny the one thing that I should never deny.


    <hr>


    ¡°Deny¡­ I denied it.¡± Eugenia clutched her chest. Her breathing had turned shallow and quick.


    ¡°Calm yourself.¡± Medusa wore her worry openly on her face, but did not let it slip into her voice. She had seen something like this before. This young human girl had trouble confronting reality. She was slipping away, giving in to the darkness. Knowing that this could lead only to more problems she grabbed the girl¡¯s hand and pulled it up to force her to sit straight and face her. ¡°You decided that you would tell me your story. Where is that resolve you showed me so many times now? What is it that you fear more than even the Gorgon that is a bane to your kind?¡±


    ¡°Fear? No, I am not- I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m not afraid!¡± She gasped as if she was running out of breath and her arm was shaking in Medusa¡¯s grip. This display was too pathetic. The Gorgon let go and let her fall into the dirt.


    ¡°If you know what you should not deny, then abandon your denial. That is all there is to it.¡±


    ¡°You-¡° She crouched down and held her knees. ¡°You are right.¡±


    ¡°You spoke of your dissent. How you finally realized Athena¡¯s apathy.¡± Those words should have pleased Medusa, but they were too good to be true. After all the young woman who was sitting in front of her right now was a priestess. ¡°What do you think you were in denial about?¡±


    ¡°Everything bad that happened is my fault.¡± Eugenia said and pushed her face into her knees.


    Medusa grit her teeth. She had expected as much.


    ¡°The great and wise Athena gave us two warnings. She chose me to be her messenger. The savior of my village. The blessing, a gift that I was not deserving of, it was all for that day! I should have used it to realize the bandits were ambushing us!¡± She let all of her regret slip through her legs, face hidden away. ¡°I heard them approaching, but I could not tell mother. I could not warn father. My whole reason for existing was a failure. Lady Athena¡¯s trust was betrayed, her efforts in vain. Even if I devoted my life to her twice over I could not make up for my errors.¡±


    Her words met numb ears. Reflected in the rain puddles was the unblinking glare of a monster. The glinting black and red eyes of snakes a crest around her cold rage.


    Medusa held on to a piece of rubble until it was crushed to dust. The sound made Eugenia jerk back.


    ¡°Foolish human.¡± She growled. ¡°That is your greatest regret? To have failed your goddess?¡±


    Eugenia¡¯s hair hung into her uncomprehending face. All she could do was listen to Medusa¡¯s stewing anger. After a while she nodded.


    ¡°It was my fault.¡±


    And that was when Medusa stopped her seething heart from beating against her soul. In a moment her face returned to apathetic neutrality and the hissing on her head stopped altogether. The snakes sensed her returning calm and felt threatened no more.


    ¡°A pawn shall always be a pawn.¡± She said. ¡°Where has that realization led you?¡±


    It took the girl a moment to realize that the Gorgon asked her to continue her story. The extreme change in the atmosphere made her uneasy, but she decided to comply.


    ¡°To our surprise Simon appeared at the temple one day.¡±


    <hr>


    The leader of the deserters had not come to our home once. He had called mother over before, but never deigned to visit us. When he suddenly stood in the door frame my heart almost stopped. I could feel his gaze on me and the pressure of his presence crushed me.


    ¡°Child, is your mother still breathing?¡± He asked curtly.


    Unable to reply to his question I could only nod.


    He brushed past me. The light armor around his waist hit my cheek, but he did not even slow down. I shrieked a little and held on to one of the pillars. Simon was heading for mother¡¯s bedstead! With forced courage I moved my legs and stumbled after him.


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    I entered the room right after him, but what he saw I could never have predicted.


    ¡°So you finally decided to come.¡± Mother spoke with a strong voice and sat upright.


    That should have been impossible. This morning she had still been deliriously twisting under the covers, barely able to stop herself from coughing up a storm. Now she greeted Simon with all the grace and authority worthy of a priestess.


    ¡°Kynthia, are you alright?¡± He asked her with some genuine concern.


    ¡°As you can see. Mere sickness cannot keep me from my duties.¡± Her words were forced, but even I could not have told she was lying from her calm tone.


    ¡°I see. I should have expected as much from you.¡± Simon seemed to take her at face value, but he must surely have noticed the bloody rags piled next to mother¡¯s bedstead. He was nothing if not perceptive. Perhaps for that reason he settled down on a chair next to her and kept quiet.


    ¡°I know that expression.¡± Mother said with a deep sigh.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°My husband, he always looked the same way when one of his projects fell through. The face of a regretful man.¡±


    ¡°He was lucky to have such a quick-witted wife.¡± He replied dryly. ¡°You know, I ordered my men to give all the villagers a proper burial. I may have to pay his grave a visit. I heard from one of the women that he was the one who build most of the houses here? Solid construction. Could last through a long winter and a siege alike.¡±


    ¡°He was the best at his work.¡± Mother trailed off. She noticed me hiding behind a vase. She immediately picked up the water jar next to her and slammed it down. That was her signal for me to leave. She had to redirect her attention to Simon, so she didn¡¯t realize that I stayed. I should not defy my mother, but at that moment I could not leave. ¡°Out with it Simon. Why have you come to see me?¡± She must have been pale and exhausted, yet she kept up the strong fa?ade.


    ¡°Kynthia, do you hate me?¡± He suddenly asked with his hands folded while leaning his elbows on his legs.


    ¡°You must know the answer to that question.¡± She replied with an icy voice.


    ¡°You may hate me for my decisions and for what I have done. I am certain that those I betrayed at Lamia will curse my name forever.¡± He squinted his eyes and looked off into his past. ¡°I am originally from Thebes, but I left my home to venture far away. My father always told me to see the world, to make myself a clear picture of what I would find.¡±


    ¡°And that picture looked like what exactly?¡±


    ¡°Chains. Blood and iron. Freedom taken by the hands of fellow men.¡± He said darkly. ¡°Kynthia, your village may be far away from politics and the gears that turn our human realm, but even you must know about the expanding slavery across the world.¡±


    ¡°I heard of it.¡± She replied with some trouble. I could sense that she was losing her strength already.


    ¡°In cultured cities like Thebes or Lamia things may not be so harsh. Slaves are treated as citizens and may engage in occupations, own their own money and homes. The only difference between a slave and free man is the contract of ownership.¡± He rubbed his chin. ¡°But matters are different on the countryside. The food supplies that get the large city states through the winter, the fine wine that entertains the aristocracy, even the lumber that they sleep on and that shields them from the weather, they all are made on the hunched backs of slaves!¡± He steadily raised his voice.


    ¡°Slaves are not¡­¡± Mother muttered.


    ¡°I know what you wish to say. Most slaves live a passable life, able to rest in a warm haystack and being fed enough not to starve. That is more than many can say about the barbarous lands in the north and east. I understand this very well. But I cannot abide by it. The difference is that slaves have no choice in the matter. They work until their bodies collapse and break, for the sake of a few chosen people far away that will never acknowledge their existence beyond a few numbers in a ledger.¡±


    ¡°You believe yourself to be a freedom fighter then?¡± Mother could not help but glare at him.


    ¡°When I saw the anti-Lamia sentiment and the will of the men around me to tear down their walls and rules I was delighted. With my influence and power I would have been able to make sure that things would become different at least in this small part of the world. I cannot hope to sway the slavers in Attica or Sparta, but Lamia was in my grasp.¡± He clutched his fist in regret. ¡°But I could not allow my superiors¡¯ tactics. They planned to throw the slave infantry at their walls until the corpses would pile higher than even the watch towers.¡±


    His words were stark and tinged in disgust. The things he had seen and heard must have haunted him for a long time.


    ¡°To make matters worse, I realized that our campaign was doomed. Our momentum was halted too many times along the way. Every village we came across fought with tooth and nail. They would not abandon their ways or their privileges for our cause. By the time the siege on Lamia began we were already exhausted and weakened. So I decided to do the only thing I could: Desert with my battalion and save at least the lives of these few doomed men.¡±


    ¡°The gods have not looked upon you kindly for your deeds, Simon. It is not too late to ask for forgiveness.¡±


    ¡°The gods?¡± He huffed. ¡°Don¡¯t make me laugh. The gods never cared for human toil and suffering. They do not condemn slavery and fight not our wars. They only pull the strings behind conflicts that concern their own interests. They are no better than the Archons in the cities or the kings of the isles.¡± He put a hand on his sheathed blade and turned his head away. ¡°Your deep faith could not prevent the suffering upon Dankana, could it?¡±


    Mother was unable to respond. Perhaps her throat was hurting too much or maybe she really did have no words to object. Simon interpreted it as smoldering hatred instead.


    ¡°I apologize. I did not come here to affront you.¡± His regret was clear. ¡°My comrades are former slaves, men who knew not what freedom is. They have been trained to be soldiers, to fall in the fray since the day they were born. Lads without a future altogether. I offered them something they could never have, but I am weak.¡± He let his head sink. ¡°I am a soldier. I could fight for their freedom, I could shed blood for our cause and I can even keep them in line by force. But I cannot teach them¡­ how to be free.¡±


    ¡°You imposed your ideals on them and now they live for your sake.¡± Mother said, suddenly understanding everything.


    ¡°They are not bad men. They are not evil. I failed them. They are trying to understand the freedom I gave them, the freedom that all their brothers died to achieve. We were 85 when we left the army behind, but four of them died in a ditch, six when we crossed the mountains and were caught in a mudslide during the storm. Seven¡­ drowned in the river when we snuck into your village on my order. The rest was killed in the battle with the ferocious claws of Dankana. Now we count merely 30. More than half of the souls I ¡®saved¡¯ are lost. Yet the living still look to me for salvation.¡± His voice became frail and shook.


    ¡°Simon, why are you here?¡± It was almost a plea from my mother.


    ¡°I do not know what¡­ I cannot keep¡­¡± He struggled with his shaking body.


    ¡°Is it not you who wishes for salvation the most?¡±


    He widened his eyes.


    ¡°I cannot give you what you wish for.¡± Mother said honestly.


    ¡°Truly? Have I lost the right to believe?¡± He chuckled in despair.


    ¡°You should pray to Athena to ask for¡­ wisdom.¡± Mother muttered and fell back into the bed, her face covered in cold sweat.


    Simon rubbed his face and then rose from the chair. His entire presence seemed vulnerable and sad. He put something next to mother¡¯s head and walked out the door. Just when his coat waved in the wind as he turned he spoke once more.


    ¡°I cannot use the wisdom of someone who sees everything from high above on the mountain top. We humans live and fail with the wisdom we build on our own here on the muddy soil. Goodbye Kynthia.¡±


    With that last jaded remark he left us behind.


    I rushed to mother¡¯s side and noted her ragged breathing and painfully twisted hands. Using my small child hands I carried a small water jar to her mouth and made her drink. She coughed more than she swallowed. Then she put a hand to my cheek and focused again.


    ¡°Eugenia, my sweet girl¡­ listen to mother.¡± She pulled me closer and whispered into my ear. ¡°Never lose yourself¡­ Never lose sight of yourself and your duties. When you find meaning in something you have to stick to it. Athena is with those that stay true to themselves and her teachings.¡±


    ¡°I will mother.¡± I once again made a promise that I could never allow myself to break. Just like when I promised father to look after mother.


    ¡°You are an honest girl. Our pride and joy. Isn¡¯t that right¡­ dear?¡± She sank back into the bed and drifted away.


    I perked my ears to hear father¡¯s answer, but it never came. A light breeze made the flower next to mother''s head fall to the floor.


    <hr>


    ¡°My mother passed away soon after.¡± Eugenia said with misty eyes. She somehow got a grip though and wiped her eyes with the back of her bandaged hand. ¡°Afterwards things got worse for the village. The occupation lasted long past winter. Simon of Thebes lost his reigns on the men and started to hole himself up at the elder¡¯s house. With their lack of experience with farming the former soldiers didn¡¯t know how to ration themselves well.¡±


    ¡°You ran out of nourishment.¡± Medusa concluded.


    ¡°During the first summer.¡±


    ¡°Your village kin, they knew about the process. Did they teach these bandits how to plow the fields?¡±


    ¡°There were not many of us left by that time.¡± Eugenia choked up and swallowed the memories away. ¡°Simon managed to get some scouts to trade with wandering peddlers. They also robbed a trading caravan once.¡±


    ¡°A mistake no doubt.¡±


    ¡°Lamia had destroyed the opposition and was rebuilding, but when a supply caravan did not arrive¡­ You understand what happened next.¡±


    Medusa nodded. A small village was a trading outpost for some merchants, but it would barely even be missed by anyone if it suddenly disappeared. However, if supplies stopped because of something in that village, it would become a high priority.


    ¡°How long did it take for the other humans to free you?¡±


    ¡°Two years.¡± Eugenia said quietly.


    ¡°Two years?¡± Even Medusa was shocked. ¡°You were a prisoner of bandits for two years?¡±


    ¡°The great and wise Athena watched over me, I am certain. Whenever one of the bandits would try to harm me, they experienced terrible accidents. For that reason I was left alone at the temple.¡± She gave the Gorgon a weak smile. ¡°When the forces from Lamia arrived and raided the village, I was doing my duties in the temple as usual. The only difference was in who came to knock at my door.¡±


    That tone, that smile, finally Medusa could really understand what place the priestess¡¯ mind was in.


    ¡°I heard they hanged Simon for his crimes and the remaining men were forced back into slavery in a deep and dark mine. It was their punishment, as ordained by the gods.¡±


    ¡°That sounds like a punishment born from human minds.¡± Medusa muttered. She slithered next to Eugenia and pressed a plum into her hands. It was something that would help to fill her dry mouth and keep her from making that terribly wrong smile.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± She dug into the fruit with fervor. Her attitude had changed the moment she had unceremoniously ended the story of her liberation.


    Time passed as the sun moved across the sky. They basked in the silence after a long story. Eventually when Medusa was about to doze off, Eugenia opened her mouth once more.


    ¡°I never told anyone about this before.¡±


    Medusa could understand why. She had simply no reply, to anything really. All she could do now was pry further. Was that acceptable? ¡°How did you become a priestess then?¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡± Her face lit up. ¡°After we were liberated, Lamia sent new settlers to take over the village. The few of us who remained were asked to teach them the ropes.¡±


    ¡°You taught someone to keep a field?¡± Medusa raised a brow in doubt.


    ¡°Oh no, I was actually sent to Lamia.¡± Eugenia explained with a raised finger. ¡°The rumors about my blessing and protection somehow got spread around. The supervisor of the settling efforts picked up on it and called for support from the city. I was taken in by the priestesses in Lamia¡¯s main temple and they taught me as much as they could.¡± For some reason these great blessings sounded mundane coming from her mouth? No, that wasn¡¯t it. She did seem rather troubled.


    ¡°Did you return to your village afterwards?¡±


    ¡°I was taught in Lamia until I was ten, but then they sent me to Athens to study under the greatest priestess of Athena, Akacia. She was amazing. Very demanding, but amazing.¡± Eugenia said with a dreamy expression. She must have valued that woman a great deal.


    ¡°I did not know you were a priestess in that woman¡¯s city.¡± She had never been to Athens, but any place named after that woman could not be to her liking.


    ¡°Huh? No no, I only studied there for two years, and then I had to return home.¡± She hastily returned to the present.


    ¡°Hmph. How much effort it takes to become an obedient pet.¡± She said sardonically.


    ¡°Say, Lady Medusa. Why do you despise the great and wise Athena so much?¡± The question was sudden and caught the Gorgon off-guard.


    After noticing that Medusa would not reply Eugenia scratched her dirty cheek and seemed sorry.


    ¡°I thought, now that I told you a little about myself, maybe you could, uh¡­¡±


    ¡°I have no intention of telling you my life¡¯s story.¡± Medusa rejected her subtle request flatly.


    ¡°Why?! You are so mean!¡±


    ¡°I hate who I hate and that is all you need to know.¡± The Gorgon shrugged.


    ¡°I know this.¡± Eugenia surprisingly did not give up like usual. She put a hand to her heart. ¡°I know how much remembering bad things can hurt. But if you never remember it, you might forget who you are.¡±


    The world truly must have turned upside down for a human to worry about a monster¡¯s mental wellbeing. Medusa wanted to smack the impudent girl¡¯s head, but decided to sigh instead.


    ¡°You can hardly carry your own past; do not be so arrogant to believe that you can bear mine as well.¡± She pushed herself off the wall and stretched her limbs. The snakes on her head yawned. ¡°The Greenhouse is freed from rubble, so you can sleep there for now. Or tend to the plants, I do not care.¡±


    ¡°You are running again.¡± Eugenia said, her words cutting the air like a sharpened arrow tip.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°We cannot know what I can bear until I try! But if you keep evading me like that I will only worry more!¡± The young woman stood tall and stretched her hands to the sides. ¡°I do not want the two people that mean most to me to hate each other!!¡±


    Medusa stopped her mouth before it could even form sounds. She had not expected to hear these words, perhaps ever.


    This was starting to get tiresome. How many times could she be shaken up by a human in just one day? Eventually she would lose her pride as a monster feared by all if she kept letting a child lead her on. Yes, a na?ve, clueless, short-sighted child.


    ¡°There must be a reason why you hate Lady Athena! Whatever happened between you, it must have been a misunderstanding! Lady Athena is wise and forgiving! You are soft-hearted and patient! There must be something that I can do to make you reconcile!¡± She had shouted all of it as loudly as she could with closed eyes and balled fists. These were the feelings she had kept inside for so long. Something that she had been burdened with ever since she came here.


    ¡°Human.¡± Medusa replied with an unreadable expression. ¡°This is not something you should get involved with.¡± That was all Medusa said before turning away.


    Eugenia could not help but feel that she had failed again. Had her entire life not been just a series of failures? Would she always fail when it mattered the most?


    ¡°I will make you tell me.¡± She spoke with unknown conviction.


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°The day will come where I will understand the real you. You may consider me foolish, weak and unreliable, but humans have the capacity to grow. I learned from my childhood, I went beyond my training at the temple and I will surely greet the day where I can walk between you and Lady Athena with my head held high. That is my promise to you Medusa!¡±


    The Gorgon stood still. Impertinent words, boastful words, nothing but the delusions of a child. That is what the human girl was giving her. That was all it would ever be. They could not penetrate her heart of stone. And yet. There was comfort in her soul. Somehow this human girl had reassured her in her own way. It was a futile battle between a curse and a promise, but to the Gorgon there was meaning in it.


    ¡°I will see you try.¡± She whispered with a hidden smile.


    A past unveiled, another locked away. The two who had taken a step closer found the gorge between them as insurmountable as before, but the first stone for a bridge had been put to the edge. And as the Gorgon shut her mouth tightly for now, far away another¡¯s was forced open.

 Chapter 19: The merchant and the scholar

    Athens nightlife was stated to be quite eventful at times, but the truth was that a lot of it was focused in certain corners of the city. The guards were dauntingly observant and strict, even going so far that any common tavern brawl would be broken up with spears and beatings. This harsh rule had come about due to the thinly spread Athenian forces in the region. Therefore the citizens were encouraged not to take their issues outside if at all possible. Those who wished to get drunk on wine to spill their troubles down their throats should bring a more abstinent friend along that could keep them in check.


    Many establishments preemptively closed at the crack of dawn to avoid any complications altogether. The only people foolish enough to accept patrons throughout the late evening and night were those that could not deny the sweet allure of coin or felt a special inexplicable obligation to the citizenry.


    For example there were the bathhouses. They were often referred to as a Spa, but Atticans had long since claimed the concept for themselves and build upon it. Indeed, a bathhouse was like a different world. A paradise for body and skin, but also a social melting point. Men of all trades would gather in these steaming baths to let their stress melt away and have relaxed conversations about their daily lives. It was viewed as the ultimate fashionable thing to hold meetings and business talks inside the heated tile rooms while the sweat of one¡¯s body was mingling in the drain.


    Some of these establishments even flaunted with underground gambling halls and bars (although the Archons officially did not approve of such things). One of those public businesses was the bathhouse in the upper district. It was boldly named ¡®The Surly Nymph¡¯, a jest on the owner¡¯s wife most certainly, but the name had taken off before they knew it. As any great businessman would, he accepted the publicity and embraced the name. The influx of curious customers was worth the beatings he received from his dearly wed woman.


    The owner, Pelos, was a shrewd businessman in his own regard, but he still didn¡¯t engage in the gambling scene. Even the ¡®bar¡¯ in his bathhouse was no more than a lounge for guests that offered wine and food. Yet still, some drunkard had managed to weasel his way into the place and acted like he was entitled to treat the place as a second-rate tavern.


    ¡°Aaaaand they said: ¡®Don¡¯t show yer face evar againnnn¡¯!¡± The customer droned on about his long journey without regard to the troubled servant holding the wine amphora for him. He had no choice but to listen to the man leaning over the bar. ¡°Doya know how rude that ¡®as?¡±


    ¡°No, sir.¡± He shook his head frantically.


    ¡°Issslike¡­ I travel¡¯d half across the damn world ta get this piece of trash to th¡¯ Archons, but they won¡¯t even lemme in? Artemis shall take her bow and ram it up their-!¡±


    ¡°Ahem.¡± The dry cough of a corpulent man interrupted another vulgarity. It was the owner himself, a clearly displeased Pelos. He nodded the servant to step back and manned the bar himself. ¡°Sir, you are quite a nuisance, I believe you had enough to drink now.¡± He tried to pull the mug out of the drunkard¡¯s hands, but the curly-haired man was far from lethargic. He immediately brought it to his mouth instead and downed the remaining wine.


    ¡°C¡¯mon, I ain¡¯t even halfway fuzzed yet!¡± He chuckled and slammed the amphora down. ¡°I¡¯m payin¡¯ good coin for this deluge of cheap vinegar, so don¡¯t get yer himation in a twist.¡±


    ¡°Urgh, you reek of booze.¡± Pelos clutched his nose and backed away. He was deeply offended by the suggestion that the wine he handpicked was ¡®vinegar¡¯. ¡°Sir, this is a bathhouse, not a tavern. We only offer wine as an aperitif for our excellent pork chops. If you would like me to wake the cook to give you a serving I¡¯d be more than happy to.¡± Despite his lax appearance Pelos was a veteran of his business. A man with a full belly would be less susceptible to drunkenness and more satisfied to boot.


    ¡°I¡¯m not feelin¡¯ hungry at all.¡± The man held his head in his hands and sighed. ¡°No appetite, no love, no future¡­¡±


    Pelos raised his nose and looked down upon the stubble-faced man. His downtrodden expression and posture told of deep misfortune. Just another opportunist drowning his losses in wine.


    ¡°You have my sympathy, sir, but-¡°


    ¡°Oh don¡¯ gimme that.¡± He waved his hand at Pelos¡¯ lip service. ¡°You can¡¯t even fathom how much this journey cost me¡­ I jumped off blades countless times; escaped arrows and storms, even survived an encounter with the legendary Gorgon! Thought that would be the end o¡¯ me, but destiny was on my side. I made it back to Athens, just to get stopped at a shitty door!¡± He tugged the wine out of Pelos¡¯ hand and chugged it down.


    Pelos sighed, irritated, but still the true business man, he did not lose his temper. The inane babbling of a fool did not affect him in the slightest, but if he kept making a scene the nightly customers would turn away. The lounge had already cleared out an hour ago. The servants had called him back to the bathhouse from his delicious dinner at home. Perhaps that was the true reason he was peeved right now. Then again, he had an excuse not to argue with his wife for once.


    ¡°How fantastical. This simply means destiny wasn¡¯t on your side after all, sorry to say.¡± He pulled the amphora out of his hands again and leaned his head on his hand.


    ¡°Hurrrgh¡­ you¡¯re not much of a servant, making your patron feel worse.¡± The man said with a frown.


    ¡°That would be because I am not part of the staff. I happen to be the owner of this place.¡± Pelos grumbled.


    ¡°This is yours?¡± The man unsteadily moved his hand across the room.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Niiiice. Your baths are real good.¡± The man grinned.


    ¡°We only use the best lumber for the fires. A scholar once said that the perfect Spa is one that lets the purest water element drink the heat from the strongest fire element.¡± He explained proudly. Intelligent phrases from scholars always worked well on newcomers.


    ¡°That¡¯s mighty impress¡¯ve, owner.¡± The young man chuckled dryly. ¡°Maybe I should become a manager rather than a merchant. Switchin'' professions on the fly is just my style.¡±


    ¡°You? A merchant?¡± Pelos raised a brow. This rundown character had no merchant-like sway whatsoever.


    ¡°Ain¡¯t you a little too blunt?¡± He squinted his eyes. ¡°Ya don¡¯t strike me as a big manager either. You sure look the part offa fattened piggy, though. Do ya make the pork chop from your belly?¡±


    ¡°E-excuse me?!¡±


    ¡°You must have a good wife who cooks delicious food for ya.¡± Suddenly his mood did a sharp turn back into the blue. ¡°Ya know, I also¡¯ve a woman I love.¡±


    ¡°Oh please.¡± Pelos rolled his eyes. The stereotypical woman troubles were bubbling up. Of course they did. What would a drunkard be without a woman to fret over?


    ¡°Don¡¯t ya laugh at me! She is the beau-beautifullest woman in Athens.¡± He hiccupped. ¡°And I¡¯m gonna disappoint her again.¡± He pushed his head against the wooden bar.


    ¡°That much is certain.¡± He muttered. No respectable woman would court a man wallowing in self-pity in a bathhouse.


    ¡°I promised her I¡¯d become someone better. Someone who her father could approve of. Now I¡¯m just a failed peddler drinkin¡¯ in some rundown basement.¡±


    ¡°My bathhouse is not rundown! And we are on the first floor.¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t even see her smile again¡­ I can¡¯t¡­ face her.¡± He said with a choked up voice.


    Pelos could not bear to look at this pitiful display. With a deep sigh he handed the man the wine again.


    ¡°You¡¯re good guy, owner.¡± The drunkard finished the bottle in a hurry.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say I know what it¡¯s like not to live up to a woman¡¯s expectations.¡± Pelos sighed again.


    ¡°Your little guy¡¯s not feelin¡¯ well?¡± He asked as he put the bottle down.


    ¡°How dare you! My manhood is doing just fine!¡± Pelos turned red like a tomato.


    ¡°Hahahaha! Ya look virile enough.¡± It was clear that he was just messing with him.


    ¡°Why am I arguing with a failed merchant?¡± Pelos put fingers to his temples to ward off the migraine.


    ¡°I was doin¡¯ pretty well actually.¡± The man sipped some more wine and looked into the amphora. ¡°Got shipwrecked though, twice over. Survived, but left most of my possessions behind.¡±


    ¡°You seem to have more than enough coin to spend nonetheless.¡± He eyed the pile of old minted coins on the counter. This was the only reason he hadn¡¯t thrown the man out of his establishment yet. The owls were old, but they didn¡¯t appear to be counterfeits. A paying customer was hard to dismiss.


    ¡°A little gift from my encounter with the Gorgon.¡± He grinned dandily.


    ¡°Yes, yes.¡± Pelos ignored the blabbering and used a rag to clear the counter from the spilled wine.


    ¡°Why¡¯s your wife disappointed in ya?¡± The drunk didn¡¯t look up as he asked almost sheepishly.


    ¡°Hmph. You believe I would share such personal matters with you?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so stuck up! I¡¯m pourin¡¯ my heart out to ya here man!¡± He slapped the counter and looked up with drunken indignation.


    ¡°Nobody asked you to.¡± He deflected.


    ¡°You can¡¯t get it up, that¡¯s it, eh?¡±


    ¡°I swear by Hermes, I shall throw you out myself.¡± He said with a twitching eye. ¡°It¡¯s my son. She thinks I am not bringing him up right.¡± Pelos could not stop himself from talking.


    ¡°So ya got a son. Takes more after his ol¡¯ man, huh?¡± He smiled vaguely.


    ¡°What makes you say that?¡±


    ¡°Your wife¡¯s clearly the one with the say in the household.¡± He leaned over the bar counter and picked up another amphora of wine without asking. ¡°A man that runs to his work in the middle of night to stay away from his troubles, that¡¯s somethin¡¯ else. She must be a real Erinys.¡±


    ¡°I came here because you caused my staff trouble.¡± He corrected him, but felt a hint of nervousness. Was he that transparent?


    ¡°I wish I could have a son with my love. I¡¯d raise him into a smart lad that doesn¡¯t go on faraway journeys into dangerous lands. Gotta stay around the city and make an earnest living.¡±


    Pelos felt a tinge of sympathy. This man was crude and self-loathing, but he seemed to have a good head on his shoulders. At least once the buzz wore off.


    ¡°Listen owner, you got everythin¡¯ a man could want. A wife, a son, a blooming business. Ya can make it work, just gotta believe. Sure, your wife might be a dragon now, but it¡¯s just because she loves your son more than Aphrodite loves pretty men.¡± He hiccupped again, underlining the failed analogy.


    ¡°Enough of my personal situation.¡± Pelos had to shut down any further investigation of his issues. This man seemed a bit too sharp. ¡°If you think strong belief can set the world right, you should go back to your lover and make her your wife.¡±


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Wish I could. But it¡¯s no use. The Archons won¡¯t let me in. Facing the king of Persia is easier than gettin¡¯ past that door.¡± He bit his lip and suppressed his angry shaking.


    ¡°The Archons? What do you need of them?¡± He raised a brow.


    ¡°Indeed, whatever would a young merchant need of the highest authorities in this great city?¡± A new voice echoed inside the lounge. It belonged to a youthful man clad in fine clothes and ring covered hands.


    ¡°My apologies sir, but we are closing down for the night-¡° Pelos was instinctively replying to the newcomer, but then realized who he was looking at. His eyes widened and he stepped back a bit. ¡°Typhos the scholar.¡± He whispered.


    ¡°You can afford to let me have a little chat with your hardheaded customer just for a moment, can you not?¡± Typhos moved to the bar with an impenetrable smile and sat down next to the drunkard. ¡°I will not cause you any trouble.¡± He put down his hand and revealed a small shiny rock. It was pure gold.


    Pelos turned wide-eyed, but then mustered the young man with a suspicious gaze. This was the moneylender that old Hegord was so interested in. To think that he would walk into Pelos¡¯ bathhouse after all this time. The drunk merchant might have been in monetary trouble after all. This could turn out rather ugly.


    ¡°Are you the merchant Themistokles?¡± Typhos asked politely.


    ¡°¡­you got the wrong guy. Ain¡¯t nobody with that name in this dump.¡± The merchant replied and downed the remainders of his wine. Pelos glared at him for that comment.


    ¡°Truly? That is unfortunate.¡± Typhos leaned his elbows on the counter and looked down in disappointment. ¡°Who do I have the pleasure with then?¡±


    ¡°Just a failure who keeps surviving to regret his choices¡­¡± He looked away with gloom in his eyes. ¡°Ya can call me Zosimos.¡±


    ¡°I understand. Surviving a misfortune can leave one¡¯s soul empty. Unfulfilled. Death may seem like the shortest route to salvation.¡± The scholar raised a finger to signal that he wished to drink something as well.


    Pelos went back to the storage and picked out the best wine of his stock. This was not the type of man he could sell cheap grapes to. Typhos nodded in appreciation and then filled an earthen colored cup to the brim with the red liquid. Then he pushed it tenderly towards Zosimos. The downtrodden merchant didn¡¯t pick it up.


    ¡°But you shall know that each near encounter with Thanatos will only teach you new things.¡±


    ¡°Ya don¡¯t look like a priest, but sure sound like one.¡± Zosimos said with much more focused eyes than his drunkenness should allow.


    ¡°Oho, I studied at a temple for far longer than I would have liked, so perhaps that is where I picked up this habit.¡± He took it with good humor. ¡°I did not come here to enlighten you or anything of the sort.¡± He assured and then took a second cup to fill for himself. Only after he put it to his lips did Zosimos finally do the same. Both of them only took a small sip to savor the fine wine. Chugging such precious drops would be a crime.


    ¡°What¡¯s a bigshot like you want from me?¡± Zosimos put the barely touched wine back down and glanced at his conversation partner from the side.


    ¡°You must know that Athens is enormous, stretching farther than the sheer eye may perceive.¡± Typhos said while stirring his cup. ¡°But rumors travel faster than fires through an orchard. In the blink of an eye information travels from one end to the other. Even Hermes could not deliver a message as fast as the rumor mill of this city.¡±


    ¡°Heh.¡± He just snorted.


    ¡°Justified as your sorrow may be, your actions here have stirred some waves. A carelessly dropped word can catch the interest of an unsavory bunch. I came here before they would.¡± His smile was as sharp as a blade in the dark.


    ¡°What are ya tryin¡¯ to say?¡± The merchant muttered under his breath.


    ¡°Your clash with the Archons did not go unnoticed. There are enemies you should not make lightly.¡± Typhos said calmly. ¡°Although I confess, that is none of my business.¡±


    ¡°Are you here to threaten me?¡± Zosimos words turned sharp and the drunkenness seemed completely gone.


    ¡°Calm yourself. My business with you is of another nature.¡± Typhos took another sip of wine. ¡°In your drunken stories you have mentioned quite a few fantastical details. Meeting the king of Persia, travelling across the seas on your lonesome.¡± He counted them on his fingers, each time a golden or silver ring reflected the light. ¡°And escaping the clutches of the legendary Gorgon.¡± With that last line his expression became dangerous.


    Zosimos inhaled audibly.


    ¡°You do not strike me as a liar ¡®Zosimos¡¯. Yet I have to wonder, just how much of this story was embellished?¡±


    ¡°Why do ya care about my tales so much?¡± He glanced around. He was searching for a quick exit.


    ¡°Because I am a man that puts his trust in others.¡± Typhos smiled brightly. ¡°And I wish to trust that little bit of truth in your tales.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I believe you Themistokles, the merchant who was hunted by the Persian executioners across the entire kingdom. Themistokles who traveled the ocean on his own to shake off the great western fleet and sailed straight into the cursed waters of Sarpedon in a bit of desperation. Themistokles who returned from that place with a makeshift boat, but his life intact.¡±


    The merchant put the cup down and rose from his seat. ¡°Sorry, that wine¡¯s too classy for me.¡± He said emotionless and then walked towards the door.


    ¡°That is quite alright. We should all indulge ourselves from time to time.¡± Typhos said while casually slurping on his cup. He did not try to stop Themistokles, which meant¡­


    The merchant stopped at the door. He could see the shadows of three men cross the gap.


    ¡°Please, sirs, there is no reason for antagonism inside my establishment-¡° Pelos realized that things were turning ugly and raised his hands amicably. To no avail.


    ¡°Pelos, please stay out of our business talk.¡± Typhos silenced him with a single smile. ¡°Now now, Themistokles, do not mind my friends. They are just a bit overprotective. I told them that we could come to an understanding without a need for violence.¡± He turned his head towards the tanned merchant. ¡°You would not want to make me a liar, right?¡±


    ¡°Are you working for them?¡± The merchant put a hand into his garments to grab his dagger.


    ¡°If you are referring to the Persians, not at all. I have no use for such barbarians.¡± The scholar denied his accusation firmly. ¡°As a good Athenian citizen I should even commend you on your actions. The Archons are far too stubborn to see the value of your little present.¡±


    ¡°You know about-?¡± He froze as he saw Themistokles pull out a small iron chest from his linen sack.


    ¡°You should pick your taverns more carefully. The old dockyard is famously swarming with thieves.¡±


    ¡°Bastard¡­!¡± He pulled out his dagger and went into a stance reminiscent of a street thug.


    ¡°Lower your weapon please, it is unseemly.¡± Typhos frowned slightly and then put the chest down on the bar counter. ¡°I have not managed to crack the combination yet. It would be easy for my cruder friends to break it open with the help of a local blacksmith, but that is not as stimulating.¡± He tapped the chest. ¡°Of course I have no need for a map of Persia¡¯s military forts and trade routes. A mere scholar would not wish to start a war after all.¡±


    Themistokles was cornered. The men at the door seemed well armed and the scholar already knew what his prized possession was truly worth. All he could do now was listen.


    ¡°You¡¯re gonna extort me? Not much for you to gain. That¡¯s all the coin I have left.¡± He nodded towards the pile of coins.


    ¡°Hahahaha!¡± Typhos burst out laughing. ¡°You would suggest that I have any need to press a poor merchant for his little earnings?¡± He wiped a laugh tear from his eye. ¡°I already explained that I am more interested in your high-flying tales, rather than boring politics or money.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t get ya.¡± Themistokles put the dagger away and sighed. While rubbing his head in frustration he glanced around the room.


    ¡°Then let me get to the point. You met the Gorgon, did you not?¡±


    ¡°Huh? You are interested in that?!¡± Themistokles was honestly caught off guard. Of all the things the scholar could inquire about.


    ¡°Only that.¡± He nodded. ¡°Not many men can claim to have escaped that island. I count myself one of those lucky few as well.¡±


    ¡°You went to the Gorgon¡¯s island?¡± He couldn¡¯t stop gasping.


    ¡°Fairly recently as well. We had to retreat in a rush.¡± He said without a hint of regret.


    Themistokles hastily ordered his scrambled thoughts. He had to take some leaps of logic, but he ended up with a clearer picture. Still, this could not be a coincidence.


    ¡°You led that expedition.¡±


    ¡°Ah, what expedition would that be?¡± He asked innocently.


    ¡°You bastards abandoned Eugenia on that island.¡± He said with a shadow over his eyes.


    Typhos expression changed. Only now was he truly convinced that the merchant had been to Sarpedon. There was no greater proof than that name.


    ¡°So it is true, she still lives.¡± He said in a low voice.


    ¡°You cowards left her with that monster! Used her as bait for your escape!¡± Rage overcame him when he saw Typhos indifferent smile.


    ¡°Sheer calumny. We had no such intentions.¡± He raised his hands defensively. ¡°It just happened to work out that way.¡±


    Themistokles spat at the scholar¡¯s feet. But Typhos did not lose his cool to the disrespect.


    ¡°The truth is that I wish to return to that place soon.¡± He took a swig of his wine and exhaled deeply. ¡°It would be a great boon to our efforts if we were more prepared. That is where you come in, brave merchant.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I want you to tell me everything you know about the situation on Sarpedon. The Gorgon¡¯s actions, her relationship with the priestess and possibly a detailed map of the island.¡± He finally came out with his true goal.


    ¡°What would I gain from this?¡± He asked to stall for time.


    ¡°I hoped you would ask!¡± He smirked. ¡°I happen to be a romantic, just as you.¡± His words were slick as oil.


    ¡°Hades¡¯ nose hair, don¡¯t make me throw up.¡± He looked down on him with contempt.


    ¡°It¡¯s true, though. I only wish for young love to succeed. Even the greatest heroes need assistance from the sidelines sometimes, so let me be your ally.¡± He tapped the chest again. ¡°The Archons are stubborn old men, but with the right incentive, they will open their doors. They will hear you out.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t have that kind of sway!¡± He didn¡¯t believe it.


    ¡°But I do. Just ask good Pelos here.¡± He amicably nodded at the sweating bathhouse owner.


    ¡°He speaks the truth.¡± Pelos confirmed with a dry throat.


    ¡°It is quite simple, my new friend. You support our expedition to slay the monster and in return I will open the door that keeps you from your beloved Eopia. I would love to be on good terms with a future Archon too.¡± His words were like honey. It really seemed like this deal was unreasonably favoring Themistokles.


    The merchant felt hot and cold at the same time. A sweat drop ran down the bridge of his nose. Time seemed to have stopped. An unbelievable opportunity had just made itself known. His heartbeat was breaking into new speed. Even if he could not be sure if he could trust Typhos, he had no alternatives. A slim chance was better than none at all!


    ¡°I-¡° He opened his mouth, stretched forward his hand and felt a restless breath escape his mouth. The men at the door shifted their shadows, Pelos was looking at them with fear and Typhos was expectantly listening.


    Her sad face flashed across his inner eye.


    ¡°I can¡¯t help you.¡± He said with a defeated expression.


    ¡°Pardon?¡± Typhos¡¯ face became emotionless.


    ¡°I cannot betray my savior.¡± Themistokles said with gritted teeth. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for her I wouldn¡¯t even have made it this far. There is no point in reaching my goal if I have to step over her feelings!!¡± And with those words he threw his dagger at the surprised scholar and then jumped through the closed window. The wooden shutters burst apart and he rolled into the empty street below. He had spied the only escape route just in time.


    ¡°Ah, how disappointing. Blind loyalty is such a disappointment.¡± Typhos cold voice echoed across the street. The young scholar was looking out the window, completely unharmed! The dagger could not have missed him and yet he was without a scratch.


    ¡°Urgh!¡± Themistokles bent over in pain. A fist had hit his stomach with as much force as a raging bull. He bent over and was then kicked into the curb. A shadow of a shadow had passed his vision and forced him down. The cloaked figure was so ethereal that he could barely recognize their existence in the moonlight. They were holding his own dagger against his throat.


    ¡°Meet my other new friend. The famous Shade of Athens.¡± He leaned over the windowsill and nodded the hooded person to pull the merchant up. ¡°They are quite impressive, hm? Cost me a fortune, but I am already feeling good about this investment.¡±


    ¡°Hack- graggh!¡± Themistokles coughed as his throat was clutched tightly. The shade put the dagger away to just hold him up. Their strength seemed superhuman. Then they jumped up and reached the window with ease. He was slammed back into the bathhouse where Pelos pulled on his balding head because of the destroyed window.


    As the merchant was lying in front of Typhos'' feet, the scholar squatted down and put a hand to his shoulder. His grip was soft unlike that of the Shade.


    ¡°I have trouble seeing why you would reject such a favorable deal, but I am sure we can come to an agreement eventually.¡± He snapped his fingers and a thickly covered man with a chest came inside. When the scarred man opened the chest he revealed a lot of bronze tools. ¡°Owner, would you be so kind as to make good on your previous comment? Now is a good time to close the bathhouse.¡±


    Pelos was terrified to the core and could not look Themistokles in the eye as he rushed out the door to leave.


    ¡°Now ¡®Zosimos¡¯. It is time to live up to your reputation. You will survive yet another perilous situation and regret your decisions afterwards.¡± Typhos smiled darkly. ¡°All you need to do is comply and you will soon forget about this betrayal.¡±


    ¡°Hnggh.¡± Themistokles bit his lip until it was bleeding, but he could not stop looking at the shimmering tools that the torturer was wiping clean of dried blood.


    ¡°I will save Eugenia.¡± The scholar whispered into his ear.


    Themistokles eyes widened. He looked up to search the man¡¯s eyes for the truth.


    ¡°Whatever you may believe, it is indeed correct, the truth is that the monster must be exterminated. Only then can the priestess be saved.¡± He rose and then turned away. With a nod he ordered the scarred man to do his job. The bulky man tore Themistokles¡¯ sleeves off, revealing the brand on his right arm he had received from the Persians for his deeds. ¡°Be assured that I am a man of my word. You will give me what I need and I will put in that good word for you with the Archons in return. Let us hope that you will still be able to talk when you meet them.¡± His fine clothes waved through the air as he swiped them aside and left through the door.


    The bulky man pressed the knife into the brand on Zosimos¡¯ arm and roughly cut it open. Blood was drawn, but not enough to be fatal. The man was a master of his profession.


    ¡°WAIT!¡± Themistokles shouted.


    Typhos stopped and looked back with a raised brow.


    ¡°Please¡­ swear to me¡­ that you won¡¯t harm Eugenia!¡± He said with tear filled eyes.


    ¡°What a silly request.¡± Typhos chuckled. ¡°I never had any intention to lay a finger on her.¡±


    ¡°Then¡­ let me help you.¡± Themistokles words were steeped in regret. The torturer put his knife away and got some tools to cauterize the wound.


    ¡°I knew you would come around.¡± Typhos spoke with the most delighted smile.


    For the sake of the future humans betrayed each other and forged new alliances eternally. Their own gain or the safety of those they valued was always at the fore of their minds. Humanity would always choose their own over all others.

 Chapter 20: Medusa and the silvery eyes

    The distant island of Sarpedon was surrounded by the unforgiving sea. Currents as deadly as they were numerous would attempt to drag any boats daring enough to challenge them to the depth of the ocean floor. Countless wrecks were a grim reminder to the world that this was not a place mortals should venture. Should one such boat however make the perilous journey and reach the coveted island it would be greeted by an intense light. The sun shone down on this small isle as if to blind anyone who desired to look upon it.


    Once a visitor ventured past the long white beaches and stepped foot onto the grounds of the old destroyed temple they would find an ominous air of death that nearly took physical form. Statues lined the island in circles, giving spine-chilling warnings to those who would come next about what had happened to those who came before. The island was cursed. The creature living on it was cursed. Retreat. Never return. Those were their lifeless warnings as their stone eyes stared forward forevermore.


    But now there was something else on the forsaken isle. Hints of white cloth, busy humming, a peek of auburn hair. The dead earth was showing minor growth, the sealed garden had been opened wide. Hares hopped between old temple pillars and drank greedily from the puddles left by prior rain.


    Sarpedon had gained life. A soul.


    <hr>


    Two weeks had passed since the priestess Eugenia had opened up about her past to the Gorgon of Sarpedon, Medusa. Although their first meeting - when the human expedition had arrived to slay the monster - had pitted them as bitter enemies, they had been forced to coexist on the small isle ever since. The Gorgon had cursed the young woman to stay on the island with her as her prisoner, a petty revenge against her mistress, the goddess Athena.


    Not all was as it seemed, however, as soon enough the blind priestess, who was unable to be affected by the petrifying curse of the Gorgon¡¯s eyes, found herself seeking companionship with the creature. Their understanding of the world, their ideals and their feelings about the divine all differed to the point of making compromises impossible, they could not have come to like each other. That should have been the case anyway.


    After many painful interactions they began to converse more freely and they faced challenges the Gorgon had never met before. The priestess grew to understand that there was more to Medusa than just a vile monster and she decided to find out the truth behind her new companion. Slowly but surely they both had changed. And as long as Eugenia was able, she would try to continue getting closer to the tormented Lady of the Isle.


    <hr>


    Although Eugenia had only spoken of her early childhood, the Gorgon could more or less predict the rest. Eugenia had asked her to tell her about the past as well, but Medusa had stayed defensive like a bulwark. There were things better left unspoken.


    As was the nature of their relationship, Eugenia soon let it go and returned to her peaceful everyday life, while Medusa wiled the time away in a daze. She caught herself drifting off to unnecessary thoughts, but adamantly suppressed them. The girl¡¯s overeager approach had taken its toll over the many lunar cycles she had been here, but she was still a hundred years too early to dwindle down a monster¡¯s determination.


    ¡°Why not sing something for me?¡± Medusa inquired while lying on her side and leaning her head on her hand.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Eugenia stopped in the middle of sweeping the dusty yard. Her expression was one of complete lack of understanding. ¡°Me?¡± She let go of the broom and pointed at herself.


    ¡°Is there a new intruder I have not heard of yet?¡± The Gorgon retorted.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    ¡°Then I must be referring to you.¡±


    ¡°But Lady Medusa, you never asked me for anything before!¡± Her bafflement was marginally annoying.


    ¡°I am now.¡± She said with a wry smile.


    ¡°I would love to do something for you! It¡¯s just, er¡­¡± She trailed off.


    ¡°Hm? Out with it.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t sing.¡± She admitted with flushed cheeks.


    ¡°You told me of singing with your mother as a child, did you not?¡± She raised a brow.


    ¡°I loved hearing her sing, but whenever I started to open my mouth everyone just held their ears and groaned.¡± She picked up the broom again and looked all gloomy.


    ¡°You have no womanly qualities whatsoever, hm?¡± Medusa smirked.


    ¡°Your standards are too high!¡± Eugenia huffed in deep frustration, but then pointed her finger at Medusa. ¡°I can play a harp! Just give me a harp and I will mesmerize you completely!¡± Her confidence was astounding.


    ¡°We do not have something like that on this island.¡±


    ¡°Oooh.¡± Eugenia leaned on the broom as she deflated.


    ¡°Hmph. Harp you say? It has been a long time since I heard one.¡± She muttered.


    ¡°You would just compare me to the Muses again anyway.¡± Eugenia decidedly turned her head away and swept a pile of dirt below a pillar.


    ¡°Naturally. You could not mesmerize me with mere mortal skills.¡± The Gorgon sneered.


    ¡°How cruel.¡± The priestess wiped her sweaty face and pouted. ¡°Do you love music that much, Lady Medusa?¡±


    ¡°Not in particular. The ocean¡¯s breeze has become such a repetitive tune that I simply-¡± She stopped herself with surprise. She just wished to tease the human, right? Why did she justify herself? Why did she speak her honest mind? ¡°I simply wished to test your skills. You are as lacking as I expected.¡±


    ¡°Can you sing then?¡± She wiped some sweat with a rag while inquiring. She turned the edge around on the snake woman.


    ¡°It matters not. I will leave such things to self-absorbed poets like Apollo.¡±


    ¡°You never have a single good word for the gods.¡± Eugenia muttered as she rubbed her stomach.


    ¡°There are enough voices singing their praises. If he makes a song for me, I will hold him in higher esteem.¡± She smiled dryly. ¡°Are you alright? You are sweating an awful lot.¡±


    ¡°Urgh¡­ I am fine. Probably.¡± The girl kept rubbing her belly and looked like death.


    ¡°If you become sick, try to die in a place I do not have to pass by much. The smell of corpses ruins my mood.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t die!¡±


    ¡°If you say so. Humans are all too fragile.¡± She mocked, because she did not truly think Eugenia was in danger either.


    ¡°It¡¯s just reaaally hot today.¡± She shielded her face from the sun.


    ¡°Truly?¡± She looked at the ever glowing fire on the revolving chariot above. Helios was one tough man to resist the heat on his backseat, but down here it was merely a relaxing warmth. Then again, her skin was tougher than the girl¡¯s. Summer had passed, but Sarpedon never changed.


    If she just focused on the blue sky long enough she could find herself dozing off. It was a natural instinct to lie in the sun and let it warm her scales. Must have been the snake instincts.


    She quickly opened her eyes in surprise. Her torso rose and the snakes on her head that had been sleeping suddenly perked up and turned in the same direction as her gaze. Their tongues slipped out and they smelled the air. ¡°There is an intruder.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Again?¡± Eugenia spun around holding her broom like a lance.


    ¡°This presence.¡± The Gorgon¡¯s eyes turned sharp. Out of all the people that had barged into her domain, this one was the least expected. She had never wanted to meet this one again. But something about the presence was odd. It was diluted. Weak. Lacking in its usual grandiosity and pride. ¡°She dares show her face around here?¡±


    Without another word Medusa slithered off. She was so incredibly fast that Eugenia didn¡¯t even have time to react. In seconds the Gorgon was already advancing towards the western cliffs.  The spot that had been covered in foot trails from Eugenia¡¯s constant visits (her favorite fishing spot) was red, brown and¡­ empty. The snakes searched for the trail, but wound up curling around each other in confusion.


    ¡°Stop making knots.¡± She hissed towards her hair and followed the trails on the ground with her eyes. They were mostly human footprints naturally, but there was one unknown trail. It didn¡¯t appear to be footprints, but rather a small line. Something very light had been dragged across the dirt and then rolled downhill.


    There was no way that the presence she felt could belong to something so tiny. Yet she could not find any other clues. Resigned, she followed the line that broke off halfway down the hill and looked through the dry bushes on the fissured cliff. Her long nails brushed through the plants and tore them out. What she found lying behind them was a surprise to be sure.


    ¡°Huff¡­ haaah¡­ Lahady¡­ Mehdusha¡­¡± An out of breath Eugenia stumbled onto the scene and stopped just short of the Gorgon¡¯s hunched over back. ¡°You¡¯re too fast.¡±


    ¡°You did not need to follow me.¡± She replied automatically while inspecting the ¡®intruder¡¯.


    ¡°Did you find them?¡±


    ¡°I am not sure.¡± She extended her hand and dragged the intruder up with just two fingers.


    Eugenia tilted her head. She could hear the wind brush over the feathers. ¡°A bird?¡±


    ¡°Apparently.¡± Medusa held up the small bird in front of her face. The snakes¡¯ eyes were glinting. This one was small enough to make for a good snack. Not that she would ever let her hair eat. ¡°Perhaps because it is an owl?¡± She wondered. The presence she felt was just like hers, but it ended up just being a bird.


    ¡°Owl?!¡± Eugenia¡¯s face lit up. ¡°What kind?¡± She asked excitedly.


    Medusa mustered the bird from every angle and squinted her eyes.


    ¡°An owl.¡± She concluded.


    ¡°What kind! There are many kinds of owls, don¡¯t you know?¡± She frowned.


    ¡°An owl is an owl. I see no reason to give it a different name.¡±


    ¡°What does it look like? Are its feathers brown and white spotted?¡±


    ¡°How would you know what brown and white look like?¡±


    ¡°I saw an owl in my dream.¡± The priestess folded her hands and closed her eyes. ¡°The colors, the shape, it is all burned into my mind. I want to know whether this one is the same thing I ¡®saw¡¯ back then.¡±


    Medusa understood why she was so excited now. This blind girl had only ever ¡®seen¡¯ one thing in her life beyond the darkness. The vision Athena had given her was the only reference to what others perceived every day. So if this owl was the same kind she knew, it would be like she could finally see the same thing that everyone else saw.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    ¡°You are correct. It is brown and white spotted all over. Even its brows are thick and white.¡± The bird¡¯s eyes were closed completely, but it didn¡¯t appear to be injured. Its chest moved as it breathed subtly, it was just unconscious. It was for the best that the owl didn¡¯t stare into the Gorgon¡¯s eyes or it would become a slab of rock right away.


    ¡°A little owl of Athena!¡± The girl lowered her head reverently.


    ¡°It is just a bird.¡±


    ¡°This kind of owl is in direct service of the great and wise Athena. They are sharing her wisdom with us mortals and bring her messages to the worthy.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± She held the owl upside down and inspected it further. There was really no trace of discomfort on it. The real issue was its presence itself. Birds rarely managed to pass the storm barrier and seldom even migrated in this direction anyway. How could such a little bundle of feathers make it to Sarpedon?


    ¡°It must be sleeping because the sun is up. Owls are nocturnal creatures.¡± Eugenia said wisely.


    ¡°It might be exhausted from flying such a great distance.¡± If it wasn¡¯t connected to the presence she felt then she had no use for it. ¡°Catch.¡± She said and threw the bird to Eugenia.


    ¡°W-what!?¡± The priestess barely caught the beaked feather bundle above her head.


    ¡°You are a priestess, so you can ask for its wisdom if you want.¡± She mocked and then took a look around the area for the true origin of the presence.


    ¡°Poor thing.¡± Eugenia stroked the owl¡¯s head compassionately. ¡°Did the big scary Gorgon toss you roughly? Let me brush your feathers until they are all neat again.¡±


    ¡°Getting attached to your food again?¡± She jabbed while pushing over a large stone.


    ¡°Food? You cannot eat a messenger owl!¡± She seemed honestly appalled. She hugged the owl tightly like a mother would her child.


    ¡°Tsk. So many rules.¡± She clicked her tongue dismissively.


    ¡°It needs a place to rest and some food. I think it would like insects or mice.¡± She recollected what she knew about owls.


    ¡°I have no interest in its recovery, so do as you please. We are sorely lacking in rodents, however.¡±


    ¡°I should fetch some of the bugs inside the ravine.¡±


    Medusa noted once again that the girl had no scruple to get herself dirty and covered in insects. The line between bravery and foolishness was thin indeed.


    ¡°Be careful not to break your legs in there.¡± She warned quietly and looked back across the island. Her senses had never dulled in all these decades, so she could not have imagined it. Where was she?


    ¡°Gosh, I am not a child anymore. I will be care-¡± Suddenly her face twisted and sweat poured out of her every pore.


    Grrrummble.


    Her stomach made sounds that reminded of a choking warthog. The priestess bent over and held her stomach, no, clutched it!


    ¡°P-please look after her¡­¡± She held up the owl to Medusa with a pleading expression. The Gorgon hesitated for a moment, but then took the bird in her hands. ¡°I m-must¡­ think of a name¡­¡± She said with a pale and pained expression.


    ¡°Are you sure that you are not dying?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ urgh¡­ Just a stomach cramp.¡±


    Grrlllrglll.


    ¡°Sounds more like the Trojan war in there.¡± Medusa¡¯s eyes dulled.


    ¡°By Poseidon, why did it have to be fish?!¡± The priestess¡¯ eyes teared up and she sprinted off.


    ¡°Wait, where are you going?¡± She called after her in confusion.


    ¡°I need some time for myself! Don¡¯t follow me!¡±


    That was probably the first time the girl had ever given Medusa a serious order. The despair on her face was undeniable. What could drive a person to such horrific wall crawling madness?


    ¡°I¡¯m serious! Do not come to the northern shore!¡± She had turned back around the corner just to point at Medusa with a shaking finger.


    Human bodies were very inconvenient. Medusa remembered the horrible smell of burnt fish this morning. ¡®Ah, so that¡¯s what this was about¡¯, she thought. ¡°What am I supposed to do with this?¡± She spun the owl in the air.


    ¡°Stop that.¡± A deep female voice cut through the air.


    ¡°Decided to finally show yourself?¡± Medusa huffed and kept spinning the owl even faster.


    ¡°I said stop it!¡± The woman sounded slightly irate now.


    ¡°Using an owl instead of a boisterous statue of yourself? How far the high and mighty hath fallen.¡± She said venomously and dropped the owl. The bird caught itself mid air and then stumbled towards a rock (probably because it was nauseous from the spinning).


    ¡°Curb your tongue, Gorgon.¡± The bird glared up to her. Its eyes were silver-gray. No owl Medusa had ever seen had such shining eyes. In fact there was only one being in this world with these eyes. ¡°Show respect to my messenger.¡± The owl glared at her as the disembodied voice rang from the air around it.


    ¡°I showed mercy to this pathetic intruder by not throwing it back into the ocean. That is the most respect you will garner from me.¡±


    ¡°Over a century of isolation has not cured you of your impertinence, I see.¡± The owl seethed.


    ¡°This form suits you. All that unfathomable ego trapped in a tiny harmless bird.¡± Medusa grinned darkly. The moment that the animal had not turned to stone from meeting gazes she had been sure. This was the presence she had felt. ¡°Did you come to assert your power once more? I thought you hated me enough to come in person at least¡­ Athena.¡±


    The bird puffed its chest and spread its wings to grow to the full size of a housecat.


    ¡°Your mockery makes no difference.¡± Athena¡¯s voice had regained its endless serenity. ¡°I have sent this familiar to be my eyes on your cursed island.¡±


    ¡°Announcing that you will spy on me? You are really testing my patience.¡±


    ¡°Where is Eugenia? Did you imprison her below?¡±


    ¡°This is about her?¡± Medusa crossed her arms.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± The owl repeated stoically.


    ¡°Hm. Somewhere around the northern shore I presume.¡± She cracked her neck casually. ¡°She does not wish to speak to you.¡±


    ¡°How dare you! To keep a priestess from her goddess is a crime that even you shall not belittle.¡±


    ¡°This has nothing to do with me. That girl is not in the mood, I would wager.¡±


    ¡°Bring her to me or fear the consequences!¡±


    ¡°You are irritable as usual.¡± Medusa glared down on the owl and then cleared her voice. ¡°Human! Will you come back already?¡± She shouted.


    ¡°DON¡¯T TALK TO ME!¡± Eugenia¡¯s very unhappy voice echoed across the island. Her ears really were something else. Too bad that Athena talked directly to the mind rather than with a voice or the girl might have noticed what was going on.


    ¡°There you have it. She has important business to attend to.¡± Medusa shrugged and smiled wryly.


    The owl seemed disgruntled. ¡°Then you have not harmed her?¡±


    ¡°Did not pull a single hair from her head. Though I cannot say how well she is doing right now.¡± The occasional pained groan reached even them all the way over here.


    ¡°You did well to contain your base instincts, Gorgon.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. Do you now wish to pretend that you care about her?¡± Medusa did not hide the venom in her voice. ¡°Have you really been watching over her all these years?¡±


    ¡°You believe to comprehend our relationship, monster? Do not be foolish.¡±


    ¡°I may not know or care about the human¡¯s circumstances.¡± The Gorgon balled her fist until the nails dug into her flesh. ¡°But I can see through your lies and machinations, Athena! You never do anything out of charity. No matter what action you take, it only serves yourself. You blessed this girl with hearing? Do not belittle my intelligence. If you truly wished to help her you would have returned her sight instead.¡±


    ¡°There would have been no point in doing something so simple-minded.¡± The owl responded unabashed.


    ¡°So the girl is just another of your experiments?¡±


    ¡°I value her as a loyal priestess.¡±


    ¡°You are dodging the question.¡±


    ¡°I have not sent these ¡®eyes¡¯ to Sarpedon to answer your fruitless questions.¡± Athena replied curtly. ¡°Your defiance has reached a new world of atrocity. You dared to capture one of mine. In a sliver of sanity you managed to suppress your violent urges, but I know your true nature nonetheless.¡±


    Medusa¡¯s mind was heating up. The fury she had suppressed for so many decades was back as if it had merely been a heartbeat since their last meeting. This arrogance, this endless act of superiority, it was revolting. Athena spoke of her true nature, but the whole reason she was like this was-!


    ¡°I order you to release Eugenia from your clutches.¡±


    ¡°You made a small miscalculation there, o¡¯ goddess.¡± Medusa¡¯s cold anger permeated her every syllable. ¡°This is my prison. As long as I stay in the confines of this island and do not touch what is yours, you have no power over me!¡±


    ¡°Semantics. You keep her tied to this land of the dead against her will. I can see through your every stray thought, down to your impotent attempt at vengeance.¡± The piercing silvery eyes were rising from the depth of the mind itself. Their gaze was unfaltering and true. Even Medusa, strong of will and infinitely resentful, could barely meet them directly.


    How? How could one destroy the clarity in these eyes? What could shake such an unfaltering gaze?


    Medusa¡¯s lips parted.


    ¡°I¡­ am not keeping her here anymore.¡± She said almost as if in trance. ¡°If she were to attempt an escape, I would not stop her.¡± Her words surprised even herself.


    ¡°What are you implying?¡± Athena¡¯s reaction was guarded.


    Medusa thought about it and then smiled evilly. ¡°Your priestess does not want to leave.¡±


    The owl flapped its wings in surprise.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Medusa held her face as she began to laugh. ¡°Your precious toy has already escaped your influence.¡±


    ¡°You suggest that you corrupted her? She serves you now?¡±


    ¡°Not at all. I have no interest in servants. I could not give less attention to the devotion of others.¡± Her tail twisted around and swiped dirt into the air. ¡°If you were to call out to her and order her return to your services, I have no doubt she would come running like the obedient dog she is.¡±


    ¡°Explain yourself.¡± Athena was clever, which is why she would often listen to all the facts before jumping to conclusions.


    ¡°You have left her behind. I know so. If your eyes had been vigilant you would not have allowed your chosen one to join this expedition to certain doom.¡±


    The owl stayed quiet. Medusa¡¯s words were undeniable.


    ¡°She failed your expectations in that faraway village. A mere child, yet still inadequate in your callous eyes. Therefore you abandoned her. Only if she were in mortal danger would you intervene, because as a chosen human, you have to give her your protection. The Olympians must uphold their image after all.¡± She spat out. ¡°Tell me, how did you realize that she was here?¡±


    ¡°A scholar told me.¡± Athena replied truthfully.


    ¡°A scholar?¡± Medusa raised a brow. Her perfect memory gave her the faces of the dozen men that had come to her island on the last expedition. There was only one man that gave off the air of importance and wealth she would associate with a scholar, although he was far too young. So the escaped ship had made it back to Athens. Why would that coward who used the priestess as bait report his failure to Athena?


    ¡°I could sense that Eugenia was alive, but this cursed island is shielded from all eyes.¡± Which is why she had sent this owl here to confirm the information. In the end a goddess would not rely just on the word of a mortal. ¡°You have not finished your explanation yet.¡±


    ¡°You know nothing about this priestess. Not what she loves, what she hates, what she lives for. Can you truly claim that she would wish to return to the mainland, to return into your service?¡±


    Athena kept stoically silent.


    ¡°If you do not order her to return, what would happen? You are fond of experiments and wagers, are you not? Then see for yourself the truth of the situation. Your most loyal subject is not as devoted as you believe. You have abandoned her for so long that she does not know what her meaning in life should be.¡± Medusa¡¯s words were harsh, but not twisted by lies. This was what she truly thought.


    ¡°I have no reason to go along with your childish schemes.¡± The owl picked its feathers with its beak.


    ¡°You also have no reason not to.¡± Medusa¡¯s smile was twisted. ¡°Unless you fear you could be proven wrong?¡±


    ¡°I fear nothing, Gorgon.¡± She did not lose her cool at all. Medusa¡¯s taunts were far too obvious. ¡°Yet wisdom comes from observation. I shall see everything.¡±


    ¡°Heh.¡±


    ¡°I will observe the corruption you decided to sow inside my property. To learn from it the potency of this snake¡¯s venom.¡± Her voice was clear and decided. ¡°I shall not allow you to harm Eugenia. If you touch her your life is forfeit, Gorgon. I see all and I never forgive.¡±


    ¡°Suit yourself. You may smite me the moment the girl breathes her last under my watch.¡± Her words were steeped in arrogance, but she could not help it. She could not stand Athena. It took all she had not to tear this messenger owl to tiny shreds.


    ¡°To divine the truth of everything I shall be a silent observer. Until judgment will be spoken.¡± The owl slowly closed its eyes. It truly looked exhausted.


    ¡°I would prefer you stayed mute forever.¡± Medusa frowned.


    ¡°One last thing, Gorgon.¡± The silvery eyes returned to their former sharpness in a flash. ¡°More humans will come to claim your head. Should you die and Eugenia be saved, you will have failed your petty bid of vengeance. Fight fang and nail, until you drown in your own blood!¡±


    A shiver went down the Gorgon¡¯s spine and for a single moment she had felt fear. Even this harmless owl could embody the presence of a true goddess for a moment of time.


    Then the owl collapsed and fell unconscious.


    As the nauseating presence disappeared, so did Medusa¡¯s rage. She suddenly felt naught but hollowness in her heart.


    ¡°I am still foolish as well.¡±


    <hr>


    Around evening a highly exhausted Eugenia finally returned to the temple and staggered into her bedstead. Her face was showing a mix of relief and shame.


    ¡°Feeling better?¡± The snake-woman leaned against a pillar close by and watched the sunset.


    Eugenia only nodded.


    ¡°I told you to gut the fish first.¡± She sighed.


    Eugenia nodded again, far less enthused.


    ¡°Your new pet is doing well. She is sleeping in the collapsed attic.¡± Medusa pointed at the barely existent roof. One piece of the attic was somehow still holding on to the structure. That¡¯s where the little owl was sleeping.


    ¡°You took care of her.¡± The priestess said with an exhausted smile.


    ¡°We came to see eye to eye for a moment and established our terms.¡± Medusa said mysteriously.


    ¡°Haha, you are so serious all the time. It¡¯s just an owl.¡± The girl chuckled.


    ¡°Oh? Were you not the one who said it was an important messenger or had some such role?¡± She retorted.


    ¡°The great and wise Athena uses owls to convey her messages, but that doesn¡¯t mean every owl is hers.¡± She explained to her as if talking to a child.


    ¡°Your faith is lacking.¡±


    ¡°Of course not. I just know that I am not worth the effort. Lady Athena has to guide the world, one girl means nothing.¡±


    ¡°You really¡­¡± Medusa looked away. Something must have been caught in her throat.


    ¡°Also I am glad that she didn¡¯t see me like this!¡± She pushed her pale face into the animal skins and groaned.


    ¡°You should drink some water.¡± The Gorgon smiled wryly and slithered off to get the girl a water skin.


    The island seemed peaceful now. Even with the unwanted observer above, nothing indicated a change. Yet the words of the goddess of war kept nagging at her mind.


    ¡°More humans are on their way?¡± The horizon was still and red, like dried blood.


    The stakes had been set between the goddess and the Gorgon, unbeknownst to the priestess in their middle. The result of their bet was still as indiscernible as the fog of approaching war.

 Chapter 21: Medusa and the stars

    It was the deepest of night around Attica¡¯s harbor town Piraeus, only a few parasang¨¥s away from Athen¡¯s center. Yet the docks were busy with harbor workers as if the sun had never set. Sailors were drawing in ropes and carrying cargo unto the anchored ships. There was a palpable atmosphere of import around the place and this only got underlined by the arrival of several large wagons filled to the brim with gear and weapons. The hooded figures waiting at the sidelines finally got active and directed the servants towards the ships.


    In the midst of all these busy preparations sat the young scholar Typhos, eyes running across the parchment in his ring-covered hands. His expression was neutral, but his right foot kept tapping the wooden planks below. When he heard the call of a familiar voice he finally rolled the parchment up and returned to his business smile.


    ¡°Hegord, it is good to see you.¡±


    ¡°Reckon nobody would say that ¡®bout an old sack of bones like me, but you¡¯ve got some suspect company.¡± The old man leaning on his cane forced his way through the muscle-bound men carrying luggage across the dock.


    ¡°Pardon? Is there something disagreeable about my comrades for this expedition?¡± The young scholar asked with feigned surprise.


    ¡°Hrr. Not at all. Cutthroats and mercenaries are just fine for this manner o¡¯ wetwork.¡± The old man settled down on a hardened basket across from Typhos and caught his breath. He was truly out of shape or simply too old for long walks. ¡°Not my place to say anythin¡¯ about your business.¡±


    ¡°Do not say something so dismissive. Your support is a godsend in this whole venture. Reliable suppliers and discrete transports are hard to come by in this age.¡± Typhos bowed his head gracefully.


    ¡°Hrm.¡± Hegord took the compliment with a grunt and then leaned his hands on the cane placed between his legs. ¡°I made a sizable profit. Your requests were fairly odd, though.¡±


    ¡°I fear that is what is required of a monster extermination party.¡± Typhos replied jovially.


    ¡°It¡¯s somewhat late to ask, but what¡¯s a bright lad like you doin¡¯, wastin¡¯ his funds on some mad hunt?¡± The old man had one eye closed and watched Typhos unwavering smile in the shifting light of the torches.


    ¡°I assure you, there is nothing more important for my future business than this hunt.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Hegord was not the type to pry further than necessary. Despite the ample curiosity he held hidden behind his thick beard. ¡°Should¡¯ve seen this coming, honestly.¡±


    ¡°How do you mean?¡±


    ¡°In the end only those who are driven by somethin¡¯ beyond riches and luxury can truly make it in this world.¡± He replied with a distant expression.


    ¡°I cannot claim that money is not part of my ultimate desire.¡± The young man said lightly. ¡°I believe you wish to ask me something else, though. This is our last chance to talk before the great journey and I feel indebted to you, so I might be able to answer you this once.¡±


    Hegord gripped his cane tighter and looked the young man into the eyes. His leveled gaze was filled with the experience of countless years in the trade. That was why he knew when to strike¡­ and when to let something go.


    ¡°¡¯fraid I¡¯ve gotten forgetful with age. Can¡¯t seem to remember what I was looking for.¡±


    ¡°That is a shame. Perhaps you will remember once I return.¡± The scholar said quietly.


    ¡°¡¯Twas a miracle you returned once. Do you think the gods are on your side on this?¡±


    ¡°Haha. They might not be on my side yet, but they will see it my way eventually. I made sure of that.¡± For the first time Typhos showed a genuine smile.


    ¡°Hurhur!¡± Hegord laughed a throaty laugh and tapped his cane. ¡°A hero in the making if I ever saw one! Go ahead then, lad. Achieve your goals and prove your worth to those old men.¡±


    Typhos¡¯ facial expression shifted for a second. Hegord¡¯s words were too pinpointed to be a coincidence. It was clear as day that he knew something. ¡°How did you-?¡± He stopped himself and shook his head. ¡°I thank you for your words of encouragement.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind an old man¡¯s babbling.¡± Hegord stood tall and yelled at some of his workers who almost dropped a barrel. Then he turned around ready to exit the stage he didn¡¯t belong on.


    ¡°I am not like your son.¡± Typhos called after him. Hegord stopped in his tracks. ¡°I shall accomplish my destiny, no matter how many sacrifices it takes!¡±


    ¡°Heh.¡± Hegord grinned widely. Those final words were too nostalgic. ¡°That¡¯s what the youngsters don¡¯t get about the old guard. We don¡¯t want ya to succeed.¡± He whispered out of earshot. ¡°We just want ya to come home. That¡¯s our selfishness.¡±


    As the old stable master left the port, the crew increased their pace and finished preparations. They were on a tight schedule, all too certain of the coming travels being under a bad moon if they hesitated.


    ¡°We¡¯re almost done¡®ere milord.¡± The captain approached him from behind and set down a bottle of cheap port wine. His breath reeked of the stuff already as expected. Sailors voraciously drank each moment that they spent on solid ground as if it was their last drink.


    ¡°Captain Pelagios.¡± He acknowledged the man that had gotten them to Sarpedon once before. There were not many men who could claim such nautical feats in all of Greece. ¡°Are the men able to set sails in this state?¡± He raised a brow.


    ¡°All th¡¯ better with one more for the road- er, you know what I mean, sir.¡± The captain rubbed his tired face with his large bear like paw of a hand and then tightened the bandana around his head.


    ¡°I will hold you to that. Is there anything else I should know before we leave?¡±


    ¡°The mates¡¯re a li¡¯l anxious about that new guy you brought with ya.¡± He said while scratching his head. ¡°They say he ain¡¯t¡­ human.¡± Even in the light of the torches his face was almost entirely covered in shadows.


    ¡°Have you made certain that there is not a single gap in their quarters?¡±


    ¡°Nailed planks over e¡¯ry opening and covered th¡¯ whole thing with brown linen. S¡¯ no way any sun¡¯s gonna touch even a corner below deck.¡± He confirmed. ¡°That¡¯s what¡¯s so worryin¡¯, sir. What kinda human lives in complete darkness, huh?¡± He was extremely worried.


    ¡°The Shade of Athens is susceptible to sunlight. Even I do not know the details, but to acquire their services I had to make a vow not to let them move under the sun. I always keep my promises. That is a simple rule of business.¡± He ignored the issue completely and returned to his parchment. ¡°If your men are prone to fearful superstition, they should not come to the cursed island of the Gorgon. It would be regrettable, though, as I had to grease a lot of gears to allow your crew to settle in this port for just this single night. If the hero Archon found out that you were back he would certainly not rest before your crew is publicly hung from some tight rope in the agora.¡±


    ¡°Aye, that he would.¡± Pelagios seemed to feel colder all of a sudden and he glanced towards the distant Akropolis.


    ¡°But of course, should the men feel unwell around our valued new ally, they are free to stay behind and find a new ship. I would not dare force them to follow me on a dangerous journey so far away from this safe port.¡±


    Pelagios swallowed audibly. It was like the wine had lost its grip on his mind all at once from the cold shiver that was going down his back. The way that the scholar had put it could certainly be interpreted as a veiled threat.


    ¡°Yessir. It¡¯s just, a human can be cut down, but what do ya do with a shade that cuts yer throat at night?¡± He gulped and rubbed said throat.


    Typhos sighed and turned his head towards the captain.


    ¡°We are all on the same side, are we not?¡± His eyes left no room for objection.


    ¡°Yes, milord. We¡¯ll get ready to set sail now!¡± He bowed deeply and then walked on board to oversee the last preparations himself.


    Typhos looked back towards the not so distant Athens with a determined expression. This was not the finale of his tale. Merely an Act 2 in his epos. The Gorgon would fall and then he could finally reach his dreams.


    He raised a hand to the ever distant moon.


    <hr>


    On Sarpedon Eugenia raised her hand towards the high broken ceiling of the temple.


    ¡°Come down here please! Athenai!¡± She called out to the owl which didn¡¯t seem to pay any heed to her. ¡°Ohh, don¡¯t make me come up there!¡± She creased her brows and was about to scale the temple wall again.


    A low hooting made her stop in her tracks. The owl made a rather disgruntled expression as it leaned over the edge and watched the priestess¡¯ antics. The bird was nocturnal, but never flew around the island, instead just waiting for Eugenia to feed it every evening. The rest of the day she just lay in her provisory nest.


    ¡°I caught some crickets for you. I know you love them.¡± She smiled enticingly while holding two crickets in her hands.


    The owl, dubbed ¡®Athenai¡¯ by Eugenia, was not impressed apparently. Its eyes were a deep yellow, but while looking at the crickets they became silver. Then she squinted in disgust.


    ¡°Why are you so difficult today?¡± Eugenia complained.


    ¡°Let her starve if she does not appreciate your gifts.¡± Medusa said with a yawn. She had awoken just recently, but could not help but smirk at this display of divine childishness. Her eyes met that of the owl. It was not pleased to see her.


    ¡®Likewise¡¯, Medusa thought.


    ¡°Maybe these don¡¯t look tasty?¡± Eugenia questioned while holding the crickets close to Medusa¡¯s face.


    ¡°How would I know?¡± She subtly pushed the girl¡¯s hands away.


    ¡°I dug around for a while, but these were the only ones I could find in the grass.¡± She lowered her head gloomily.


    Athenai made a low sound and then flew down, picking the crickets from Eugenia¡¯s fingers. In a flash she devoured them and settled down on one of the many stone statues¡¯ arms. Medusa rolled her eyes when she saw the owl shiver. The one possessing the owl could have just ignored Eugenia, but even she had a hard time doing so.


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    ¡°She liked them after all!¡± She excitedly pointed at the owl and smiled up to Medusa.


    ¡°Seems that way.¡± She smiled evilly at the unfortunate silvery eyes. The reason that they had taken this color was Medusa¡¯s arrival. Had they stayed yellow, the tiny owl would now be stone. ¡°I never tire of watching you feed her.¡± She said, barely suppressing a gleeful chuckle.


    ¡°You warmed up to her then.¡± Eugenia nodded with a pleased look.


    ¡°This beautiful night just improved my mood. That is all.¡± She shrugged. The star filled sky was indeed unspeakably stunning tonight.


    A surprised hoot made them both twitch and turn to the suddenly vertically impaired owl. In other words, it had fallen into the dirt.


    ¡°Feeling sick?¡± Medusa muttered uncaringly.


    ¡°Oh my. I thought birds had better balance. Now you are all dirty.¡± Eugenia picked Athenai up carefully and brushed her dirty wings. ¡°You have to clean yourself better.¡± She said as she picked old feathers out from her plumage. Usually birds were rather good at picking out all dead feathers and foreign objects, but this one seemed inexplicably incompetent in that regard. ¡°It¡¯s decided then, I will wash you myself. Let me prepare the bath.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡± Medusa was caught off-guard.


    ¡°You can go back to sleep, Lady Medusa. We won¡¯t make any noise, promise.¡± She waved her off almost casually.


    ¡°You would rather not bathe with me, right?¡± The Gorgon smiled knowingly.


    ¡°That has no relation to this.¡± Her insistence was stubborn, but that gave it away all the more. She was still the same prude she had been a few months back during their first moonlit night together.


    Medusa had not been pushy about it since then. She was not the type to take many baths in the first place, so there was hardly a reason to join the human girl outside of specifically wanting to mess with her.


    Yet, being pushed aside so vehemently, it was somewhat of a slight to her ego. Furthermore she seemed to have no issues with the owl as company. Was it not the same as saying the owl was better than her?


    She dug her long nails into her arms to focus. How could she let herself be irritated by something so trivial? There was something far more important on her mind, right? The words spoken by Athena would not cease to repeat in her head. The news about humans coming their way. It would be best to assume that the previous expedition, the one the girl had arrived with, was involved. Therefore she had to question the priestess soon.


    But she had been clamming up about this aspect of her recent past all too strongly. Medusa knew that the girl would not speak up about it unless it was utterly necessary. The Gorgon did not even know if Athena had spoken the truth or if she was just speaking vaguely on purpose to unsettle her. It was obvious that more humans would come eventually, they always did. To long-lived beings like them, any amount of time could constitute as ¡®soon¡¯.


    While she mulled it over yet again, Eugenia had already prepared the heated water and poured it into the stone basin. She extinguished the fire and then put a toe into the steaming water. It was clearly pleasant.


    Without much fanfare the priestess took the owl and pushed it under the surface.


    The bird made what could only be classified as drowning noises.


    Medusa watched with a mix of amusement and unexpected sympathy. This human girl never stopped to amaze with her clumsiness.


    ¡°Please stop your struggling! I can¡¯t brush the dirt away if you flap your wings sooo much!¡± Eugenia scolded the drowning owl. Cruelty came in many forms. It made one wonder which of these two needed protection.


    As the scrubbing continued, Eugenia eventually let Athenai move above the surface again, although the bird was looking rather pitiful.


    ¡°You can¡¯t go to sleep yet, we still need to dry you.¡± Eugenia said motherly and tightly grabbed a rag. If she managed to get that thing around Athenai she might very well have squashed her. The owl opened its eyes widely and then started pecking Eugenia¡¯s hand as if fighting off a mongoose.


    ¡°Ow ow ow, that smarts.¡± She let go of the rag and the owl flapped a few arm lengths away to shake its body from all the water.


    ¡°I believe you finished your duty now.¡± Medusa came over and dropped her clothes on top of the surprised owl. Then she stepped into the water (her legs had turned human).


    ¡°Lady Medusa, why are you still here?¡±


    ¡°You must have been really focused.¡± She smiled wryly. It was no easy feat to sneak up on the priestess. She let her body sink into the warming water and sighed contently. The snakes on her head seemed to deflate and just rested on the bricks. ¡°This must be what the sparkling rivers of Elysium feel like.¡±


    Eugenia seemed unsure of how to proceed. Somehow she managed to find a heart and undressed as well, hastily diving into the water next to the Gorgon.


    It already seemed nostalgic, despite having been so recent. Many things seemed far away already. Before the priestess had arrived a few months were nothing to Medusa. She would barely notice the passage of time. Now, however, she could count the amount of days without issue. Every time she awoke there was something memorable waiting for her beyond the door to her lair.


    She shook her head so she would not drift off to sleep. The angered hooting of the buried owl helped her to return to the here and now.


    The question was how to break this topic to her. It was agonizing for her to realize that she actually cared this much about the human. If it had been her from that time, she could have easily pressed it out of her without remorse. So troubling.


    ¡°The stars are beautiful.¡± She muttered.


    ¡°They really are.¡± Eugenia agreed.


    ¡°You do not need to give me lip service.¡±


    ¡°No, I really think they are.¡± She said sheepishly. ¡°Because people always speak highly of them.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Yes. No matter whom it is. Priestesses, bakers, bandits¡­¡± She swirled her fingers in circles through the water. ¡°¡­and even a Gorgon.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± She chuckled.


    ¡°The moon is kind, because the swift and dexterous Artemis is kind. Zosimos loved her very much for that. But the stars are also traces of other personalities like that.¡±


    ¡°You speak of the constellations.¡±


    ¡°They are the legacy of legends. The gods immortalized them on the very sky itself.¡± She clasped her hands. ¡°I think that is very romantic.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. What makes them so special?¡± She could not understand the egos required to carve the very sky with their stories. It was like they forced everyone to look at them and give them recognition.


    ¡°Do you know the constellations, Lady Medusa?¡± The girl asked curiously.


    ¡°I am aware of some of them. There seem to be new ones every now and then.¡± She could faintly remember a sky that was much darker.


    ¡°I know the stories of each constellation!¡± Eugenia burst out.


    ¡°Part of your studies to become a priestess?¡±


    ¡°Indeed. I was always curious about them. I thought if I learned what they represented, I would be able to ¡®see¡¯ them in my own way.¡±


    The sentiment was so humble that Medusa had to look away from secondhand embarrassment. ¡°¡­which one forms a triangle of stars?¡± She asked after a while.


    ¡°Wha-? Uhm, you want me to tell you about it?¡± She stumbled over her tongue and got all flustered. Medusa just nodded. ¡°There¡­ there are several ones with triangles. Is there anything else you could describe?¡±


    Medusa watched the stars for a long moment. Then she suddenly grabbed Eugenia¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Eeek?!¡± The girl was well and truly flustered now and covered herself up with her free arm. Her heart was clearly pounding in her chest and her pulse could be felt even through the hand Medusa was holding.


    ¡°It goes like this.¡± The Gorgon said quietly and traced the palm of Eugenia¡¯s hand.


    Eugenia was completely still and let Medusa¡¯s finger retrace the same constellation three times. Even as Medusa let go of her hand she still appeared dazed.


    ¡°Well?¡±


    ¡°Ah! T-this felt like Capricorn?¡± She swallowed and regained her senses. ¡°You really surprised me.¡± She whispered and rubbed her hand.


    ¡°Capricornus, is it? I was not aware.¡± She looked back towards the constellation. ¡°What is the story of this one?¡±


    ¡°The constellation represents a being half-goat, half-fish.¡± Eugenia recollected. ¡°It is based on the story of-¡±


    ¡°Wait. Half-goat, half-fish?¡± Medusa raised a brow. ¡°Is this about old Pan?¡±


    ¡°Yes! So you know the story?¡±


    ¡°You could say that. My mother told me about that cowardly goat.¡± She said with a shrug.


    ¡°Please forgive her, Lord Hermes.¡± Eugenia covered her face in shame.


    ¡°That errand boy left his son to die, so he has no right to complain about some choice words.¡± The Gorgon said unperturbed.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Have you heard of Typhon?¡±


    Eugenia gasped audibly. ¡°We may never speak his name!¡±


    ¡°Typical. The Olympians surely have a liking for burying their foes and their history alike.¡± Medusa scowled. ¡°You may never forget about the monster that once almost toppled the world. I will not stand for it.¡±


    ¡°We are taught of the battle, but we cannot utter the name.¡±


    ¡°Do you fear he will rise from his prison if he hears you? Do not be foolish.¡± Medusa snorted. ¡°Typhon was the worst beast that ever roamed this world, so it is not surprising that all manner of gods fled like cowards.¡± She put a hand on the pile of clothes that buried Athenai and then pulled out a small ceramic bottle. She poured herself a small bit of wine and sipped on it. ¡°Pan dove into a river far south and hid away. He turned half-fish to swim swiftly from his problems.¡±


    ¡°Is that the truth?¡± She was surprised.


    ¡°Do they tell it differently at the temples?¡±


    Eugenia nodded.


    ¡°I am not much surprised.¡± She gulped down more excellent wine and exhaled happily. ¡°So that constellation immortalized his cowardice. A cruel punishment, I must say.¡±


    Eugenia lowered her head into the water, apparently trying to digest the truth of the tale. After blowing some bubbles she resurfaced.


    ¡°Can you tell me more?¡±


    ¡°Curious. It was I who wished to learn more, yet this is how it turns out?¡± Medusa chuckled again, but tenderly grabbed Eugenia¡¯s hand. ¡°This one is a tad more complex.¡±


    <hr>


    They continued their conversation of the star constellations deep into the night. At some point the water had turned lukewarm and the wine had run out. The amicable atmosphere was as sweet as the grape drops themselves.


    ¡°Achoo!¡± Eugenia rubbed her arms and shivered.


    ¡°You need to dry yourself. Human bodies grow cold easily.¡±


    ¡°I know. I didn¡¯t think we would talk this long, but I completely lost my sense of time.¡± She admitted embarrassedly and climbed out of the water. Her pale back glowed in the moonlight before she covered herself up with a cloth to dry her body.


    Medusa had glanced at her, but then took her gaze back to the sky. The cooled water made no difference to her body. Now that Eugenia had mentioned it, she too realized that she had lost her senses. This conversation about tales of the past had gone in the wrong direction. She had lost sight of her objective far too easily.


    ¡°One day there might be a new constellation.¡± She said dryly. ¡°Of a hero who slew a monster that petrified many foolish humans.¡±


    Eugenia stopped her hands and froze up. The words, spoken so calmly, were stopping her heart from beating.


    ¡°Whether that will be the truth or just another falsehood they teach in temples, I am not made for eternity either way. Mortality is a heavy burden.¡± She set down the empty wine bottle. ¡°I shall fight to my last breath, never once giving them the satisfaction of losing my will. They may create a tale just as the one of Pan once I perish, altered to suit their needs. Or perhaps I will be dead long before anyone realizes it.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t¡­¡± Eugenia closed her eyes, clearly choked up. ¡°¡­want to hear something so cruel.¡±


    ¡°Forgive me.¡± The Gorgon whispered an apology. ¡°Even you once came to slay me with your human companions.¡± This evenly spoken line was what she had actually apologized for preemptively.


    ¡°That was-!¡±


    ¡°What? Are you going to claim it was a misunderstanding again?¡± She tilted her head sarcastically.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know.¡± She said with genuine regret.


    ¡°You came with that cowardly man and his incompetent warriors. What did they tell you? That you would become famous if you ended me? That they would spread your name across the world?¡± Her words were like blows to the frail girl¡¯s body and she knew it was unfair, but she had to do it.


    ¡°How could you think-?¡±


    ¡°A priestess of Athena took down the infamous Gorgon! Praise be to Athena¡¯s infinite grace!¡± Medusa said in a mocking tone.


    Below her disheveled clothes, the owl stuck out her beak and squinted its silvery eyes.


    Eugenia bit her lip and suppressed her hot tears. ¡°I was told¡­ that you were a monster that killed many innocent people. That you would never stop as long as you draw breath.¡±


    ¡°Hah. So they did speak the truth. Why would they involve a powerless priestess in their expedition, though? To pray my strength away?¡± She chuckled darkly. ¡°Even you should have realized that you were no more than a liability to them.¡±


    ¡°Typhos said that he needed me!¡± Eugenia shouted all of a sudden.


    Medusa stayed put and perked up her ears.


    ¡°I just wanted to be useful!¡± Eugenia said as tears ran down her cheeks. ¡°They said you hated Lady Athena; that you hated humans, that you¡­ are hate incarnate!¡±


    The Gorgon¡¯s mouth loosened. The pained words from the girl made her hurt as well, if ever so slightly.


    ¡°I wished to help in the righteous quest of slaying such a creature that nobody could love or miss. To make Lady Athena happy, to serve my people, like I never could before.¡± The words seemed to flow out of her mouth against her will. ¡°It would have been easy. It would have been so easy to finally be useful to someone. If you had just been the monster they described¡­¡± She trailed off. ¡°Why did you have to be so kind? Why did you have to be so frail?¡± Eugenia whispered and then wiped her tears, quickly running off.


    Medusa¡¯s eyes had widened in shock upon hearing those words.


    Her calculating mind could not comprehend or accept this.


    All she had wanted was to find out more about the expedition, but she ended up hurting her companion. And even worse, she had realized something that she didn¡¯t wish to. The Gorgon¡¯s heart, same as stone, could not take the pressure of such an inconvenient truth.


    With a shout she smashed her first into the bricks of the basin and tore it open. The water was drained by the thirsty earth below and left a naked and shivering Gorgon behind.


    Shivering in anger or in pain? Not even she could know.


    Divided by the truth and weakened by their words, the human and Gorgon parted. A night under the stars telling stories of old would pave the path for a new tale soon enough. The distant rowing of ships foretold of destiny¡¯s arrival.

 Chapter 21.1: Eugenia and Athenai

    The view of the island from the top of the fallen in temple roof was just a bit different. From this perched position one could see much farther, across the old temple, over the hills and to the very horizon where the storm barrier lay hidden behind an illusion of eternal blue. Silvery eyes saw beyond the illusion and found only fog and darkness. Not even the gods themselves could see beyond this intricate veil. Sarpedon was isolated. Abandoned. Dead.


    The small owl stretched its wings and made a low noise. It had heard the footsteps of the approaching girl and was twisting its head farther than any human could. An owl¡¯s neck was a curious thing, so flexible. The tensed up muscles revealed the owl¡¯s trepidation, but once it laid eyes on the slightly dirty clothes of a human girl, it relaxed. It was the priestess.


    ¡°Athenai, are you there?¡± She called out with a slightly listless voice.


    The owl scurried to the edge of its roof nest to make itself noticeable. The girl may have been blind, but the scratching of talons on old stone reached her ears quickly. She raised her head in response and almost too accurately faced the owl. With a slow motion she raised her arm and waited patiently. Eventually Athenai jumped down and flapped its wings lightly to sail onto the girl¡¯s shoulder. The claws were only pushed down lightly, so as not to stab the human¡¯s flesh.


    ¡°Are you one of Lady Athena¡¯s messengers after all?¡± The girl laughed faintly as she stroked the owl¡¯s plumage. In depictions of the goddess her owls would all too often rest on her shoulders too. It was an accurate image as the silvery eyes penetrating out from within the owl¡¯s skull knew well.


    The girl wandered the island in her worn sandals and seemed to have no particular destination in mind. For many days now she seemed restless, sleepless, tethering between the worlds of dream and waking. The owl was her only companion during those walks. The only other sapient being on this small island was nowhere to be seen or heard. The snake had buried itself inside its lair and not shown her wretched face.


    An air of friction and regret loomed over the island of Sarpedon once again. This time it did not exude from the hundreds of mortified stone statues, but from the two women themselves. They had an altercation that could not be so easily forgotten or mended. The Gorgon¡¯s words had been most unkind, but the girl¡¯s inability to stand up before her and strike back had left them at an impasse.


    The owl, so ironically dubbed Athenai, had watched on stoically. Watched as the girl reveled in her gloom and as the snake below ground dug her claws into ancient stone. The foolishness of their emotions was the source of the tension, but it also gave her a short reprieve. A final reprieve before the end of this foolish tale.


    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± The girl suddenly asked, stopping in the middle of the old courtyard. There was no particular trigger for her question, no deeper meaning. Just another distraction from her melancholy.


    Eugenia had fed her visitor plenty with bugs and sometimes better meat. Athenai often refused the disgusting feed and hunted her own meals, each time leaving behind a devastated priestess. She truly wore her emotions on her torn sleeve. Bothersome.


    This time Eugenia had taken her to the Greenhouse, that special garden devised by the genius of a goddess. The morning light shone through the glass ceiling and warmed the plant life in its hue. A miraculous place like this had survived the destruction and wear of age. Was it a blessing or mere luck? Most things in this world were simply fate woven into its folds without discernable purpose. The things that truly mattered had a more elegant pattern to it, surely.


    ¡°If we had mice here I could feed you properly. I know you don¡¯t like insects too much.¡±


    At least she had noticed over time what her visitor preferred. Or rather the things she despised. The owl hardly ever gave a thankful or affectionate reaction to anything the priestess did for her. She was not aware that mice also belonged to that list of things the silvery eyes would detest. Now that the Gorgon was no longer shadowing them, the owl¡¯s true yellow eyes often took their place during the feeding times.


    ¡°But rodents would ruin the garden, so maybe it¡¯s better that we don¡¯t have them.¡± She mused as she used a stick to loosen up the dirt and pull out crooked vines and weeds.


    The daily chores never seemed to end with a garden this old and wild. She planted new special seeds, but she also took care of old square patches of the existing plant life every day, in a certain order and rhythm that was rather organized. Such a mathematical approach and order were expected of a priestess of Athena.


    ¡°It feels like I can tell you anything, Athenai. You always listen so diligently without a fuss. Unlike her¡­¡± She didn¡¯t quite manage to suppress a smidgen of bile there. It seemed that despite her guilt and melancholy she was not entirely blaming herself. The monster below was at fault too, this was obvious to the owl at least. ¡°How did it come to this?¡± The girl lamented.


    It was the nature of all things. A human and a monster could not coexist. Something was inherently wrong about it. The sooner this naive girl learned that truth, the sooner the bet would be decided for good. The priestess had to remember her place, her fate, her nature.


    Athenai hooted regally and landed on a tree branch above the hunched over Eugenia. From afar it would have resembled a picture of myth, the priestess bowing to the messenger of her goddess. Only Eugenia was not fully aware of this, nor intent on acting subservient. Instead she turned very red as she pulled on a buried root with all her meager strength. When it loosened she unceremoniously crashed against the tree and shook its branch enough for Athenai to almost lose her balance.


    Angry hooting joined the girl¡¯s pained yelp.


    Eugenia sank against the tree and let go of the incredibly long root, carelessly letting if fall back into the dirt. She had lost her motivation as quickly as her cheer.


    ¡°I am useless, aren¡¯t I?¡± She muttered. ¡°Lady Medusa despises me. Typhos abandoned me as well. I have nobody left.¡±


    The owl did not look at the girl as she wiped a tear with her sleeve. She would only look ahead, for her role in this was mere observation. To do anything beyond that would be beneath her. It would be a violation of her agreement. That was all there had to be said.


    Eugenia gave up on wiping her tears and just let out her sadness with a long suffering sigh.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± She exclaimed as she was hit by a fruit. It had fallen from the tree above and bounced off her head. Then it landed in her lap, stayed in place and presented itself alluringly. She felt it up with her slim hands and found no bad spots. This was a wonderful specimen.


    When she perked up her ears she could only hear the flapping of wings. Athenai landed on her shoulder again and started cleaning herself with her beak, decidedly disinterested in Eugenia¡¯s presence.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± The smallest smile crept unto her features and she took a bite from the ripe fruit. The taste seemed to lift her spirits considerably. ¡°Do you think I am foolish too? Like Medusa does?¡±


    Athenai hooted disparagingly in response. That made Eugenia smile wryly.


    ¡°It feels like I can almost understand you. But can you understand me? Owls are known to be wise, but we are so far away from Lady Athena and all civilization now. Over here nothing makes sense.¡± She spoke with a riddling tone of voice. ¡°You would not know it, but I was actually always like this. Maybe it is not this isle that is wrong, it¡¯s me.¡±


    A blessed devout follower of Athena showing so much doubt and self-loathing was nearly an insult to her mistress as well. The owl showed its displeasure by pecking the girl¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Ow! That smarts!¡± She rubbed her ear. ¡°But it¡¯s true, I always caused trouble for everyone. Before Lady Medusa, before this. Typhos abandoned me, but perhaps he was just disappointed in me, like everyone else is. I wish I could talk to him just one more time.¡± She bit her lower lip.


    Athenai thought of the scholar in distant Athens. The man who had been the cause of all this by hunting for the glory of the Gorgon¡¯s head. Was he just another foolish adventurer driven by greed and hubris? He had left behind a priestess in his cowardice, but he seemed intent on undoing his blunder. It took a certain kind of man to admit a mistake and climb to the mountain top once again.


    Though to an owl that courage was as trifling as that of a rodent trying to run up a tree.


    ¡°I admired him, I truly did¡­ and still do.¡± She whispered with a heavy heart. ¡°Back in Athens I thought he was the wisest man in the world.¡± Fondness mixed with embarrassment as the girl seemed to recollect a distant memory. ¡°He is a reasonable sort. If we talked it out I am certain I could have convinced him that there was no need for bloodshed back when the expedition started. I would just like to make him understand.¡±


    The owl was sitting still on the girl¡¯s shoulder. What lay beyond those milky eyes? What was plaguing the girl¡¯s tormented mind? If the silvery eyes peered long enough, they eventually may have pried the memories from the girl¡¯s shining soul. That flame of remembrance was a beacon to the world of the past.


    <hr>


    Some summers ago in Athens a priestess in training was sent to the grand temple of Athena to study and strengthen her faith. She was hardly more than a child, but she was also not so young that she would be excused from the long journey and its potential perils. While she had experienced the city life in Lamia, she could not possibly have predicted the vastness of both scope and culture that bloomed in Athens. The head priestess of Lamia had called this city the greatest achievement of mankind and the cradle of wisdom that their mistress Athena had granted them. No words would ever be enough to elucidate its splendor.


    And surely words were all the girl could absorb as her blindness bereft her of all the beauty she was meant to perceive. Rather her good ears and developed sense of smell gave her the less favorable impressions right away. Athens was loud; so loud in fact that she had to cover her ears when the wagon first passed the gates. Rattling of carts, screaming of merchants and the cries of animals all combined into a bloated storm of noise that threatened to overwhelm the girl¡¯s mind completely. Her inability to see the causes of all these sounds made her inherently anxious and disoriented, leaving her curled up inside the back of the wagon hoping to be inside the quiet confines of the city¡¯s temple soon.


    The ride would go on for much longer than expected with the driver pressing out half-swallowed curses. The only reason he bothered to contain them in his gruff face, poor as those efforts turned out to be, was the fact that he was delivering a handful of young girls of a holy profession in the back. Even the everyman respected priestesshood enough to defy their innate character.


    Yes, priestesses were important in this world, even more so those who would study at the central temple of worship for the city named after their patron goddess herself. Here the girls would learn to become full-fledged priestesses that could eventually spread out over whatever temples they were needed across the entire world. For those lucky enough to be approved by the grand priestess a stable future awaited without a doubt.


    The girls spoke little on their travels as was expected of terrified children. An older Lamian priestess had accompanied them as their overseer, but she was a woman of even fewer words who would not like to be spoken to similarly. The first time she raised her voice was to tell the girls that they had arrived. The wagon had been pulled uphill for a while and now stopped in front of a gate that was loudly pulled open. Later the young girls would find out that this gate tended to be open for daily supply flow in and out, but was closed due to special circumstances. Their arrival was ill-timed.


    Nonetheless they made it inside and were delivered to the front of the temple where they had been expected. The driver was paid with a small pouch of clinking contents and then the girls stepped off to be instructed by the experienced priestess.


    ¡°Do only speak when spoken to. Only answer direct questions and make no mention of things that are not relevant to your duties.¡± The old Lamian priestess glared down each girl individually, something the youngest of them could feel despite her blindness.


    They could not have known why these rules were imposed on them, but they had learned to be obedient from an early age. It was the code of the sisters to serve and support whoever required their services, but the priestesses of Lamia had particular views that they were not comfortable to share with the other temples. Mortal politics had no place in religion and yet¡­


    ¡°These are the new girls?¡± A deep voice that could only belong to a most regal woman pushed itself into the entrance hall. Her presence immediately overwrote all other voices and emotions and only left her discerning attention in its wake.


    ¡°Greetings, grand priestess.¡± The old woman bowed and signaled the girls to do the same. ¡°I hail from Lamia and bring you the new acolytes eager to learn and serve.¡±


    ¡°Scrawny and dirty girls again I see.¡± The regal woman spoke with slight mockery. Nobody could have disagreed with her assessment, as it was simply the truth. These girls were not from noble families like those in Athens and the temple hardly afforded them more than the scraps of clothing they had piled up in the temple¡¯s moldy chests. Before a girl became a full-fledged priestess she was no more than another mouth to feed as far as most remote temples were concerned. They had the potential to become something, but until then they were merely an investment.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°The journey was long, so we had no opportunity for baths and did not wish to damage their fine ceremonial garments by undue wear.¡± The old priestess spoke unabashed. Her words sounded sensible if not put under scrutiny.


    ¡°Wash them and feed them, so they may become presentable enough for proper introductions.¡± The grand priestess ordered with a dismissive tone and returned into the depth of the temple. The sound of her footsteps was even until a single moment where she turned back. Her piercing gaze was on one girl which clenched her hands together with a sheepish expression. The girl could sense the gaze and had heard the interruption of the rhythmic steps, but could not have known why this transpired.


    The moment lasted no longer than a few heartbeats, but it was an omen of things to come.


    Just as they were ordered, the girls moved to the spacious baths that existed within the temple¡¯s side-building itself (something they were amazed to witness). Attending priestesses provided them with frugal, but still much higher quality clothes to wear. Chitons that reached down to their ankles to guarantee a strong appearance of modesty were standard among the sisterhood. If they were too long the girls were shown how to fold them and roll them up till they fit.


    Next the acolytes received cheap bread and an assortment of fruits, but to them it tasted like the most delicious banquet befitting of the kings of the isles. It was not uncommon for them to only receive scraps back in Lamia, which was still a better fate than most children of the lowest workers and slaves could claim, especially during a long winter.


    The mood had considerably improved, despite the judgmental expression on the old overseer¡¯s face. The girls had long since known her tendency to see all happiness as indulgence unbefitting of their duty. What they could not understand with their young minds was the intricate game of smoke and mirrors the branches tended to play. To the children this was the warmest welcome they could have possibly dreamed of. And they still had barely seen any of the temple¡¯s wonders.


    ¡°You will sleep in the common room with the other acolytes and begin your lessons at the crack of dawn. Delays will be punished harshly, quick learning will be rewarded. The guiding sister will educate you, but your duties will also include cleaning, cooking and eventually preparation for rituals and more involved communes.¡± A tall, experienced priestesses instructed them curtly. ¡°Any questions?¡±


    It was customary to not make a fuss or stand out in this moment. This was no more than an introduction and immature girls like them were in no place to actually question anything. That is how it was supposed to go. Yet one of the girls raised her small hand high above her head to get the priestess¡¯ attention.


    ¡°When may we speak to Athena?¡± The girl asked curiously.


    ¡°Silence.¡± The old Lamian priestess hissed under her breath, but the question could not be taken back. The other girls backed away from her ever so slightly.


    ¡°You must remind yourself not to be too eager, child. Our goddess is not known to share her attention with those unworthy and of no consequence.¡± The guide spoke with an edge of frost in her voice, but made no more comments. Her stance was understandable. These girls had proven nothing yet and even the longest serving sisters may have never heard the mistress¡¯ voice with their unworthy ears. The only one who was always granted that prerogative was the grand priestess.


    ¡°Quite right Hortensia. Which is why you will continue to tend to the garden instead of joining me in the ritual chamber.¡± The grand priestess had returned without anyone¡¯s notice and was already behind the guide before she could turn around. The slick mockery in her voice was bringing great shame to the tall woman who audibly grinded her teeth. Flushed with ire and discontent she stepped aside and let the grand priestess face the girls. ¡°What is your name?¡± Her words were directed at the girl who had asked the overeager question.


    ¡°I am Eugenia of Dan- of Lamia!¡± She had to catch herself inelegantly and straightened her back. Her mistake seemed to be common enough to give her little embarrassment already.


    ¡°Eugenia.¡± The woman repeated the name as if to dissect it entirely with her voice. There was a flicker of recognition in there, one that she carefully kept contained. ¡°Have you heard our mistress¡¯ voice before?¡± It was an unexpected question to everyone present. Nobody would even entertain such a notion.


    ¡°She has touched my mind, but I cannot say if it was a voice or not.¡± Eugenia replied earnestly as a thoughtful expression passed her face. Her milky eyes were pointed forward as if they could stare straight into a world nobody else could see. All the attention on her made her a bit nervous, but otherwise she did not seem to suffer from hysteria that would cause delusions.


    ¡°Well well, so you have finally brought me the blessed girl I heard so much about.¡± The grand priestess said with crossed arms and squinted eyes. Whether she was glad or disgruntled was especially hard to tell with her stoic face.


    At the word ¡®blessed¡¯ most of the women and girls present took a step back and ogled Eugenia doubtfully. The only ones not impressed were the old Lamian woman and the grand priestess herself. In fact, the old eyes seemed to be filled with slight resentment when they focused on the girl.


    ¡°We have sent letters to, ah, inform you of her presence. She has reached the age where it became necessary to let her enjoy your wise guidance.¡± It was all but clear that she had no love for Eugenia and treated this as a way to pass her on to someone else.


    ¡°Indeed. To make everything quite clear child, we do not discriminate at this temple. All acolytes will be treated equally and receive the same education. Expect no special treatment from anyone in this city. The only one who can decide your role in the future is Athena herself, thus we humans must continue to remain neutral until judgement falls.¡± Her words carried no thorns, but also no warmth. The girl could not see her expression of course, so she was not aware of the barely hidden intensity directed at her.


    ¡°Yes grand priestess.¡± Eugenia nodded quickly. It surprisingly did not appear that she disagreed with anything said. For a blessed human to be humble was a rarity and could perhaps even be seen as insulting to the deity that had given them that privilege.


    ¡°I am Akacia, remember the name.¡± That was the last thing the grand priestess said to them. Although her words were technically directed at all the new students, it felt like she was addressing only Eugenia. Once again she left to take care of other matters, but she muttered one more thing to herself. It was so quiet that none could hear her, none but the one whose ears were exceptional beyond human ability. ¡°She looks so much like you¡­¡± Her hand tightly clasped something hanging from her neck.


    <hr>


    Afterwards Eugenia was left in an awkward position. The other girls made their distance from her, not wanting to be seen as disrespectful to the special chosen one. The priestesses of the temple on the other hand were treating her coldly for entirely different reasons. In a short time she was almost entirely isolated in any situation outside of lessons and direct assignments. Even when the girls were required to work as a group, the blind girl was put into a lonely position of her own.


    Despite such treatment she worked hard and studied intently. Her inability to read parchments quickly (as she needed to trace the indents of the letters with her fingers) combined with a seemingly natural clumsiness quickly shortened the patience of her guides. Willingness could not make up for lack of ability in many cases and caused her to become even more of an outcast.


    The longer she stayed at the temple without any miraculous events surrounding her, the fewer of the women and girls around her respected her special status. Although Eugenia had never wished to be treated differently in either way, she soon changed from being silently feared to openly mocked. Her fellow acolytes had become more vicious in their treatment of the girl that allegedly kept getting attention from higher places, whether she actually did or not. Their cruelty, which could only be born from a special manner of jealousy, soon forced the girl to break down.


    In those days she would go to the priestesses to beg for guidance, but the women of the temple had little interest in a troublemaker¡¯s woes. And that was indeed what she appeared to be to them; a troublemaker in all senses of the word. It was rare to find empathy from them on the best of days.


    When the torment became too great and Eugenia cried to herself in the corner of the gardens, by pure chance Akacia had found her.


    ¡°You are a troublesome child.¡± She spoke frankly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Eugenia buried her face in her arms and attempted to hide her tears.


    ¡°It seems you aren¡¯t anything like Kynthia after all, despite that familiar face.¡± She sighed and sat down on the nearby stone bench.


    ¡°What?¡± The girl¡¯s ears perked up and her reddened face left the confines of her sleeves. ¡°W-Why do you know my mother¡¯s name?¡±


    ¡°Why do you think?¡± She asked dryly and shook her head. It seemed that even looking at Eugenia caused her a fair amount of pain.


    ¡°Lady Akacia, you are one of mother¡¯s friends?¡± It finally dawned on the foolish girl¡¯s face.


    ¡°Once upon a time.¡± The woman put a hand to her forehead and seemed lost in thought. Then her eyes and cheeks hardened. ¡°I am bound by honor and tradition to make certain you are raised respectably. You may come to my chambers for private lessons so that you do not disgrace your family¡¯s legacy.¡± It didn¡¯t seem to come easy to her to speak those words.


    ¡°But you said none of us should receive special treatment.¡± Eugenia pointed out weakly.


    ¡°Must you be so determined to be an unpleasant eyesore?¡± Akacia replied sharply and raised her hand to smack the girl. With her last capacity of restraint she stopped the motion. She inhaled and exhaled a few times before finally regaining her composure. ¡°You must work much harder than anyone else, so you will also receive more opportunity than anyone else. That is the wisdom of equivalent exchange.¡±


    It sounded like a lesson from a clever merchant instead of a respectable priestess. And yet those were the first words from the woman that seemed to truly resonate with the child.


    From that day onwards Eugenia would sometimes come to Akacia¡¯s chambers for even more detailed lessons on subjects. The grand priestess was stricter than all other teachers combined and had very little patience for failure, but she was also far fairer in her assessment and attention to the girl¡¯s strengths. Those visits were still far and few between, but they gave Eugenia a deeper appreciation of her mother¡¯s old friend.


    Sometimes when she was tormented by the other children too intensely she would come to Akacia¡¯s chamber to find solace. The woman received her with silence, never with comfort and kind words. That was more than enough for the crying child however. It was a refuge in the center of a hostile world that she could never have been granted anywhere else. In a way she felt it was a gift from her mother raised up and blown over the fields of Elysium towards the living world.


    All of it came to a painful crash when something unfortunate happened in the temple. The girls responsible for cleaning the ceremony room were heading out quickly with pale faces and rushed to other tasks with wild abandon. Left behind was the only girl who could not rush ahead carelessly. A blind girl that was not completely certain of what had transpired before it was too late.


    She clasped the broken pieces of the urn in her small hands and began to breathe irregularly. Panic was clasping her heart and mind. Footsteps alarmed her of the impending arrival of the priestesses. Hiding all the pieces would have been impossible for her who had to feel around the ground to find them in the first place. Instead she gathered them on a pile (which gave her a nasty cut on her ring finger) and soaked up the milk that had been spilled from the former urn.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± The harsh voice sent a shiver down the girl¡¯s spine. The women soon spotted the white puddle and pieces of the intricately painted clay urn. They did not even have to ask if she was responsible, they had already made up their minds. The blind girl clumsily pushed it over and left it in shambles, it was an obvious crime.


    She was scolded and yelled at for a long time and then eventually brought before Akacia.


    ¡°This useless girl has destroyed the urn of spirit and mind.¡± The tall priestess named Hortensia pushed Eugenia¡¯s shoulder down forcefully until she winced and kneeled before the grand priestess.


    Akacia mustered the three arrivals and put down her feather which she had used to write on some parchments. The furious faces of the priestesses barely registered with her as she focused all her imposing attention on the acolyte below her.


    ¡°Did you break it?¡±


    ¡°Of course she did!¡± The priestesses protested.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡± Eugenia sniffed and grabbed her short hair in fear as she got smacked by her captors for ¡®lying¡¯.


    ¡°How dare you speak an untruth before Lady Akacia?!¡±


    ¡°This is the great temple of Athena Pallas! To lie on these grounds is an insult to the mistress herself, even if you are some god-touched whelp.¡±


    Their indignation was genuine, albeit fueled by a deeper seated dislike for the girl in particular. The truth was that they had very little reason to investigate further as this outcome suited them just fine.


    ¡°Admit it!¡±


    ¡°If you stop lying your punishment will be less severe.¡±


    ¡°I... I¡­¡± Eugenia¡¯s white eyes teared up and she pushed her head to the ground. ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡±


    ¡°Good, finally she shows some sincerity.¡± Hortensia pulled away her foot from the girl¡¯s back.


    ¡°If you bend to them I will not help you.¡± Akacia spoke callously.


    ¡°Pardon?¡± The other two looked confounded by their superior¡¯s statement, but it didn¡¯t seem like she was trying to oppose them.


    Eugenia was sobbing quietly for a while before she shook her head. She didn¡¯t wish to lie, but she could also not speak up, out of fear.


    ¡°The brat is wrought with guilt, it¡¯s plain to see. Give her a fair punishment and we shall make sure she betters herself.¡± The other priestess spoke with feigned sympathy.


    ¡°Eugenia, you will be tasked with a delivery.¡± Akacia declared and pushed a sealed parchment into the girl¡¯s hands. ¡°This letter needs to be delivered to a scholar in the city. If you lose it you will not be fed today and tomorrow, do I make myself clear?¡±


    ¡°Akacia, is it wise to send a blind child to walk the city alone?¡± Even the two priestesses who had clamored for a punishment seemed taken aback.


    ¡°You may accompany her if you worry so dearly for her well-being.¡± The grand priestess said with an unamused glare. The women shrunk back and got out of her sight. ¡°The man you seek is giving a speech in the agora. If he is already finished by the time you arrive he will most likely be debating some of his kind somewhere in the area.¡±


    ¡°Lady Akacia-¡±


    ¡°I do not care if you broke it or not. You missed your chance to defend yourself. Let that be a lesson to you.¡± She sat down on her chair and sighed with deep exhaustion. ¡°Those who are blameless will not always be saved by others.¡±


    ¡°W-Who is this scholar?¡± Eugenia was still kneeling, but she had stopped crying.


    ¡°An acquaintance that is asking too many favors of me. You have a lot in common in that way.¡± She poured water from an urn and gave the girl an earthen mug. ¡°His name is Typhos. Do not let him warm up for another speech or you will be stuck outside the Akropolis till the morrow.¡±


    Eugenia hastily drank the water to the last drop and then clutched the letter to her chest. She knew not whether this was a punishment, a test or merely an expected duty. Regardless of which it was, she would fulfill her task to her mentor¡¯s satisfaction. Her small heart beat painfully, but it beat yet.


    <hr>


    The owl opened its silvery eyes and returned to the present. The girl had rested long enough and resumed her garden work. The constant shaking of her shoulders sent the bird flying off with ruffled feathers and a dissatisfied hoot. She had been sitting there with closed eyes merely indulging in visions of the past, unaware of whether the girl had spoken to her at all.


    The girl wiped the sweat off her brow and spread more dirt in the process, leaving her half brown and half pale, as if the very center of her face had been divided.


    ¡°Do you want to hear how I first met Typhos?¡±


    The owl¡¯s eyes widened for a fraction of a heartbeat. For just a moment it seemed the young woman was aware of the dreams the owl had sifted through and now wished to continue the tale they conveyed. It was impossible for a mere human to notice such deeply secret spiritual tethering and yet this could not be a coincidence.


    The owl¡¯s powerful eyes sharpened as they noted the tiniest movement in the shadows behind the entrance. It may have been the foot of a lost hare or something far viler. The presence was unnoticeable already, but there was no fooling these divine eyes. It had most certainly been there.


    ¡°I quite like this memory, so I wouldn¡¯t mind.¡± The girl spoke with a slight flush on her cheeks. It was rare for her to speak of happy memories, so perhaps she felt ashamed to use the owl as an excuse to cheer herself up. The silvery eyes could see through such foolish human deception in an instant.


    Athenai flapped her small wings regally until she was the size of a farm cat and made a demanding noise. Eugenia chuckled and let go of another root that didn¡¯t wish to leave the dirt. She patted her hands on the grass and then crossed her legs.


    ¡°I wonder if owls ever debate amongst themselves.¡± She spoke with childish wonder. ¡°Men always argue over the smallest and greatest matters in the same manner and intensity. That¡¯s what my old mentor taught me.¡± She put a hand to her face and started recollecting. ¡°I was tasked with a mission to deliver highly important information to a scholar, which I of course courageously accepted ¡­¡±


    The priestess raised her voice for another tale from the past, one that would shed light on matters past and present. Her audience consisted of two whose minds were at odds about every matter much like the scholars of Athens.

 Chapter 21.2: Eugenia and Typhos

    Had she been found out? For just a moment she had felt a greater presence directed her way. The damned owl was perceptive, as expected of that woman¡¯s tool. The Gorgon¡¯s tail stood perfectly still as she leaned against the half-closed entrance to the Greenhouse, hoping that the dagger like glare would loosen up soon.


    It was pathetic. The way she had to hide from that woman¡¯s gaze as well as the human girl¡¯s ears. What was she even doing here? A question that certainly had been repeated inside her mind endlessly for the last few days. To sneak around like a common thief on her own island was humiliating!


    Even so, the Gorgon was unable to slide into the garden. Her long snake half felt ironically petrified to the ground. It was no curse that bound her, not even the presence of a vile goddess. The sole emotion tying her in place was guilt. A guilt that was irrational, foolish and yet too powerful a foe to wear down with her usual stoic demeanor.


    The human girl had been sulking on her own ever since that night of the endless stars. Medusa¡¯s actions were to blame, but she could not accept that so easily. For the first time since the girl had arrived, Medusa was at a loss for what to do. Her desire to gather information on the incoming threat was still there, but somehow it had been eclipsed by the ever-present guilt. Her focus should have been on pressing the girl for everything she knew, but Medusa found herself following her from the shadows, always with worry clouding her mind.


    She should have gone in there right now and threatened the girl into spilling all her secrets. It was her right to interrogate her prisoner. Every time she thought to do so the image of the girl¡¯s hurt expression flared up behind her eyes. How could she overcome these mental chains that seemed to imprison her again?


    The girl was gasping loudly and then seemed to talk to herself. After perking up her ears she managed to make out what the girl was telling her voiceless ¡®pet¡¯ soon enough. She shared with her the thing that she had denied the Gorgon. Her lips twisted in a mix of displeasure and curiosity.


    ¡°Do you want to hear how I first met Typhos?¡±


    <hr>


    I remember that it was a hot day in Athens. The kind of day where I wished to hide myself away in the cool shade of the temple¡¯s pillars and listlessly let my ears wander through the sounds of the Akropolis around it. Once cleaning duty was finished us acolytes were free to take a break and wander the temple gardens or practice the teachings in the common room. But on that particular day I had gotten into trouble with the priestesses for a blunder in the ceremony hall. Lady Akacia gave me a mission of great importance, one I had never been entrusted with before. Venturing beyond the gates to enter the main city was unusual for me and I had never done so alone.


    Before I left her room the grand priestess slipped something into my pocket without a word. I knew not to question her at that point, but my curiosity got the better of me the moment I left the main hall. In my small fingers I held several clinking coins! They were rough and worn, but I could still make out the engraved owl symbol which identified them as Attican currency. There were other things engraved on them too, but I could not make them out. Of course my mind was on fire with conflicting thoughts of what Akacia meant by giving these to me. They could not have been for my personal use, so I assumed I was to give them to the scholar as well.


    I clutched the coins in my small hands and then put them into a dirty pouch from my personal pile of belongings in the common room. I could not sense anybody watching me, but there was no telling how accurate that impression was. Quickly slipping outside with the parchment tied to my belt I ran out the temple gates and into the sunny outside world where I was greeted by some guards patrolling the area. These armed men were ever-present in those times, though I had never been able to find out why there was so much protection going around.


    As I nervously followed the path towards the main gate that I was forced to memorize before, I was sullenly going through the events of the day inside my head. It is shameful how childish I had been back then and I have no excuse for my behavior. Even when given such an important mission I could only wallow in self-pity. That¡¯s why I descended the large hill of the Akropolis with tears gathering in the corners of my eyes. I nearly tripped over uneven ground several times until I finally took it slower. Due to my lack of sight it was common for me to miss rocks or elevations, so I was known as a clumsy girl that often tripped, but I vowed to not fall this time. Not on such an important errand.


    The agora was enormous and could be found merely by following the loudest yells in the city. Nowhere in Athens would you be threatened to go deaf faster than in the middle of the market or the agora square. It was one of the reasons I tended to avoid market duty. Buying necessities for the temple was one of the duties assigned to the priestesses in training and the fresh acolytes, but nobody trusted me with money or provisions, so I mostly just tagged along. The temple had its own garden and goats as well as the occasional deliveries via wagons, but the priestesses had a more diverse palate as befitting of their standing. The amount of candles and torches the temple burned through was also impressive!


    The closer I got to the crowds of people, the more hesitant my steps grew. It was like standing with my ear pressed to a drum and my head was shaken dearly. Over the years I had practiced to tune out all unnecessary noise, but I could not do it this time. My goal was to find a scholar, so I had to listen carefully to the debates on the platform in the back. It was where the biggest crowd had gathered and I was forced to cover my ears from the occasional yells of disagreement of the displeased citizens.


    ¡°Blasphemy!¡±


    ¡°You put your trade to shame!¡±


    ¡°Throw ¡®em to the lions!¡±


    Such shouts were the most common, though I could not tell why. The aggression of these people terrified me. I could not get a grasp on what had them so riled up and getting too close felt like a bad idea. A child had no place in whirlpool of politics and public judgement.


    The people on stage, who were judged so very harshly, could not get a word in edgewise. They were overpowered by the fury of the crowd, possibly feeling as helpless as I felt about finding my scholar by now.


    Clang.


    My teeth vibrated from the sudden reverberations that went through the agora. It was like the greatest bell in the temple had been smashed against a statue of Lady Athena herself. The noise was centered to my far left and I had to hold on to a herma close by to keep my balance. Someone bumped into me and cursed under their breath, but I could not even make out who or what it was as my head went through painful throbs. My ears were too sensitive for that sudden ringing.


    That moment of silence after the bell¡¯s shock was when I first heard his voice. Like a pleasant wind that blew away the cloud of pain in my mind he spoke with confidence and a calm cadence.


    ¡°Citizens of Athens, your disapproval is clear and surely justified. Parklos of Thebes has failed to convey his ideas in a manner that suits our ears and educated minds.¡± His voice moved from my left to the center of the stage, to my full attention - the entire world¡¯s attention.


    He sounded young, like he had just come off age. And yet he carried himself so deliberately that people hung on his lips. Though he was met with a few scoffs, the tension around the audience shifted noticeably. It was my first time listening to him and yet I already understood that he was different.


    ¡°Finally, the mad scholar¡¯s ward, that Typhos boy. I¡¯ve been waiting to hear him speak again.¡± A man close to me spoke to his friend and crossed his arms in anticipation.


    ¡°He looks no older than my own brat. Who does he think he is, causing all that racket?¡± The friend didn¡¯t seem quite as taken.


    ¡°Quiet! Let him speak.¡±


    The murmuring increased as the man named Typhos let his words linger just long enough. I was elated that the one I sought out was right in front of me of course, but now that he was up there and I was blocked by the crowd, I had no way to complete my mission. I was hesitant to approach a stranger already, but how could I have made myself noticeable to someone who had all the attention on him? There was little choice but to wait.


    ¡°Yes, his words were ill-chosen, but I believe that his ideas have merit.¡± Typhos finally followed up his initial criticism with a new perspective. ¡°The truth is that I encouraged Parklos to speak before you today, because I was fascinated by his contemplations about our relation to the gods as well!¡±


    Now the crowd was getting considerably less favorable and some booed him unabashedly. The gods were always a sensitive subject to the common man as we were taught every day at the temple. It was not in the nature of a carpenter or a farmer to question the gods or the priestesses. It was our sole prerogative to guide them and mediate between everyone and the gods.


    That was what I was told, but I had always found it a little odd. The gods were known to talk to humans directly, especially heroes and kings. Those were the tales that were told to the street children of Lamia. My mother had often retold the legends of Herakles, Odysseus and Persephone on long rainy nights in front of the fire. Those people in legends were special no doubt, born from god and man, born beautiful, born intelligent and wise. But not all of them were born that way, some became something that was worthy of attention by their own merit and effort. Did not every human have the potential to do something that was valuable enough to even reach the gods?


    My heart hurt when thinking of this divide in the teachings and my own thoughts. There were many people worth so much more than a clumsy girl like me and yet I was declared ¡®special¡¯. The great and wise Athena had blessed me, where others may have been more worthy in my mind. But even that thought was blasphemy in itself as Athena could not choose wrong. If she was not wrong about me, then that would mean all these people so much more impressive than I should also be able to talk to her, right?


    Those ideas whirring through my head could never be spoken aloud, I had learned this the hard way. Chosen or not, it was not my place to question the priestesses. Perhaps it was exactly because I was declared special that I could not waver in their eyes. It was hard to become what they wanted to see in me. The other acolytes never tried to speak to me, but I heard them. At the temple the other girls would often¡­ nevermind.


    This was about Typhos. He had riled up the audience, but not as badly as the previous speaker, clearly, because they still quieted down when he continued his speech.


    ¡°I am a simple man who studies the world the gods have created around us. For those of my profession it is invaluable to hear the perspectives of everyone, be he Theban, Attican or even Spartan.¡± He cleared his throat when the crowd was about to erupt again. ¡°You are right to be suspicious of my words! Exactly because I am a simple man. Yet I too was created by the gods¡¯ favor and blessings, so is it truly wrong to want to understand my benefactor and all of those who benefited as well? Does a beggar not have the right to thank the man who handed him a coin? Do we not thank our parents for raising us?¡±


    Some people gave tentative sounds of agreement.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, we are all thankful for what was given. To convey our gratitude I believe it is essential to understand our benefactors, however. The temple is our mediator, but is that enough? The question I want to ask is whether we can improve our relation to the gods more proactively. You there, which god do you follow?¡± He must have pointed at someone and the air grew tense around them.


    ¡°I o-often give offerings to the temple of Hermes. As much as I can.¡± The man spoke in a hesitant tone, clearly uncomfortable with the attention.


    ¡°I assume you must be a merchant then. You are impeccably dressed and from the bulge of your coin purse I can see you are well off. I respect a man with good business sense.¡± He praised him jovially. ¡°Say, do you believe that your life was blessed by the great and clever Hermes?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    ¡°So it is thanks to him that you made your profits, found a good trade route and outsmarted your competition?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± The words got stuck in his throat for a moment, but he quickly confirmed it after swallowing.


    ¡°I disagree.¡± Typhos said bluntly. The merchant made a weird sound of surprise. ¡°Do not sell yourself short, good man. Those qualities are as much your own as they are a consequence of the gods blessings. Hermes is known to give to those who prove they can take things by their own wit. That is what I was taught in the temple of Hermes myself.¡± He put his arms behind his back and walked across the stage. ¡°Humans can get results out of their own might and wit, but the gods¡¯ favor is infinitely more potent of course. That is why we are so thankful for their blessings when things go our way.¡±


    ¡°You speak as if we are ungrateful if things do not.¡± Suddenly another man spoke up, standing on the same elevation as Typhos. His voice was old and dry, but carried the importance of age and experience. If he was up there, he too must have been a scholar.


    ¡°I knew you would pick up on that, great mentor Eukleides.¡± I could almost hear Typhos¡¯ whimsical grin in his words. ¡°But you wrong me with that assumption, as it has no bearing on my ideas.¡±


    ¡°Then let me hear what your thoughts truly entail.¡± The old scholar scoffed.


    ¡°It would be my pleasure. You see, we are caught in a system that may not be entirely beneficial. It is inefficient.¡± He clapped his hands loudly, just once, to draw all attention. ¡°What do we have to offer to the gods?¡±


    ¡°Do you ask what offerings we provide to the temples again?¡±


    ¡°Not at all, if I wanted to know that I would have asked the friendly merchant down there what kind of coin he thought could buy Hermes¡¯ favor.¡±


    ¡°Careful boy. Your words are dangerous and loose.¡± Eukleides reflected the sentiment of the shocked crowd well.


    ¡°I apologize for my choice of words.¡± He bowed slightly, but he surely was still smiling. ¡°It was not my intention to appear impetuous. As I said, I deeply respect those who work for their success. This does not mean I will take back my original meaning, though. I know of the offerings that are given to the temple of Hermes, I have seen them when I studied there. I ask you Eukleides, do you believe Lord Hermes has need of another priced dagger? Does he feel joy when he sees one more herma placed on the street to celebrate a merchant¡¯s success? Can we offer anything to a god that they do not have aplenty?¡±


    The crowd began to chatter after those words and some people seemed to argue amongst themselves. Eukleides rubbed his long beard and seemed to contemplate his response.


    ¡°The priestesses speak to him and listen to his wishes. It is not up to us to decide what the gods desire. We honor our patrons in the way they most prefer.¡± He finally concluded. Most people agreed audibly.


    ¡°I agree!¡± Typhos suddenly conceded and everyone gave him confused moans. ¡°It is as you say, we give the gods what they desire and that is all good. And yet. I assert that we have a fundamentally false understanding of what that desire actually entails. The gods have no material needs, to claim otherwise would be true blasphemy in my eyes.¡± He chuckled lightly. ¡°We give what we can, we pray as we will and we erect splendid monuments in their honor. We give from what we have, whether it is only a small investment or half our winter¡¯s meal. To a god the difference may be entirely indiscernible, for what we mortals value could not be the same. All of it, every last thing, is a show of our deep respect. Our offerings are merely a way to convey how much we respect and honor the divine.¡±


    ¡°So what if it is?¡± His debate partner did not seem to understand where Typhos was going with his line of thinking.


    ¡°I spoke just a moment ago of how I deeply respect businessmen like those who are present in the crowd. Respect is a basic requirement for trade or else the market would soon collapse under the vileness of theft, fighting and cutthroat tactics. If I pay a merchant for his wares, I expect to receive those wares out of sense of mutual respect for the transaction.¡±


    ¡°Boy, you are losing focus. Prayer and offerings are not comparable to your anecdotes.¡±


    ¡°Are they not?¡± He chuckled again, to the dismay of his opponent. ¡°You are right in a certain sense. Although I was not finished yet, you are right. My ¡®anecdotes¡¯ are about the most basic requirement for an exchange, but let me add to that! If respect is the foundation for business, then there must still be an exchange of valuable things to complete the trade.¡± His voice changed sharply all of a sudden on the next sentence. ¡°We offer respect to the gods in the hopes that our thanks will reach them and that they will smile on us and bless us in return. But that is not enough.¡±


    ¡°Do you mean to say that we are not devoted enough? Do you fancy yourself a reborn priestess now?¡± Eukleides mocked Typhos openly this time and was rewarded with laughter from the crowd.


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    ¡°Who can truly say? My soul may well come from a place that none of you could imagine.¡± He said with a slight edge to his mirth. ¡°But my devotion is real. I devote my mind to the understanding of the world, I devote my efforts to furthering the rise of those who deserve it and I will never stop devoting everything to the goals I have set for myself.¡± For a moment he seemed lost in thought as if his soul was wandering a distant land. ¡°For that reason I would like to present my thesis: We are not offering the gods what they need. Every offering is merely the most basic form of respect in hopes to draw attention. But once you have acquired that divine gaze, what do you truly have to offer?¡±


    ¡°Preposterous. You said it before, the gods have no need for material things. You are contradicting yourself.¡± He pointed out.


    ¡°That would be true, if I was suggesting that I knew what they need.¡± He shrugged lightheartedly.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°We have grown stale in our ways, do you not see? We have long stopped trying to understand the gods, because we follow the strict doctrine of what we are told by our ancestors and the temples. We have not proven to the divine that we can offer anything worth a trade. That is the simple truth of our current society.¡±


    ¡°You cannot trade with the gods! Do not desecrate their name by comparing them to lowly merchants!¡± The old scholar seemed quite upset now. Those words also earned him some angry shouts. It seemed there was an abundance of ¡®lowly merchants¡¯ present after all.


    ¡°But everything in its most base form is an exchange. We give respect in hopes of miracles. We show our love to receive love in turn. A trade need not involve coin or wares after all. The truth of the matter is that we do not dare ask the gods what they actually want. How can we be useful to them so that we can get their favor in return? Our relationship with the divine is hopelessly one-sided.¡± Typhos sighed sweetly. ¡°It is my believe that we must strive to become useful to the gods so that we may benefit from each other in the most reliable way! Aimless offerings and prayers will only reciprocate aimless whims and favors as well! Our passivity is the reason for our low standing.¡±


    ¡°Athena sees far ahead of you. She always has a plan for our city and our people or do you also object to that, boy? Do you have the arrogance to claim she is mistaken in guiding us the way it has always been?¡±


    ¡°Not at all. I am certain that the owner of this owl cage knows how to keep her pets.¡± He replied in a joking tone, completely unfazed. ¡°But if my pet showed a greater aptitude for certain tricks, I would be delighted indeed. If my dog catches a hare or lays into a boar so that I do not have to lift my bow, then it deserves a share of that meat.¡±


    The crowd laughed again, although this time it seemed to be in Typhos¡¯ favor. He conveyed his points in a charming manner and nothing his opposite said seemed to ever throw him off. His attitude hit a cord with me as well. The confidence, the eloquence and the certainty he exuded were all things I deeply desired for myself. It was vastly different from that authority Lady Akacia embodied and it was not quite the same as the songs the performers in the courtyard of the palace sang to garner attention. His charisma was¡­ unique.


    More than his enviable traits, his words touched something deep inside of me and dragged it out of hiding. At first I had only wished to wait for the end of his talk so that I could hand the letter to him as I was instructed, but I had quickly been unable to tear my ears away from his words. The topic was incredibly delicate, something that would have gotten me punished if I had even thought about it within the temple grounds. It was not right to question the ways of the divine in this way. I knew that I could not listen to this any longer.


    And yet¡­


    I was entranced by his words. My honest feelings were that he was right. I had always believed myself to be useless to Lady Athena and that is exactly why I strived to make up for that wherever I could. I had to make up for my blunder, for the tragedy of my home village. There was nothing I could give to our mistress as I was then, because I was weak. But if what he said was true, if everyone could band together to find what the gods wished for so that we could give them what they truly wanted, then that would have been wonderful. A miracle. Salvation.


    <hr>


    The debate lasted quite a bit longer and eventually Typhos left the stage and was replaced by yet another scholar. Whether he had managed to convince the crowd or not was hard to tell for someone like me, but he was not pelted by rocks and shouting as he descended the steps, so he could not have failed completely.


    I knew that I had to make it to him somehow, but it proved a lot harder than expected. The crowd was still blocking my way and in the overwhelming noise surrounding me I had a hard time making out the young man¡¯s footsteps. The pain that assailed my temples when I tried to do it anyway was far too great. I staggered forward while holding my ears and bumped into a man¡¯s leg.


    ¡°Watch where you are going!¡± He growled in annoyance. I was gripped by fear and rushed off through sheer instinct.


    After I made some distance from the densely packed agora I returned to my senses and anxiously grabbed the parchment on my belt. My head turned left and right as I frantically thought about what to do. If I had known where this scholar lived I could have tried to find the place, but I was too scared to wander the city alone. I couldn¡¯t even tell how late it was from just the warmth of the sun on my skin as the sky seemed to have been clouded. My options were between forcing my way back into the crowd and returning to the temple in shame.


    Lady Akacia¡¯s disappointed voice rang in my ears and my heart sank into my stomach. My eyes began to water and I crouched down in the shade of a pillar. Due to my weakness of mind back then I was prone to losing myself in tears and shameful as it was, I did pity myself greatly at that moment. I blamed the priestesses who condemned me for a crime I didn¡¯t commit and I was angry at Lady Akacia for siding with them. For just a heartbeat I even felt resentment towards Athena. But when I realized what my unfaithful heart had done I immediately knelt down and asked for forgiveness.


    Paralyzed by my lack of decisiveness I simply kept sitting there in the alley and smoldered in my self-loathing. By that point surely Typhos had already long left, I thought to myself.


    I tightly grabbed the rolled up parchment and stuffed it into my clothes. Maybe if I hid it away I could forget about my failure. My hand brushed against the dirty linen sack that I had used to carry the coins I had been entrusted with. My slim fingers picked out one of the round pieces and rubbed it against my hands. The cool metal gave me a sense of stability. Although I had never bought anything myself, I found the idea of money curious enough. Back in Dankana we would exchange our products for other wares. In Lamia they used currencies from all over the region, but I was too young to handle money back then.


    Maybe the same could have been said about the me from that day as soon became clear. My first lesson should have been that it was unwise to play with money in the open, especially when all alone. As I spun the coin between my fingers it slipped and rolled over the uneven ground. The metallic sound stopped abruptly when the coin made contact with something leathery.


    ¡°Did you drop this, child?¡± A man spoke up after bending down to take the coin in his hand.


    ¡°You gotta be careful with your belongings.¡± Another man was right behind him and seemed to sneer my way. I could basically sense their immoral looks on my hunched over head.


    ¡°He¡¯s right, you know? This isn¡¯t somethin¡¯ to let go off so easily.¡± The man¡¯s sandaled feet brushed over the dirt alley and I felt the hairs on my neck stand up in terror as he put his large hand on my shoulder. He was clearly glancing at my coin sack. It was easy to tell from the way he leaned down.


    My heart began pounding wildly as I thought about how to escape. The agora was right there, so I should have been able to sprint out of the alley, but I was already in the man¡¯s grip and his partner blocked my path in seconds. I breathed panickedly and kept my head lowered in fear. The man¡¯s hoarse snicker made me nauseous.


    ¡°Let me help ya with that. I¡¯ll gladly keep an eye on those for you.¡± He reached for my belt.


    ¡°Yes yes, so you won¡¯t drop them again!¡± The other man laughed.


    ¡°P-Please stop. The coins don¡¯t belong to me.¡± I whispered with a jittery voice.


    ¡°My, we got a thief on our hands! Can you believe this?¡±


    ¡°What a disgrace to her family. Criminals like that deserve to be punished.¡± He agreed.


    ¡°Good thing you confessed, child. We¡¯ll be holding on to the stolen goods - until we find the owner of course.¡± Their laughter hit my numb ears faintly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± I repeated over and over under my breath as I held my head. Not only had I failed my mission, I also lost the money entrusted to me. I was consumed by despair.


    ¡°No need to apologize to us! We¡¯re just helping ya out. Keep those words for the poor wretch you stole from.¡± The large man had taken the coins and let go of my shoulder, surely leaving a painful mark where he had grabbed it.


    The two men moved closer and looked at their spoils. I could hear them shake the sack and sift through the contents. I was hunched over in impotent sadness and started crying.


    ¡°Not bad. How did a brat like that get such a big haul?¡±


    ¡°Child pickpockets are the best in the business.¡± His friend replied with a shrug. ¡°Time to get us our finder¡¯s reward!¡± They laughed loudly and turned to leave.


    ¡°Finding coin on a priestess is the same as finding grain in a mine.¡± A third voice joined them and made them freeze on the spot. This voice was different from them. Calm, young and soothing. ¡°There is always an interesting story behind it.¡±


    ¡°Who in the blazes?¡± One of the thieves hissed at the newcomer, but his accomplice held him back.


    ¡°Priestess?¡± He had picked up on that word quickly and then glared my way. The acolyte¡¯s clothes were not distinct enough for most people to tell of our allegiance, but he seemed to suspect me now.


    ¡°I was meant to meet a friend of mine today, but she did not show up, to my great disappointment, so I thought of taking a little walk to the temple of Athena. Care to join me, friends? You seem to want to get your finder¡¯s reward after all.¡± The young man said with an amicable smile no doubt.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± The first man repeated his question with more agitation this time.


    ¡°They call me the mad scholar¡¯s apprentice sometimes, though I prefer to simply be called Typhos.¡± He replied with a subtle bow.


    ¡°You some kind of performer?¡± He spat out. The calmer Typhos acted, the angrier he seemed to get. ¡°Get out of our way or they¡¯ll carry your corpse to the temple instead.¡± He was drawing a dagger from its small leather sheath and pointed it the scholar¡¯s way.


    ¡°Hold on. If this kid is connected to the temple I don¡¯t want nothing to do with that.¡± His companion put an arm on the angry thief¡¯s shoulder and nervously glanced between me and Typhos.


    ¡°He¡¯s bluffing! He just wants the loot for himself.¡±


    ¡°I can assure you, money is of no import to me.¡± Typhos shook his head and raised his hands. I could not tell why that action seemed to shock them so much, but they took a few steps back. ¡°But it happens that I am a man of business as well. The world of money can be a dangerous one indeed, so I share the profits with those in my employ generously. Money divided is safer as they say.¡± He stepped forward and raised his hand. From somewhere that I could not perceive something rushed through the air and cut right past the thieves. Something sharp penetrated a wooden cart and stayed stuck in it.


    ¡°Shit! Let¡¯s scram!¡± The taller thief shouted and dragged his partner along. The loud thud of the coin pouch hitting the ground was their only parting gift.


    There was deafening silence for a moment, until Typhos stepped towards the half spilled coins and quickly gathered them back into the sack. With a playful motion he threw it slightly in the air and caught it a few times. Then he finally turned towards me and stretched out his hand.


    ¡°This belongs to you, I believe.¡±


    ¡°N-No¡­ They¡¯re for you.¡± I replied in confusion.


    ¡°Oh? I was not aware that Akacia is in the business of donating to unpopular scholars. Surely my master would have needed such generous support more dearly.¡± He chuckled amusedly and then pushed the coin pouch into my hands. ¡°All I need from you is that letter you so courageously protected for me.¡±


    ¡°Yes! H-Here!¡± I scrambled to pull the parchment from my clothes and hastily presented it to the young scholar.


    ¡°You have my gratitude, young acolyte.¡± He took the parchment and gave it a long look before he returned his attention to me. ¡°What might your name be?¡± He asked in a soft tone, possibly because of my fearfully lowered head.


    ¡°Eugenia.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a pretty name. Hm, Lamian?¡± He guessed.


    ¡°Er¡­¡± I was confused how he would guess something like that, but I could also not say it was entirely accurate.


    ¡°Do not mind my idle talk. I just did not expect Akacia to send someone so innocent on such a dangerous quest.¡± He squatted down before me and our faces were finally aligned. He tensed up slightly when he noticed my milky eyes. ¡°She must put a great deal of trust in you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a humble servant.¡± I replied with my hands firmly pressed into my legs and my back straightened as a pole.


    ¡°We all serve someone in the end.¡± He responded with a nod and then brushed his hand against my face, which made me shiver. ¡°Have you cried recently?¡±


    I was so ashamed that my face must have turned completely red, even if I had no idea what that color looked like. It may have turned blue quickly from the nausea I felt as the anxiety shook me next. The scholar I had sought was nothing but polite and yet I felt like I had wronged him by leaving him behind. If he had not come here on his own I would have never delivered that important letter to him.


    Noting my pathetic expression no doubt, he sat down next to me on a large stone left from construction of the house near us. He had wiped it with his sleeve first and then released a satisfied grunt when he settled on it.


    ¡°Has Akacia told you what this letter is about?¡±


    I quickly shook my head. Meanwhile I also realized just how casually he spoke of the grand priestess. I wondered what their relation was, even if I knew that it was not my place to know.


    ¡°It¡¯s a recipe for my favorite dish.¡± He responded seriously.


    ¡°What?¡± I blinked instinctively and made a weird face.


    ¡°Hah! Is that not a fun idea? That got your curiosity for sure.¡± He seemed delighted at my favorable reaction. Did this mean he had just made it up? ¡°My favorite is roasted boar to tell you the truth. But I have not eaten it in years.¡± He rubbed his smooth chin and reminisced about something. ¡°Will you tell me your favorite meal as well?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any.¡± I replied quietly, but I did not want to disappoint him for some reason, so I went through everything I had ever eaten in my head and came to a conclusion. ¡°I like olives, though.¡±


    ¡°Haha, an exemplary priestess of Athena.¡± He took it with mirth and then leaned forward on his legs. ¡°I have never seen you at the temple, so you must be new.¡±


    Just how often did a scholar like him visit our temple, I wondered back then. He had also mentioned visiting the temple of Hermes, which, while much smaller, was also very important. His speech up on the court of public debate was dangerous, but he seemed very devout to me.


    ¡°We arrived here not long ago.¡± I nodded.


    ¡°And yet Akacia sent you to me already. You must be... special.¡± I felt his curiosity in every word. His sideway glances were accompanied by his shifting weight on the right leg.


    ¡°I don¡¯t-¡± I wanted to deny his claim, I wished nothing more. But the reproachful attitudes of the priestesses and the rejecting words of the other acolytes passed through my mind. As long as I was blessed, as long as I was treated different form the others, I must have been special. But was that a good thing?


    Taking in my conflicted expression he tapped his fingers together and voiced some silent words with his lips. Then he turned my way completely and put a hand to the sack on my belt again.


    ¡°Akacia gave these to you for your own use, I believe. Do you want to go to the market to make something more enjoyable of them?¡±


    ¡°No way, she would never give me s-something so valuable!¡± I was completely shocked by his claim.


    ¡°I most certainly do not need that donation, so let us use it to cheer you up instead. That seems a worthy cause to me.¡± He elegantly rose from the stone and held out his hand to pull me up. His soft hands were covered in rings, but otherwise he did not seem to have ever so much as scratched his skin. I felt embarrassed about how much rougher my own hands must have felt.


    It was like I had been dragged into a different life as I accompanied the scholar to the market and was made to pick out foods for us. It was the first time I had eaten such delicious goat cheese and the taste lingered in my mouth for a long while. Eventually Typhos pulled me to a stall where they sold olives and haggled the merchant¡¯s price down to an obscenely low sum.


    As we settled down near a tree he tried the olives I was holding in a basket. He made a low approving sound and then sighed.


    ¡°The olive season is almost over, but these are quite delectable.¡±


    I knew little of harvest other than the minor assistance I had provided in the gardens at the temple. I was surprised how many different topics Typhos was versed in. It seemed like his curiosity was as endless as the inspiration of bards favored by Apollo and his Muses.


    Despite his words he did not indulge in another olive and left the basket to me.


    I diligently put it on my lap as I sat against the tree and listened to the bubbling of the river close to us. The atmosphere of the city had changed in my heart. The oppressiveness had dissipated and left behind a more harmonious presence. Maybe I felt at peace around the young scholar. At the very least our little trip had made me forget my sadness from the events at the temple for a bit.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I said quietly with my face turned away.


    ¡°How odd, you would thank me for the food you purchased yourself? If anyone should be thankful, it is I. You delivered this important letter to me in one piece despite your condition.¡± He spoke so tactfully of my blindness that I didn¡¯t even feel ashamed of it for once. There was a short silence in which he played with his rings audibly, then he settled down across from me again. ¡°You have no obligation to speak to me about this, but I am so incredibly curious! How do you manage to move so well? It is as if you were not afflicted at all.¡±


    It was not the first time I had been asked such by curious people. But as long as I could remember it was either out of suspicion, pity or fear. The scholar¡¯s genuine curiosity was resonating with me.


    ¡°My hearing is blessed.¡± I replied truthfully.


    ¡°Aha, I knew it. You are the chosen girl that is the talk around the streets.¡± He snapped his fingers with enthusiasm.


    ¡°Huh? P-People are talking about me?!¡± I was horrified at the very notion.


    ¡°Some people. Those who deign to talk to someone like me.¡± He shrugged. ¡°I am honored to be in the presence of Athena¡¯s chosen.¡± He made a reverent gesture, but I lowered my head in response. It was all I could do. He seemed to understand my apprehension and tilted his head to the side.


    ¡°I¡¯m just an acolyte.¡±


    ¡°And I am just an inexperienced scholar. It appears we are both still learning much.¡± He smiled in response and put a finger to his temple.


    ¡°Y-You are amazing, though! I heard your debate and you said so many clever things!¡± I burst out without the ability to hold it in this time.


    ¡°I did see an unusually small person in the audience. So you attended, how flattering.¡± He cupped his chin. ¡°I would not expect to get praise for my words from someone of your standing. It may sound inappropriate coming from my own mouth, but my ideas are rather fringe among my colleagues.¡± Not to mention the general public, he added quietly.


    I knew he was right. It was not something I should so openly support. But¡­ ¡°I think it is wonderful. We should be helping the gods with their struggles! I want to be of use to Lady Athena.¡± I spoke with unbridled emotion.


    ¡°But Eugenia, you are an aspiring priestess. Surely if there was anyone in this city who had a way to assist the goddess, it would be you?¡± He spoke kindly, but he did not understand yet.


    ¡°I wish that were true.¡± I nodded weakly.


    ¡°As the chosen girl, do you not speak to her often?¡±


    ¡°No. I have never actually heard her voice.¡± I admitted with a downcast expression.


    ¡°Curious.¡± He muttered. ¡°Surely it will not be long until you get your chance.¡± He picked up one of the olives and pressed it to my mouth. I bit into it gratefully.


    ¡°I¡¯m not so sure. The priestesses say I am a¡­ failure.¡± It was like he had me under a spell, because I could not help but pour my heart out to him. ¡°I am not good at helping anyone, least of all our mistress. There is no way that Lady Athena would still choose me after all I have done. I think she may despise me too.¡± My heart was stinging with pain at the memory of my home village and that stormy night.


    ¡°Hm.¡± He rubbed his short hair within deep thought. Then his expression sharpened with determination. ¡°Did you know that you are not the first blind human blessed by Athena?¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± My ears perked up with interest.


    ¡°Indeed, there is a rather famous tale they love in Thebes. The details are somewhat disputed among different families and storytellers. In Athens it could even be considered slightly blasphemic. Do you still wish to hear it?¡±


    The spark inside my heart had already been ignited and there was little I could do to staunch the fire of interest it had stoked. So far away from the temple, with someone who I admired telling me about the goddess I loved, how could I deny myself?


    ¡°Please tell me.¡±


    Typhos smirked and leaned on his knees, clearing his voice for his grandiose tale.


    ¡°This is the story of Teiresias, the greatest seer the world has ever known and the only son of the nymph Chariklo, beloved of Athena.¡±


    <hr>


    As the priestess began to retell the tale that had been taught to her by the scholar so long ago, Medusa¡¯s snake like eyes widened. Her fangs grew out as she felt the anger and sadness of the curse sweep over her soul. That name, Chariklo.


    She knew it.


    And with it an intense feeling of regret that was not her own.


    The Gorgon, unable to clear her own guilt, was assailed by the regrets of another as the past tale of a broken heart filled the silvery eyes beyond the isle.

 Chapter 21.3: Athena and the blind man

    ¡°Have you ever heard of Teiresias before?¡± Typhos asked me before he began his story.


    ¡°He was the wise seer that Odysseus spoke to in the Underworld.¡± I nodded tentatively. The Odyssey was one of the stories I had been told the most after all.


    ¡°Indeed, even in death his power of foresight never waned. To this day he must be advising those who wander between worlds with his wisdom.¡± The scholar was pleased to know that I was not completely clueless. ¡°But he began as naught but an ordinary man. Unlike you, he was not born blind and he had never been able to foretell so much as the wetness of water as a lad.¡±


    ¡°Then how did he come to change?¡±


    ¡°In the same way that all great stories begin: By upsetting the gods.¡± He smirked when I gave him a distraught expression. ¡°As I said, this tale may be unfamiliar to the people of Athens for many reasons, so I would like you not to mention it in front of Akacia. She will surely have my head this time if she finds out I have been leading her precious students astray.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t say a word about it to anyone!¡± I promised.


    ¡°I am grateful. Well then, let us begin with some history. Although it may be an unpopular matter to Atticans, Thebes has a long standing connection with our patron goddess as well. When the legendary Cadmus, founder and first king of Thebes, went to the Oracle of Delphi¡­¡±


    <hr>


    Cadmus was a heroic man from the distant land of Phoenicia, who was on the search for his sister Europa, which had been taken by Zeus in lust not long before. His journey was interrupted many times by challenges, but he would not relent on his search. All heroes¡¯ journeys would eventually bring them to Delphi where the Oracle was freely sharing prophecy with those who were deserving.


    To his shock, Cadmus was commanded to give up his search for his sister and instead follow a cow with a half-moon mark on its hide to a holy spot where he was tasked to build a city! He did as he was told, faithful man that he was, and followed the bovine to the distant spot where it finally stopped to rest. He decided to sacrifice the cow to the great goddess Athena, but first he required fresh water to sate the animal and his own thirst. Only was the closest spring protected by none other than a sacred dragon!


    Oh bitter misfortune, the dragon slew all of Cadmus¡¯ men with its sharp teeth and deadly claws. The man was not one to forgive such an act of senseless death and fought the dragon with all his rage. Eventually he managed to slay the beast and spilled its blood across the earth, leaving nothing but a scaled corpse behind. Little did he know that this dragon was under the protection of the wrathful god of war, Ares!


    Alas, Ares would not be glad to hear of these events, but he did not find out quite so soon. Instead Cadmus, now bereft of his followers, was at a loss for what to do, until Athena indeed appeared to him not even waiting for the cow to be sacrificed in her name. As is her nature, she gave Cadmus invaluable advice and handed him half the teeth of Ares¡¯ dragon, which she asked him to plant into the ground as if they were seeds on a field.


    From the earth sprang several dozen men which were full-grown and powerful, the Spartoi. Afraid of their prowess, Cadmus threw a rock their way, but the sown men were unaware of his action and accused each other of throwing the stone. Soon they started fighting amongst each other and were nearly all killed. Only five of the proud Spartoi remained and supported Cadmus in his task to build the city. Thus Thebes was founded on the blood of dragons and earth born men.


    <hr>


    ¡°Lady Athena helped the first king of Thebes?¡± My jaw was lowered in surprise and reverence. It seemed that the goddess I served was always at the forefront of humanity¡¯s growth.


    ¡°So they say in Thebes. The line of Cadmus and the Spartoi was long and fruitful, but they were also befallen by many tragedies. Some that could have been prevented had they only listened to the man of our interest.¡± He shook his head in feigned disappointment.


    ¡°Was Teiresias related to King Cadmus?¡± It seemed like that was the reason why Typhos had brought him up.


    ¡°Not quite. He was a descendant of Udaeus, one of the five Spartoi, actually. Still, that made him destined to be connected to Thebes for life. A life that would have been unremarkable had it not been for his mother.¡± He tapped his rings ominously. ¡°Please be assured that what I am about to tell you is just one of many stories surrounding him. I cannot ascertain their veracity.¡±


    I nodded slowly, unsure of how the air had grown so heavy at his words.


    <hr>


    Once upon a time there was a man, the descendant of the Spartoi, Udaeus. His name was Everes. Unlike his ancestor, Everes was merely a humble shepherd who led his flock across the verdant hills around Thebes. He was a simple man, but one of great faith and integrity. When he was told by his friend to sacrifice some of his sheep to Apollo to pray for a fulfilled love life, he took him earnestly and tracked upon Mount Helicon to go through with the sacrifice. Misfortune struck when one of his lambs fell down a gorge and Everes jumped after it to save it from its tumbling fall.


    The shepherd found himself holding the poor lamb safe in his arms, but with his own ankle sprained and out of sight from any mountain path. Here he came upon the most beautiful mountain spring, glittering with mysterious mist and magic. The waters of Hippocrene escaped a legendary spring favored by the Muses and other such beings who enjoyed its gift of poetic inspiration.


    Unware of the treasure he had met upon, the shepherd merely gave the frightened lamb a chance to quench its thirst and then held out his hand to cup some of the clear water for himself. As he looked upon the water¡¯s reflection he saw the illusion of a woman¡¯s beautiful face from between the trees and quickly raised his head, only to see her truly there. It was the first meeting of Everes the shepherd and the lovely nymph, Chariklo.


    The nymph had a caring personality and nursed Everes back to health inside the woods. Although she was compassionate and cheerful, she also kept the man at a distance, for she was devoted only to one: her goddess Athena. Until this day she had never met a human before and had only succumbed to curiosity when she saw the way Everes had put himself in harm¡¯s way to protect his lamb.


    The dissimilar pair soon grew fond of each other and she sang for Everes whenever he came to visit the mountain with his flock. It became clear soon enough that the sacrifice for Apollo had lost its meaning, for Everes had already found his love. To court a nymph was no easy feat for even a king or hero, but Everes had no such aspirations, he merely valued her beautiful voice and was satisfied with their sporadic meetings.


    That was until one day, in a moment of passion, they crossed a line that should have been well kept. Chariklo was deeply ashamed of her deed, as she had sworn a vow of celibacy to her goddess. When she came before Athena she was ready to give her life to repay the mistake.


    ¡°Do not fear, darling. The passion you showed that man cannot compare to the devotion you have shown me all your life. I can sense that you are with child now, so you may raise it with the father amongst the other humans. Once the child reaches adulthood you shall return to my side, so that I may hear your beautiful voice free of the ties of worry.¡±


    Chariklo was Athena¡¯s favorite, the only woman so close to her that she could have been called her beloved. No matter what the nymph would do, Athena always forgave her. In return Chariklo¡¯s devotion and affection for the goddess grew many times. She fulfilled her promise and raised the boy she gave birth to at the side of Everes. They lived in a hut near Thebes and spent peaceful days as a family.


    Once their son, Teiresias, grew mature enough to carry a thin beard it was time for Chariklo to return to Mount Helicon. The old shepherd let her go in peace and declared his undying love until the last moment, which she never did return, leaving with only a faint smile.


    Everes had grown somewhat feeble in his age and taught his son the ways of shepherding and hunting, while the young man often would visit his mother in the forest to tell her of his exploits. The kindly nymph was glad to see her own flesh and blood grow into a life free of worry, much like she had always experienced, but she hid those meetings from Athena, knowing well that the goddess had little love for the boy.


    ¡°Will you not return to see father again? He has become sickly and may not see the next summer.¡±


    Teiresias asked his mother many times to come back to their home, but Chariklo refused every time. Both she and Everes had agreed that they would part ways long ago. Their once entanglement was never more than that, but she would not consider it a mistake, for their union had given her this beloved son. A son that she may indeed have loved more than even her goddess.


    Everes passed peacefully after he was given sacred herbs that his son had obtained from Chariklo. Those herbs had the property of numbing all pain, allowing humans to die in their sleep. The nymph had asked Athena for them and the goddess, although dismayed at her beloved¡¯s lingering attachment to the human, parted with them for her sake.


    Teiresias was left behind to follow his father¡¯s profession and stopped visiting his mother, for he blamed her devotion to Athena for their torn family. In the wiles of youthful righteousness he thought ill of those who had shown him such leniency before.


    As fate would have it, he one day returned to Mount Helicon with his hunting hounds, stalking some elusive prey. He found himself near the same gorge that his father had jumped down so many years ago, but he managed to avoid the same fate, though he lost his hounds in the tumble. Worn from his long trek and hunt, he searched for the waters of Hippocrene that his mother had told him of long ago. His thirst was great and the spring nearby, so he pushed through the brush to quench his body with the magical waters.


    Oh cruel fate! Just as he had arrived he walked into the scene of Chariklo and Athena frolicking inside the spring, only just disrobed in front of his eyes. Fear struck Chariklo and Teiresias, as Athena stood bare before the eyes of a man. By the old divine laws of Cronus it was forbidden to look upon the nude appearance of the goddess! The punishment for such a crime was death.


    Immediately Athena had blinded the boy¡¯s eyes with her power, but the damage had been done. Chariklo saddened and desperate screamed and begged for Athena to undo her curse, but as dear as Chariklo was to her, it was out of the goddess power to defy the laws. The blindness was irreversible.


    As the beautiful nymph¡¯s tears mixed with the glowing waters around them Athena put her hand to her beloved¡¯s cheek and softly caressed it. She spoke the following words with gentle determination:


    ¡°You mustn¡¯t grieve so, darling. Your son will be honored, all for your sake, by divine gift to him. I will make him a prophet, his fame will be mythic, the greatest seer that will ever be. He''ll know all the birds in the sky, those of good omen and those whose flight presages doom. He''ll give oracles to the Boeotians, oracles to Cadmus, oracles to the mighty descendants of Labdacus. I will give him a great staff to guide his footstep and I will give him time, a long term of life. And he alone, when he dies, will walk among the fallen, wits intact, honored by Hades, host of the dead.¡±


    It was a blessing given freely and without compensation. The son that had been born from Chariklo¡¯s flesh would walk the world blindly, but see more than any seeing man could. He would live for seven full generations, serving as a prophet of Apollo, as he could not devote himself to Athena. Teiresias was famous for advising and guiding many Theban key figures with his prophecies. He encountered mythical men such as Narcissus, Amphitryon, Oedipus and Creon. Many people followed his advice, others spurned it at their own peril.


    His life finally came to an end when he had to flee the burning Thebes and drank from a poisoned spring. As if the city¡¯s wounds and the poisonous smoke were his own ailments, he succumbed to the darkness. Just as Athena¡¯s blessing promised, he retained his wits in the Underworld and is giving prophecies to those who visit him even to this day.


    <hr>


    ¡°The tales of his prophecies are too many to retell even in an entire day, but now you see - well, now you know - that even a blind prophet could rise to fame under the blessing of your goddess.¡± Typhos ended the story with a jovial line. Like all good storytellers he may have embellished a few things here and there, but the moral of the tale was clear. Or was it? I had started to grow a small flame of doubt from the kindling of melancholy.


    ¡°He sounds like a great man.¡± I folded my hands together, but Typhos surely noticed how stiff my shoulders were.


    ¡°Yet you find issue with him?¡±


    ¡°It sounded to me like¡­ he never grew to like Lady Athena.¡± I muttered with honesty.


    ¡°Oh! Yes, he did seem the sort who could hardly let bygones be bygones, but he helped many people with his gift, so he spread your goddess will all the same.¡±


    The scholar¡¯s words doused the fires of my doubts slightly, but I could not get the uncomfortable details of the story out of my head so soon.


    ¡°I had no idea.¡± I increased the force between my folded hands and let the words digest in my heart. ¡°I have never been taught about this Chariklo.¡±


    ¡°Ah, that does not surprise me. No matter how much I researched and asked around, there is little known of her. It is somewhat frustrating for a scholar like myself to be left in the dark about such a fascinating woman.¡±


    ¡°So you don¡¯t know what happened to her? If she was so important to the great and wise Athena, then she may still be out there!¡± It got me excited to think that someone who could warm the heart of my goddess was out there waiting for her.


    Typhos turned silent and cupped his chin and mouth with one hand, as if holding back something from escaping his lips. He tapped his foot a few times and then sighed, relenting to my curious expression.


    Stolen story; please report.


    ¡°This story was meant to bring back that pretty little smile on your face, so I would have liked to keep it vague.¡± He admitted. ¡°From what little I could gather there is only one certainty about the nymph Chariklo: She died a long time ago.¡±


    ¡°Goodness¡­!¡± I frowned and inhaled painfully.


    ¡°It seems there is an olive orchard named after her in the south. I have not been able to visit it yet, but it is rumored to be breathtaking in summer and endlessly fruitful even out of season. ¡®Chariklo¡¯s Orchard¡¯, the name has a wonderful emotion to it, no?¡±


    Was he merely trying to numb the blow to my heart? I could not tell what he was thinking back then, but I knew his words to be compassionate and deliberate. All he had been doing since I met him was encourage me and teach me things the priestesses would not.


    I could not believe that someone so important to Lady Athena could be forgotten, but as long as tales like Teiresias¡¯ were retold, every special person¡¯s existence, no matter how small, would cross the listener¡¯s minds once more. There was comfort in that knowledge, the certainty that some of us would be forever preserved in the words of songs, the constellations of the stars and even the minds of the gods.


    ¡°Incidentally, the other version of Teiresias tale involves snakes, a bet between Zeus and his wife Hera, as well as a miraculous change from man to woman.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°It is as I said at the beginning, there are as many variations of the common myths as there are men willing to tell them.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re making fun of me, right?¡±


    ¡°Haha, there is so much I could tell you about the past that would make you doubt me even more.¡± He did not deny it, but he seemed far too sincere to be teasing me. ¡°Have you cheered up a little?¡± He added quickly.


    My face must have turned a different shade as I felt heat envelope it. The shame of having to be encouraged and spoiled like a child was immense to me, even if to most I was no different from exactly that. A helpless child.


    ¡°Th-Thank you.¡± It was barely more than a whisper, but I was sure he heard me.


    ¡°If I could be of any help then I am glad that we were fated to meet today. Words are cheap, but having someone listen to them - that is invaluable.¡±


    Even now I believe that I heard him speak the deepest desires of my heart as if he was a Muse, drawing upon the inspiration of humans around with divine appeal. To be heard was all that I ever asked for, but the temple had taught me that silence was a far greater virtue. The stoic bastion of faith that I was thrown into had been rejecting me, but neither of us was able to let go.


    I really was no more than a child back then, constantly astray and as flimsy as the summer¡¯s breeze. The time I would spend in Athens learning from great minds like the grand priestess and Typhos gave me the convictions that I could have never found wasting away in Dankana. On that day I felt pride for the simple task of delivering a letter. That is where it started.


    ¡°It is about time for me to return to my research.¡± Typhos spoke up while pushing a hand through his well-kempt hair. I could basically hear its smoothness. ¡°Thank you once again for your delivery, I hope we will meet soon again-¡±


    ¡°Typhos!¡±


    A shout interrupted the young scholar in the midst of our goodbyes. I instinctively pushed myself behind the tree in fear of the loud huffing that came our way.


    ¡°Great mentor Eukleides, how good for our paths to cross again so soon.¡± His voice was filled with the appropriate respect, so different from the time they had clashed in debate before.


    ¡°Spare me the pleasantries and tell your guard dogs to back off. I have no intention of being associated with such scoundrels.¡± He crossed his arms and hung over the young man like an angry storm cloud.


    ¡°I assure you Eukleides, my associates are no scoundrels. They are entirely sympathetic men who are greatly worried for my safety. Who am I to refuse their kind vigil in these turbulent times?¡± He was not much affected by the aggressive approach.


    I tightly held onto the tree for support as I tried my best to follow their conversation. I had no idea what men they were talking about. I had not perceived anyone around us. It was completely quiet apart from the rushing water of the river nearby.


    ¡°You are slick with your words, but you lack common sense. The influence of your disaster of a master no doubt.¡± He exhaled his anger and put a hand to his hip. ¡°I had little to lose in your little performance up there, but it is humiliating to be made the fool in a debate. You were treading dangerously close to blasphemy, boy. You are fortunate that the people enjoy a clash of strongly opposed stances enough to take it as entertainment.¡±


    ¡°We all could use a little joy where we can find it. We both know that the more intriguing the battle, the more it will be remembered. The people respect your views and so do I, which makes it all the more memorable when you give someone of my standing the time on stage sharing your presence.¡±


    ¡°I do not like being used. Remember that.¡± He clicked his tongue and then stretched out his hand. ¡°Now for my payment.¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course. I have just received it.¡± He took the piece of parchment from his belt and handed it to the old scholar. ¡°I must admit, coin would have been far easier to acquire.¡±


    ¡°Coin is meaningless without the right market to spend it.¡± Eukleides responded absentmindedly as he read the contents of the parchment. ¡°How you have such good connections with the temple of Athena will be a mystery for generations to come. You may lose some support for your blasphemic ideas soon.¡± He rolled up the parchment, seemingly satisfied.


    ¡°Do not worry for me. Akacia already throws me a baleful gaze during our every greeting, so my standing cannot be lowered much.¡± There must have been a grin curling up his face as the old scholar huffed in response.


    ¡°Courting a priestess is a crime, boy.¡±


    ¡°You got me all wrong. Akacia is an old friend, but we share no such feelings for each other. I have never even heard rumors of her having an eye for any man.¡±


    ¡°A virtuous woman like her is naturally celibate and devoted only to her mistress. It is reassuring to know that all is right with the world.¡± There was a needle of sarcasm in his voice. He pushed the parchment into the folds of his himation and then stroked his beard.


    ¡°To deny love is a virtue only for those who have none to spare.¡± The younger scholar replied a little dryly.


    ¡°Much like time. And we are both busy men.¡± Eukleides gave his first hoarse chuckle. ¡°A word of advice to the young: It is not to your benefit to become exactly like your mentors. Take only what is most valuable from them and add on to it with ideas of your own.¡±


    ¡°I am aware of my legacy.¡± Typhos spoke with unexpected grit. Then he threw up his hands cheerfully as if that moment of tension had never happened. ¡°And I know your value as well, so I will take it to heart, great mentor. Now then, I wish you safe travels. The journey to Thebes has become more perilous as of late I heard. Bad weather, bandits and whatnot.¡±


    ¡°What exactly do you know?¡± The old man scrunched his nose, but then he relented and just walked off.


    When I could no longer perceive his footsteps I finally felt relief and slid down the tree¡¯s rough bark. I hadn¡¯t even noticed that I held my breath for a long time. Typhos lend me a hand and pulled me back to my feet.


    ¡°Apologies, our kind can be a tad impatient and confrontational. You must have been anxious.¡± He lightly joked about the oddity of his fellow scholars.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine.¡± I nearly swallowed my words. On that day I had met several scary men, so Typhos youthful hand holding me up was quite the relief.


    ¡°If you wish I can escort you to the Akropolis at least. It has gotten rather dark.¡±


    I had not been aware of it except for the lightest shift in cold around us.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind the dark.¡± I mumbled. Of course to me the fading light made no difference, but being escorted sounded embarrassing.


    ¡°Be careful that it does not mind you either. All manner of beasts may lurk in the shadows.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Do not mind my jests. Return to your sisters with a heart empty of fear, for I am sure you are protected by your goddess.¡± His words really did cheer me up so easily. ¡°And some earthbound protection from me will not harm the odds.¡± He added so quietly that even I barely made it out. His words did not make sense to me, but I was too shy to ask. The gesture he made afterwards also was hard to interpret from just listening to the movement. I could have sworn someone¡¯s sandals moved from far away.


    ¡°I-Is there anything I should tell Lady Akacia when I return to the temple?¡±


    ¡°Thank her for her cooperation.¡± He turned around and shook some dirt off his sandals as he got ready to leave. ¡°Ah, and please tell her that he is doing well.¡±


    ¡°He?¡±


    ¡°Indeed. Let us meet again!¡±


    No elaboration followed as we parted ways. I was left behind, confused, but also glad that my mission was almost completed. The message about some mysterious man made me think back to the prior exchange about love and Lady Akacia¡¯s devotion. Had I heard too much? My childlike mind thought up all kinds of tall tales involving a secret romance and nightly letter exchanges.


    I was completely wrong as I would find out when I asked too many question a long while later. At least Lady Akacia made sure that I would understand that with many weeks of scrubbing the floors of the living quarters.


    <hr>


    Eugenia suddenly laughed at her not so distant memories. Despite everything she had retold, the memory of getting punished by a snappy Akacia for insinuating she held love in her heart for another person was what managed to lift her spirits the most. The owl she had been talking to for so long hooted in disapproval.


    ¡°I was later told by priestess Hortensia that she had never seen the grand priestess¡¯ face so flush.¡± She giggled for a while longer before settling back down on the dirty ground and playing with the loose root in her hand.


    Athenai pecked her hand a few times until she finally let go. Apparently the avian companion was not happy with her gardening work.


    ¡°I miss Athens sometimes.¡± She admitted with a melancholy expression. ¡°Don¡¯t tell Lady Medusa I said that please. Let¡¯s keep it a secret, alright?¡± She put a dirty finger to her lips and smiled at the owl. The animal¡¯s silvery eyes dulled in response and then glanced back towards the Greenhouse¡¯s entrance.


    Bringing up the Lady of the isle had pulled the girl back into the present and her current problems. Speaking about Typhos and her old life had given her both pain and relief, but she knew that it was meaningless to share all of that burden with the poor owl. In truth she did it only for herself. By remembering the many times that she had met Typhos in the city of wisdom under the watchful eyes of her mistress she had reaffirmed in her heart what she had always believed.


    ¡°I want to believe in Typhos. He did not just abandon me, there must have been a reason.¡± She said firmly. ¡°Even if we never meet again, I know he is out there following his beliefs too.¡±


    And so she decided to do the same. Her beliefs were shaken many times since she had arrived on Sarpedon, but that was what helped her understand the world better. She kept the values of her religion and the wisdoms of her teachers, but she also gained some ideas of her own. Medusa had added so many new values to her heart that she finally felt like she had changed. She was no longer that child who hid away from the cruel words of others.


    ¡°Right.¡± She wiped her hands on a rag and then got up. She had wallowed in self-pity long enough. It was time to find the one who had decided to hide from her now. ¡°Time to find Lady Me-¡± She stepped out of the large door and into the sun filled dry island air only to trip over something on the ground. ¡°Bwagh!¡±And landed face down.


    The long rope like thing that had tripped her suddenly curled itself up in circular motions and Eugenia¡¯s heart nearly stopped when she felt the cursed eyes on the back of her head. The Gorgon stood leaning against the wall next to the entrance. The priestess¡¯ heart was frozen. The one she sought out was already with her, but that was not how she had wanted it to happen.


    Because if she was here, that would have meant¡­


    ¡°You speak fondly of those who have no such affection for you.¡± The Gorgon spoke coldly.


    ¡°You overheard us?¡± Eugenia pressed out quietly as she wiped sand from her arms.


    ¡°Neither humans nor your goddess came to save you. How can you still believe in them?¡± Medusa spoke up with a furious glare. ¡°Yours is the adoration of an abandoned child that got fed by strangers with ill intentions. You repeat the same mistake endlessly until there is nothing left of you.¡±


    ¡°What do you know about me?!¡± Eugenia suddenly bit her lip and frowned.


    ¡°All that matters.¡± The tall woman replied with narrowed eyes.


    ¡°This is why I didn¡¯t want to tell you about Typhos. You wouldn¡¯t understand, because you are full of hate!¡± Eugenia¡¯s head was lowered and she clung to her own chiton with both hands. She regretted her words immediately. ¡°I wanted you to understand me. But how could I explain anything if you don¡¯t want to open up to me?¡±


    Everything repeated again. Eugenia¡¯s emotions spiraled out of control, she said hurtful things to Medusa and then would get her heart shattered in return. Why could she not understand the priestess¡¯ thoughts? Why did she have to be so stubborn?


    In a moment of distraction she was quickly tied up by the long snake tail. For a frail girl like her it was impossible to struggle free.


    ¡°You are my prisoner. That is the only fate you hold now.¡± She hissed.


    Eugenia¡¯s eyes teared up.


    ¡°Is that the only way I can be useful to you? Is that all you want from me?¡±


    The snake woman¡¯s eyes widened in shock. The Gorgon¡¯s tight grip on the girl¡¯s torso slackened and she slipped out.


    ¡°Leave.¡± Medusa spoke with strain in her voice and eyes. She could not bear it, that expression on the human¡¯s face.


    ¡°Where could I go?¡± Eugenia replied with a forlorn look as behind her the dry wind picked up clouds of dust and sand on the small secluded island.


    There was nothing Medusa could say in response while the two of them stood below the half-crumbled roof of the old temple.


    <hr>


    She had completely failed at everything she had set out to do. Instead of reconciling with the human she had made things worse yet again. Instead of gaining information about the previous expedition she had overheard just how foolish a life the girl had lived. Finally, rather than say the words she truly wanted to say, she had lashed out at the priestess once more.


    With an angry swishing the Gorgon¡¯s long tail cleaved through one of the many stone statues of enemies past. The statue¡¯s torso fell over and the entire body crumbled to dust. This violent outburst did not dampen the heat of her mind at all.


    Who was she to get angry over a mere human¡¯s cycle of mistakes, when she herself, mighty monster, could not get her act together? To destroy and erase all her enemies was far easier than the burden she had now started to carry at the depth of her heart of stone. The lightest crack created the worst fissures.


    Medusa leaned against a pillar and exhaled her tension. The low sound of fluttering wings had caught her attention and she had no intention of being seen in such a pathetic state.


    The owl landed on another statue¡¯s shoulder and glared towards the sandy beach. It did not speak, for owls were incapable of such. Yet the silvery eyes behind the creature were undoubtedly present.


    ¡°You seem just as unhappy as the girl.¡± Medusa spoke first. She had no desire for conversation with this woman, but for a while now she had been in a horrible mood because of the swelling regret behind her eyes. A regret that was not her own.


    ¡°I could never be reduced to a state so pathetic as yours.¡± The voice that was not verbalized echoed inside the Gorgon¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Was it something the girl said?¡± Medusa cut through the deflection right away.


    ¡°Our connection is regrettable.¡± The owl twisted its head in displeasure. ¡°Eugenia spoke of many things, however, none concern you.¡±


    ¡°I once met a nymph that carried the same name. Chariklo.¡± Medusa said as her claw traced the bumps of the pillar left of her. The carvings were too faded to be identified by now.


    Instantly the air cooled down to the point where water would have turned to ice. The sun seemed a few shades darker than before. Even the Gorgon felt a shiver down her spine.


    Now she knew that her guess had been correct.


    ¡°You do not deserve to speak her name.¡± There was genuine anger in that echoing voice.


    ¡°What happened to her? What happened to your Chari-?¡±


    ¡°Silence I said!¡±


    With a painful crash Medusa fell over the stone rail and into the courtyard beyond. Her entire body had turned as heavy as stone for but an instant. She had been unable to do anything in response to the overwhelming force that crushed her soul. Her whole body tingled and her eyes had turned entirely snake like. The curse was tearing into her like a rabid beast.


    But despite the pain and loss of control, the Gorgon sneered. She had managed to hurt Athena! If not physically, then mentally. It had gotten so far that she broke her vow of noninterference, if only for the blink of an eye.


    ¡°You¡­ still grief¡­¡± Medusa pressed out from her numb lips. ¡°I never thought you would care for another.¡±


    The owl¡¯s head was hidden behind the painfully distorted face of the statue it sat on. Whatever was going on within its possessed mind was unclear, but the sensation of sadness emanating from their connection was overwhelming.


    ¡°You do know nothing, pitiful snake. You will know nothing until your excruciating and deserved end.¡± And with that the owl flew off into the red corners of the endless horizon. She would not leave for good, there was nothing more binding than the vow of a goddess. The silvery eyes could not turn away until their bet was settled.


    Once again the snake was alone, crawling the dirt. Misery begets misery. With revenge the method and reward were the same. The Gorgon pushed herself onto her back and stared at the blood red sky. If she listened carefully she could hear the distant drums of fate encroaching on this cage of regrets.


    The words of the priestess still rang in her mind. Words she had copied from a certain scholar.


    ¡®To deny love is a virtue only for those who have none to spare.¡¯


    The echoes of the past reverberated in the present and would clash with the impending force of the future.

 Chapter 22: Medusa and the negotiations

    Dawn broke through the trembling night as the barrier was penetrated by the bow of a long wooden ship. The triple-row triremes was a warship not often seen in these waters. Not even the Gorgon had sunken any of these before.


    She stood atop the steps of the destroyed temple and looked on with an increased pulse. Her arms were crossed, yet she was certainly uneasy. Athena¡¯s words had come true far sooner than expected. The humans had arrived.


    ¡°Your kin have come to slay me.¡± Medusa raised her voice ever so slightly. She knew that the girl would hear her.


    ¡°There is a ship?¡± She moved out from behind a pillar, showing a mixed expression. Partly saddened and a bit hopeful all the same.


    ¡°No.¡± She shook her head.


    ¡°What? Then what is there?¡± Her milky eyes could not perceive what approached on the horizon.


    ¡°Three battleships.¡± The Gorgon squinted her eyes with disdain at the approaching expedition.


    This was a force to be reckoned with. Even if the slaves rowing the oars were going to be uninvolved, there was more than enough space for a small army on these ships. At the very least a hundred men. They would not have bothered with such a sizeable show of force if they were not equipped for combat. This was the first time Medusa had faced such numbers.


    She peeked over her shoulder to muster the thin priestess. Eugenia was not rejoicing or running for the beach. Neither was she hiding or scowling. That expression was perhaps of someone who felt lost.


    For Medusa this was routine, indeed, she sometimes viewed such expeditions as diversions. But the priestess had no such sentiments. To her this was bloodshed of her own blood, a massacre of the innocent. It would not have been strange if she had sided with these armed men that had come to deliver their ¡®justice¡¯.


    Perhaps Medusa simply wanted it to be that way. She realized that a part of her would have felt relief if that was how it ended. Ever since that night where she had deeply hurt the girl¡¯s heart they had not been able to reconnect properly. Eugenia functioned like she always did. Doing her daily chores, preparing food, taking care of the garden. She had not once complained to Medusa since then.


    Yet she had also not smiled.


    Medusa turned her head back to the ocean. This piercing pain in her chest was worse than any sword she would receive today.


    ¡°They will anchor soon. You should¡­ that is¡­¡± Medusa did not find the words that could express her thoughts. What could she have said? ¡®You can go to them¡¯? ¡®You should hide¡¯? She had no right to give the human orders. In fact she had no right to say anything to her at all.


    ¡°Lady Medusa!¡± The girl¡¯s loud voice made her flinch a little. ¡°We should talk to them.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± She gave her a baffled look.


    ¡°There is no need for bloodshed today.¡± Eugenia put a hand to her chest and inhaled. ¡°I will convince them not to attack you!¡±


    This frail human girl had already made her choice. And it was not to side with either of them! To her the best solution was to avoid conflict altogether.


    Medusa lowered her gaze and fell silent. That was a path not granted to her before. There had never been a chance to negotiate. Nor was there any need. They were intruders that came for her head, so she would not rest until she had severed theirs from their necks. The circle of statues along the edge of the temple grounds seemed to be staring at her mournfully with their blank grey eyes, ever suffering, ever regretful.


    ¡°What reason would they have to listen to your demands?¡± It was the obvious fault in her heartfelt approach.


    ¡°I believe that this is Typhos¡¯ expedition.¡±


    ¡°The cowardly scholar?¡±


    ¡°He- he might have come back for me.¡± She said this with less certainty. There was a twinkle of hope in her white eyes.


    ¡°That would be a truly legendary tale. An entire army comes for the sake of a single priestess. You would have made a good poet.¡± She said sarcastically.


    ¡°Stop mocking me!¡± She balled her fists defiantly. ¡°If it is Typhos then I am certain that I can convince him.¡±


    ¡°Just who is he to you?¡± The Gorgon asked quietly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± She replied truthfully. ¡°But I want to believe in what he believes. He opened his ears to someone as worthless as me. He may do so again. Just give me this chance. Please.¡±


    The Gorgon closed her petrifying eyes and pulled her head back to take in the breeze. The salty air was permeated by a strange smell of wood and fire. Her head was clearing up. No matter how much she worried, there was one thing she could always count on.


    ¡°Your foolishness is ever impressive.¡± She let slip out.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Do as you must. Of course you will have to see if fate has brought you the one you seek.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± She lowered her head deeply.


    ¡°Should your negotiations fail, I shan¡¯t be merciful however. Be aware of this.¡± She cracked her claw like hand which was just for a second covered in green scales.


    Eugenia simply nodded.


    <hr>


    ¡°We¡¯ve arrived once more, milord.¡± Captain Pelagios adjusted his bandana and scanned the old temple with his eyes. Then he flinched and turned away immediately. He must have just realized that he was in danger if he accidentally locked eyes with the monster. He was certainly easy to read.


    ¡°All ships have made it through the storm.¡± Typhos looked over the edge of the wooden rail with satisfaction. ¡°I must admit I doubted the stories once.¡±


    ¡°What stories, milord?¡± The scruffy captain scratched his ear.


    ¡°About your crew, Pelagios. I have scoured many harbors to find a man brave enough to best these waters, but also skilled enough to survive them.¡± He played with one of his rings and then gave him a smile. ¡°You exceeded my expectations. For that you have my thanks.¡±


    ¡°No need, sir! We¡¯re all sailors who¡¯ve lost our homeport. Ain¡¯t any place for us to return to. The sea¡¯s our home.¡± He coughed up some black slime and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. ¡°¡¯Tis not too late for my men, though. Your payment¡¯ll allow ¡®em to build somethin¡¯ I could never give them.¡±


    ¡°Very well. Then let us shake on the final terms. When you return from this expedition, your long Odyssey will finally end.¡± He extended his hand.


    Pelagios widened his crusty eyes. Indeed, his entire body was dirty and worn, befitting of a man who called the sea his home. A ship would treat a man harshly, but it was honest and fair. Some old seamen would take the oar over a woman, for they could at least tell which way it pushed. Such a humble and musky man, who could never have dreamed of riding a prim and proper triremes in his life, was now treated as an equal by the one who could buy three of them without trouble.


    It moved his old heart.


    Although his hands were indeed dirty and covered in blisters he returned the handshake with his honest strength. They shook on it like men.


    With that Typhos went down the plank that was set into the yellow-white sand. As if they were linked to his movements, two dozen men in armor marched down behind him and lined up in formation. Mercenaries of Sparta and independent groups that would do anything for coin. Their muscles were bulging out of the thick leather covering their arms and legs, giving them vase worthy physique and poise, but their stoic faces were aimed solely at their feet.


    It was clear that the Gorgon awaited them. The distance yet was unclear, so whoever looked up would be in danger of petrification. The only one looking ahead doubtlessly was Typhos.


    Soon the other two ships arrived with the same amount of armed men that also took position. With a flick of his fingers they raised their shields in front of them and knelt down. Behind them archers with short bows took aim. And they waited in that position. Nobody would dare loosen their fingers on the string until the young scholar gave the order.


    Typhos looked upon the temple on the hill and mustered the two distant figures with his blue eyes. From this distance he could not make out their faces, which was the reason he was not affected by the cursed eyes.


    He stretched his arm to the side and received something from a man behind him. He put the object to his lips and inhaled.


    ¡°Gorgon of Sarpedon!¡± He shouted into the cone shaped object. To everyone¡¯s surprise his clear voice was enhanced significantly and carried all the way towards the temple! While at least one of the islanders could have heard him even if he spoke at a normal volume, this assured that he was heard loud and clear by all. It was also more theatrical, which he quite enjoyed. ¡°I am Typhos of Athens! This is my second expedition to your domain and if the gods will it, the last as well.¡±


    He noticed the two figures shifting around. They could hear him just fine.


    ¡°We have come to reclaim the life that you have so viciously enslaved in your incomprehensible wickedness. Return to us the priestess of Athena! Hand over Eugenia!¡±


    His words rang through the old corners of the ruined temple and echoed back ever so slightly.


    At first there was no reply, of course. The distance was great and they should not have perceived the Gorgon¡¯s angered howling anyway. And yet.


    ¡°I have never claimed the girl for myself, insolent scholar.¡± Her deep and intimidating voice permeated the air and reached even the most stoic of soldier¡¯s deeply hidden thoughts. It played with the uncertainty, the primal instinct of flight. She had not raised her voice, did not shout angrily, yet her response was clear. ¡°If you have any desire to speak to her, then you shall have your opportunity.¡±


    Typhos lowered the cone and analyzed the situation silently. Then he raised it for a response.


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    ¡°We should simply trust your word, monster?¡± He asked sardonically. ¡°You will make us believe that you are capable of mercy? To engage in civilized conversation? Laughable!¡± He watched the smaller figure move around. That must have been Eugenia. She truly seemed unharmed, just as he was told.


    ¡°If you do not trust my word, you may go ahead and draw your swords and spears. Rush to your doom at my hands!¡± She growled. His provocation proved effective.


    That was as good as a declaration of war. Finally. Typhos was elated. He raised his hand for all the archers to see. It was merely a soft motion, yet it had the fate of every single person in its grasp!


    Then he picked up something he had not thought possible.


    Silvery eyes from high above. On top of the temple a gaze so ancient and fair was focusing on the lines of men in the sand. An owl, smaller than a stray cat, was standing fatefully on the crumbling tiles of the temple. It was not just any owl, but the ones depicted on every Athenian coin. The symbol of their goddess herself.


    There was no doubt in his mind. Those eyes¡­ he had seen those eyes once before! At the temple of Athena on the Akropolis. The piercing eyes of an unforgiving goddess. Cold sweat flowed down his face and back and for the first time he felt uncertainty well up inside him. She could not be here. He was told that the gods could not look upon this island.


    Athena was watching him.


    He lowered his arm slowly, telling his men not to strike. In mere seconds he had refocused and put on a face like an unreadable mask.


    ¡°What is keeping you, human? Declare your attack or do you have no testicle- ouch.¡± The Gorgon¡¯s angry taunting was suddenly cut off by her pained groan. ¡°Stop biting! Will you let go already, foolish girl?¡±


    Typhos and the mercenaries listened with rather stoic expressions.


    ¡°I granted you a chance to speak to him, but he clearly does not wish to- My tail is not for you to step on!¡±


    The sailors back on the ships were too dumbfounded to keep hiding and just peeked over the barrels and rolled down sails.


    ¡°I had enough of your impertinence! If you throw a tantrum, I will throw you into the ocean alongside those cowards!¡±


    Even the majestic silvery eyed owl was not looking so monumental anymore.


    ¡°Fine! Speak to him if you think you can! Do not cry to me if you have to crawl back skewered by arrows.¡± The Gorgon seemed to push the other figure ahead and then turned her back to them.


    As unexpected as it was, the Gorgon had truly pushed the priestess towards the expedition. The young woman was a bit disoriented at first, but then pushed out her chest and walked towards them with what she no doubt thought to be a resolved pose. Typhos handed his cone to the man behind him and smiled widely.


    ¡°Sir?¡±


    ¡°What scholar would shirk the chance for a fine debate like this?¡± The young man said jovially and walked forward.


    ¡°Wait! This must be a trick! The Gorgon is using her to lure you in!¡± The captain of the mercenaries, Markos, was clamoring to hold his master back.


    ¡°You know what to do.¡± Typhos waved his hand calmly and ascended the steps. The mercenaries watched the events unfold from their defensive position.


    After nearly an entire year the young scholar and the priestess finally reunited in the middle of the temple grounds. They stopped their advance halfway between the Gorgon and the ships. Typhos put one hand into his himation and below his leather cuirass and shifted his weight on his right leg. His relaxed stature was unbefitting of such a monumental moment, but it was still far more dignified than the fidgeting of the girl in front of him.


    ¡°I am relieved to find you well, Eugenia.¡± He said while focusing only on her. For if his gaze strayed to either side of her innocent face, he would run the risk of seeing the cursed eyes. ¡°His words proved to be true.¡±


    ¡°Whose words?¡± She tilted her head in confusion.


    ¡°I fear that will have to wait. There are more urgent things to discuss, no?¡±


    Eugenia nodded. ¡°Thank you for, uhm, coming back after all.¡± She said bashfully. The confidence from before had evaporated already.


    ¡°It was the least I could do. I truly feel ashamed for my prior actions.¡± He put a hand to his heart and sighed deeply. ¡°To leave you behind has weighed on my mind for countless nights. I do not even want to retell the nightmares that haunted me, let alone the guilt.¡± His regret was all too believable. ¡°Can you find it in you to forgive me?¡±


    The priestess couldn¡¯t respond. Her face shifted through emotions faster than the scholar could pick up. There was mostly pain to be found, but also an ounce of resentment. Yet, despite all of these painful swirling emotions, she finally nodded. ¡°I was so scared back then. I wanted to yell at you and make you apologize.¡±


    Typhos nodded weakly.


    ¡°But I think, no, I believe that your words were not lies. That your ideals are burning just as brightly as back then.¡± Her hands had become steady and her mouth stopped shaking. ¡°I can¡¯t forgive you for abandoning me, but I am glad that you left that day.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± He didn¡¯t follow.


    ¡°When you left me alone with Lady Medusa I had time to think and realize many things that I could never have before. Because you didn¡¯t succeed in your task I found out the truth about her.¡± She folded her hands and smiled a little. ¡°I am happy that we failed.¡±


    ¡°I see. Then that is what has kept you strong in these long suffering months.¡± He said with sympathy.


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°Let me predict your line of reasoning, if I may. Next you will tell me that the Gorgon is not the monster we believed it to be.¡±


    ¡°H-How-?¡± Eugenia jerked back in surprise.


    ¡°In fact you will appeal for us to spare her life and leave her be.¡± He tapped his finger against the back of his arm. ¡°Am I right?¡± He closed one eye as he smiled boyishly.


    Eugenia was flustered by the increased pace of the negotiations and hastily tried to regain her composure. She nodded frantically.


    ¡°Poor thing.¡± He looked upon the young woman with deep sorrow. ¡°You do not need to continue this act any longer.¡±


    ¡°What act¡­?¡± She was frozen, utterly uncomprehending.


    ¡°You were captured and cursed. Treated like a servant and a fool.¡± Typhos raised his hands and his voice alike. It echoed well inside the ruined temple.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not-¡±


    ¡°Eugenia, your innocent soul was in the grasp of evil for far too long! It is the nature of a woman to empathize, to love and nurture. Therefore your acceptance of the Gorgon was inevitable.¡± He thought that he saw the slightest shift at the edge of his vision. The monster was moving in a half circle around them. Now he had to focus on the soft features in front of him all the more.


    ¡°But Lady Medusa really is not evil!¡±


    ¡°Listen to yourself. You are addressing a monster that has slain countless humans with respect. That snake is no Lady. She is nothing more than a blaspheming monstrosity with a heart of stone. She will abandon you just as swiftly as she has no use left for you.¡± His claims were like blows from a gauntlet into the young priestess¡¯ face. ¡°Eugenia, to survive humans will do many contradictory things. My mentor has taught me about the riddles of the mind. To avoid suffering we often change ourselves and our view on our oppressors. You have learned to accept the monster as someone you cherish for the sake of staying sane.¡±


    ¡°Wait, no, I didn¡¯t¡­ I mean¡­¡± She almost lost her footing and caught herself on her right heel. Then she quickly blurted out rejecting words. ¡°That is not true! I would never trust someone I do not believe in!¡±


    Typhos shook his head in sympathy.


    ¡°You have to believe me! Lady Medusa is just misunderstood!¡± Eugenia shouted.


    ¡°Misunderstood, you say?¡± His eyes shifted and he stretched his arms to the sides. ¡°Pardon my crude words, but I am thankful that you do not have to see the world around you. Elsewise you would witness these horrific, eternal and voiceless cries.¡± His words were aimed at the dozens of human statues around them. Many were crouched with arms stretched in front of their fearful faces. Some were missing a limb or two from wear or had fallen over. Others were in the process of tearing out their eyes in a last desperate resistance to fate. ¡°These people have no place in the Underworld. Their souls shan¡¯t ever move on.¡±


    His words pierced Eugenia¡¯s heart. She could not even respond right away.


    ¡°Ah¡­ but they attacked her first¡­¡± She muttered.


    ¡°Thus is the fate of a monster that is the enemy of the world.¡± He said coldly. ¡°These people sought to fight for the glory of the gods and the peace of their families. But even as their spirits were broken and they fled for their lives, the Gorgon did not spare them. It did never even comprehend their suffering. Not just of their bodies, but also of their souls. To be turned into cowards and vermin, to be stomped out like crawling insects!¡±


    ¡°Stop, please. That¡¯s not how Lady Medusa-¡±


    ¡°Have you ever asked it how it sees humans? The gods? The world we live in?¡± He questioned uncompromisingly.


    Eugenia¡¯s face went pale. Even Typhos could tell that the answers were far from favorable. Yet there was still a spark of resistance.


    ¡°But revenge won¡¯t change anything! It won¡¯t bring anyone back.¡± She said with tear filled eyes. The last defense of a child that could not grasp the reality of the world.


    ¡°It may not. But it shall at the very least soothe the souls of those who were lost.¡± He closed his eyes. ¡°You serve Lady Athena with body and soul, is that not so?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± She replied steadily. The moment Athena was mentioned she had calmed down.


    ¡°Do you remember what I told you back in Lamia?¡±


    ¡°You said¡­¡± She gulped. ¡°The great and wise Athena despises the Gorgon. As do most of the gods.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. For it is a blasphemer of the highest order. It was imprisoned here for that very reason.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± She didn¡¯t know that apparently.


    ¡°The Gorgon offended the gods and rejects them eternally. That alone is reason enough to slay it, is it not?¡± He spread his arms again. ¡°You serve Lady Athena, so you know which side you should be on! Join us Eugenia and be freed from your prison!¡± He exclaimed loud enough for everyone to hear.


    They fell silent for a long moment. The priestess clasped her white garments and then turned away.


    ¡°Lady Medusa.¡± She talked to the shade that was standing still behind them. ¡°Do the people you petrify not get to move on?¡±


    The Gorgon had her back turned to them. For the first time Typhos could truly see her profile and witness the undulating snake hair. She was wearing clothes this time, unlike during their first ¡®meeting¡¯. Her arms were crossed and her proportions like a finely crafted statue, except for her long lower snake-like body half.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She replied emotionlessly.


    Eugenia was shaken deeply by that revelation as her buckling legs showed.


    ¡°Most of what the coward said is true.¡± She did not even make any attempt to hide it. Truly, she must have had a heart of stone and a will of steel. ¡°Someone out there still knows the truth of the tales from so long ago.¡± It was almost as if she reminisced about the past. But that would mean she cared at all for sentimental memories, which Typhos had a hard time believing.


    ¡°That¡¯s so horrible.¡± Eugenia said with a saddened look.


    ¡°My curse is not kind. That much you should have known.¡± The Gorgon said mercilessly. ¡°You will find it hard to defend a monster. These humans have every reason to attack me.¡±


    ¡°You are more pragmatic than expected.¡± Typhos addressed her without looking her way.


    ¡°Silence, fool. I have no reason to listen to your poisonous words.¡± Suddenly the Gorgon¡¯s aura became so overpowering that Typhos felt his back turn cold as if during deepest winter. Her presence alone was making his nerves cry in fear and pain. The difference between the way she spoke to Eugenia and him was like the sky and the earth!


    ¡°True. Nonetheless I would express my satisfaction that we are on the same page.¡± He stretched forward his hand and gazed at Eugenia. ¡°Come with me. There is no future for you with that thing.¡±


    The stage was set. The second act could finally come to its conclusion. All that was left before the curtain would fall was the final line of the lead actress standing between the hero and the monster.


    Her lips opened and she showed her white teeth.


    ¡°No!¡± She yelled.


    Typhos and the Gorgon were stunned.


    ¡°No, I cannot accept that! You are always brushing me off, ignoring my serious questions and acting like I am stupid!¡± She pointed at - the Gorgon?  ¡°I know there is more to it than you tell me. You need to tell me what you really think!¡±


    ¡°Honestly.¡± The Gorgon sighed. ¡°Will you stop your foolish meddling-¡±


    Swish.


    An arrow rushed between them and went straight for Eugenia¡¯s heart. Blood splattered across the dirt and sand and left a red trail that immediately seeped into the depth of the island.


    Eugenia¡¯s eyes were opened wide. Typhos took a few steps back.


    ¡°The negotiations have failed.¡± Medusa said with a twisted glare so furious it cracked the rocks around her.


    The blood was dripping from her pierced arm in front of Eugenia. The priestess could feel the presence of the tip right in front of her chest, could hear the dripping of the thick life force down the scaly arm.


    ¡°Let it be so.¡± The scholar said seriously and looked towards Eugenia one last time. ¡°That arrow was not meant for you, but if you choose her side I cannot guarantee your safety any longer.¡± His words reached even the owl above them on the roof.


    With that he spun around, waving his long cape and then returned to his men. Even without the arrow as the final push, it was clear that they would never have found common ground. For that yearning in the priestess¡¯ voice was all too familiar. As long as she was in the monster¡¯s reach she would not find reason.


    As he stepped back into the rows of his men he finally stopped his sandaled feet.


    Naturally the Gorgon should have rushed after him after this declaration of war, but she did not follow. A hail of arrows came her way and kept her on the defensive as she shielded the priestess and had to retreat a bit.


    He patted the archer who had given off the ¡®accidental shot¡¯ on the shoulder and so calmed his failing nerves. The man was covered in sweat after hearing the Gorgon¡¯s angered roar.


    ¡°Today we face one of the most ancient evils that plague our world.¡± He shouted. ¡°Do not allow fear to overtake you. Do not move from your position no matter what. Follow my plan and we shall be victorious by tomorrow¡¯s sunset! The Gorgon bleeds, the Gorgon feels pain like you and me! It can be harmed and it can be slain!¡±


    Mercenaries and sailors alike cheered in response.


    The battle had begun.


    The ambitious scholar declared his imminent victory as the sun reflected off the several dozen bronze arrow heads traversing the sky. His target was a being that neither man nor hero could oppose. Until now.

 Chapter 23: Medusa and the siege

    Medusa¡¯s heightened instincts allowed her to notice the arrow just in time to jump in. She stretched her arm in front of the surprised priestess and prevented it from piercing her chest.


    ¡°The negotiations have failed.¡± She seethed as she watched the cowardly scholar retreat.


    While he joined the ranks of armed men at the beach, she turned towards Eugenia who was in complete stupor. The arrow could have ended her young life in an instant, but how had it come to this? The arrow might have been meant for the Gorgon, but it seemed too accurate in its path for Eugenia¡¯s heart. As the battle would rage soon, she could not allow the girl to stand in the crossfire.


    ¡°Move.¡± She said and grabbed the human girl by the neck. In just that moment a volley of arrows rained down on where they had just been standing. Medusa slithered across the temple grounds and pushed Eugenia behind a wall to wait for the wave of arrows to end.


    She peeked around the wall to take a look at their formation. They were keeping their distance naturally, but that would not save them. Arrows meant little to the Gorgon and they would soon realize that they couldn¡¯t keep her away for long.


    Medusa raised her hand and turned her nails into claws.


    ¡°Y-Your arm!¡±


    She suddenly felt a weight pull on her. The priestess was holding on to her lower arm, wetting her fingers with the red liquid flowing from the arrow wound. Her face was pale and soon turned blue.


    ¡°It is nothing.¡± Medusa pried the girl¡¯s hands off and then broke the arrow tip from the shaft. Then she pulled the wooden shaft out of her arm with a wet noise.


    ¡°Oh no, y-you¡¯re bleeding so much! I need to tend to the wound!¡± She was jittery and unsteady as she searched the ground for anything to cover the bleeding hole in the Gorgon¡¯s arm.


    Medusa moved her arm up and down a few times and made a fist. The bleeding had already stopped. The hole would regenerate soon enough. Of course the girl was in shock, so she naturally wasn¡¯t in a state of mind to realize this. Thus the snake woman sighed and grabbed Eugenia by the neck again, like a cat would its off-spring.


    ¡°Just who do you take me for, human?¡± She asked in her most scolding tone.


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°No buts. I am a Gorgon. Mere injury will not threaten my life. Do not belittle me with your concern.¡± She forced the priestess¡¯ hand on the wound and made her realize that it was closing. ¡°Now that you are aware, settle down and do not move from this position. The hail cannot reach you beyond this wall. Whatever you do, move not one limb. Am I understood?¡± She would not accept any backtalk this time.


    ¡°¡­yes.¡± Eugenia swallowed heavily.


    ¡°These cowardly humans may not be as clever as they believe. Their last mistake.¡± She muttered and looked across the wall again. They were currently holding their fire.


    There were a lot of them, but none could hold their own against her in combat. She would break their shields and tear apart their bows as they were petrified in an instant. The distance was short enough for her to get to the beach before they could even hit her. Especially because they could not aim thanks to her cursed eyes.


    She left the protection of the crumbling wall and readied herself for the attack.


    ¡°Hm?¡± Eugenia¡¯s ears perked up and she jerked back.


    With superhuman reflexes Medusa turned around and deflected several arrows coming at them from the side. Medusa moved just in time to slice through more arrows coming straight for the two of them. Her claws cut through the wood effortlessly and her swings were so fast that she could get them all at once.


    She slid into the shadow of the wall and looked towards the west. What she saw should have been impossible.


    A row of archers was placed on the western cliff and aiming their bows towards them. But how did they get there so fast? She did not lose sight of the expedition for longer than a few heartbeats. The crumbling wall only shielded them from one direction, so they could easily get flanked.


    ¡°Where did they come from?¡± She frowned and caught two arrows out of the air, before throwing them back with the force of a bowstring. The surprised archers found themselves scrambling, but two of their comrades had received the projectiles to their unprotected throats. ¡°Move!¡± She yelled at the girl, but she was too stunned to react. She really had no composure in stressful situations.


    Medusa clicked her tongue and then threw Eugenia over her shoulder. The girl protested for a moment, but then was left breathless as she was carried along at dizzying speed. Medusa jumped over a fallen pillar and then grabbed on to the crumbling ceiling to cross a great distance with a leap. They landed behind the ruined altar which shielded them from two sides.


    This was a problem. They were shooting to skewer the Gorgon, but as long as Eugenia was with her, she might have ended up as collateral damage. She could feel the unyielding silvery gaze on her back. The owl was sitting above them with judging eyes.


    ¡°If you wish to say something, then do it already!¡± She hissed at the little owl. But Athena did not respond.


    ¡°Sorry! I didn¡¯t want it to come to this!¡± Eugenia prostrated next to her and apologized. She must have misunderstood who Medusa was addressing. Then she suddenly raised her head and seemed to search for something. ¡°Is Athenai alright?!¡±


    ¡°That useless bird is spectating from its elevated seat.¡± She huffed and pushed Eugenia¡¯s head down just in time to avoid another arrow. ¡°Worry more over your own head.¡±


    ¡°What shall we do?¡± She was truly lost.


    ¡°You will do nothing. Wait for me to end this skirmish.¡± She picked up a rock and threw it towards the archers who once again had to jump out of the way. They were in a pincer position, but once Medusa moved out they would track her. Then the priestess was safe and Medusa could cut loose.


    She jumped over the altar and released her wings from her back. She would fly down on these foolish men like a hawk hunting its small prey. With a few flaps she was already rising above the roof. The men seemed shocked to see her fly over their heads. It seemed some of her attributes were lesser known than others. Perhaps due to the fact that she didn¡¯t let many intruders escape.


    From up here she had an incredible view over the island. With a glance towards the west she realized how the archers had gotten there. Small boats were tied to the cliffs. They must have separated from the triremes before they left the storm, so that Medusa would not notice them. The giant ships drew all attention towards them.


    How could this be? She felt it to be strange. How did they know where it was safe to land? How did they know from where they would have a good aim at the holes in the temple? The scholar thought himself clever, but even he could not have surmised the details of the island in the short time he had been here.


    Her eyes widened as she thought of another thing. Midair she spun around to see the east side of the island. There they were! More archers had already taken position on the lengthy hill! Even to the north, she could see two more small boats. They were already mostly surrounded.


    In human warfare that would grant them a huge tactical advantage, but to the Gorgon the amount of archers made no difference. Whether they shot at her from the front or behind, she would pick them off in waves soon enough.


    ¡°Aaah!¡± The shrill scream of a girl made her freeze in the air. The hail of arrows was flying straight into the temple ruins.


    Medusa shouted in anger and dove straight down towards Eugenia who was cowering under the attack. With wild swings she deflected even more arrows and then kicked up an old wall to serve as additional cover. She didn¡¯t say anything to the shivering bundle of a scared human and instead inspected her for injuries. She was still unharmed, to her quiet relief.


    Her alertness did not let up, but the moment she had returned to the ruins the arrows ceased as well. For now she just took a look in all four directions and counted her enemies.


    It seemed that they were shooting randomly, as their eyes had to be closed or averted, yet their aim was much too accurate. It was as if they knew the layout of the temple by heart. Whenever Medusa moved out to eliminate them, they would shoot into the temple where Eugenia was defenseless¡­


    What?


    She held her face in one hand and squinted in distress.


    This would mean that¡­ they were aiming for Eugenia on purpose? It couldn¡¯t be. Even that coward would not conceive of such a dastardly plan. More importantly, under any other circumstance, not one soul would have believed that the Gorgon would care for the well-being of a human girl.


    How? How did he know all this? Why would he make such a strange gamble? The more she thought about it, the more mysterious the scholar appeared. She was losing her grip on the situation.


    ¡°Have... they stopped?¡± The priestess was covering her head with both hands and curled up behind the altar with a scared expression.


    Right now she was a severe weight around the Gorgon¡¯s neck, keeping her tied to this place. The accursed owl above was watching her every move. It was agonizing to be held down. She had never felt this caged despite her centuries long exile on this island.


    She gritted her teeth and focused. There was a solution to this, she just had to keep calm as she always did. If the girl was the issue, then she would just have to get her out the equation. Arrows could get them in this ruined temple with its hundreds of gaps and nearly collapsed walls, but there were still places that were protected from all sides.


    The first was Medusa¡¯s lair. Even if she were to make an exception just this once and let Eugenia break her promise to stay out, there was no easy way to get to it. The entrance to the lair was in the open, perfectly exposed to the arrow range of three directions. The Gorgon may have survived such an attack, but even she could not guarantee the girl¡¯s safety during a three-way volley.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    That left only one place.


    ¡°The Greenhouse.¡± She said loudly.


    ¡°W-What about it?¡±


    ¡°We will take shelter there.¡± Medusa said determinedly and grabbed the priestess by the arm. ¡°I will create a distraction and then you will run forward without stopping once. Understood?¡±


    ¡°I-I will try.¡± She was far too uncertain. At this rate she would stumble or falter from weak legs.


    Medusa inhaled and exhaled twice to steady her voice.


    ¡°Do you trust me?¡± She asked in a deep voice.


    ¡°Yes.¡± The girl replied instantly. Far too naturally. It was somewhat troubling.


    ¡°Then run. Without breaks, without paying attention to the noise around you. Close your heart off from all fear.¡±


    The girl said no more and raised herself up. They both knew this island well and the path to the Greenhouse was very straightforward. The prior fear that was shaking her limbs was now fading away. Eugenia had decided to do as she was told, no matter the consequences.


    Medusa glanced over the altar and noticed that the archers were moving to find a better angle. With a strained smirk she grabbed a pillar next to her and then crushed it with her bare hands. The entire structure collapsed forward and crashed into the tiles, throwing up a cloud of white dust.


    ¡°Now!¡± Medusa yelled and then jumped up to deflect arrows that were aimlessly shot into the dust.


    The girl ran ahead with all her might. The Gorgon followed behind like her shadow and kept her alive until they reached the large wooden door. Without care for the construction she slammed it open and then pushed the girl inside just in time before ramming it shut behind them.


    Inside the Greenhouse the atmosphere was serene. The trees and plants were softly shaking in the breeze from the heavily slammed door and the sunlight seeped inside almost tranquilly from above. In a way this place was their irreplaceable haven.


    ¡°I will close the blinds!¡± The priestess rushed the wall mechanism and pulled the lever. Since the stormy night she had somehow managed to repair it. Moments later the wooden planks moved over the glass ceiling and made a protective shell. There was still a big hole in one of them from the storm, so they could hear the loud grinding echo inside all too well.


    When the last plank clicked into place they could be certain that no hail would penetrate the roof. They were now safe from arrows. There was still the risk of them setting the building on fire, but she would not give them time to do so.


    Medusa¡¯s bloodlust had been rising for a while now, so she could barely contain her claws. She despised humans and especially intruders, but she would never forgive cowards! For toying with her for so long, they would experience a death far worse than simple petrification.


    First she would take care of the men she could hear approaching outside. They were far closer than was healthy for them.


    ¡°Lady Medusa!¡± The sudden call made her hesitate at the door.


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get hurt.¡± She begged.


    There was no response as Medusa left her behind.


    <hr>


    ¡°It worked! I cannot believe that it worked!¡± Markos, leader of the mercenaries - a man with more scars than skin one might say - was joyous indeed.


    ¡°I had a hard time believing it myself.¡± Typhos admitted humbly. Inside he felt less elated, rather than disturbed. The moment the Gorgon had raised her arm to protect the priestess he had been certain of it. Yet in his heart he could not accept it.


    Eugenia was the Gorgon¡¯s weakness.


    The unfortunate merchant¡¯s elaborations were romanticized nonsense, but his observation was not entirely incorrect. The Gorgon defended the priestess, albeit her motivations were certainly not selfless. It seemed the silvery eyes above them were weighing heavily on both sides.


    ¡°They retreated into the Greenhouse.¡± A scout informed him after rushing through the temple to get word from the other units.


    ¡°Exactly as you said they would.¡± Again Markos praised him unduly. His attitude was alarmingly simple-minded.


    Typhos simply nodded. To escape a four-way pincer attack there was only one safe place. The Greenhouse would shield Eugenia long enough for the Gorgon to crush them all. At least that would be the case if they hadn¡¯t acted as quickly as possible.


    ¡°The slaves are in position?¡± He inquired from the scout.


    ¡°Yes sir. They rolled the barrels as close as possible.¡±


    ¡°Tell them to get even closer.¡±


    Both the scout and the mercenary exchanged looks after hearing that. It was obvious that sending the slaves any closer was the same as throwing them on the chopping block. Of course the scout questioned him not and instead rushed towards the battlefield.


    ¡°Your archers are quite apt even with lacking visibility, so I presume they can hit their targets?¡± He was trying to sound relaxed, but there was a hint of tenseness in his voice.


    ¡°My men could shoot out the eye of a boar inside the thickest forest, boss.¡± He bragged.


    ¡°Naturally. That is why I hired you.¡± He smiled.


    ¡°Spartans don¡¯t back down from a battle, so we¡¯ll carry the arrows to their target directly if we have to.¡± He apparently felt insecure after seeing Typhos¡¯ unimpressed reaction.


    Boasting was such a pitiful display of weakness. He could hardly stand the mercenary captain¡¯s presence. He reminded himself to not focus on meaningless things and moved forward.


    ¡°Are you going to get closer too?!¡± He was shocked.


    ¡°It is not any day that a man can see his plan come together, would you not agree?¡± He pulled off one of his golden rings and spun it in his hand. ¡°Keep your aim steady in case we need to retreat.¡±


    ¡°Even if we¡¯re this prepared you still don¡¯t think we¡¯ll win that easily?¡± His brow was covered in sweat and he gave a forced grin.


    ¡°Nothing comes easily in this world.¡± Typhos said and pushed the ring back on his finger.


    <hr>


    The heavy door burst open and Medusa rushed into the surprised men like she had become Thanatos himself. They were rolling barrels towards the Greenhouse, but the moment they noticed the monster approach they scrambled and tried to rush off.


    Too slow.


    In an instant Medusa was in front of the first terrified shaggy bearded man and glared deeply into his eyes. The scream was stuck in his throat as he turned to stone. In the same movement she grabbed two of them by the legs and petrified them as well. The statues fell into the dirt in a spread out position.


    The remaining frightened men drew small daggers and waved them around in terror, but simply looking at their pursuer ended their lives. That seemed to have been all of them.


    ¡°Raaaaaaagh!¡± Another man jumped on top of her from an elevated spot, knife bared and ready to stab her into the back, but the snake hair bit into his hand and made him lose grip of the knife. The next moment the Gorgon¡¯s hand crushed his face and rammed him into the ground. He bit into her flesh with all his might, but was only rewarded by a careless glance of the cursed eyes. Pieces of the statue were torn out as she had still held on to the face.


    She felt nothing as she ended their lives. Not even satisfaction.


    At one glance she could tell that these men were nothing more than sacrifices. They were not clad in armor or armed with swords. There was not even a trace of strategy involved in their movements. If she had to take a guess, she would surmise that they were men forced into labor by the mercenaries. Slaves. Yet to the Gorgon this made no difference. They dared to attack her, intruded on her island and were moving something towards Eugenia¡¯s Greenhouse.


    Speaking of which¡­


    She slapped one of the barrels with her tail and it burst open immediately. The contents splashed all across the walls and earth. She put one finger into the puddle and licked the liquid.


    ¡°Water?¡± She raised a brow. How peculiar. They had rolled their water supplies all the way over here. Even for madmen, this was a rather incoherent action. They could not have hoped to appease her with these. They also had no reason to believe that water was a weakness of hers. ¡°What are you scheming?¡± She muttered and searched the surroundings for something suspicious.


    ¡°Keep standing right there if you would, monster.¡± The irritating voice of a certain scholar pierced her patience and created a wave of hatred inside her intestines.


    Medusa focused on the man who was standing atop a pillar and looked at a piece of parchment in his hands instead of paying attention to her. It was unclear whether he did it to avoid her eyes or to mock her. Both seemed likely.


    ¡°Your life is mine.¡± The Gorgon growled and raised her claws.


    ¡°Where are you looking?¡± He asked with a smirk.


    The next moment the world shattered.


    Rumbling like an earthquake, blinding brightness like lightning, heat as consuming as the hottest flame!


    Medusa was blasted into a wall and lost all orientation for a bit. The loud noise of an explosion had shaken even her strong eardrums and hindered her comprehension of sound and intake of air flow. After regaining her senses a moment later she coughed and pulled out a piece of wood that had stabbed itself into her chest. Her eyes were blurry, but then refocused.


    Only now did she realize that her right side was on fire. She fell over and extinguished the flames in the dirt. With some effort she raised her torso up and looked upon the still relaxed scholar who had sat down at just the right distance.


    ¡°Impressive, very impressive. If not even that could kill you I am starting to wonder what can.¡± He chuckled.


    ¡°Ba¡­stard¡­¡± Her lungs were regenerating, but it was still hard to speak.


    ¡°I am from a noble bloodline on both my parents sides.¡± He said with a hint of disdain. Her insult actually had a light effect on him. Then he cleared his throat. ¡°Ahem. You may wonder what manner of miracle we have acquired to smite you.¡±


    ¡°Keep talking¡­¡± She smiled darkly. The moment she was fully regenerated she would crush his throat.


    ¡°This is a tale rather popular among the locals of a certain mountain north of Thebes. It is said that this mountain once spewed fire and death over the entire land for the span of three days and nights.¡± He was reading the contents of the parchment while telling the story. ¡°The fearful villagers had no choice but to pray and hope for a miracle as the fields and towns around them were burned to cinders and covered in horrible black soot.¡±


    Medusa closed her hand to test its strength. She could pick up some sand.


    ¡°To their unending relief and gratefulness, the disaster did not strike their village down. They were in direct line of a rather unremarkable cave that nobody had ever paid attention to before. As the dark clouds were lifted from the sky, a large figure rose from that cave. The man was malformed, but of incredible strength, as he carried an immense chest filled to the brim with something glowing on his broad shoulders. The villagers swore they could hear sizzling sounds from inside.¡±


    The Gorgon could finally breathe through her mouth again.


    ¡°The large man left fiery steps behind. The imprints kept burning for an entire week.¡± He shook his head softly. ¡°They did not dare to approach the man or to question anything. But as he walked through their village he stopped at the hut of the village blacksmith. The poor man was honest and brave, but even he did not manage to question the stranger. He just silently offered his anvil to him.¡±


    ¡°You enjoy local mythology?¡± She asked sarcastically and grinded a rock to dust under her arms. She bit her lip when she noticed that the chiton that Eugenia had sewed for her was ruined by the fire. ¡°I can tell you some stories myself¡­ just come closer.¡±


    ¡°I must refrain. I am quite comfortable at this distance.¡± He shrugged and then kept reading the parchment. ¡°The stranger used the anvil to make himself iron shoes. With one on each foot the deep imprints stopped burning the ground and he finally seemed satisfied. Soon he revealed himself to be the god Hephaestus! Indeed, he had been using the fire of the mountain to forge lightning bolts for his king, Zeus. All the villages around them had fled their homes or cowered in fear at the eruptions of the fiery mountain, but only this village had prayed to the gods to have mercy.¡±


    Medusa rose from the ground and had feeling return to her tail. It was time!


    Rrrrrrumble!


    The earth shook once more and she realized the truth of the scholar¡¯s plan. The noise had come from the east and then another followed from the north.


    ¡°Their devotion was repaid and they were spared. The blacksmith¡¯s anvil was turned into pure gold in return for its use and never wrought down by wear and tear. The villagers created a temple in the Olympian smith¡¯s name and worshipped him ever since. As for the footprints, they never faded. Whatever had stuck to the bare feet of the god had been changed by his divine presence. A rock as soft as clay, yet with properties nobody had ever seen.¡± He closed the parchment and looked towards the smoke filled sky. ¡°Until my mentor tested it and claimed it as a new discovery. This ¡®Kalio¡¯ is a divine ore which has properties of both the earth and fire elements.¡±


    ¡°Titans take you!¡± Medusa rushed into the crumbling Greenhouse. Giant holes had been torn into the walls by the explosions.


    ¡°And thus it rejects water more dearly than anything else. The effects are quite impressive.¡± He smirked as he watched Medusa rush into the burning rubble. ¡°If one were to shoot an arrow holding a clump of this ore into a barrel filled with common water, the effects would be devastating even to a solid wall.¡± He got up and turned back towards the ships. If he lingered too long he would endanger himself.


    As he looked back at the burning and crumbling Greenhouse he added one more thing.


    ¡°There is no place for you to hide her now, monster. This island does not belong to you anymore.¡±


    The flames and ashes covered the former haven built by the combined hands of the priestess and the Gorgon. Until every link was severed, the scholar would not relent.

 Chapter 24: Medusa and the cave

    Smoke engulfed the garden in its toxic chokehold. The Gorgon¡¯s eyes, stronger than any human¡¯s, were able to stay open as the stinging blackness washed across them. The veil of fire and dark clouds was cutting off her path, kept her from finding what she was searching for. The Greenhouse had taken considerable damage from the unnatural explosions and fires. Holes had been torn in all its walls and the glass ceiling had cracked and then burst into a rain of deadly glimmering shards.


    Medusa flung herself through the wall of flames and rolled over the former wooden door, which was now torn to pieces. As she landed she had to tear off the last bit of her chiton which had already been devoured by the ever greedy flames. She did not open her mouth to breathe, for the nauseating smoke would only hinder her ability to think straight. She was not allowed to lose focus, not until she had found her!


    The grass below her snake half crunched, supplanted by the much louder cracking of glass. In this fiery desolate tomb of dying peace¡­ she found who she sought.


    The priestess was cowering below a tree and pushing her cut and scratched hands into the loose earth. One of the trees next to her had been lit aflame and the patch of vegetables was crushed below rocks. This was a sight one would expect from the depictions of Tartarus. A symbol of purity and innocence unfit to be in the center of agony and destruction.


    Unsure of how to gain her attention, Medusa approached her and put a hand on her shoulder. There were subtle cuts across her robes and dust from the salt in her hair. It was nothing short of a miracle that she seemed to be mostly unharmed. It gave the Gorgon an unprecedented sense of relief.


    ¡°Lady Medusa¡­ the garden¡­¡± The girl¡¯s voice was choked up.


    The Gorgon could not fathom how crushing this destruction was to the girl. The way her hands clutched a patch of dirt, an unsullied flower, the rough bark of the only unharmed tree. They all displayed the incredible loss of something precious.


    ¡°Plants regrow.¡± She said in a soft voice. ¡°Buildings can be rebuilt. However, you cannot recover from death. If you cling to this ephemeral place, you shall share its fate, unable to experience that future.¡±


    ¡°I know that!¡± Eugenia raised her head. Finally the gash on her forehead became visible, which had stained her white clothes. ¡°But why did it have to be this place?! Why did they have to destroy the place I was supposed to protect for you?¡± Her milky eyes were blurry from approaching tears.


    Indeed, she had not cried in pain or for her own loss, but rather for the failure to keep a promise that only she wished to honor. It was a foolishness that only a human could conceive in such a dire situation.


    Yet Medusa¡¯s unmoving heart did feel a pang. Was it guilt? Anger?


    Appreciation?


    It mattered not. Right now, in this moment, she could not bother with feelings and wishes. Her survival instinct that had extended beyond her own self now was urging them to move.


    ¡°If you feel sorrow for the things lost, then you still have the strength to selfishly cling to life!¡± She grabbed the girl by the waist and pulled her close. With a swift motion she wiped her forehead free from the blood and forced her to push her hand on a rag that kept the cut shut.


    The crackling flames surrounded them, but they would not keep her contained.


    Her wings spread far to each side, ever so close to the all-consuming fire - and then flapped mightily. They rose beyond the destroyed ceiling and used the cover of the rising smoke clouds to move away from the destruction wrought by humans. Where could they flee to? Was there any such place left on this tiny island? If not, then was her only remaining choice to take the battle to the proud scholar, while defending the frail priestess in her arms?


    ¡°Zosimos¡¯ map¡­¡± Eugenia muttered with a drained voice. The adrenaline and grief had kept her up until now, but she was losing her strength quickly. She must have inhaled a lot of the smoke. Her arms dangled down uselessly and her hand let go of the blood-soaked rag.


    ¡°The map? What of it? Speak.¡± She shook the priestess with more force than she intended, to keep her conscious.


    ¡°¡­there is a¡­ small ravine¡­¡± She coughed with a sore throat.


    A ravine? Medusa vaguely remembered something like it. She scanned the back of the island with her sharp eyes. It was a place where the rain sometimes flooded a hole after stormy days. It was damp and deep, but not very wide. They would barely fit into it.


    ¡°The map¡­ said¡­ there is a cave¡­¡± She raised her shaking arm and pointed it towards the place Medusa had already focused on. It was impressive that she still had the spatial awareness to figure out directions.


    ¡°I have never seen a cave there.¡± She muttered, but did not hesitate to dive towards the place anyway. There was no time for long contemplations, the archers would soon realize that they had fled the Greenhouse.


    She folded her wings and curled up with the girl in her arms to take as little space as possible before entering the hole. With her tail transformed into legs she dug into the wet and dirty soil. Mud and rising water were all that greeted them beyond the short slide. This was a terrible hiding spot. Unless the priestess learned how to breathe underwater they would not be able to even hide their heads from their pursuers.


    ¡°Deeper¡­¡± The girl stretched her arm forward and touched the murky water.


    ¡°A submerged cavern?¡± She concluded. Eugenia nodded once and then slackened her body. ¡°Stay awake! You must hold your breath!¡± She demanded forcefully.


    The young woman breathed shallowly and then closed her mouth and contorted her face. She was actually holding her breath as she was told. Medusa did not hesitate another heartbeat and dove into the cold water. It went far deeper than expected, but due to her heritage she had no trouble seeing inside the pitch-black water. Neither did it pose any trouble for her body to swim or for her lungs to breathe. The same could not be said for the limp human under her arm, so she hurried through the small underground passage. Just when she feared that the last air bubbles would escape the priestess¡¯ twitching mouth, she finally found a large dome of air above them.


    With a loud splash they emerged from the water and the Gorgon flung herself onto the rough rocky ground of the cavern. It was far from even, certainly not made to lie upon, but she managed to carve away the spiky formations with her claws and made room to lay the girl down upon. The priestess coughed pitifully as water came out of her nose and mouth. She had barely managed to hold on for another second.


    ¡°Lie still, I will undress you.¡± Medusa moved fast, as every moment was precious. The heavy soaked clothes would freeze the human to death. Her hair was stuck to the rocks, as if clinging to any support. After relieving her of her heavy woven shackles, she took them up from the ground and slung her tail around her. Sharing her low body heat was less than ideal, but still preferable to the cold ground.


    This was the second time she was embracing the human to protect her from the cold of nature. She did not wish to make a habit of it, but there were few options left to her. Eugenia was coughing incessantly, far worse than that stormy night. Some black was mixed with her saliva. The smoke had truly taken its toll.


    The Gorgon¡¯s instinct was to go to the surface and reap the lives of those weak cowards above that would go to such lengths to harm a single girl when they could not take on their true target, but she dared not move until she was sure that the girl would regain her strength.


    While Eugenia was fading in and out of consciousness she could finally calmly think about their predicament. The scholar knew much of this island, perhaps even of this cave. To enter here was suicide for the mercenaries right now, so she did not assume he would attack any time soon. The question was how he had even obtained this knowledge in the first place. She would slowly torture that piece of information out of him once she got the upper hand again.


    The far more urgent issue was that he was targeting the girl. Could he have known of their circumstances? Or was it simple pride controlling him? It was not unthinkable that he wanted revenge on the girl for not taking his hand when she could. The pettiness of humans was legendary.


    Or if he in fact realized that Medusa protected her, he might have been looking for an opening to slay her while she was busy shielding the priestess. It was clever, although inconsequential. There was not one man in the scholar¡¯s army that could take her down even if she took a dozen blows for the girl.


    She would wait for nightfall. The night was humanity¡¯s greatest foe. Their eyes and senses were weak, their determination waning the farther they strayed from the light. Once the priestess was safe inside here she would have nothing to tie her down. And like Nyx herself, she would encroach over their fickle light and extinguish them completely¡­


    <hr>


    ¡°They are gone! Not even a corpse to be found!¡± The Spartan mercenary captain kept kicking the fallen in walls with rage.


    ¡°They couldn¡¯t just disappear.¡± One of the sailors who had volunteered to join the search was looking below a fallen over burnt tree. ¡°Only the sea could swallow ¡®em whole, not the damned earth!¡±


    They were circling the ruins with increasing desperation. Their targets - and alongside them the promised bounty - had just vanished into thin air. Yet all they could find were a few scared rabbits and a rather pompous owl.


    ¡°I ain¡¯t tellin¡¯ the boss about this.¡± The sailor crossed his arms and frowned.


    ¡°You won¡¯t have to tell anything once I stick my sword up your-¡± But before Markos could finish his crude threat a hand was put on his shoulder. The fingers were covered in rings, but still as silky smooth as a child¡¯s.


    ¡°There is no need to tell me something I am already aware of.¡± He relieved them of the intense fear that his sudden appearance had inspired and then pulled up a map. He mustered it with a bemused expression. ¡°To think there was a place that even this map did not reveal to us. On such a tiny island no less. I must wonder if this is sleight of hand or simply a coincidence.¡±


    ¡°You mean the informant¡¯s screwed you?¡±


    ¡°I would not use such base phrasing.¡± He smiled amicably. ¡°You might have a point nonetheless.¡± A merchant was no better than a dependable liar. For gain and profit they would hide or reveal whatever they deemed necessary. Themistokles of Rhodes had something to gain from keeping things to himself. That was all there was to it. ¡°He must be underestimating you, dear Markos. Clearly he did not expect us to return if he left the Gorgon this single advantage.¡±


    ¡°Coin twiddlin¡¯ whoreson¡¯s got another face gash comin¡¯ after we return back to Athens. My torture master didn¡¯t get to play with him yet. Was real wound up ¡®bout it, poor lad.¡± His malicious craving to inflict unspeakable pain to the merchant who slighted his ego was all too predictable.


    ¡°First things first, you should prove him wrong by showing off your trophy, no?¡± Typhos lowered the map and moved his hands in three directions. The mercenaries around him split up on his command, leaving the captain behind rather dumbfounded. He had clearly not expected the scholar to know their secret hand signs. ¡°I want your men to patrol the island at three specific spots. Here, here and here.¡± He showed the three marks on the map and then handed it to the captain.


    ¡°Of course, sir.¡± He was taken aback, but still saluted. His failed military career was rather apparent. ¡°Uh, if you don¡¯t mind me askin¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± Typhos smiled patiently.


    ¡°Why¡¯s there a need to patrol? Isn¡¯t that just gonna put my men into danger?¡±


    He was sharper than he looked, if only slightly.


    ¡°True enough. I only want them to look out for hiding places, naturally. They will not be in any real danger as long as the Gorgon has to hide Eugenia.¡±


    ¡°You think the wench survived that?!¡± He pointed at the still burning Greenhouse.


    ¡°I am counting on it.¡± He said ominously. ¡°We will keep the archers in formation and make four camps. Keep them on high alert until sunset.¡±


    ¡°Only sunset, sir?¡± He was utterly lost already.


    ¡°Indeed. Now excuse me please, I wish to have a chat with Pelagios about that wine I asked him to keep safe for our journey back home.¡± He waved casually and left the scarred man behind like child inside a foreign port.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    <hr>


    Night clawed its fangs into Sarpedon and swallowed it whole.


    Inside the lightless damp cave, passage of time was impossible to tell. If Medusa had not been counting her own heartbeat as reference for the flow of time she might have missed the end of the day.


    The girl pressed against her ample chest was silently breathing with closed eyes. The coughing had stopped, although she still occasionally twitched and shivered. The clothes that had been spread across the rocks were far from dried. The dampness and cold did not allow for the water to evaporate. Leaving her behind in this state could cause her to freeze and fade away like a weak candle-light in the wind.


    She decided to lean back on the cave walls and let the priestess sit on her lap instead. Being tightly coiled around her was making her feel stiff and suffocated.


    As if the first movement in hours had startled her, the girl finally awoke. Not one of her short bursts of delirium, but true consciousness. Her senses were still too numbed to tell much of her surroundings, so she did not even realize the she was sitting on Medusa.


    Eugenia coughed and covered her mouth with both hands. Her soft back was shaking heavily.


    ¡°There is plenty of water. Swallow slowly.¡± The Gorgon leaned her forward and pointed her head at the deep cave water. It was not clear, but it would have to do. For her it was hard to tell what was healthy for humans and what was poisonous.


    ¡°Not thirsty¡­¡± The girl mumbled after smelling the muddy water. So she was still able to deny something disgusting. That was a good sign. Truly desperate humans would drink even the most sullied water.


    ¡°Where are you, Lady Medusa?¡± She asked forlorn.


    ¡°Below you.¡± She said nonchalantly.


    ¡°Ah!¡± She almost fell over and rolled into the water from shock. ¡°I apologize for lying on your body-!¡±


    ¡°Hush.¡± She covered her mouth to suppress the loud echo. There was no need to rouse suspicion now. ¡°We are hidden inside the cave you guided me to. The enemies are waiting outside.¡±


    The priestess grew silent and nodded quietly. Medusa loosened her hand and smiled ever so slightly.


    ¡°You may talk in whispers.¡±


    ¡°This is so shameful.¡± Eugenia covered her cold body with her arms and curled up next to the Gorgon. ¡°I am nothing but a hindrance to you and I even lost the Greenhouse. You shouldn¡¯t have protected me¡­¡± She was too exhausted to cry, but it was clear that she was deeply depressed.


    ¡°Maybe not, but it has been done, so worry not about what was lost and what could have been.¡±


    ¡°How is it that you can simply brush all trouble aside? Do you have no feelings at all?¡± The priestess asked with a gloomy voice.


    ¡°I do not need pity or sympathy. Is that not what I told you before? You will grief, as you are weak, I will prevail, because I am strong. We are both mortal, yet you are much more so. If you forget to put yourself first, you will be forgotten by those you tried to elevate.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to see the world in such a cynical way.¡± She said stubbornly. After a long silence, she finally covered her face again. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Medusa looked upon her and felt the same twinge as before. It was starting to affect her calm demeanor, so she had to get rid of it.


    ¡°We are even.¡± She said curtly.


    ¡°Huh?¡± The girl pulled away her hands in surprise.


    ¡°You are not the only one who failed to protect something.¡± She said despite herself. ¡°Your chiton, it burned to ashes when I was hit by the fire.¡± She muttered under her breath and looked away. Was this real? Did she really feel embarrassed?


    ¡°That explains the tender feeling.¡± Eugenia rubbed her body exactly where she had embraced Medusa. She didn¡¯t overreact this time. ¡°That is fine. I will sew you another one.¡± She said matter of factly. ¡°How could we possibly be even with that? A simple chiton is nothing compared to that miraculous place!¡±


    The Gorgon had to scoff at her lack of self-awareness. That was exactly what she had told her before in a different way. Why did this foolish human think that her crime was so much greater if she could simply shrug off the same offense by the Gorgon? Were their values that far apart? To her the clothes were just as valuable as that old building. Was that odd?


    ¡°It was a miracle garden inside a building, invented by the great and wise Athena.¡± She was so filled with regret that it was aggravating.


    At last now the Gorgon understood. She was not only sad because she lost something Medusa had given her, but mostly because it was something Athena had made. To her it must have been twice the failure. Again she would get upset for the wrong reasons.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe Typhos would destroy something so unique. He always put inventiveness above his personal gain. Why did he change so much?¡± It was eating her up even more that there was a human above the surface who she thought she had known long ago, but did not resemble the man he once was.


    ¡°I doubt he was ever the philosopher type.¡± Medusa said honestly.


    ¡°You should have heard his speeches in Athens. Always talking about how we should please the gods and live in harmony. If we served them well, they would return the favor. The knowledge we received from the gods was what made humanity become civilized and kind.¡± Her blind gaze was as aimless as ever, but even her mind seemed to be sinking into an unknown place that the Gorgon could not reach.


    ¡°So that is what he considers kindness.¡± Medusa said sarcastically and tapped Eugenia¡¯s forehead. The wound had barely healed, but at least stopped bleeding. Before she could object, she continued. ¡°I will give him this; his methods are more ¡®civilized¡¯ than most expeditions I encountered.¡± Humans were changing with the ages. The age where contests of strength and pure numbers decided a war seemed to be nearing its dusk.


    ¡°That is not what civilization is about.¡± Eugenia said with a tinge of frustration. ¡°The philosophers and priestesses taught us to¡­ use words over violence¡­ to convince our enemies rather than bludgeon them.¡±


    Her idealism was something foreign to the Gorgon. Her hands were sullied by the blood of countless battles, stained by the wrath of the gods themselves. Although the priestess was struggling with her beliefs, Medusa saw something in this very moment, something she wished she could preserve. It made her chest clench once more.


    ¡°Your civilized ways will prove futile against me still.¡± She said with a stressed expression. ¡°Be it that man¡¯s or your version.¡± She added cruelly.


    Eugenia simply lowered her head in acknowledgment.


    Water droplets were falling into the still waters of the cave and created sharp ripples. The echo of their voices had been silenced due to the Gorgon¡¯s cold words. Even the small amount of warmth that she tried to preserve in her hands was fading again. She cursed herself internally.


    Her ears perked up when she noticed the vibrations of footsteps above them. The warriors were close to the entrance again.


    ¡°Can you hear their conversation?¡± She asked the girl. Her exceptional hearing could prove useful for once.


    ¡°Only faintly. They are talking about returning to camp. I think¡­ they suspect we are in one of the caves to the east.¡± The human girl concentrated her hearing above.


    ¡°They have not found us yet?¡± She was slightly surprised by that. The scholar¡¯s knowledge was not as perfect as it seemed. ¡°Then I will ascend and pick them off.¡±


    ¡°What?! You can¡¯t!¡± Eugenia raised her hands, but was unable to move.


    ¡°Do not tell me that you still feel compassion for the men that did this to you.¡± She glared the girl down. Her lack of reply was all the confirmation she needed. ¡°I will not spare a single one of them. Stay here and wait. I will end this before the moon is halfway across the sky, so I will retrieve you before you die from the cold.¡±


    Eugenia was crestfallen.


    ¡°If you wish to survive the night, do not make any noise.¡± Medusa commanded. Though it sounded reasonable, her true reason was that she could not bear to hear the priestess voice call out again.


    She forced herself to turn away, but had still caught a glimpse of the shivering and lonely girl hunched over in a damp cave. Her physical pain was not what truly made the Gorgon loathe her actions the most. It was that expression of disappointment.


    <hr>


    A monster left the watery hole with killing intent and crawled across the rocks. The two men on patrol were nervous, glancing about with their torch light. Every shadow was a sign of the Gorgon to them, but soon they found that the true monster was not something they could ever see coming. For the moment they laid eyes upon her they were already petrified.


    She let go of the two statues and let them fall into the water hole. She flicked the torch with her tail to put out its light. This did not go unnoticed by the northern camp. They grew suspicious. The Gorgon clasped the torches and then moved to the west at great speed. Then she ignited them once again with a spark from two pieces of rock. The camp was bustling now and they seemed to be wondering why the patrol had moved so far in darkness.


    They sent out a dozen men and had the archers aim at the location of the lights.


    Meanwhile Medusa moved to the east side of the camp and slit the archers¡¯ throats from behind. Just as their comrades tried to call out for reinforcements they were petrified, horns at their lips.


    The unit that had moved out only found abandoned torches and ran back in a panic, clearly afraid that the Gorgon was lurking between the rocks and trees, but when they returned to the still lit camp, they found themselves surrounded by statues, stuck in the middle of screams. With brutal force their shields were crushed under the powerful arms of the Gorgon so they could not hide their eyes behind them. Some decided to close their eyes and swing blindly, as they always did, but the Gorgon only needed to stab their legs with their own spears to make them open all eyes in pain.


    In the time it took a pot of soup to boil, the Gorgon had slaughtered an entire camp. She threw over the fire bowls and tossed the tents into the campfire. With pure contempt she threw the water barrels on top of the rising flames. Then all manmade light was gone, leaving nothing but wet ash.


    Only three more camps to extinguish.


    Using the darkness as cover she moved towards the temple. She was not surprised to see that even inside these ruins the humans had created a temporary base. They fortified it far better than the small camps of tents, but such defenses were meaningless to her. This was her home turf that they foolishly set foot on.


    Climbing the walls, scaling the ceiling and breaking just the right places, she managed to methodically end every single mercenary before their comrades could even realize it. That was what they got for thinking they could control her island.


    The last man was struggling immensely. He somehow managed to avoid her gaze while slicing after her arms. Although he was not strong, he had some skill. She rammed him against a wall, but just as his bones were broken he took a small piece of ore and threw it into the puddle of water created from the skirmish.


    She fell back just in time to avoid the explosion, but the noise was so loud that the others must have heard it even far away. The fire on top of the water was a grim reminder that they had means beyond human capabilities.


    The mercenary rose despite his broken shoulders and howled.


    ¡°I AM MARKOS OF SPARTA! Die by my hand monster!¡± He hit his shield repeatedly and then jumped the Gorgon.


    His sword did not even make it to her as she simply broke it apart with one hand. In return she sliced through his face, blinding him completely. She did not do it out of mercy.


    ¡°Speak human. Where is the scholar?¡± Her hand was grasping his throat and pushing it to its limits.


    ¡°Typhos¡­?¡± He asked with gritted teeth as blood streamed down into his mouth.


    ¡°That man.¡± She confirmed.


    ¡°Hah! Ahahaha! Even the mighty Gorgon¡­ Krrk! Is afraid of our- uurggh - master!¡± He cackled and hit the Gorgon with his broken shield. The pieces stabbed into her shoulder, but she didn¡¯t even flinch.


    ¡°I fear no man.¡± She said cold as ice. ¡°I only need to save him for last.¡±


    ¡°He--- shooould¡­ bee¡­ waiting¡­ for you!¡± He cackled even more. The lack of air was making his mind fail. It seemed that in his death throes he completely devoted himself to his contractor. This was a common reaction of human warriors. She flung him aside and left him to die from his wounds. If he was lucky he would even outlive his cherished master.


    Medusa¡¯s eyes were hollow, as was her soul. The pieces of wood fell out of her wound, which closed all too fast. The more she killed the less she seemed to care about the end result. There was only one faint desire inside her right now: To humiliate the man who made her go through this much effort.


    The Gorgon settled down on a pillar and waited. They would doubtlessly rush to the aid of this base soon. She had lost all interest in taking them down one by one. Time was running thin. The longer she took, the colder it would get inside the cave.


    Yes, she needed to hurry. Kill faster, more efficiently.


    ¡°A base creature to the bone.¡± A familiar and loathed voice snapped Medusa out of her predatory mindset. There were only few things she would like to silence more than this self-righteous voice. ¡°I have expected nothing less of you, Gorgon.¡± The tiny owl flapped its wings and landed on one of the petrified men¡¯s heads.


    ¡°I have no patience for you tonight.¡± Medusa showed the owl a single fang.


    ¡°Your desires are meaningless to me. I have watched your pathetic actions since the break of dawn and will do so until you have taken the last head on this island.¡±


    ¡°You do not have much confidence in your pets then?¡± She mocked.


    ¡°This is not my strategy, not my meticulous plan. If I wanted you dead, you would lie at the feet of one of my statues you so blasphemously destroyed.¡± The owl raised its feathery chest in disapproval. ¡°Typhos is proving himself more tenacious than I had expected.¡± She did seem to appreciate his ability to enrage the Gorgon at least. ¡°Perhaps I could make him the hero who ended the menace of Sarpedon?¡±


    ¡°You will pick a side before our bet has ended?¡± Medusa asked furiously.


    The owl¡¯s silvery eyes were sharp. They shifted a little upon that reaction. She seemed to have found something in the Gorgon¡¯s words that amused her. A rare sight indeed.


    ¡°It is you who has picked a side. Did you not abandon Eugenia?¡±


    ¡°She is in a safe place!¡±


    ¡°Yet your mere presence has almost cost her life several times today.¡± She retorted deeply.


    ¡°The humans-¡±


    ¡°To blame the humans is the only thing a mindless creature can do, is it not?¡± She said gravely. ¡°You think yourself above them, yet you allow them to shape your path and mind! Therefore you are not worthy of divinity, not worthy of your boundless existence! I have judged well in turning you mortal!¡±


    ¡°How dare you!¡± Medusa¡¯s eyes became so ferocious that she could see the owl¡¯s frail body stiffen up. The curse of her eyes was almost overpowering the protection of Athena on the animal.


    ¡°If you end the life of my ¡®eyes¡¯, you will lose the bet. If you let Eugenia die, you lose the bet. If Eugenia chooses me, you will lose the bet.¡± The owl declared once again matter of factly. This pure, calculated, emotionless voice drove the Gorgon nearly insane. ¡°And when you lose the bet I shall truly smite you.¡±


    The heart of stone pounded in fury. The blood of the Gorgon boiled. The snake hair was snapping at the owl. Her hatred that had been stewing away from today¡¯s events was multiplied many times by Athena¡¯s taunting. She felt the beastly side of her mind take over.


    The distant footsteps of the incoming army did barely register with the Gorgon or the goddess. This was the decisive moment. Her next action would decide the future.


    ¡°Do you honestly think Eugenia can choose a monster like you?¡± The owl asked haughtily.


    Medusa¡¯s claw rushed forward. Her last string of control had snapped. She was going to tear the owl apart!


    An image flared up inside her mind.


    That look of disappointment.


    Her claws stopped in front of the owl¡¯s beak. With all her might she stopped herself and pulled back slowly.


    ¡°You have not lost your mind yet it seems, Gor-¡± The owl¡¯s words were cut off.


    As was its head.


    Medusa¡¯s eyes turned thin as she was frozen in place. The silvery eyes faded in surprise. With an almost comical sound the owl¡¯s head dropped to the ground and the remaining body stuck to the statue.


    Someone had cut it off with a dagger. Someone so swift and silent that she could not even react. That was not humanly possible.


    A shade so dark that it made the night seem bright merged with the darkness and retreated from the bloody trail it left behind.


    Medusa was too shocked to follow after the attacker.


    Only after seeing the incoming men did she begin to move again. She had to get back to Eugenia. Fast!


    ¡°Hahaha¡­. Keheheh¡­ So that¡¯s what Typhos meant¡­¡± The bleeding blinded man behind her grabbed her tail with his dirty hands. ¡°He said that once night comes¡­ we would finally be alone.¡±


    In his blindness, swaying between the world of the living and the dead, he had seen the presence of Athena. And now he was overjoyed.


    ¡°Only us¡­ mortals¡­ now! All is as it should beeee!¡± He shouted with a creepy smile on his face and the men ahead roared in anger.


    As the humans bared their fangs at the Gorgon, Typhos¡¯ plan was reaching its next phase. And yet the Gorgon could only think of the ominous shade headed for the cave.

 Chapter 25: Medusa and the shade

    The cave was cold. The cave was silent barring the irregular echoes of water droplets hitting the surface. Eugenia was blind, but even she could sense the encroaching darkness. It was thick, almost physical. She felt her consciousness fading in and out.


    Loneliness had grasped her heart and she started to lose the will to resist the darkness altogether. Freezing and weak as she was, there was not much strength left in her limbs. She forced herself to move the wet clothes over her body for cover, but it only made her even colder.


    Her ears were straining to listen for any hint of Medusa¡¯s return. For anybody¡¯s movement really. But the air was still. Nothing living, nor dead seemed to move on the surface. She was cut off from the world completely. If she put her blessing to the absolute edge she might have heard the distant noise of fighting, but she lacked even that energy.


    ¡°Please¡­¡± She whispered out of breath. Nobody would reply.


    There was only the darkness.


    It embraced her.


    Covered her mouth with one hand¡­


    ¡°Mggh!¡± Her scream was suppressed as the presence that she could not hear even with her enhanced senses silenced her and took her under its silky coat.


    <hr>


    Medusa kept moving towards the water filled hole, the entrance to the cave that she had left the priestess in.


    Her body was covered in small cuts and she even had a dagger sticking out of her side. The snake hair hissed in concern, but the Gorgon was moving forward dauntlessly. The expedition had delayed her for long enough. In her hurry she had slackened her defense, trying to rush through the crowd, but they fervently attacked her from every direction. They would not stop until she crushed the last of their fighting will and finished off the most brutal of warriors. Even the man named Markos had sunk his teeth into her tail until the bitter end.


    What was it all for? Why would they throw themselves at the Gorgon like mad dogs? Their sense of pride? Their desire for revenge? Pointless distractions all of them¡­


    Medusa¡¯s eyes were burning with determination. Even as she was delayed for precious seconds, she had still made it to the entrance swiftly enough. Those agonizingly long seconds paid dearly in blood and lives had not been enough to-


    A shadow dragged itself out of the icy water. Its silhouette was nearly undefined as the clouds in the sky covered the pale moon. Complete darkness was covering the island. At its center, somehow even less visible, the shadowy figure that had killed Athena¡¯s owl was crawling unto the rocks. Even the Gorgon¡¯s eyes, which had impeccable night vision, could barely make them out. The only thing they saw was the glaring white of a familiar cloth.


    The shadow had taken hold of Eugenia.


    ¡°Let her go or face your demise.¡± Medusa said quietly. Her whisper appeared booming and loud in this silent night.


    The hooded figure did not respond. It rose to its spindly feet and walked across the ravine. Telling by its steps it was headed for the beach to the south where the ships were anchored and the main camp had been set up.


    ¡°Warnings are lost on you humans!¡± She shouted and pressed forward with her reformed legs.


    Her claws sliced through the shade, but to her surprise she had barely managed to graze the fluttering coat. The sneaky kidnapper had evaded her by a hair¡¯s breadth and then kicked off the rocks to cover several dozen arm lengths at once. They were rushing off, only picking up their pace.


    Medusa¡¯s mind was set ablaze with an unrelenting heat. This was a familiar emotion, something she could not stop even at her most controlled.


    Pure wrath.


    She would not allow herself to be humiliated! The girl was right in front of her eyes and yet this cocky lapdog believed themselves to be superior to her, to be able to steal her away just like that?


    She grabbed a dozen fist sized pebbles and kept jumping across the ravine, then started throwing them at speed that far surpassed that of any sling. The escapee was stopped in their dash as the pebbles tore holes into the ground in front of them. They kept evading direct hits, but had to spin around to keep Eugenia out of the line of fire.


    So they needed her alive.


    If they had wanted her dead, then the Gorgon would have been too late. The priestess would already have been ended inside that dark cave. Medusa felt a sting of guilt inside her chest. This was her fault. She should not have left her behind.


    And that guilt was turned into more powerful tosses and stronger kicks that propelled her forward. The shade was encumbered by the weight and form of the girl under its arm, but the Gorgon was free to move as she pleased. She slid in front of the hooded kidnapper and then rammed her fist into their chest. With a death defying move, they seemed to crush their own spine to move out of the way. The next moment they were smacked against the ground by the follow up tail attack.


    As the figure was rammed into the earth, the priestess fell out of their arm. Medusa threw her arm forward to catch her, but was surprised by a black dagger that was stabbed into her gut. She lowered her gaze in shock and saw the black coat swerve around and leave the small crater left by her hit.


    That was impossible¡­ her tail had hit them with a force that no human could survive¡­


    The dagger barely stopped her movements for long, but that one heartbeat was enough for the shade to grab Eugenia again and throw her. Those dainty arms had managed to pick up a young woman and throw her a huge distance somehow.


    ¡°No, stop!¡± Medusa tried to rush after her, for the impact would hurt the frail girl dearly, but the shade lashed out at her again.


    In the distance the girl seemed to hit a slope, but just as she disappeared from their vision, she was held up by three armed men. They looked upon the two fighting creatures and then hastily retreated with the priestess on their shoulders.


    They had taken Eugenia out of her reach.


    The wrath that had incinerated her reason was now extinguished. It made way to emptiness, a vacuum of emotions. They were all sucked into a core of darkness similar to the creature in front of her. As the vacuum imploded on itself and released everything at once, her eyes became sharp like a snake¡¯s and her fangs long as a man¡¯s index finger.


    The hooded person retreated as its contract was fulfilled, but the Gorgon did not let it escape.


    The night was not a blanket, but a cloth that suffocated all it touched. This creature was not human, that much she could tell. It was an unknown element, but even more so it was responsible for her loss. At this one moment, the being in front of her was responsible for all her grief.


    She hated losing. She hated failure. She hated being outsmarted.


    She hated being alone¡­


    ¡°I will end your existence, right here, right now.¡± She said emotionlessly and glared the mysterious being down.


    It had the shape of a human and avoided damage; therefore it must have been similar in some way. Its reflexes were beyond even the Gorgon¡¯s, but there was one weakness that all mortal beings shared. The weakness to her cursed eyes.


    She stabbed her sharpened claws forward, but missed the shade by a finger¡¯s length. They were on the defensive as a flurry of swipes kept them dancing around. The tail as a third angle of attack had caught them off-guard before, but now they were able to predict it as well. With light jumps it managed to keep bringing distance between them, but to its unfortunate surprise the Gorgon was getting faster.


    ¡°Haah!¡± She managed to slice through the dark fringed coat this time. Her blows got more accurate, deadlier. With each attack and offense she forced the shade farther away from the camp until they reached the western cliff, cutting off all paths of retreat. ¡°No more dancing around.¡± She said with a dark smile.


    The hooded figure stopped its retreat. Without a word the aura around it changed. A cornered thug would fight tooth and nail to survive. The dagger that had been curved back until now flipped forward. They were finally ready to fight for their life.


    The stance, the way it moved and acted, Medusa could garner that this one was an ¡®assassin¡¯. A hired killer who would eliminate targets swiftly in the cover of the night. They could sneak so silently that even the priestess could not hear it coming; their blade seemed to strike before it even moved. A tool of death, but not of confrontation. Their constitution was super-human, but their aura was still not of one fit for combat. In a direct conflict with a monster they did not stand a chance.


    If she rid herself of this enemy right now there would be no more surprises left to interfere with her revenge.


    <hr>


    At the main camp, inside the biggest tent, two men were having a leisurely conversation, unbefitting of the horrific events occurring on the island.


    ¡°This wine is marvelous, Pelagios.¡± Typhos said after one sip. ¡°I shall remember this flavor as the best I have tasted yet.¡± Then he set down his cup, clearly unwilling to finish it.


    ¡°It¡¯s not somethin¡¯ you will find in Attica, milord.¡± The captain said with a rough laugh.


    ¡°Only the healthiest grapes can create a flavor so strong, but there have to be some foul ones mixed in to give it the right bitterness.¡± The young scholar said with a long suffering sigh.


    ¡°Is that how it works?¡± Clearly the old sailor did not have the experience to hold conversation on elevated topics such as wine production.


    ¡°Excuse my rambling.¡± He smirked mildly. ¡°What of the fruit I asked your men to store away?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ve already broken in the barrel. Seems they¡¯re as spotless as ya said.¡± He rubbed his hands nervously. The barrel was brought inside the tent just as they spoke. ¡°Havin¡¯ a cravin¡¯ for grapes, sir?¡±


    ¡°No, not at all. I rarely eat sour things.¡± He shook his head. ¡°But it will make for a good present alongside the others.¡±


    ¡°Hrm, you really think that the lass¡¯ll come to us?¡± The old captain asked while scratching his scruff. He tended to forget his manners when he drifted off into thought.


    ¡°I have sent out my trump card, so this will be the crucial turning point.¡± Typhos admitted openly, very unlike him. ¡°If they succeeded, we will now be left without supervision.¡± A loud crunch followed his words as he cracked some nuts from a bowl. ¡°Dear me, they are more brittle than I thought.¡± He muttered.


    ¡°That thing¡­ it frightens me.¡± Pelagios said uncomfortably.


    ¡°The Shade of Athens is our greatest asset, dear Captain. Even your services are only second to it this fine night.¡± The scholar stepped towards the entrance of the tent and pulled the fabric aside. The beach appeared black without the moonlight reflecting from the sand and ocean. The perfect conditions had been thrown into their laps.


    ¡°¡®pologies sir, but this old sailor¡¯s not good at keepin¡¯ it in¡­ Just what is that thing? ¡®Tis unholy for sure!¡± He lowered his balding head as he expected to be scolded.


    But Typhos only smiled into the fresh breeze. ¡°Do you fear death, Pelagios?¡± He suddenly asked playfully.


    ¡°Not directly. I ain¡¯t goin¡¯ to Elysium, but the Underworld¡¯s got a spot for me next to my family.¡± He said seriously.


    ¡°I am certain there is. The only people who truly fear death are those who have something in this life that they cannot abandon.¡± He agreed. ¡°Except for one other case. People who fear Thanatos.¡±


    Just mentioning the name of the god of death was noticeably cooling the air around them.


    ¡°I gotta agree. Not lookin¡¯ forward to meeting that one either.¡±


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°Thanatos is cruel and merciless, that much is known. But I am not afraid of him.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impressive.¡± Pelagios seemed to be genuinely admiring Typhos¡¯ courage.


    ¡°Do not misunderstand me. I do not fear him, but that is in fact because I pity him.¡±


    ¡°Pity?!¡± Those words should never be spoken in the same sentence with the shaggy-bearded specter¡¯s name. Even children knew so.


    ¡°You seem expectedly unconvinced. There is more to any of the gods than the common man might know, believe me. Thanatos is the god of death, son of Nyx, the night and Erebos, darkness itself. His siblings are all dedicated to the suffering of living things, with the exception of the kind Hypnos. A family line and occupation so terrifying, evil and foreign would make anyone despise him on principle.¡±


    ¡°But he takes pleasure in cutting the souls of men!¡±


    ¡°I cannot attest to it or deny so.¡± Typhos admitted. ¡°But were you aware that his inheritance keeps him from touching the light?¡±


    ¡°The light?¡±


    ¡°Indeed. Even during the brightest of days and next to the most shining of fires, Thanatos may never leave the darkness. He is clad in shadows and chained in dark. The gods do not allow him to touch Mount Olympus and humans bar their doors from him with fear. Helios¡¯ sun does not touch him even if he stands right in front of it, so he has never felt warmth.¡± Typhos closed the entrance again and sat down on his wooden chair.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ken¡­¡± Pelagios swallowed his shame.


    ¡°That treatment grew resentment as plants do on fertile soil. The specter that all fear equally is a creation of those who rejected him. His spite has outgrown even the greatest of exaggerations that existed before. Thanatos despises humans and gods alike, much like the Gorgon.¡± He played with one of his rings, the one that had a skull carved into it.


    ¡°They¡¯ll meet once your plan¡¯s finished, won¡¯t they? They might get along just fine then! Hahaha.¡± The captain tried to make a light-hearted quip to regain his composure.


    ¡°Would they? I have my doubts.¡± He shrugged. ¡°I have gone off on a slight tangent. You asked me what the Shade of Athens truly is, did you not?¡± He returned Pelagios¡¯ gaze evenly. ¡°Knowing the Shade requires understanding Thanatos. There is a tale that has been almost forgotten even in the owl cage.¡±


    He referred to Athens by its colloquial name for the first time, which made Pelagios blink a few times. To the captain, hearing Typhos speak like a commoner was unexpected.


    ¡°There once was a noble man so courageous and able in a fight that he challenged all the greatest warriors in the land. He was famous for accepting any challenge no matter the time or his own physical state. Some tried to exploit this by challenging him many consecutive times, but he was victorious each time. He slipped along the edge of death more times than any man in history. He told his wife once that he saw a pair of red eyes whenever he neared that unfathomable line. He felt the black sword come closer to his heart each time he avoided an inevitable death.¡±


    Pelagios leaned forward as he listened to the tale. There was nothing a sailor loved more than a good yarn, so he hung on the scholar¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Thanatos was aware of him. Each time he slipped through his greedy grasp, the specter became more furious. Yet that noble fighter was not satisfied yet. He challenged even the centaurs and a harpy, some claim. He despised war however, so he never went to battle for anyone¡¯s ideals or dominion. This earned him the wrath of many generals who ended up sending assassins after him and even dueled him as well when those failed. They all lost resoundingly.¡±


    ¡°But why¡¯s it that nobody knows of this legendary man? I¡¯d have heard of him if he was that impressive, surely!¡± Pelagios couldn¡¯t help but protest.


    ¡°The only people who remember him are his descendants. A cruel punishment.¡± Typhos said seriously. ¡°The noble man had survived up to old age. He had three sons and one daughter, it seemed his legacy would live on, so he was satisfied. The only fight he could not win was the one against his failing body and that filled him with pride. Yet when his time had come, he finally met the red eyes that had gazed at him for over five decades. Thanatos had come to reap his soul from his body.¡± Typhos closed his eyes. ¡°In his hubris he challenged the specter for his soul.¡±


    ¡°He fought a god!?¡±


    ¡°Those who witnessed it said that it was a battle for the ages. This old and weary warrior was facing the personification of death and measured up by skill alone!¡± He raised his hands and opened his eyes. ¡°Naturally his stamina ran out. No human could ever last long against death itself. But as a final insult to the reaper, he cut off a part of his cloak.¡± He made a cutting motion and dropped a piece of cloth that had been wrapped around the food on the chest. ¡°As I told you, Thanatos is a being of darkness, unfit for the light. His cloak is made of pure night, a present from his mother. Now this piece of night was severed and touched the ground of Athens.¡±


    ¡°W-What happened to the noble?¡±


    ¡°He lost the battle and as punishment for humiliating Thanatos by exposing his mother¡¯s only gift to the light of the sun, his soul was stored inside that severed piece of the cloak. He had no place in the Underworld and would never see the light of day again, just like Thanatos himself. The moment he had been sealed away, his existence vanished from the world, except to his descendants who had to live with the knowledge that their progenitor would suffer for eternity.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s th¡¯ fate of those who challenge the gods.¡± Pelagios was saddened, but accepted the outcome as just.


    ¡°I must agree. Challenging them is entirely the wrong way to go about it.¡± He nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s end this little tale. Disgusted by the embodiment of his failure, Thanatos cast the severed piece of his cloak aside and left it to rot in the shade of the city. There it lay dormant for unspeakable time. The shady sins of the citizens seeped into the cloak and fed it with purpose. Eventually the soul that was trapped inside was corrupted and reformed as a shadow penetrating the night. From the gutter of civilization and the piece of divine punishment rose¡­ the Shade of Athens.¡± He finished his story and gulped down some water.


    The captain did the same and wiped his cold sweat. He looked outside the tent and suddenly felt afraid of every shadowy corner.


    ¡°How¡¯d ya tame somethin¡¯ so cursed?¡± He asked with true fear.


    ¡°I promised to sever the ties of the cloak and the soul that plagues it.¡± Typhos said casually.


    ¡°How?!¡±


    ¡°Hm. It required most of my resources, but I did find the cult of Thanatos deeply hidden in the cesspit of filthy foreign caves. They required many sacrifices to craft a dagger that could cut the cloak. And the final ingredient.¡± He smiled excitedly. ¡°Is the blood of a divine being.¡±


    Pelagios took a step back as his eyes widened. He suddenly felt trapped inside the tent.


    ¡°Do not fear, my dear Pelagios. There is no need for that expression. I do not plan to betray the gods. I could not hope to win.¡± He raised his hands placatory and smiled innocently. ¡°Divine blood runs in many beings that are far from the Olympians.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re playin¡¯ with forces too great, milord.¡± He was afraid, glancing about for a way to escape.


    ¡°Calm yourself.¡± Typhos suddenly put his hands on Pelagios¡¯ cheeks and forced him to return his stare. ¡°The sacrifice is the one we came here to slay. The Gorgon has divine blood running through her.¡±


    ¡°T-Truly?¡± He was held in place, but it seemed that he finally found respite after hearing that.


    ¡°I tell no lies.¡± He assured him and let go. ¡°You see now, the Shade has every reason to obey my command. Only I have the means to end its putrid existence. Once our objective is secured, all debts will be paid.¡±


    Death was a price to pay and a prize to obtain, depending on the perspective of the individual.


    <hr>


    The shade crossed the Gorgon¡¯s back with its dagger and dealt another wound to her. It was swift, accurate and deadly.


    ¡°What manner of apparition are you?¡± She staggered for a moment, making some distance between them. Her body was covered in shallow cuts, a testament to her opponent¡¯s skill. It fought not just like an assassin, but also like a duelist, predicting her moves and countering them mercilessly.


    The shadow never responded. She started to doubt it could even speak.


    ¡°It matters not. Your trickery proves futile and I am starting to see through your stance.¡± She wiped blood from her cheek and then clutched her fists. Scales had already covered most of her arms and chest. Many of the cuts were mended by the new snake like skin.


    It was time to use her full strength.


    She slithered around the shade and punched its side, but it dodged agilely. Just in that moment the Gorgon flipped over it using her tail and rammed her elbow into its neck. The shade was hit, but rolled over the cracking rocks and threw its dagger at the Gorgon. She deflected it with her claws, but was then hit by a kick to the stomach. This was the first time the shade had used something other than its blade.


    Darkness covered her waist and then pulled her down. The hooded figure slid around her and then rammed her head into the ground, standing atop Medusa. She used her tail to impale it from behind. The tip was accelerated and hard enough to penetrate a solid wall, so it put a deep hole into the cloaked creature.


    ¡°Got you!¡± She turned on her back and slammed the shade into the edge of the cliff next to her. Just as she was triumphantly raising her claw, she suddenly felt the shadows below her open up. One hundred small spikes of shadow impaled her body. They were too weak to reach her organs, but it still showered her in pain.


    The tail was pulled out of the shade¡¯s body and then it seemed to vanish. As long as the night was covering it, it seemed to be invincible. Darkness itself fueled it!


    Spears of shadow escaped every crevice around Medusa and were aiming to impale her. The cloaked creature was getting serious.


    Without a second thought the Gorgon grew wings and flew high into the air. The ground was the creature¡¯s domain, as every shadow and crack served as a point of attack. To escape that she had to make distance vertically.


    Stab.


    A dagger penetrated her right wing. It had been thrown with the strength of a fully drawn bow. Six more followed.


    Her wings skewered, the Gorgon sailed down rapidly. She grimaced as she was falling straight for the prepared creature¡¯s arcing dagger. It was aimed at her throat.


    ¡°Foolish.¡± She said with a stoic expression. Despite the dozens of holes her wings suddenly flapped once more and pushed her behind the shade. She managed to dodge its slicing attack and then dragged it down by the hood.


    She dragged the shade through the ground for several seconds and then tore the hood off entirely. In the same heartbeat she grabbed its forehead and forced it to stare into her glowing snake eyes. It would be petrified in an instant!


    What she gazed upon shook even her soul.


    Nothingness. No eyes, no face, no skin, no bone¡­ Only a silhouette of darkness. An amorphous gathering of night and curses. It had no eyes to be petrified.


    The clouds broke open ever so slightly and let a single ray of moonlight shine unto the featureless head.


    ¡°KREEEEEE!¡± Without a mouth it suddenly released an abyssal shriek so bone shattering that the Gorgon¡¯s hand started to let go on instinct. Immediately the shade scurried away and sank into the shadows of the cliff.


    It was in pain. Medusa looked up at the small opening in the clouds and realized it. Light was its weakness. If she hadn¡¯t exposed it so openly, Artemis¡¯ pale light would certainly not have been enough, but right now she had made the thing retreat.


    The moonlight faded again and let darkness return.


    Fwish


    The dagger missed the Gorgon¡¯s back, because she had felt it coming. An assassin would use any chance to off their target when they were distracted.


    Her claws clashed with the dagger several times per heartbeat and let sparks fly across the air. The shade had pulled down its seemingly magically fixed hood and returned to being almost indistinguishable from a human.


    The cliff below them cracked and Medusa willfully leaned into it. They burst down the cliff side and fell into the icy ocean waters. This place was even darker than the night itself. The shade had the advantage - or so it would have seemed. The Gorgon was at her strongest inside the water as well.


    She propelled herself around the water currents and then slashed the cloaked creature that could not hide in the ever swirling shadows around it. It spun in place and cut open the water around it so fast that it left a small air pocket, but the water returned right away.


    Neither of them had to breathe, but only one of them could move freely.


    The red of blood mixed with the apathetic waters as the Gorgon¡¯s wounds burst open from receiving a flurry of stabs. She simply pushed through them and dragged the shade alongside her in the depth of the ocean. Then when she had reached the place she sought out, she threw the shadowy figure through the ocean¡¯s surface and straight onto land. With extended wings she followed right behind.


    The shade did not attack her the moment she appeared outside. The reason for that was¡­


    ¡°T-The Gorgon is heeeeere!¡± The surprised and terrified mercenaries turned back towards the unexpected attack from the ocean and let the horns sound.


    Lying between the bustling camp was a cloaked shade, unmoving. It was surrounded by dozens of torches and candles. Light penetrated the dozens of holes inside the cloak that it had sustained through battle.


    ¡°Foul beast! You dare surprise attack us from behi-¡± Medusa smashed the shouting man against a barrel and knocked him out instantly. She simply kept walking towards the shade. With one quick glance she petrified six of the mercenaries before they could even raise their weapons. The rest ran off while screaming cowardly.


    ¡°The light of fire seems to paralyze you as well.¡± Medusa spoke triumphantly.


    The shade moved its arms swiftly and cut down six torches at once, but then was grabbed by the ¡®face¡¯ and rammed into the tent next to it. The thing collapsed and then was torn apart by the Gorgon¡¯s claws.


    ¡°If you were to touch the flame directly, whatever would happen?¡± She asked sweetly, took the torch next to her and rammed it into the hood of the shadow beast!


    ¡°KREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!¡± The shriek of pain was exhilarating.


    To the Gorgon¡¯s surprise the creature did not die from the light exposure. It didn¡¯t catch on fire like a human would either. Its cloak was still wet from the ocean so it didn¡¯t get burned.


    ¡°Resilient.¡± She muttered and then tore off more and more of the cloak with her own hands. The darkness was exposed to the torch light and seemed to become blurry as tears.


    Only a silhouette at the corner of perception itself, it stood before the Gorgon. The pain that it must have felt was not betrayed by its movements, even the screams had stopped. Had it fainted?


    ¡°Urgh!¡± Medusa looked upon her chest and saw a long dagger extending from it.


    Where there was light, there was also shadow.


    The torches had left a long shadow of the serpent like woman and this was the opening the shade needed. Pronounced shadows were stronger than the blanket of night, huh?


    There were two versions of the creature now. The unmoving shape in front of her and the one extending from her shadow.


    ¡°Then so it shall be.¡± She said with iron determination and grabbed the dagger in her chest. Without care for her wounds she moved forward, dragging the shadow behind her. As she pulled the dagger forward, the one holding it was pulled through her chest as well. The shadowy hand was stuck inside her.


    They advanced towards the main body of the shade, the one who could not move. Its fingers twitched slightly. It tried to pull the hand of its projection back, but the wound inside the Gorgon¡¯s back was closing around it. The shadow was trapped inside the hole it made itself.


    ¡°This dagger is unusual. It can penetrate my scales and the wounds made by it heal only slowly.¡± She said as she moved towards the paralyzed shape. ¡°It must have been cursed by a vengeful spirit. So much loathing inside one weapon.¡± She gave the shade an angry smile. ¡°It thirsts for my blood, as if trying to drain it. The curse to seek divinity, is it?¡±


    The shade released its projection.


    The dagger fell out of Medusa¡¯s chest, but she had already grabbed it.


    ¡°I will end your suffering, creature of darkness.¡±


    The blood covered dagger penetrated the shade¡¯s heart. A low glow created an eye-shaped imprint on it and then the shade dissolved, leaving only an ancient tattered piece of a cloak.


    The Gorgon thought it to be quite ironic that she was ending another¡¯s curse with the might of her own.


    Then she toppled forward and stayed on the ground. Her chest wound was so deep that it would take a while to regenerate, especially as it was dealt by that cursed dagger. She could not even move. If the humans decided to return now she would be unable to defend herself.


    She struggled to keep her mind. There was no time. They had¡­ her¡­


    <hr>


    The tent was opened and two serious men pushed a girl inside.


    ¡°Welcome back, Eugenia.¡± Typhos said happily.


    The scholar met the priestess¡¯ milky eyes with delight. The fated meeting was nigh. And the Gorgon was powerless to stop it.

 Chapter 26: Eugenia and the scholar

    It was an average spring morning. The sun had barely risen on the horizon when the young priestess had already made her bed and taken care of the dirty laundry. Then after a meager breakfast (dry bread and water), she scrubbed the floors and dusted off the altar. Like every morning she polished the statue of Athena with extra care to the point where visitors might see their own face reflected in her image.


    With the basic chores taken care of the priestess was left with little to do other than recite her prayers and mend some of the villagers¡¯ clothes. They brought them to her regularly, but in return they provided her the food she needed to survive. Rarely did anyone come to pray or get advice these days. The people believed Athena would listen only to those who made the long journey to Athens.


    Her duties as a priestess were rather understated and frankly she felt suffocated in this spacious temple. The villagers were polite and reverent, but that simply meant she couldn¡¯t talk to them like a normal woman. If she got too bored she sometimes took a long walk around the village and rested by the river, but that was the most she would risk after she had been carried out of the forest by very worried hunters that thought she would get herself hurt.


    There was also that weekly letter for the head priestess in Lamia, but she was struggling to come up with contents for the reports. Dankana had been so peaceful and quiet lately that she wondered whether they had been under Hypnos¡¯ influence. It would have made for a pretty good prank.


    The priestess sighed and listened to the low tweeting of birds outside the window. She wasn¡¯t allowed to keep the nest in the attic. Mother had taught her that they would dirty the entire temple in mere days. At least the scrubbing would have had a purpose then¡­


    What was the point of being a priestess if she didn¡¯t do anything? She had more work as a seamstress at this point. She had started to stitch cute designs into the hems, but it didn¡¯t seem to bother or delight the villagers. They had no eye for such things. As a matter of fact they didn¡¯t care about anything beyond the next harvest and gossiping about the ¡®city folk¡¯. It made them sound like such country bumpkins.


    She was wetting a feather in her mouth to finally give in to the pressure of writing the letter, when she was surprised by a firm knock on the main door. Someone was visiting the temple!


    The priestess hastily put the feather away and rolled up the parchment before rushing to the main hall. She was extremely curious who it could have been. Her ears told her that the person on the other side was light on their feet. It couldn¡¯t have been one of the farmers then, for they were generally heavy and broadly built. Perhaps the miller¡¯s apprentice?


    She brushed her hair back in a futile attempt to tame it and then pushed out her chest before opening the door.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± A young man¡¯s voice greeted her warmly.


    Her eyes opened wide and she felt her heart skip a beat. That voice. She knew it well!


    ¡°It¡¯s been two long years. A pleasure to meet you again, Eugenia.¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°Welcome back, Eugenia.¡± Typhos said with a delighted smile.


    ¡°Typhos.¡± She muttered, her senses still dulled. Her head was pounding as if she had a bad migraine. She clutched the cold clothes against her body and barely stood straight on her bare feet. Yet she had to be strong. She had to confront him. ¡°What¡­ happened?¡±


    ¡°You will have to be more specific.¡± He said with a wry smile and then mustered her shivering body. ¡°But first we need to dress you in something warm and dry. You must be freezing terribly.¡± With that he opened a chest and pulled out a towel as well as a long dress.


    From the rustling she could tell that it was thicker than the average chiton, but the material seemed to be high class. When he held it out to her, she hesitated to take it. She didn¡¯t want to rely on his graces right now. Something in her inherently rejected that idea.


    But she could also not bear the feeling of the sticky old rags against her body much longer. She timidly grabbed the dress and felt the soft material with her fingertips.


    ¡°Oh, do not say anything. I shan¡¯t watch a pure woman of the faith undress. My mentor taught me better than that.¡± He said politely and deliberately turned his back to her. He was finding some entertainment in the pattern of the tent wall.


    Still hesitant she wiped the cold water from her body and then dressed herself. The clothes fit her like a glove. It was honestly unnerving how well he knew her body shape.


    ¡°It is white by the way. That color suits you best, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± He said lightheartedly and then turned back. He must have heard her finish up.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± She replied curtly. Colors meant nothing to her, unless she sewed something for someone else.


    ¡°Well now, sit down. Rest a little.¡± He offered her one of the chairs and then sat down across her. There was a large, flat-topped chest between them serving as a table. He tapped the wood lightly and stayed quiet. Was it her turn to speak now?


    ¡°Typhos, what are you doing? I just don¡¯t understand anything anymore.¡± She said with a lowered head.


    ¡°Mhm, I figured that would be the case. Today has been rather turbulent. Have you eaten anything yet?¡±


    ¡°What? N-No, I don¡¯t think so.¡± She was tripped up again by his topic change.


    ¡°Just as I feared. We cannot let you collapse here due to malnourishment.¡± He tenderly picked up two baskets and set them onto the table. Then he handed her a water skin, which she greedily drank from. Compared to the cave water she had not hesitated at all. ¡°Tell me, which do you prefer, olives or nuts? I remember asking you something similar long ago, but things may have changed.¡± He pointed at the baskets.


    ¡°I never thought about it.¡± She replied sluggishly. What did it matter? She was taught to reply honestly and seriously to questions, so she considered it for a moment. ¡°Nuts, I suppose.¡±


    ¡°Not the olives this time? How curious, considering your goddess¡¯ history.¡± He smirked and then picked up one of each basket. He proceeded to switch them around repeatedly and then held them behind his back. A pointless effort towards a blind woman, but he seemed to have some childlike fun with it. ¡°Left hand or right hand?¡±


    ¡°Left.¡± She said with furrowed brows.


    ¡°Unfortunately for you.¡± He opened his left hand and revealed the small green fruit. ¡°You chose wrong.¡± He spun the olive around and hummed. ¡°Just like this, you have made a few problematic choices recently, would you not say? Is it fate or perhaps a conscious effort to-?¡±


    ¡°I also like olives.¡± Eugenia interrupted him bluntly.


    ¡°Ah. Yes, uhm¡­¡± Typhos lost track of his speech and seemed a bit confused for a moment.


    ¡°Can I eat now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, go ahead.¡± He forced a smile.


    ¡°¡­I can¡¯t stuff myself when everything is going so wrong.¡± She said and pushed the baskets away. Typhos watched her actions with a blank expression. ¡°Where is Lady Medusa?¡±


    With the patience of a saint and hard earned experience, the scholar readjusted his prepared speech and just changed tracks. He folded his hands and rested his chin on them while leaning forward.


    ¡°Last I heard, the Gorgon was roughing up Markos¡¯ men in the temple. I advised him against that location, but he seemed determined, so who am I to deny him a valorous death?¡± He explained neutrally.


    ¡°You lied to me.¡± She suddenly accused him with a saddened expression.


    ¡°How so?¡± He asked calmly.


    ¡°Back in Lamia. When you asked me to come with you on this journey, you said that Lady Medusa was a menace, that she needed to be stopped.¡± She gritted her teeth painfully. ¡°You said that she attacked people at coastal towns and hunted children! You said that she defiled temples and killed priestesses!¡± All those painful words returned to her, but they were utterly incongruent with what she had actually found on this faraway island. The monster he spoke off never existed.


    ¡°It was not a lie.¡± He said and before she could object he continued. ¡°Those were the rumors going around the cities. Fearful folk, simple folk, they always seek a scapegoat.¡± He said derisively.


    ¡°Then you knew?¡± She asked with barely suppressed ire. ¡°You knew that it was all false? Made up?¡±


    ¡°Many stories were nonsensical.¡± Typhos picked up an olive and flicked it into his mouth. ¡°But not all the tales were wrong.¡±


    ¡°Lady Medusa cannot even leave this island! She never attacked anyone, she only protected herself. These expeditions, they are cruel¡­ they are¡­ evil.¡± She clutched her hands against her legs until they turned white.


    ¡°Eugenia, there is one thing that you cannot deny, even if you wish to avert your eyes from it.¡± The scholar said seriously. ¡°The Gorgon is Athena¡¯s enemy.¡±


    The priestess sucked in the air painfully.


    ¡°Not all the tales are true, but one thing that you will find even the Gorgon does not deny is her hatred for the gods.¡± He reminded her of what he had said this morning during the negotiations. ¡°Your choice should be clear, priestess of Athena. You cannot abide by this blasphemy.¡±


    His words cut deeply. Perhaps too deep. Eugenia felt faint. She had to lean on the chest to carry herself.


    ¡°Do you truly refuse to eat anything? If you collapse now, all your struggles will be meaningless.¡± He said with slight worry.


    ¡°Do you have bread?¡± She asked reluctantly.


    ¡°Only the cheap rye stuff for the sailors.¡± He raised a brow, but then handed it to her.


    ¡°Perfect.¡± She whispered and bit into the dry and hard goods. It tasted like a distant part of her past.


    After she finished her quick meal, she felt much better already. The tiredness was catching up with her, for falling unconscious was not the same as sleep. The warmth of the clothes and tent seemed to make her dizzy.


    This was no time for weakness, though.


    ¡°Lady Medusa hates the gods, that much is true.¡± She admitted. ¡°But there is more to her than that! I have felt it while I stayed with her. She is not evil. If we try, we may be able to reconcile her and Lady Athena-¡±


    ¡°I am sorry.¡± The scholar raised his hand. She stopped in confusion. ¡°I have not taken these many weary days across the ocean to engage in childish make-believe games with you.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°How do you propose to convince a goddess if you cannot even convince yourself?¡± He asked sharply.


    Eugenia¡¯s heart sank. The moment he had spoken her deepest fear aloud she felt like she had lost something precious. Her mouth opened in denial, but words would not come. The polite and quiet scholar had broken her long kept determination already.


    ¡°I am aware of your predicament. It is never easy to pick sides.¡± He added more empathetically. ¡°Yet in this world of ours there are times where we have to choose between two evils.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not right. If nobody is at fault, why do I need to choose?!¡± She resisted with a childish tantrum. ¡°You know she is not evil, why do you want her to die so badly? If we just left her alone there would be no reason to choose anything! You said all these things about her being a monster, how we need to eradicate her evil, but you don¡¯t actually believe that, do you?¡±


    ¡°Haha.¡± He chuckled. ¡°Quite right. That was all an act for those brave men and Athena.¡± He admitted.


    ¡°Why then?¡± She almost begged him to explain it to her. To finally reach out a hand to the lost girl inside a dark forest of doubt.


    ¡°If I said it was for revenge, would you believe me?¡± He asked with sharper eyes.


    ¡°Revenge? You are doing all of this for revenge?¡± She could hardly fathom it.


    ¡°Yes. Such a base desire, is it not? Revenge, vengeance, retribution. We scholars think ourselves above such things, but there is nothing further from the truth.¡± He put a hand to his face and chuckled self-derisively.


    In just that moment someone knocked on the tent entrance. Eugenia jerked back in surprise. So invested in the conversation had she been, that she could not hear their steps. Typhos told them to come on in and with some effort the three men walked in backwards. The reason was the rather large statue they were dragging along with them.


    The scholar rose from his seat and then instructed them to put the statue into the center of the tent. Afterwards he sent them away, to leave them alone once again. Eugenia listened to his irregular steps as he circled the statue. She dared not speak up as the atmosphere had changed severely. Somehow Typhos seemed to be a different person.


    ¡°I had them search this entire forsaken island for you.¡± He whispered towards the statue. ¡°I started to doubt you were here at all.¡± He touched the petrified man¡¯s outstretched hand. It was probably once wrapped around a spear, but now there was no trace of it left. ¡°I feel sorry for you, Eugenia. You cannot even see this heroic expression, this unrelenting posture of a true warrior.¡± His words were somewhat numb.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Then the young man knelt down in front of the statue and kissed the warrior¡¯s hand.


    ¡°King Heroides of Bisanthe, may you finally find peace in the afterlife. Your long battle will soon be over. There is no need to watch over us any longer.¡± His back was arched so deeply that he almost seemed to prostrate himself before the statue.


    Eugenia could have sworn that for a single heartbeat she had heard a sob. But Typhos moved about as controlled as ever. Without hesitation he grabbed one of the hammers lying neatly piled up at the edge of the tent.


    ¡°Wait Typhos-!¡± She called out, but it was too late. With a heavy swing the scholar smashed the statue¡¯s head to pieces. Then he hammered it again and again until it was toppled over and flung across the floor.


    Heavy breathing filled the air and the low ¡®thunk¡¯ of a hammer hitting the ground ended the violent act.


    Covered in sweat from the exertion, Typhos sank to his knees and caught his breath. The action had not been too wild, but even so little effort seemed to exhaust the frail scholar greatly. When he regained his senses he felt the priestess¡¯ hands on his back. He could not face her right now.


    ¡°Why did you do that?¡± She asked quietly.


    ¡°To free a noble soul.¡± He replied.


    After a few minutes they returned to their seats, but it was not like before. A great weight seemed to be lifted off the young man. At the same time he stopped smiling.


    ¡°Another truth is that all of the Gorgon¡¯s victims cannot move on.¡± He said with a hand on his mouth. ¡°Its victims are not just deprived of life, but even of the path beyond it. If that is not a monster, then let Zeus strike me down as I speak.¡±


    ¡°He meant a lot to you.¡± Eugenia said with sympathy.


    ¡°Indeed.¡± He forced himself to focus. ¡°He was my father.¡±


    Eugenia suppressed a gasp, but she felt tears well up nonetheless. It was hard to swallow. The one who caused this suffering to the young man was¡­


    ¡°I am so sorry.¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be. Nobody should be.¡± He said softly. ¡°It was his choice to slay a monster that he knew nothing about. He was that kind of foolish king.¡± His words were soaked in grief, despite his dismissive attitude.


    ¡°I always thought you were of Athens.¡±


    ¡°It is where I grew up and lived most of my life. Yet it never felt like ¡®home¡¯.¡± Typhos shook his head. ¡°It took me many years to find out my heritage. The truth about this world.¡± His expression turned darker.


    What could she even say? Now that she knew why he hated Medusa, why he wished for revenge? Her heart was torn and her mind aflame.


    ¡°You have a regrettable expression on your face.¡± He suddenly interrupted her inner turmoil. ¡°As I said, do not misunderstand. I do not blame the Gorgon.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Her mouth was left open.


    ¡°A beast that only defends itself is not capable of ¡®guilt¡¯. There may well be men who would slay the wolf that killed their father, but I have no such sentiments.¡± His eyes were dulled and distant.  ¡°Equally, I have no sympathy for this creature either. Therefore its death will not affect me. It is an inevitable step towards my revenge, nothing more.¡±


    ¡°Y-You make no sense! If you do not want to avenge your father¡¯s death, then what revenge are you pursuing so desperately?!¡±


    ¡°Have you ever heard of Bisanthe?¡± He asked dryly.


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°A city far to the east. It rivals Athens, if not in size, then in culture and splendor. At least it did once.¡±


    Thoughts were rushing through Eugenia¡¯s mind. She tried to remember the world map that she had studied under the head priestess so long ago. Great cities east of Athens? There were not that many, especially if one discounted the barbarian lands beyond the borders.


    ¡°Is it close to Rhaidestos?¡±


    ¡°NO!¡± He suddenly shouted and hit the chest with his pale hand. The unexpected reaction made the priestess shrink back in fear. After realizing his outburst he coughed and apologized. ¡°I did not mean to get loud. It is natural for you to think so, even if rather infuriating.¡± He calmed down. ¡°Rhaidestos is Bisanthe.¡±


    Eugenia furrowed her brows and waited for him to continue. She had never heard of Rhaidestos¡¯ previous name.


    ¡°My father, King Heroides, was the ruler of Bisanthe. He was often referred to as the ¡®hero king¡¯ back then. Although nobody would be allowed to say so these days.¡± He crushed a Persian walnut between his fingers and let the dust rain down to cope with his urges. ¡°The king was not the wisest, but the people loved him. He was always the first in line to fight their battles. A pure military man. The advisors on the other hand controlled the lands. Of course they hated father¡¯s expeditions to help the people.¡±


    ¡°Why would they?¡±


    ¡°An active army is expensive. The upkeep for good non-slave soldiers is high and the men could not return to be farmers during their enlistment. Solving some distant troubles at the edge of the kingdom was a waste of resources in their eyes.¡± He didn¡¯t seem to disagree at all actually. ¡°King Heroides had slain many beasts. I was told that he even killed one of Typhon¡¯s spawn with his own hands. His title was truly deserved.¡±


    ¡°And he came to Sarpedon.¡±


    ¡°When he heard those rumors about the Gorgon abducting people and raiding coastal villages, he could not stand idle. He took his best men and traveled to this cursed island to face it with courage, to bring it to justice.¡± He sighed. ¡°He never returned. After one year of his disappearance he was declared dead by the council. And there was no direct heir to the throne.¡±


    ¡°But you-!¡±


    ¡°I was merely an infant.¡± He explained. ¡°The king left before I was even born. I never¡­¡± He stopped his words. He didn¡¯t wish to appear weak, even Eugenia could tell.  ¡°Mother could not rule. There was nobody left. So, following the example of Athens, the council took over. They declared themselves something equal to the Archons, but they were a sad imitation.¡± His smile was tinged in poison. ¡°Those old men were weary of my presence. Once I grew up they would lose that sweet power they had been handed.¡±


    Eugenia started to connect the dots. She was almost afraid to hear the rest.


    ¡°They started to spread anti-royal sentiments among the people. For was it not the foolish King Heroides who abandoned them for some lofty quest? Was it not him who raided the treasury to finance his ludicrous adventure?¡± He snorted.


    ¡°But he did it to help people.¡±


    ¡°What does it matter, if he failed? Results are everything in this world.¡± His words were too heavy to be mere projection. He had experienced this truth firsthand. ¡°They were going to rid Bisanthe of the mad king¡¯s bad influence. To that end they planned to kill me.¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡±


    ¡°Mother found out about it ahead of time. She- she sent me away to Athens with her most loyal slaves and all the treasure that she had left.¡± He bit his lip and then exhaled. ¡°She stayed behind to buy us time.¡±


    ¡°I am sorry.¡± Eugenia repeated, but this time the scholar accepted it with a nod.


    ¡°Her gracious gift got me into the city and registered as an Attican. The slaves were sold off to cover my lodging and care.¡± He stopped, suddenly wondering why he was telling her all this. ¡°You are certainly a good listener. A frightening skill.¡± He muttered.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say, but I can tell that you could not share this with anyone. You must have been suffering a lot by yourself. Tell me what burdens you.¡±


    He looked at her as if she was completely unfair. Then he lowered his head and gave up.


    ¡°A priestess through and through, hm? My story is not interesting compared to those I usually tell. I was just a foolish boy searching for a place in the world.¡± He said with a shrug. ¡°Of course surviving on my own required the support of someone who was quite foolish as well.¡± He chuckled again. ¡°My mentor was a scholar. He taught me everything and free of charge at that. He is completely beyond help, honestly.¡±


    Eugenia smiled weakly. That tone he just had was the first time she truly felt warmth from him this night.


    ¡°You may know his daughter at least. Akacia, grand priestess at the temple of Athena Pallas.¡±


    ¡°Lady Akacia¡¯s father!¡± She really hadn¡¯t expected it.


    ¡°They are not on speaking terms, despite my efforts.¡± He smirked. ¡°And perhaps this should have been were my tale ends. Raised to be a terrible scholar under my master¡¯s wings.¡± Clearly that had not been the case. Was he truly yearning for that? It was hard to tell. ¡°I was not the type to give up on the truth. I needed to know who I truly was, where I came from. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡± She answered vaguely. Her past was one she could not forget even if she wished to sometimes.


    ¡°I found out about it by tracking down one of the slaves. He pointed me at Bisanthe or at least the newly renamed Rhaidestos. I was only a lad, but I needed to know.¡± The fire in his past self had still not died down. ¡°I went there with what little resources I had and demanded to see my mother. To regain my heritage.¡± He told it as if it was a simple task. ¡°I was stopped at the gates. They would not let me inside.¡±


    ¡°They barred the gates to a young boy?¡±


    ¡°They had been warned beforehand. The slave smelled an opportunity for a quick bag of coins.¡± He said emotionlessly. ¡°The council told me that my mother had died of illness and Rhaidestos ill needed another mad king. My father supposedly was the reason the country was poor and isolated from the world. Even though their terrible incompetence is what caused the fall.¡±


    ¡°How horrible.¡±


    ¡°They said that they would not let me back onto the throne unless I made up for his mistake. His mad quest to slay the Gorgon is what brought our family to ruin. The treasury he had taken, I should repay.¡±


    ¡°You alone? B-But that¡¯s-¡±


    ¡°Impossible? They thought the same, clearly. That was their intent. Even if I managed to gather the money, they would fill their pockets and cast me away nonetheless. That is what power does to people.¡± His words were harsh. He put one hand through his combed hair and made it a little wilder. ¡°At first I tried exactly that. To gather money and influence. I threw myself at the wealthy and powerful in an attempt to learn lessons that my mentor couldn¡¯t teach me. And learn them I did.¡± He held up his rings with forced calm. ¡°Riches mean nothing to me. They are a means to an end. But I needed the funds to start my business. There was one aristocrat who fancied me. Lord Kerhones.¡±


    ¡°Fancied?¡± She asked thoughtlessly.


    Typhos rubbed the rings on his hands. ¡°He was a clever man. Had a weakness for young boys though. Easy to exploit.¡± He explained completely detached. ¡°He always told me to keep my hands soft. A moneylender should not have hands like a farmer. Keep them soft¡­ He would be disappointed in how they feel now.¡± He instinctively clutched the rings harder.


    Eugenia could hear the soft vibrations of the metal against his skin. She had always wondered why a humble man like Typhos was wearing so much jewelry. It must have been to impress people she had thought¡­ But now¡­


    It seemed to shake him a little before he returned to the present.


    ¡°I got my money and learned how to use it. Eventually I gathered the sum that was asked of me.¡± He said darkly. ¡°Of course it was all for nothing.¡±


    ¡°They didn¡¯t accept it?¡±


    ¡°It was impossible to say how great the treasury really was. They could make up any number they wanted. I was simply feeding their greed.¡± He spat out.


    ¡°Your revenge¡­¡±


    ¡°You guessed it already. The council will rue the day they made light of King Heroides¡¯ son.¡±


    ¡°And Lady Medusa?¡±


    ¡°If I bring them the head of the monster he failed to slay, no excuse will be good enough. The people will side with me.¡± He said matter of factly. ¡°Though I have something much more satisfying planned for those old men.¡± The hatred he had suppressed for so long seemed to penetrate his outer shell.


    ¡°I understand why you are doing this.¡± Eugenia rose from her chair and grabbed the surprised scholar¡¯s hands. ¡°But there has to be a better way.¡± She insisted.


    ¡°Oh.¡± He looked at her hands, covered in small scars and blisters from her daily work. They were not very alike to his. ¡°Yes, that was the matter we were discussing.¡± He seemed to have trouble returning to the present. Then he suddenly returned to his calm demeanor and smiled vaguely.  ¡°I am afraid that these are two different matters.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°My reasons are mine alone and I did not tell them to you to garner sympathy.¡± He rose as well and held Eugenia¡¯s hands even more tightly in return.  ¡°The Gorgon must die and you will have to accept it.¡±


    ¡°Typhos, what are you saying?¡±


    ¡°You probably asked yourself this question many times: Why does Athena despise the Gorgon so?¡±


    Eugenia¡¯s heart stopped.


    ¡°I can tell you the truth. The question is whether you will stop running?¡± His smile was unrelenting, as was his grip.


    ¡°Please tell me.¡± She could not resist.


    ¡°It is because the Gorgon is a blasphemer.¡± He revealed.


    ¡°You already said-¡±


    ¡°She defiled this temple. Sarpedon was originally a temple of Athena worship.¡± Typhos shot without warning. ¡°In her undying arrogance she defied punishment and shamed the gods with her words. Therefore she was cursed to be the monster you now know.¡±


    ¡°Lady Medusa¡­ did what?¡± The words barely registered in her head.


    ¡°The place of her crime has become her eternal prison. Even the gods will not glance at this dark isle. The only ones who come here are humans. The first were the angry men who worshipped Athena and saw the priestesses banished from the temple or slaughtered before they could flee. They were the monster¡¯s first victims. From there on she became an enemy of humanity as well. Every expedition for revenge created a longer chain of victims and injustice.¡±


    ¡°No! No no no¡­¡± She wished to back away, but he would not let go. He would not allow her to run.


    ¡°As long as the Gorgon lives this cycle of death and curses will not end. How many souls has she trapped on this island? How many more will she take until she is sated? There is no reconciliation with the gods either. She has chosen the path of war and the Olympians never forgive.¡±


    ¡°That is not who she is!!¡± Eugenia shouted.


    ¡°You think her capable of compassion?¡± Typhos words were like poison that seeped into the priestess mind. ¡°Perhaps because she protected you? Kept you alive when she seemingly didn¡¯t need to?¡±


    Eugenia realized that this was the turning point. Something that must not be said was about to be spoken.


    ¡°You feel needed. You feel protected. You feel like you mean something to that thing.¡± He was now whispering close to her ear. ¡°But the truth is that she is only protecting herself.¡±


    ¡°You lie!¡±


    ¡°I never lie to humans. The only ones I would lie to are the gods and monsters. That is how I got this knowledge. There was an owl, was there not?¡±


    ¡°Athenai?¡±


    ¡°That owl was a messenger of Athena which came to observe you.¡±


    ¡°P-Preposterous. She was just a normal owl¡­¡±


    ¡°Athena has never given you up. Her pride would not allow that. You are a precious chosen one Eugenia! What do you think she would do to the Gorgon if it killed you?¡±


    Eugenia lost strength in her legs. Typhos let her sink to the ground and squatted next to her. His surprisingly strong hands still didn¡¯t let go.


    ¡°Do you finally understand? If you came to harm, the Gorgon will be eradicated in vengeance. The gods banished her, ignored her existence, but you forced them to return their eyes to this blemish on the world. I tested her resolve today and now I am certain. Your life is tied directly to her head. Should you fall, so will she. There is nothing but selfishness in that heart of stone.¡±


    He let go. Eugenia fell. She could no longer run.


    ¡°She does not care for you. She only harms anyone she encounters. Rejecting the gods, humans and the very world that birthed her. And you would defend that? You would find worth in that thing?¡±


    Why did his words make sense? They shouldn¡¯t have. She knew better, right? Only she knew the true Medusa.


    You could not handle the truth.


    Medusa¡¯s words were still inside her mind, like an evening breeze.


    She had been right.


    ¡°I am a selfish man, but I am not hiding it. I told you my reasons, bared my true self to you. Because I value you. You are not like most people who lie to others. You only lie to yourself to protect others. This is our side, Eugenia. Humanity¡¯s side. If you want to save people and be a chosen one worthy of your goddess, you know where you should stand. A place where you do not need to live a lie anymore.¡±


    With those final words he turned away and let his cape sway in the air. Then he was gone. The tent was left all to the struggling priestess.


    <hr>


    At the western camp a mercenary awoke from his unconscious slumber. His head hurt like he had been kicked by an ox. The truth was far scarier. He pulled himself out of the remains of the barrel he had been thrown against.


    As he raised his torso he almost lost control on his bladder from shock. In front of him were several statues. They were people he knew. Comrades he had just fought and laughed with mere hours ago.


    ¡°Xeros¡­ Themrai¡­¡± He spoke their names and pulled himself up with tears in his eyes.


    The camp was devastated. Most of the torches were extinguished and the tents torn to shreds. The Gorgon had been unstoppable.


    Not quite.


    He looked down with a pale face. There she lay. A woman more snake than human. Deep red wounds covered her body and she seemed unmoving. The battle had finally overwhelmed her! No, she was still breathing. How? With such a large hole in her back?


    Wait, this was his chance. He was the only one left standing- no, alive.


    His face contorted in anger. He grabbed the knife from one of his petrified comrades and raised it high above. He would end this once and for all!


    The knife went down. Blood splattered across the Gorgon¡¯s body.


    ¡°AIIIIEEEHH!¡± The mercenary cried out. The dozens of snakes that formed some semblance of hair on the monster¡¯s body had all snapped at him at once. Their teeth sank deep into his hand and made him drop his weapon.


    ¡°Are you done yet?¡± The bloodcurdling voice of the monster reached his ears. It was still conscious!


    ¡°Uwaaaah!¡± The mercenary ran off with wetted legs and fled into the direction of the main camp.


    Medusa slightly moved her unfeeling hands. She had almost slipped away there. The threat for her life had actually helped her to stay conscious. The snakes spat out pieces of the man¡¯s hand next to her, which was not as nice.


    ¡°Curse them.¡± She forced her arms to move. She forced up her torso. She forced her wounds to heal faster.


    The sun would rise soon. She needed to find that scholar.


    Medusa frowned slightly, but then rose to her feet.


    That was wrong, wasn¡¯t it? The one she truly wanted to see was not her hated enemy.


    It was¡­


    The Gorgon rose from the earth. Eugenia curled up on the ground. As the sun rose, the fate of these two would finally be decided.

 Chapter 27: The Gorgon and the priestess

    The night was vanquished and made way to a sparkling sea. The three warships and lines of warriors on the beach were hard to make out against this piercing light. Even to superior eyes such as hers they appeared as naught more than silhouettes in contrast. She could make out their raised shields which protected their vision from her gaze. Furthermore she could focus her entire attention on the one man who stood in the furthest row, looking up at the sky dauntlessly.


    Thunk.


    A black dagger was stabbed into the sand in front of the mercenaries¡¯ feet. Medusa crossed her arms and followed the scholar¡¯s eyes as they mustered the dagger.


    ¡°When did they take it from me?¡± Typhos wondered and patted the insides of his clothes. Apparently he had not permitted the use of the ceremonial dagger. He could certainly deduce what had happened.


    ¡°You seem to lack control over your pets.¡± The Gorgon made a snide remark to greet him.


    ¡°Hmhm. We had a deal that was equally beneficial, that is all. And fortunately the contract has been fulfilled, so they have been relieved of their services.¡± He averted his face from the dagger and then stepped aside. Becoming visible behind him was¡­ Eugenia. ¡°The Shade fulfilled its mission to obtain the hostage.¡±


    ¡°You cowardly mutt. Free her this instant.¡± Medusa demanded with a low voice.


    ¡°Free her? Do you see any chains?¡± He asked facetiously. With a theatrical gesture he moved his hand around the priestess and raised her hands. She was indeed unbound.


    Medusa watched him with contempt.


    ¡°A wise man once said to crush your enemies before you use your fists, use your words. Before you use your words, use gifts. There are many ways to victory. This does not have to end in great violence.¡± He explained amusedly.


    ¡°Nothing you have left could stop me from crushing your forces and taking her back forcefully. Is it not time to use your brittle fists?¡± Medusa asked while tightening her arms.


    ¡°We have already saved the one we came to save.¡± Typhos said with the hint of a smirk. ¡°This pure woman, servant of the greatest and wisest goddess, has questions for you. All I ask is that you answer them honestly. And if you would, turn away that baleful gaze of yours. We do not want to spark any unnecessary conflict right now.¡± He subtly moved his fingers and two archers behind them aimed their arrows at Eugenia¡¯s back without her noticing. ¡°Do you take issue with my terms?¡±


    Medusa frowned and felt her veins pounding in repulsion. Yet she had very little choice. With a dignified expression she closed her eyes.


    ¡°My, now that I can take a good look at you once again, I must say this appearance suits you far better. This is more appropriate for the legendary Gorgon.¡± The scholar inspected her body unperturbed. ¡°More animal than human, scales all across. Finally your human disguise crumbles. You could not fool even the dullest of simpletons anymore.¡±


    His words were as slithery as a snake¡¯s body and wrapped around her the same way. Indeed, her body had transformed throughout the battles. Her fair skin was now covered in scales and her fangs had grown out of her mouth. If opened one would have seen her slit like eyes as well. Her fingers had been entirely turned into claws. What was once half woman, half snake, now appeared more to be a true monster.


    Medusa felt no shame for her appearance, but it was a sign of how much damage she had sustained from these constant attacks. No expedition before had cornered her so. The scholar seemed keenly aware of that fact.


    ¡°Forgive my intellectual curiosity. My role in this is done for now. Go ahead Eugenia; press her for the answers you seek.¡± The scholar folded his hands behind his back and stepped behind the priestess with a set smile.


    The two women now stood in front each other, only divided by a layer of shields and sand. Neither could see the other, yet they were deeply aware of their presence. The heavy silence between carried on, making it harder to bear each loud heartbeat. The girl had looked downcast before the Gorgon closed her eyes. She herself must also have worn an unflattering expression.


    After this long night of longing to see her again, she suddenly felt relief at having an excuse to close her eyes. This was unlike her. Nothing had been normal for a long time. Not even a year ago she would have never found herself speechless or unable to focus. This stinging in her breast was cumbersome already.


    Why was she afraid?


    ¡°Lady Medusa.¡± She strained herself to begin. ¡°Are you alright?¡± The timid question felt utterly out of place. One had to remember that she had not known of Medusa¡¯s situation since they were separated, though. The scholar¡¯s words could only have fueled her worry. But before the Gorgon could reluctantly reply, the girl seemed to scold herself. ¡°You will probably just say that you are fine, because you aren¡¯t weak like me.¡±


    She was not far off. Medusa had already thought to reply in a similar fashion. Even if she was predictable in that sense, the girl was sounding far too remorseful.


    ¡°You always act like that. You won¡¯t let anyone or anything come close to you. There is rarely anything but rejection.¡± She really sounded somewhat bitter.


    ¡°That is the natural order of things.¡± Medusa replied. Yes, that was exactly right. From the very beginning there was a natural distance between her and the rest of the world that had to be upheld.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand that!¡± The girl declared loudly. ¡°I just don¡¯t understand why you are like this! All I wanted was to understand you.¡± Her mouth was shaking as she held back her tears. ¡°You knew that the people you petrify are trapped forever, is that true?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± She answered honestly, just as she had promised. She had already expected these accusing questions.


    ¡°Do you regret your actions at all? Do you not feel any guilt for the suffering you caused?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Are you telling the truth?¡±


    ¡°¡­why must I repeat myself?¡± She said with a forced calm mien.


    ¡°Because I know a different you!¡± She retorted strongly. ¡°There is someone else inside that monstrous shell. A woman that can be kind, wise and sometimes a bit like a sullen child.¡±


    Medusa¡¯s brows twitched.


    ¡°You were pessimistic sometimes, but you also tried to be fair. I think I understand why you are acting so callous towards humans. It¡¯s horrible how you have been treated.¡±


    Medusa¡¯s hands twitched on top of her crossed arms. What was this foolish girl rambling on about? Her words made no sense to the Gorgon. Was she actually pitying her?


    ¡°You were attacked over and over for a crime that was committed so many generations ago. This spiral of hatred just kept growing out of proportion until nobody even knew why they are fighting anymore.¡± The priestess clasped her heart through her fine silken clothes. ¡°But you just accepted it. Why did you never try to change your fate?¡±


    ¡°What do you suggest I should have done? Begged for my life? For the mercy of lowly humans? Do not insult me.¡± She said haughtily.


    ¡°You could have asked the gods for forgiveness. I could help you to reach out to them.¡± Eugenia almost begged.


    Medusa grinded her teeth in frustration. Of all the things this clueless girl could have asked of her, she seriously expected her to listen to this? Just another speech delivered by a puppet of the divine? Whenever things did not go her way, she would simply cling to Athena¡¯s bosom like a scared child to its mother. It drew out all her ire. This burning feeling of disgust. It burned hotter than the contempt she felt for Athena herself.


    The Gorgon¡¯s mind felt numb. What was this feeling? Anger and disgust, but that was not right. It had not been right for quite a while. Her blood feud with Athena had lasted so long that it had simmered down to an eternal cold hatred. Certainly, after the recent events she had started to light those fires again with her pompous actions as the owl, but this felt different.


    Yet she could not realize the truth. No, she did not want to realize it. The more her mind circled around this emotion, the less she could comprehend it. For if she did, the prideful Gorgon would learn something that was not meant for her.


    ¡°I cannot accept that. I bow to none. I am nobody¡¯s puppet. Not even my own!¡± She declared with a deep voice.


    ¡°That is all you see us as, isn¡¯t it? Puppets held up by the strings of those above.¡± Eugenia said sadly. ¡°You are such a hypocrite!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± She was taken aback by the sudden roughness in the frail girl¡¯s voice.


    ¡°You say that you don¡¯t want to be a puppet, you value freedom above happiness, but that¡¯s not true, is it?¡± She grabbed her dress tightly and forced herself to continue. ¡°Why did you protect me this entire time? Why did you spare me on that day when I was left behind?!¡±


    Medusa steeled herself. The words she had feared the most were now upon her. More than the fate of others, more than even the will of the gods, she was afraid to face the truth that concerned the priestess directly.


    What would the Gorgon of days past have replied? It was quite simple. Eugenia was just a tool. Passed from one hand to another. Another piece in the eon long conflict between her and Athena.


    Why would her lips not move? Her words not come out? She only had to say the same words she had spoken back then. It was a task far simpler than any of the challenges she had endured until now. Words were heavier than iron. She opened her mouth, but then closed it again.


    ¡°You cannot say it?¡± The girl asked with a disappointed tone. ¡°Do you revile me so much that you cannot even waste another word on me?¡± This self-derisive tone and her clearly bursting emotions were like pikes to the Gorgon¡¯s skin. ¡°I remember every word we exchanged. Everything you ever said to me. The reason you kept me alive back then was for your revenge.¡±


    Yes. Revenge. That was it. How could she have forgotten such a simple word? The girl was a means to an end. That¡¯s why she had spared her back then. To get revenge on Athena.


    ¡°That¡¯s what you told me. But that was never what you truly felt.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°I had always wondered what it was that compelled you. At first I believed your words mindlessly. A monster would have such twisted thoughts after all. The longer I stayed with you, the less convinced I was. Do you remember? You told me that you would not care what happened to me. All you wanted was to keep me confined on this island. If I got hurt or killed myself, you would not even have blinked.¡± She said with a hysterical chuckle. ¡°But that was a lie! When I was in danger, when I was going to end my worthless existence, you would stop me! You would always be there to save me!¡±


    Medusa twisted her lips. There was nothing she could say to refute her. She could not turn back time to change her actions now. Now she would feel the consequences of those actions.


    ¡°I started to think¡­ maybe you did care for me after all. You know¡­ I am an awkward person and I get lonely easily. I try to be self-sufficient, taught myself how to not be a bother to others, but when I''m by myself I lose the will to care. When I met you, I felt something odd. Maybe we are kindred spirits.¡±


    ¡°I do not fear solitude.¡± Medusa rejected her claim with a harsh tone.


    ¡°Maybe not. After all you are strong. My mind knows that, but my heart feels differently. When you spoke of your sisters, when you told me those stories about the legends of long ago, I sensed a different kind of Gorgon. You seemed more¡­ content. This melancholy you exude now can¡¯t be your natural state. You could never admit it, but you are no better than a human in that way!¡±


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Curb your tongue.¡± She hissed weakly.


    ¡°I won¡¯t back down this time. I have been pushed aside long enough. You will listen to what I have to say and answer my questions, because you owe it to me.¡±


    ¡°I owe you?¡± She could barely believe what she heard.


    ¡°Yes. I thought that you were lonely. That is why I wished to stay with you even when I had the chance to leave with Zosimos.¡± She revealed.


    ¡°You think I would have allowed that?¡± She had to resist. She had to continue this act now that she had started.


    ¡°I am not sure, but I had a feeling that you would have let me go.¡± The girl closed her eyes and shook her head. ¡°Your revenge was pointless. Even you realized that. If I had left then you would have been alone again, but you accepted that possibility. Back then I thought it might have been because of your hidden kindness. I still want to believe that, honestly, even if I should know better.¡±


    It was incredibly taxing for her to be this forward and cynical. Medusa felt a lump in her stomach. This wasn¡¯t right. This wasn¡¯t the foolishly idealistic human she knew. Was this as well her fault?


    ¡°It was not for revenge and not even because you needed me.¡± She concluded. ¡°Typhos told me the truth.¡±


    Medusa felt an icy shower down her back. The scholar had done exactly what she expected. This was why she did not want them to meet, but what had been done could not be reversed.


    ¡°I said you owe me, but it is not for staying with you. That was my own decision. I never expected anything in return and I would have done it even against your will.¡± She said with feigned courage. ¡°You owe me this answer, because you lied to me. The truth is that you only protected me and kept me close, because Lady Athena was watching your actions.¡±


    Here it was. The words she never wanted to hear from this girl. They were tinged in the exact feeling of betrayal she had feared.


    ¡°If I had been hurt or killed, you would have been made responsible. The reason you did not kill me that day was because you recognized me as a priestess. When I told you who I served you changed your entire attitude. I should have noticed it, but I am simply too na?ve. This entire time you only cared¡­ pretended to care, because your head was on the line.¡± Her voice cracked and she lowered her head to hide her angry tears behind her left hand.


    ¡°That is¡­¡± Medusa muttered.


    ¡°Tell me I am wrong!¡±


    ¡°¡­I was¡­¡±


    ¡°Lie to my face again! I am just a puppet after all! Just tell me that you do not mind what happens to me. Tell me that I am meaningless. I truly want to believe it!¡± Her tears would not stop flowing now. She sniffed as she had stepped forward and was pushing through the stoic mercenaries who could not follow their conversation at all.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Medusa slightly opened her eyes to see what was going on, but to her surprise the scholar and his men did not move to stop the priestess. The young man seemed fascinated, but not worried. Eugenia was right in front of the Gorgon, tears streaming down her face and soaking her clothes.


    ¡°Do you not have the courage to lie again? Do you not have the will to speak the truth?¡± The shaking girl asked between sniffles.


    Medusa felt her breathing turn restless. It was impossible. Simply impossible. She could not utter a word. The accusations were piercing her, but the resistance inside her, the stone like core, was pulling her beating heart down.


    ¡°I was okay with being worthless. I was always okay with being just another human you despise. You could have used me or killed me, I would have accepted it.¡± Eugenia whispered so that only the Gorgon could hear. ¡°Just tell me that I am not special.¡±


    Medusa felt an inexplicable force tear at her soul. What had just happened? Now she finally understood what this girl truly wanted? How laughable. The Gorgon, clever and perceptive, strong and ruthless, was just another fool among many. This entire time she had thought that the girl in front of her hated the way she was treated. That it was her cowardice and solitude that kept her tied to her. Fate was a rope so tight that it would suffocate them. She had truly thought that the priestess was a pawn of Athena to this last step.


    And that she was. A pawn led by a hand she could not see. A will she could not resist. Everyone knew so on first glance. That was the same thing she had felt after all. And that was what truly broke the girl¡¯s heart.


    She hated being special.


    ¡°I thought¡­¡± The girl swallowed her tears. ¡°¡­that at least a monster would not treat me like I was¡­¡±


    The pain of being chosen, to be the herald of a higher order, was something not many could understand. Doubtlessly, no matter who met Eugenia, would see the priestess first. Then the chosen one next. The closer they became the more she would appear to be the one that had to be treated differently. Some would reject her out of spite; some might fear her for her influence. Yet others would try to exploit her.


    Who was Eugenia?


    Who was she to Medusa?


    ¡°You should have known this all along.¡± The Gorgon spoke with a voice she did not recognize. Her mouth formed words without regards to her mind. ¡°You are my enemy, priestess of Athena. I kept you alive to survive long enough to get my revenge. That is all there is to it. I cannot accept you or the one standing behind you.¡± The silhouette of the goddess of war was burned into the air behind the small priestess. The Gorgon¡¯s eyes became cold. The stone crept up to her mind and covered it whole. ¡°It is because I am a monster that I cannot give you what you want.¡±


    The priestess stayed quiet. The tears she had shed had left red traces on her pale skin. Her hair fluttered in the ocean breeze as she nodded. With a broken heart she turned around and stepped towards the rows of ready men.


    Even though she knew she was a pawn and would just end up being used again, being put on a pedestal again or killed for the sake of someone¡¯s ambition because of her specialness. Even so she returned to that cage.


    Medusa knew that this was the natural order of things. It was them against her. The girl was returning to her rightful place in this world. Everything that happened next was not Medusa¡¯s concern anymore. She would live her life freely as she pleased and get her revenge. These men were to be slaughtered for daring to oppose her and then she would do what had to be done.


    What - had - to - be - done?


    A dizzy spell made her almost lose her balance. The moment she thought of her aspirations and dreams, she had fallen into an empty void. Deep down she had always known this place. What she wished for did not exist here. Maybe it had never existed.


    Hypocrite.


    That was what she had been called by someone who was far weaker than her. Someone who would accept their lot in life and cower. The disappointment of that young face, the tears spilled not for herself, but the one who rejected her, filled the void and dispersed it.


    Medusa could not understand this emotion yet. The meaning of those words she could not say. Although her body was fighting an endless battle, even if her mind was always drawing the lines in the sand, there was something beyond that told her this was wrong.


    If she was truly strong, then why did she do what was natural? Was strength not a means to shape one¡¯s own fate? She had thought that was what she had been doing all along with her petty resistance, but it seemed that there had been an inherent misunderstanding. What was it? What was beyond this fate that had been carved into her soul?


    She wanted to know!


    The only lead to that mysterious place was walking away from her right now. How could she allow this one chance to slip away? Why had she tried to push the key out of the hole? This instinct, her pride, was it even her own? This desire to be a monster that opposed everything and everyone was growing ceaselessly the more she tried to gain clarity.


    The Gorgon stretched its claws after the shrinking back of a mere human girl.


    ¡®That is not true!¡¯


    The words rang inside her mind. They started to drown out the base instinct and pushed it into the deepest corner of her mind.


    ¡®It isn¡¯t true! The girl is not just a mere human. She is much more than that.¡¯


    Her claws shrank back until they returned to the thin fingers of a human woman. They still stretched forward.


    ¡®She is not just a human, she is special.¡¯


    Her tail turned into legs which moved forward.


    ¡®She is special, but not because she is chosen. It¡¯s because she is¡­¡¯


    ¡°EUGENIA!¡±


    Her voice boomed across the entire island, frightening the hares inside their holes, vibrating through the destroyed camps at each corner and finally returned to the center of the call. When it reached its target the sand seemed to shake from the sudden kick. The bare feet were firmly planted into the ground.


    Eugenia had stopped in her tracks, petrified as if affected by the cursed eyes behind her. Unable to believe it, yet compelled to find out, the priestess turned back ever so slowly. She could not believe her ears. Surely none of the surprised men around her could comprehend what had just happened. Not even Typhos seemed to grasp the severity of the situation.


    The girl faced Medusa with a serious expression.


    ¡°You said my name.¡± She realized in disbelief.


    This was it! Medusa felt unexpected joy when she saw the hope inside that innocent face. She had spoken without thinking, but now she could feel that the wall had been broken in. One word was all she needed to overcome it. The force of the stream that had been blocked by the dam was threatening to wash her away, but she welcomed the waves!


    ¡°It is true that I have used you. I always saw you as an extension of Athena and my hatred was channeled through my actions. But there is more. I do not understand myself yet. There are things that only you can teach me about myself, I have realized that now.¡± She spoke loudly and became more desperate with each word. Could she convey this without garnering even more dismay? ¡°You may never forgive me for my actions and I would not fault you for it. I am selfish to the core, just as that scholar said.¡±


    Typhos squinted his eyes, as he was mentioned, to avoid looking at the Gorgon¡¯s gaze. His face did not betray his thoughts at all. It was unnecessary to pay attention to him, as she had only eyes for one person right now.


    ¡°I may always be selfish. It is my nature.¡± She lowered her outstretched arms and slowed down. Her heart was pounding wildly now. This was more straining than any battle she had fought. Because she was fighting herself. ¡°Whenever I look at you I am reminded of my shortcomings. It aggravated me at first, it even made me rebel against this feeling all the more.¡± She clawed into her own chest were the still freshly healed wound from the night¡¯s battle threatened to open up. ¡°Why was I so blind? The truth is that I¡­ like that about you.¡±


    Eugenia could not respond, she only listened intently.


    ¡°I know that you do not want to be called special. When I said that I cannot give you what you want, I meant it. This is the truth I will never hide.¡± She didn¡¯t want to see that sadness again. If Eugenia¡¯s broken heart could not be mended then what was her strength worth? Push onward. ¡°You are special to me.¡±


    ¡°Medusa.¡± Her slightly tilted head, the way her hair swayed behind her to underline her melancholy, it was hard to tear one¡¯s eyes away.


    ¡°You know that already, do you not? Eugenia is special to Medusa. Not because she is a servant of her sworn enemy, not because she can use her in some scheme.¡± Her words had turned to third person in an awkward attempt to suppress her embarrassment. She seriously had to stop that. ¡°You are special to me, because you are here with me! I like your company, I enjoy your foolish games and I even smile when you burn your fish and feel relaxed when you embrace my tail when you get drunk.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Eugenia seemed quite embarrassed herself now.


    ¡°You belong with your kind, that should be obvious. If you stay here it will only get worse for you. It would be unspeakably evil to confine you here again.¡± Medusa stretched her hand out yet again, this time with only a small gap between them. ¡°Despite knowing all that, I ask of you: Will you fall to a monster¡¯s whims one more time?¡±


    The priestess'' mouth formed an uncertain smile.


    ¡°May I sleep in your lair?¡±


    ¡°What? Er, I suppose.¡±


    ¡°Can I touch your tail?¡±


    ¡°Why would you?¡±


    ¡°Will you help me rebuild the Greenhouse?¡±


    ¡°Is that really relevant right now?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t really matter.¡± She suddenly said flippantly. ¡°I only have one condition.¡±


    Medusa swallowed. Somehow the tables seemed to have turned without her realizing. Despite that ominous feeling, she had to make concessions.


    ¡°Very well. Speak your mind.¡± She acted tough.


    ¡°Call me by my name from now on.¡±


    It was a simple request indeed. Of course nothing is as obvious as it appears at first. Medusa knew this, but she was in no position to refuse.


    ¡°As you wish.¡± She said with a disgruntled expression.


    ¡°As you wish, Eugenia.¡±


    ¡°Do not push your luck.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. You really are a monster.¡± She pretended to pout, but then grabbed the Gorgon¡¯s hand tightly. It was surprisingly warm.


    Clap clap clap.


    Their special moment was suddenly accompanied by standing ovations from a single pair of hands. The women as well as the mercenaries all turned towards the one odd fellow who seemed completely out of his mind.


    ¡°Fascinating! What an impeccable act.¡± Typhos clapped a few more times with the widest smile. ¡°Even the most renowned theatre troupe in Athens would have swallowed this piece. I did not know that you were so talented in the finer arts, Gorgon.¡± Of course he did not return her disgusted glare, but rather looked at Eugenia. ¡°Alas, it is easy to sway a heart that wants to be convinced. You would willfully be deceived, Eugenia?¡±


    ¡°I know that you will never trust her.¡± She replied thoughtfully. ¡°You have your own reasons to fight her, I respect that too.¡±


    His smile cracked a little in response to her words.


    ¡°I will be deceived and used no matter who I choose to trust.¡± She said determinedly. ¡°Then all that matters is who I want to be deceived by. I will go to the one who needs me the most. I choose Medusa!¡±


    ¡°Oh dear. Athena should be thankful that we cut out her eyes, this would just not have pleased her at all.¡± He shrugged almost casually and returned to his mask like smile. ¡°Of course she will never find out about your poor choices.¡± He flicked his fingers and the archers released the arrows that they had patiently kept drawn.


    In an instant the arrows were deflected by claws. At the same time Eugenia was pulled behind the large back of the Gorgon.


    ¡°You lost your hostage, human. Your schemes are at an end.¡± Medusa was deadly serious this time. Even with Eugenia behind her, she would be able to deal with this army relatively well. She was suspicious of any other tactics that could be thrown at her, but she would not falter.


    ¡°A war does not end until the final arrow has hit the battlefield.¡± Typhos said with a cold voice. Despite his eccentric act, he was clearly not in a good mood anymore. ¡°Men, you have seen and heard everything.¡± He addressed the lined up mercenaries and sailors. ¡°The priestess has been corrupted by evil and the monster has declared your certain doom. We were all played for fools, underestimated and thrown aside.¡±


    The ranks began to rumble with growls and angered voices.


    ¡°But we are not defeated just yet! As long as a single man draws breath, the Gorgon cannot rest easy. It is weakened from battle and all alone. We have the blessing of Athena! We are justice! Will you let the souls of your fallen comrades rot in this forsaken place or will you cut their captor to pieces with your swords? Markos put his life on the line for this task. Will you be able to face him in the Underworld if you do not at least fight as bravely as he did?!¡±


    ¡°¡°NO!¡±¡±


    ¡°Then fight this evil with all your might! Show the monster and the fallen priestess the will of humanity, carried by the gods!¡±


    ¡°¡°HURRAH!¡±¡±


    ¡°Today you all will be heroes!!¡± Typhos shouted at the top of his lungs and the men roared in response. They were riled up like never before and stormed towards the Gorgon, sword and spears raised, arrows flying over their heads.


    Finally reunited, the Gorgon and the priestess stood back to back. The inevitable final battle had arrived and the souls of all involved were on the line.

 Chapter 28: Typhos and Medusa

    The noise of spears hitting against scales and claws against wood impregnated the air with an atmosphere of frenzy. Arrows sailed through the feverish swings and found their targets everywhere on the monster¡¯s body. The sand was swirled into the air by sandals stomping through it. In the center of that death and destruction was the Gorgon, clawing her way through enemies left and right. Some were grazed by her gaze and petrified, but they mostly kept attacking her lower half to avoid looking up. They were instructed well.


    Nonetheless the brave warriors stood little chance. A monster of this caliber could break through any of their weapons and took very little damage in return. They were thrown through the air or crushed on the spot, but none could do what they set out to.


    Not a single one could slay the Gorgon.


    ¡°Aim for her eyes.¡± Typhos ordered the archers behind him. They were sweating beastly from the constant effort of drawing their bows. The efforts of these men were the only reason that they could slow the Gorgon down at all. She had to regularly deflect projectiles and while she did that she could not swing for the spearmen and sword wielders.


    Of course aiming for eyes that one could not look at was less than ideal. They barely managed to aim in the area of her head. To make matters worse, the snake hair kept biting at the arrows and thus stopped those few who got close to her face. This battle was incredibly unfavorable.


    ¡°Milord, this is madness. The monster¡¯s too much for ¡®em! If you keep attacking we¡¯ll all be decimated!¡± Captain Pelagios called out to the scholar with concern. He was the only one who dared to approach Typhos right now. ¡°It¡¯s suicide, sir!¡±


    Typhos looked at the ground where he inspected the black dagger that was used to end the Shade of Athens. He squatted down and pulled it out of the sand. He didn¡¯t seem to have heard Pelagios at first, but then he rose again and gave the seaman an encouraging smile.


    ¡°I hear the wisdom in your words. Prepare the ships for retreat.¡± The scholar ordered without breaking his smile.


    ¡°W-What about the mercenaries?¡± Pelagios watched the massacre close by with a bad premonition.


    ¡°We have not finished our business yet.¡± The scholar said seriously and dropped his carefree voice for a moment. Then he turned towards the battlefield without hesitation.


    ¡°Milord-- Typhos!¡± He shouted his name to gain his attention. ¡°What of you?!¡±


    ¡°I will be right behind you. Get your crew to set off first, and then ready the ship for us.¡± He said, hand raised without looking back.


    In this moment Pelagios knew that he was not allowed to say any more in return. How many times had he heard such words before? Even he once lived as a pirate in the Aegean Sea. Back then many a brave man was left behind to assure the fleet¡¯s survival. This cold feeling in his gut was never wrong. Heroes were the most foolish kind¡­


    ¡°Poseidon¡¯s beard. This damned expedition.¡± Pelagios cursed and then spun around and shouted orders towards his crew. They hastily prepared the triremes to leave the island.


    Meanwhile Typhos walked through the battlefield. His step was measured and nearly serene. He managed to avoid flying bodies and sword swings without giving them any attention. An arrow cut through his hair and severed a strand, but he did not show any sign of fear. The Gorgon¡¯s claw passed his face as she swung to behead several men who hastily jumped out of the away. In her blood frenzy she didn¡¯t even recognize him.


    ¡°Surround her. She only has cursed eyes at the front.¡± Typhos said to the leader of the squad, who nodded emphatically and barked orders at his men.


    The spearmen surrounded the Gorgon and kept poking at her vitals from several directions. Her long snake tail crushed the spears behind her and she broke the arms of those in front. Ex-soldiers with finely crafted short-swords were slipping past her attacks and attempting to stab her gut, but she headbutted the first in line and then grabbed his sword to impale the next two.


    As their blood splattered through the sand and barely missed the scholar¡¯s sandals, he merely kept looking ahead. He had passed the Gorgon now and saw a crazed mercenary raise his sword to cut down a cowering girl below him. She was holding her hands above her head and in them she held a broken spear. It was clear that a priestess would receive no combat training, but she had managed to block a few swings of a man in complete blood rush.


    Any moment now he would swing down and cut the spear hilt apart, ending the priestess¡¯ life alongside it. That is, until he gasped in shock. There was a dagger deep inside his lungs, making it hard for him to breathe. He looked back at the scholar who had stabbed him and then fell awkwardly to the side, sword still raised. He could not scream thanks to the blood in his throat.


    ¡°I did not give any orders to attack the priestess.¡± He scolded the twitching corpse and then moved forward. ¡°Insubordination is a crime, you know?¡± He muttered while grabbing Eugenia by her long hair.


    ¡°T-Typhos, stop this!¡± She appealed to him with a vulnerable voice, but he did not let go. Instead he put an arm around her throat and dragged her backwards, away from the battle.


    ¡°I must say, Eugenia, I am somewhat disappointed in you. Was it honestly too much to ask for you to play your role the way it was prepared for you? I am an advocate for free thinking, but thoughts this mad will lead to certain doom.¡±


    ¡°Y-You don¡¯t decide what is best for me!¡± She retorted and tried to loosen his arm with both her hands, but to no avail. Despite his frail build, Typhos was surprisingly strong.


    ¡°I underestimated your need for acknowledgement. I thought simply appealing to your duty and wish to be useful would be enough. The Gorgon was one step ahead this time.¡± He kept talking to himself with an emotionless expression and then pulled out the dagger from the dead soldier¡¯s back. ¡°To think I would dirty this precious dagger with the blood of peasants. It was the only item I kept from the Bisanthian treasury.¡±


    Eugenia was anxious when hearing him ramble on by himself. This was a Typhos she had never known. He seemed to be close to the edge now.


    ¡°Please, stop this madness.¡± She said with forced bravado. ¡°If you don¡¯t stop this now, none of you will survive!¡±


    ¡°We were prepared for that as well.¡± The scholar said mysteriously, but then put the dagger to Eugenia¡¯s throat. ¡°Now call for your mistress, would you?¡±


    She shrieked loudly when the blade softly pricked her flesh.


    The Gorgon had heard the scream of her prot¨¦g¨¦ and was turning their way. She was currently standing on top of a hill of dead and petrified men. Without looking she threw a spear after the last remaining archer and impaled him so strongly that he was sent flying into the ocean. It seemed that Typhos had just barely made it in time for his entire attack force to be crushed.


    Medusa looked upon them in a mix of anger and terror. In her bloodlust she had overlooked the most important opponent of all. She growled and advanced towards the much smaller scholar.


    ¡°Free her, you mad dog.¡± She demanded with her claws extended towards him.


    ¡°Ah ah ah, we would not want to antagonize the man with the knife.¡± He said with a set smile and brought the blade closer to Eugenia¡¯s throat. His eyes were focused on her claws, which stopped mid-swing. ¡°You already know how this goes, so please go ahead and close your cursed eyes. Thank you.¡± He chuckled as Medusa followed his commands begrudgingly.


    ¡°Let goooo!¡± Suddenly Eugenia bit into his arm so strongly that she drew blood. The red liquid ran down his arm and body and even into her mouth. She kept putting strength into her jaw.


    Typhos did not even flinch.


    ¡°The only one who acts like a rabid dog seems to be your pet.¡± He addressed Medusa again and tightened his arm around Eugenia¡¯s head until she could no longer bite down. ¡°Did they not teach you manners at temple school?¡± His mocking question almost made Eugenia shrink away in shame.


    ¡°You know that you will not get out of this alive.¡± Medusa said in her most threatening tone. ¡°The moment you hurt her I will crush your head.¡±


    ¡°Hm, yes, you are far faster than me. That is why I need to keep a good look at your movements.¡± He said still completely focused on the Gorgon. ¡°So would you please not attempt some foolish action like drawing closer?¡±


    Medusa stopped her almost imperceptible movements with a frown. The scholar¡¯s eyes were far sharper than she could have anticipated. But if he was looking at her so intently¡­


    ¡°I only need to open my eyes and end it all.¡± She said with certainty.


    ¡°Oh? Why have you not done so then?¡± He smiled sardonically. ¡°There is no need for you to say it. I already know quite well. I had the debatable pleasure of witnessing your cursed eyes in action after all. Over and over again.¡± He nodded towards the mountain of petrified bodies. ¡°I have realized something quite interesting. The moment a man is struck by your eyes he petrifies, but it does not happen instantly. There is a short duration in which some body parts can still move. Merely a second or two.¡± He focused his eyes. ¡°Enough to slice a throat for instance.¡±


    He had her by the tail. From this distance she had no option to stop him from taking Eugenia¡¯s life. And he would not allow her to come up with a new counter-measure either. This stalemate was incredibly fragile. If only she could gain some time.


    ¡°You would kill a priestess of the goddess you worshipped so intensely before? Can you make peace with your conscience after such blasphemy?¡± She asked with a forced smirk. Provocation was her only remaining option.


    ¡°I might have to, because of your incompetence.¡± He said with a long-suffering sigh.


    ¡°What?¡± She was taken aback by that reply.


    ¡°Some monster you are. Unable to kill a single blind woman. Your unnecessary mercy has caused me no short amount of grief.¡± The scholar said disparagingly.


    ¡°W-What are you saying, Typhos?¡± Even Eugenia was shocked.


    ¡°My apologies. It seems unnecessary to hide it at this point.¡± He said calmly. ¡°I brought you along on the previous expedition for one reason alone. To be killed by the Gorgon.¡±


    Eugenia fell silent with a pale face. Medusa¡¯s eyebrow twitched.


    ¡°So that was your scheme.¡± The snake woman seemed almost impressed by his deviousness.


    ¡°I originally would have settled for any priestess really, but to think Eugenia was actually blessed by Lady Athena herself, what a boon!¡± He declared exaggeratedly. ¡°And blind to boot, it seemed almost too perfect.¡±


    ¡°I d-don¡¯t understand¡­¡± The girl stuttered in his unyielding grip.


    ¡°It is quite simple, if the Gorgon had slain one of Athena¡¯s chosen she would have experienced retaliation. However, if you had simply been petrified, there could have been a loophole. This clever monster could have claimed that your gazes met without her will. An unfortunate accident. Yet if you are blind, her method of disposal had to be far more physical. It is a crime beyond redemption to cause the death of a priestess, but bludgeoning one? You may well find yourself in Tartaros the moment you awaken.¡± He explained it to her as if it was the plot of some play he watched recently. ¡°I am glad we met back then in Athens. Otherwise I might never have conceived this plan.¡±


    ¡°You- You always planned this?¡± Eugenia shivered, completely devastated.


    ¡°Bastard.¡± Medusa felt her beastly anger resurface.


    ¡°I already told you, I am no bastard.¡± He said in a low voice. ¡°I am the proud son of King Heroides! The man whose life you took twenty years ago.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. So that is what this is? Your attempt at petty revenge?¡± She mocked his motives openly. This was not the first revenge quest she had stopped in its tracks and it would not be the last.


    ¡°Laugh all you will, I have my sights set far beyond your corpse.¡± He replied coldly. The dagger in his hand seemed to be clutched a bit more tightly though.


    ¡°Heroides you say?¡± Medusa suddenly said in a musing tone. His body movements were subtle, but told her that she was getting somewhere. ¡°I seem to remember that name.¡± Her memory was impeccable after all. If she wished she could recall each instance of her life on this island on command.


    Typhos fell uncharacteristically silent.


    ¡°A burly man with an ear-puncturing voice? Taller than your average bear? His comrades kept throwing themselves in front of my claws to shield his body, yet he kept going back to face me directly.¡± She recalled with a nostalgic expression. ¡°I have never seen a greater fool, but it was ever so impressive how he managed to keep fighting without meeting my eyes. He was like a beast, only focused on my throat and heart.¡±


    Typhos glared at her with all his might.


    ¡°I kept him for last or rather; the rabble fell in front of him before I could finish him off.¡± She crossed her arms and smirked darkly. ¡°I let him impale me out of curiosity, but he was not strong enough to pull the spear out again. It was so pathetic that I just had to pull his head up and look him in the eyes. The last expression on his face was pricele-¡±


    ¡°Enough.¡± Typhos interrupted her. ¡°You are not as clever as you believe. Words cannot incite me and neither will you gain anything from stalling me.¡± With those words he pulled back his arm from Eugenia¡¯s head, but kept the blade at her throat. Then he dragged something out of his light cuirass and threw it at the Gorgon¡¯s ¡®feet¡¯.


    Thwump.


    The heavy black dagger sank into the ground and left a dent. Medusa did not need to open her eyes to realize what dagger it was.


    ¡°I have pondered long nights how this expedition could end in a complete success. Eugenia¡¯s sacrifice was a failure and mere superiority of numbers would not do it either. Even the Shade proved no match for you, although I never contracted it to assassinate you anyway.¡± His mouth twisted into an awry smile. ¡°I seemed to have been out of ideas, beyond doing the deed myself. That was, until I met a certain merchant.¡±


    Both women froze and understood his meaning right away.


    ¡°What did you do to Zosimos?!¡± Eugenia struggled again, but the scholar¡¯s grip was unbreakable.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°All I did was give him what he wanted.¡± Typhos replied sleekly. ¡°A man of his caliber can be bought. I was quite generous honestly, for just keeping his life would have been payment enough.¡±


    ¡°The merchant betrayed her?¡± Medusa asked with a hollow voice.


    ¡°Haha, not at all.¡± Typhos denied it with a dry laugh. ¡°He begged me not to hurt Eugenia until the very end. I even made a promise.¡± He said with a light shrug. ¡°In return he gave me some invaluable information. A map of this island, the details of your relationship and of course your weakness that entails with it.¡±


    Medusa swallowed. Her throat suddenly felt incredibly dry. This was her mistake, was it not? She had let that useless man escape from her island. She should have known nothing good could come of that mercy.


    ¡°I could hardly believe it myself, you know? His explanations seemed rather farfetched, that is why I had to confirm them myself. Of course there are many strings holding up this one yarn, but it seems he was not entirely wrong. The Gorgon¡¯s weakness is¡­ Eugenia.¡± He said meaningfully.


    ¡°Themistokles said that?¡± Eugenia bit her lip as she listened to this, but she did not seem convinced.


    ¡°He did not seem to grasp the true reason the Gorgon had kept you alive, that being the fear of Athena¡¯s wrath, but he was not entirely wrong either. She has perfected her ¡®human¡¯ act. To that end she has feigned compassion and kindness, which appealed to you, na?ve as you are. It is quite adorable.¡± He almost fussed over Eugenia like she was his little sister or something. ¡°That is, if it was not so sickening.¡±


    ¡°Now that you have found that apparent weakness, what is your aim?¡± Medusa asked stoically. She would not show him any weakness even as she already realized her fate.


    ¡°I would prefer not to be made a liar, so you have the choice Gorgon.¡± His tone became business like. ¡°You can attack me in a futile attempt at vengeance, the thing you mocked just before. I guarantee that I will take Eugenia with me and break my promise to the merchant not to harm her.¡±


    Medusa understood the situation all too well now. The reason why Typhos had ordered the owl to be silenced for good and why he had chosen to bring Eugenia to his side. The depth of his corrupt ways was unfathomable and yet it was exactly what she expected of humans. After all, humans were a reflection of the devious ways of the gods. This was a scheme that fit right into Athena¡¯s repertoire. How ironic that she was merely a pawn in a human¡¯s scheme this time. She had to respect him for his daring mind.


    ¡°As you already gathered, Athena cannot see what happened, but she will know Eugenia¡¯s life has been extinguished.  It is far too easy to blame this on you, especially when the great goddess wishes to see you responsible.¡± He explained matter of factly. ¡°If she had seen me do it with my own hands it would have been a different matter, but this way the blame will be with you alone.¡±


    ¡°No way.¡± Eugenia gasped.


    ¡°The alternative?¡± Medusa asked while staring at the black dagger in front of her.


    ¡°Cut off your own head with the anti-divine dagger.¡± Typhos said with a wide smile.


    ¡°NO!¡± Eugenia shouted, but her mouth was covered by Typhos hand now. Her rebellious words were suffocated completely.


    ¡°No normal wound may end your cursed life. I am not quite certain whether impaling your heart of stone will even suffice. But there is no monster that would survive getting its head severed from its shoulders with that, save the Hydra itself.¡± He declared. ¡°Am I correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± She admitted and picked up the dark dagger, which was still covered in traces of her own dried blood.


    ¡°What a relief. You will see that this is the most beneficial solution for all of us. You will die either way, but with this method, Eugenia will be safe.¡±


    ¡°¡­you promise?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°On the good name of your father, King Heroides?¡± She inquired with a sharp voice.


    Typhos looked at her serious features. His knife hand was still. There seemed to be things even he valued above his own gain. That had been established now.


    ¡°I swear by my mother¡¯s honor. I will protect Eugenia and bring her home safely. Given that you agree to this contract and keep your part of it.¡± His words were not tinged in lies or deception. This was the final step. If he got what he wanted, no more bloodshed would be necessary. Medusa could tell a man¡¯s character from only a few short interactions. Despite her revulsion, she had to admit that she understood the scholar completely. In some sense they were quite similar.


    Medusa felt the cold metal of the hilt in her hand. It was a heavy metal, quite unlike the light spear and arrow tips scattered around them. It had the weight of one immortal life already. One semi-mortal could be added to its insatiable thirst soon.


    ¡°You shall be useful beyond your death, of that I can assure you. Once I take your severed head with me, I can redeem my family name in the eyes of the citizens.¡± He spoke almost sweetly of his future. ¡°And once I meet the treacherous council I shall show them my trophy quite closely, with wide open eyes.¡± His revenge was already more than settled in his mind.


    ¡°You would make a terrible king.¡± Medusa said honestly.


    ¡°I pay no mind to a monster¡¯s idea of leadership. With the rhetoric and wisdom I acquired from the philosophers of Athens I shall lead my people back to prosperity. This dark age of Rhaidestos will be smothered by my own hands and Bisanthe shall rise again!¡±


    ¡°You believe the people will welcome you with open arms for slaying me?¡±


    ¡°They loved my father. They loved the monarchy. What ended this bond of trust was one failure. One failure I will now undo.¡± He said with conviction. Only, there was the slightest hint of uncertainty in his eyes.


    ¡°Mmmpgh!¡± Eugenia was still trying to force out words, but her compulsory silence did not end.


    ¡°A man who would sacrifice so many people for a petty show of superiority is not worth the throne of the hero king. People should sacrifice themselves for their leader of their own free will instead. That is the mark of a true king.¡± Medusa took the dagger in both hands and put it to her throat.


    Typhos¡¯ face twitched. ¡°How do you know that title?¡±


    ¡°I told you already. I remember everything those brave men said.¡± She replied and her closed eyes became softer. ¡°The truth is that they respected him more than the gods themselves. To the very end he seemed determined to save the people that I supposedly robbed from their families and villages at the shore.¡±


    Now Typhos knew that she spoke the truth. Those were details nobody could have told her on this isolated island.


    ¡°He may have been misguided, but the people seek a savior, not a schemer. The scheming is left to the gods, because they are above human needs, is that not so?¡± She didn¡¯t know why she had this urge to advise her enemy. It seemed appropriate as her possibly last deed.


    H e


    ¡°¡­what good are ideals like that in the face of reality?¡± He replied quietly. ¡°What good is a ¡®savior¡¯ that cannot save anyone?! A man with a good heart will always lose to one with a twisted tongue. A good king will die to the hands of a monster!¡±


    ¡°She is no monster.¡± Eugenia had wound herself out of Typhos¡¯ hand and managed to squeeze out a few words. Her expression was tortured. ¡°Why will you not see that this is wrong? Medusa is not evil; she is not responsible for your father¡¯s or the council¡¯s actions. Rather than slay her, you should convince the people of your righteousness! Even the one you call a monster is more decent than you!!¡±


    These accusations were completely unlike the shy and polite girl that they had known. Eugenia was desperate and it showed.


    ¡°It does not matter who the Gorgon truly is. She may even be a beauty rivaling the Graces with the mind of a grand scholar. She will still be a monster to them.¡± He did not even notice that he was not addressing her as an ¡®it¡¯ anymore. ¡°Reality is cruel. It is unkind. Let me tell you the truth of this world.¡± He talked close to Eugenia¡¯s ear, sending a shiver down her spine. ¡°I stepped over hundreds of corpses to get here. I culled the dreams of dozens of upstanding people to reach this point. I have swindled, betrayed and averted my eyes from evils you cannot imagine, bargained with the scum of the world and even lied to a goddess!¡±


    His words were rough, almost hoarse. His calm demeanor had finally cracked completely.


    ¡°By all means, call me evil. Call me corrupt and morally bankrupt. Tell the world that I am the evil one. You may even be right.¡± He said self-derisively. ¡°But no matter what I do, she will always be the monster and I will be the hero.¡±


    Medusa felt a cold hollowness swallow her mind. To hear spoken what she had always thought was far too vexing.


    ¡°Why- why does it have to be like this?!¡± Eugenia cried out.


    ¡°That is because this is the world of the gods. Heroes are made by their legends and those legends are approved by those above. King Sisyphus is infamous, but he is no hero, despite doing something equally impressive to the deeds of Herakles. A hero is simply someone who does something the gods fancy. Their own motives matter not.¡±


    ¡°That can¡¯t be. Lord Hermes said¡­¡± Eugenia whispered to herself in denial. Typhos didn¡¯t seem to hear her.


    ¡°I always suspected that this truth is a double edged sword. My theory has been proven astoundingly correct. Hahaha.¡± He chuckled to himself. ¡°I told you once that we should live in harmony with the gods. I still stand by those words. However, that balance is based on the principle that humans will be used. I think that is not quite fair.¡±


    ¡°You really are mad.¡± Medusa said with some pity.


    ¡°Mad, perhaps. But I am also right. To live in harmony with the gods, we have to use them as well. To exploit Athena I have abused her flaws, just like I would any human¡¯s. The gods are not infallible, they are flawed. Therefore they can be tricked and made to do your bidding. Someone who can even manipulate the gods is quite fit to be a king to be remembered, is he not?¡±


    ¡°Is that your philosophy? Your final credo?¡± Medusa asked as she put the blade against her skin and slightly cut it.


    ¡°It has to be. Or else¡­ what is left?¡± He replied emptily. The sins on his back were far too manifold. If he dared to buckle in, to lose a hair¡¯s length - if he ever looked back - he would be crushed beneath them. ¡°It is time for you to leave this cruel world behind, Gorgon. Your death will benefit a greater cause. View it as freeing yourself from injustice.¡±


    It was a hollow sentiment, but even Medusa could somewhat appreciate it. In the end she would die for someone she cherished rather than revenge. She listened to Eugenia¡¯s ragged breathing and struggling. Naturally she could not accept this outcome, but perhaps this would teach her the reality that had ruined Typhos already. An expensive lesson indeed.


    The dagger moved-


    ¡°Don¡¯t do it!¡± Eugenia shouted.


    ¡°Quiet down-¡± Typhos tried to silence her, but she rammed her head against his face with full force and made him stagger back. He still did not pull back his knife, but she had a short moment of free speech.


    ¡°No matter what the world may think of you, to me you are not a monster! You would rather die than see me put to harm, but I am the same!¡± She shouted with tears in her eyes.


    ¡°Eugenia?¡± She wavered. That voice was powerful. Much stronger than her shaking hand.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think that you have the right to decide this for me! My life is my own! And I will not let you exchange yours for mine!¡± Her voice only got louder. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare kill yourself! I will never forgive you!¡±


    Why did she have to be this na?ve? Why did she have to say these simple words at a time like this?


    It only made her choice more obvious.


    ¡°I am sorry for being cruel to you. For not listening to your concerns and leaving you behind. For ignoring your final wish to me.¡± Medusa said with a weak smile. ¡°You will keep your promise, scholar. Otherwise you will not be safe from my retribution even in the depths of the Underworld itself.¡± She threatened with all her authority as a monster.


    ¡°I know to repay my debts.¡± He said formally and gazed upon the dagger as it penetrated the Gorgon¡¯s neck.


    ¡°I said that I am the same.¡± Eugenia said with hot tears running down her face. ¡°I will not be the reason that Medusa dies! I would rather ¨C die ¨C my ¨C self!¡±


    To their surprise Eugenia suddenly freed her arms and pulled on Typhos hand. Instinctively the scholar moved the jewel covered dagger to slice her throat, but in this one instant, Eugenia overpowered his arm. She had laid all her remaining strength into this one push. The dagger was pushed downwards and away from the girl, but it still reached her body. Typhos cut cleanly through her waist. Eugenia suppressed a cry of pain as the cut opened her side widely.


    Both daggers fell to the ground at the same time.


    One covered in the priestess¡¯ blood, the other in the Gorgon¡¯s.


    Medusa¡¯s eyes opened wide in shock and despair. She looked straight into the surprised eyes of the scholar.


    ¡°TYPHOOOS!¡± She yelled at the top of her lungs and lunged forward.


    The young man merely seemed surprised, no, bedazzled. He stared into Medusa¡¯s eyes and then smiled.


    ¡°Your eyes are surprisingly beautiful.¡± He said as his body stiffened up. ¡°What a shame¡­ that no mortal shall ever see them¡­ again¡­¡± His final words echoed in the empty air as his face turned to stone. His mouth still turned up in a playful smile. At the last moment, in the realization of his death, he found peace.


    ¡°RAAAAAGH!¡± Medusa¡¯s hand grabbed on to the statue and smashed it into the ground, shattering it into a thousand pieces!


    There was no satisfaction in punishing him, for Eugenia was laying on the ground in a puddle of red liquid. Medusa rushed to her side and put a hand on the open wound to keep the lifeblood from flowing into the open.


    ¡°You fool! Why did you do that- I- you fool!¡± She twisted her face in agony as she saw painful gasps leave the girl¡¯s lips.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ It was the only way¡­¡± Talking seemed to stress her twisting body immensely.


    ¡°I do not know how to treat human injuries.¡± Medusa panicked. ¡°What¡­ what can we do? This wound is so big¡­ You are losing far too much blood!¡±


    ¡°The wound¡­ must be closed¡­ needle and¡­ thread.¡± She forced herself to keep a cool head, because the Gorgon was clearly out of it. ¡°At the camp¡­ must be there.¡±


    ¡°I cannot leave you like this!¡±


    ¡°You must!¡± She replied with a cringing face. ¡°I¡¯ll keep the wound¡­ closed¡­¡± She tore off some of her dress and then pushed it over the wound. Her shivering hand could barely apply pressure.


    ¡°Gods be damned!¡± Medusa cursed and rushed towards the camp. In the water she could see the ships slowly start to row away. The hatred in her heart was overflowing. She would not let these pests escape!


    No, she had to contain it¡­ contain it. Eugenia needed her.


    With forced focus she dug through the camp and sought any hint of needle and thread. She finally found some among the many rags and old clothes of the crew. This needle did not look clean and neither did the thread, but she had nothing more to lose.


    When she returned, Eugenia looked paler than ever, even the tanned parts of her arms and legs seemed to lose color. Her breathing was ragged and the piece of cloth atop the wound soaked completely.


    ¡°I have the things, but what now?¡± She tried to appear collected, but she was losing her mind.


    ¡°You must stitch¡­ the skin togetherrr.¡± Eugenia muttered under her heavy breath.


    ¡°I have no skill for such fragile work!¡±


    ¡°Then¡­ hand me the¡­ needle.¡± Eugenia was determined. With sheer super-human willpower she grabbed the needle and managed to pull the thread through it. Medusa held the rag over her wound, but could only look on in terror. ¡°I haven¡¯t done this¡­ with skin before¡­ haha¡­¡± The girl¡¯s laugh seemed delirious. ¡°What pattern should I make?¡± Without sight, she stabbed the needle into her flesh and began to sew it shut.


    Although Medusa barely felt pain and had received much worse injuries before she could suddenly not bear to look at this. The pain the girl must have felt was indescribable, yet she still kept fixing herself, because Medusa was useless.


    ¡°¡­didn¡¯t hit my organs¡­ lucky¡­¡± She was probably talking about Typhos dagger, rather than the needle. Not that she could be certain. The wound was finally closed by the shoddy stitch work. ¡°I feel so heavy¡­¡± She closed her milky eyes and seemed to drift away.


    ¡°Stay with me! You cannot die! I will not allow it!¡±


    ¡°Hehe¡­ we really are¡­ alike¡­¡± Eugenia chuckled, which seemed to give her horrible pain. ¡°This is my fault in the first¡­ place¡­¡± She creased her brows with an apologetic smile and then fainted.


    Medusa softly laid the exhausted girl¡¯s head on a pile of linen and then rose to her feet.


    This was not Eugenia¡¯s fault. It was not even the fault of the scholar, really. It was that dark instinct inside her that would not let go.


    ¡°They will pay.¡± She said with a rough voice and spread her wings to follow the escaping ships.


    <hr>


    Pelagios had watched Typhos end from afar. He had no way to hear the words exchanged between the young man and the monster, but he knew that he had no hope of winning. The last words he spoke about being right behind them? They were just another heroic lie.


    He clutched the rope he was pulling to adjust the sail. The triremes he was riding was slower than the others and fell behind.


    ¡°Ya knew that ya couldn¡¯t make it, so you gave us the time to escape. Damn hero.¡± He grieved and faced the ascending Gorgon. He put a blindfold around his eyes and then shouted loudly to the skies. ¡°HERE I AM MONSTER! Pelagios of Rhodes! World renowned captain of the former pirate ship Lamia¡¯s Lament!¡±


    The flapping of wings was loud already. The monster had followed his voice and was rushing down on the ship. He rolled away just at the last second to avoid impalement and grabbed a large hook to ram into the beast¡¯s heart. Of course she grabbed it and crushed it in one hand. Then she dragged him up by the collar and held him above her.


    ¡°You smell of the scholar. His friend? Does not matter. You will share his fate!¡±


    ¡°Hah! I¡¯d be honored!¡± Pelagios shouted proudly. ¡°I knew that I wasn¡¯t made for the farmer¡¯s life. Not me. But my crew deserves t¡¯ finally settle down¡­ find a real home.¡± He rambled as the blindfold was torn from his eyes. ¡°Lord Typhos paid us in advance. Gave us a nice piece of land south of Athens. We didn¡¯t deserve his grace and still he stayed behind for us.¡±


    The Gorgon glared at him. He could already feel his limbs become stiff.


    ¡°What kinda man would I be, if I couldn¡¯t do the same?¡± His determined eyes were returning the Gorgon¡¯s pained desire for revenge evenly.


    ¡°Where is the crew?¡± The monster suddenly realized that there were no regular beats of oars hitting the water and not even the sound of cowering men.


    ¡°¡­there ain¡¯t none¡­¡± The captain said with a wild grin. ¡°It¡¯s only us¡­ and the ocean¡­¡±


    Just as he said so the sound of rushing water could be heard from below deck. Furthermore the ship was slowly lowering down into the sea.


    ¡°You sank your own ship?¡± She didn¡¯t comprehend his aim. She was already going to let go and leave the statue behind, but he suddenly held on to her arm with all his strength. Those arms that were turning into stone, he still kept the grip intact with the hardened hands.


    ¡°Miracles are possible as long as ya believe in a man like Lord Typhos. All¡­ is as¡­ it should¡­ be¡­!¡± He repeated the phrase that even the Gorgon had come to fear. Surely that final look of anger was the reward for his sacrifice.


    The ship was empty, except for one thing. A large pile of a certain ore that had been carefully transported in the driest conditions. Now however, the flooding ocean water was splashing across it completely. Typhos had told the captain to put it all into one ship for his backup plan, but now that he was dead, there had been no more need for it.


    Indeed, there was no use for such a miracle aside from saving the souls of a bunch of worthless sailors.


    Medusa realized that something was wrong and tore off the statue¡¯s arms to fly away at full speed - but it was too late.


    KRA-KOOOM!


    The ship exploded in a large blinding fireball, with the Gorgon at its center.


    ¡°Captaaaaain!¡± The first mate and all the crew on the other two triremes shouted after their beloved captain with tears in their crusty eyes and regret in their hearts.


    Pelagios became one with the ocean, the only home he had ever known, to save the two remaining ships.


    And the Gorgon? She was nowhere to be seen. Had her fleshy pieces sunken in the ocean perhaps? Or was she vaporized by the explosion?


    The sailors could not be sure. As they entered the storm barrier, they left the cursed island and all their fallen comrades behind to tell the tale of two proud heroes.

 Chapter 29: Medusa and the final choice

    Fire covered the ocean like an unnatural crest. Each little wave shifted the fires that should not exist and spread them further. Pieces of wood and ropes were consumed entirely before the ashes mixed with the glowing waters. Bigger chunks of the former warship were sinking heavily towards the ocean floor, never to be seen again. The explosion had been so great that some remains even still rained down on the distant edges of the beach. Whatever did not fall to the flames¡¯ all-encompassing greed was spilt unto land and laid there unmoving.


    In the midst of this wreckage lied another remnant of ages long gone. The Gorgon was curled up on the sandy ground, utterly unmoving too. She had been caught in the explosion and suffered incredible pain and damage. It was nothing short of a miracle that it hadn¡¯t torn her to pieces. Although her current state was not much for frail hearts to witness either.


    Her body was beaten and wrought down, but her mind was still quite alive. It was focused on only one thing: The girl that was lying not too far away, wounded just like her. Yet where the Gorgon regenerated and replaced, the girl was merely gifted with human flesh. In her blind rage she left her side to relieve her frustration, no, her fear on the fleeing humans.


    All this power she had at her disposal, completely meaningless¡­ if it wasn¡¯t enough to save even one girl.


    Medusa coughed up something she did not even want to identify and managed to regain feeling in her limbs. Perhaps these continuous attacks had put a limit even to her unnatural regeneration, but she was not going to rest. Her fingers tore into a wooden plank below her and her feet pushed aside the sand. All her scales had been blown away and only left pink flesh. The snakes on her head had managed to survive only due to her arms shielding them, but in return those limbs were scorched black and numb.


    ¡°Eugenia¡­¡± She coughed the name in a forlorn way and dragged herself up by the statue of a cowering man. The beach was a battlefield, covered in statues, corpses and destroyed ship parts. It was a sight that not many could have endured for long. Yet to her it seemed to fade away at the seams of her vision.


    She limped past the camp and over the stairs until she reached the small pile of linen that the girl was resting on.


    So pale. So frail. Heavy breathing carried her chest up and down. Pearls of sweat all across her skin. The wound, still red from the drying blood, like a fiery scar on snow. Her eyes were closed, but her face distorted.


    Medusa knelt down next to her and touched her face tenderly. It was hot like a campfire. The wound must have taken its toll on her. She could see the priestess¡¯ mouth move every now and then, forming silent words. Who was she talking to? Who awaited her inside her dreams?


    A selfish part of her hoped that it was a fragment of herself.


    Her eyes lacked focus from exhaustion and pain, but she kept watch over her human partner nonetheless. She owed it to her¡­ so many things.


    Eugenia coughed painfully and then turned a little in her delirious sleep. Her hand shakingly extended towards the only gathering of warmth around her. She took Medusa¡¯s rough hand.


    ¡°¡­mother¡­¡± She whispered with a tear running down her pretty face.


    Medusa¡¯s heart clenched painfully. In response she pressed her other hand on the girl¡¯s hand as well and held it tightly. She might not have been the one to give the girl relief in her pained mind, but she would substitute for anyone that could. If the memory of her beloved mother was what she needed to get through this, then so it should be.


    An anxious feeling spread throughout her mind. This situation, it appeared similar to something that the girl had once told her. Mentioning her mother might not have been a coincidence. Wasting away with a high fever, with the one closest to her unable to do anything. Fate would not repeat itself, right?


    That thought was so horrifying that she had to clutch Eugenia¡¯s hand for support instead rather than giving it.


    Those sweats were intense and her body was heating up far too much. She was no healer, no herbalist and no medico. To her any and all signs could mean everything and nothing. The only one who could tell her what was happening was the one that was suffering right now.


    ¡°Thirsty¡­¡± And that was when Eugenia opened her mouth. This was different from her subconscious muttering, her presence was clearly awoken. ¡°¡­w-aa-ter¡­¡±


    ¡°I will fetch some for you.¡± Medusa replied with a strong voice. She needed to sound reassuring.


    Swiftly she moved towards the camp and got what she needed. It was convenient that the expedition left so much behind again. Going all the way to the underground basin would have taken too long for her impatient heart. For convenience she thought of moving Eugenia directly into one of the tents, but it was uncertain whether moving her in this state would negatively affect her condition.


    How had she treated a fragile thing so carelessly before? The way she left her to freeze in the cave now weighed like a heavy rock on her conscience. She just didn¡¯t know what to think anymore.


    The water seemed to relieve some of Eugenia¡¯s pain as she swallowed slowly and coughed every few drops. Control over her throat was apparently limited. That was how weak she was already.


    ¡°My body is burning.¡±


    ¡°You are heating up. It must be a fever.¡± Medusa said weakly.


    ¡°The wound is¡­¡± She stopped herself and turned her head away.


    ¡°D-Do you think it got infected?¡± Medusa worried and spilled some water over it to clean it out. The sudden cold sensation made the girl shiver in response.


    ¡°What¡­ kind of thread did you hand me¡­?¡± She asked with sweat pouring down her face.


    Medusa froze up. She subtly grabbed the dirty needle and threat behind her and threw them down the hill.


    ¡°Who knows? Whatever was lying around?¡± The guilt was rising.


    ¡°You remembered to¡­ clean it first?¡± The girl said while drifting off repeatedly.


    Medusa plunged her nails into her own thighs.


    ¡°Sorry, there was no time, right?¡± Eugenia seemed to understand and smiled forcefully. ¡°This fire¡­ is spreading through my body¡­ I can¡¯t breathe very well¡­¡± She touched her throat as if it was tied up by rope. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault.¡± She added as if she could read the Gorgon¡¯s mind.


    ¡°If I had been faster, Typhos would not have hurt you.¡± Medusa bit her lip until she drew blood.


    ¡°¡­I am glad¡­ you are alive.¡± The priestess replied with a hint of happiness beyond the sweat.


    ¡°It will all be meaningless if you do not pull through as well.¡± She replied seriously and touched the girl¡¯s forehead again. Her hair was hanging down in sweaty lines and covering the linen below, spread like tentacles of a squid. Her skin was downright sizzling.


    ¡°I am sorry-¡± She tried to apologize again, but was then caught in a cough fit that was so severe that she curled up and fell back limply. When she retracted her hand¡­ there was red.


    Medusa¡¯s mind was aflame. Seeing this hint of red on the paling hand was making her lose her composure. This was too unnatural, too extreme. The girl was not acting like a wounded soldier, but rather like someone who was truly sick. This ominous feeling would not leave her chest.


    With a stoic mien she went down on Eugenia¡¯s side¡­ and licked the wound.


    ¡°Uwaah!¡± Eugenia jerked around in surprise and her face lit up from something other than the fever for a second. ¡°What are you doing?!¡±


    ¡°This taste.¡± Medusa said quietly as she received weak kicks to the gut repeatedly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t taste like anything!¡± The sick girl got loud, which only lead to more coughing.


    Medusa ignored her protesting and rushed over to the place where they had their final showdown with Typhos. The scattered pieces of his statue were spread all across the yard. They seemed to mock her with their large presence. And at the center, where a red spot had formed a small puddle, she found what she was searching for.


    The dagger.


    Medusa took the finely crafted jewel imbued dagger into her hand and then put it to her face. Her nose was still affected by the lingering smell of burnt flesh, but she managed to notice a hint of something else. She put her tongue to it and then licked across the flat side of the blade. There was the iron taste of blood, naturally, but additionally¡­


    Something bitter that stung her senses and made her mouth feel slightly numb.


    ¡°Poison.¡± She realized, now devastated.


    Her eyes hastily scanned the ground for more evidence and she found it in an assortment of rings. They had been stuck to the statue¡¯s crumbled hands, but one was different from the others. The one with a skull carved into it was slightly bent. With ease she snapped the compartment open and saw fine dust flow out of it. It dispersed in the air before she could take a better look, but it was all too clear what it was.


    The scholar had poisoned his blade before stabbing Eugenia. Perhaps even before he took her hostage.


    Poison. Poison! The most cowardly, pathetic, human way of empowering their weapons!


    She wished that she could smash the scholar¡¯s statue again a thousand times in retribution, but there was nothing more that could be done. He always had a backup plan. Just how tenacious could one ¡®hero¡¯ be? He was the worst kind of loser. The type who would not allow anyone else to win.


    Medusa broke the dagger in her bare hands and let it fall to the ground. What could be done? She could survive any poison, but Eugenia? Impossible. Even if she had only received a small dosage spread over the edge of the blade, she still seemed to be dying. Medusa had wished to deny it, had deluded herself until the final moment. The truth was unavoidable, though. Eugenia smelled like death. Her presence was fading like the candlelight in the autumn wind.


    How could she face her now?


    <hr>


    ¡°Is that so?¡± The priestess replied calmly.


    ¡°Do not force yourself to act strong.¡± Medusa had finally explained the circumstances to her, but the girl¡¯s response was not one of despair. ¡°I¡­ I have failed you.¡± She clutched her hands to fists.


    ¡°I already told you, it¡¯s not your fault. Typhos really planned for everything, that¡¯s just the type of man he was.¡± She had regained some strength, perhaps from the certainty she had finally gained. Her milky eyes were opened and her breathing had calmed itself enough for her to speak normally.


    ¡°Is there not some medicine that can cure poison?¡± The Gorgon asked like a child. Indeed, if it concerned medicine and human sickness, her knowledge was no better than a toddler¡¯s.


    ¡°An antidote, huh?¡± The girl wondered. ¡°There are some poisons that can be counteracted. I have heard of such cases from the grand priestess once.¡±


    ¡°Then perhaps?¡± She glanced at the camp. If Typhos had brought along poison, maybe he had also taken the cure with him just in case.


    ¡°There might be¡­ one.¡± She nodded while wiping her sweat with her sleeve. Before she could say anything more Medusa was already tearing through the camp and opening every sack, chest and barrel. She was searching for any hint of a healing herb or substance that could save Eugenia. When she found herself empty handed she even jumped into the ocean to dive for the wreckage and search for it there. It might well have been on one of the ships, so the one that had sunken to the seafloor was her last hope.


    Fish and algae were making way for her as she adjusted to the water pressure and threw aside rocks and pieces of the reef. There were fairly few things left in one piece from the sunken ship and even less of them were containers. She finally reached the last chest her eyes could find in the darkness. She cracked it open with one finger and then reached inside. There was a small clay amphora inside. With a shred of hope she ascended the ocean and jumped back on land. Before she could even dry she had already opened the amphora. Inside it was a familiar pungent smell.


    Old watery wine that had long passed its days of enjoyable consumption.


    Medusa let go of her last hope and let it shatter on the ground.


    Defeated, the Gorgon returned to Eugenia¡¯s side, but was greeted by her sitting upright and holding a piece of parchment in her hands. It seemed so out of place that she almost felt thrown into the past.


    ¡°Do no strain yourself!¡± She scolded her in the present.


    ¡°It is hard to write while lying down.¡± She replied jokingly and rolled the parchment up in her hands. She had pressed a charcoal piece into it to write something. ¡°You didn¡¯t find anything, right?¡±


    Medusa only shook her head. It was too hard to speak the truth out loud.


    ¡°I honestly didn¡¯t believe that there would be something so convenient.¡± She admitted and leaned forward a little. The pounding in her side must have returned. ¡°Outside of centers of medicinal wisdom like Eretria, I would not have expected any antidote anyway.¡± She spoke of another distant place Medusa had never seen.


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The human world was constantly changing, new cities were born and old ones were torn down or replaced. Even seemingly eternal cities like Athens crumbled to the sands of time eventually. Perhaps Medusa had once seen the harbors of that city in her past, but she would be unable to tell what it was named back then. The help Eugenia needed was so far away. A human could only thrive among humans. She should have realized that. Maybe she did, but the kind words spoken by a foolish girl had given her hope, if even just for a time.


    ¡°If this is how I die¡­¡± The girl said slowly. ¡°¡­I do not mind.¡±


    ¡°Do not patronize me.¡± Medusa lowered her gaze and frowned.


    ¡°I mean it. At the very end¡­ I made my own decision.¡± The priestess smiled beautifully.


    What could she possibly respond with to that?


    ¡°I said that I would not allow you to die because of me. That hasn¡¯t changed even now.¡± Eugenia suddenly leaned forward and shakingly held up the parchment for the Gorgon to take. ¡°But if I die without doing one last thing, then Typhos will have won.¡±


    ¡°Stop saying such things¡­¡± Medusa could hardly bear for her to speak of it so openly. When had she become so weak that the mere mention of death would crumble her stoic face? She held the parchment in her hand, but had no will to read it.


    ¡°Medusa.¡± Eugenia called her out directly. ¡°If I die here, Lady Athena will avenge me¡­ What Typhos said before, it opened my mind. I don¡¯t believe that Lady Athena is fair about this. She has been waiting for a reason to get rid of you¡­ is that true?¡±


    At the brink of death even a priestess would question her faith, was that it?


    ¡°Yes.¡± She admitted reluctantly. It was cruel to make her confront these facts at the doorstep to the Underworld. But she could not bring herself to lie either.


    ¡°I am glad that my final actions will end this madness then.¡± The girl said with a melancholic smile.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± She did not follow.


    ¡°That letter is for Lady Athena.¡± Eugenia explained. ¡°I wrote it for her eyes only.¡± She added as Medusa tried to roll it open. ¡°When she comes to Sarpedon to confirm my end¡­ when she comes to smite you¡­ give her that letter. I wrote down what truly happened inside it. Everything that happened since I arrived here, without a single lie or missing detail.¡±


    ¡°¡­what?¡± Medusa clutched the parchment tightly in response to her words.


    ¡°She must recognize my handwriting. Lady Athena is wise and cannot be fooled. She must recognize it.¡± She insisted.


    ¡°So what? What are you trying to accomplish here?¡± She asked with a dry throat.


    ¡°If I die then there will be no one who can take your side¡­ Nobody will attest for you. That is what Typhos wanted. This island is outside of the gods¡¯ perception, so whatever happens here does not exist to them. Except for the one thing that transcends the barrier¡­ a bond between a mortal and the divine.¡± She held her pulsating wound and took a deep breath. ¡°Once the last drop of life leaves my body, you will be alone. But with this letter there will be something left that can protect you. Lady Athena is prideful and strong¡­ but that means she cannot act in a way that defies her ¡®justice¡¯. She cannot commit to a wrong even if she is all alone.¡±


    ¡°You believe she is that noble?¡± Medusa asked with a hollow voice.


    ¡°It is because she believes herself to be noble that she cannot help it. Typhos has taught me a few things as well.¡± Eugenia chuckled.


    Medusa held the letter in her right hand, but did not avert her eyes from the girl in front of her. Her trust in Athena, although warped, was still as strong as the foundation of the temple. Anything build on top of it may crumble with time, but the foundation weathered any storm and attack.


    ¡°I am simply happy that my final action meant something.¡± The priestess seemed to experience a dizzy spell and fell forward. Medusa instinctively caught her with one arm and held her upright. ¡°Even someone as weak as me¡­ could protect someone as strong as you.¡± Her smile was unbroken even as her body was crumbling under the poison.


    The Gorgon¡¯s heart of stone was pounding. The fissures inside were tearing open and each raging beat was filling her with unknown fire, like a grand furnace.


    ¡°I wonder¡­ did I manage to be useful to you¡­?¡± She was already slipping and whatever words left her mind now were just the honest instincts of a dying animal.


    The Gorgon¡¯s arm was stiff as it held this frail life up in an endless moment.


    ¡°This might be my last¡­ chance¡­ so I wanted to tell you something¡­¡± She whispered, as her voice lacked the strength to go any louder. ¡°This feeling¡­ is selfish¡­ but don¡¯t think badly of me¡­¡±


    The Gorgon¡¯s mind broke.


    ¡°I¡­¡± She was leaning forward to reach Medusa¡¯s ear. The last words of a maiden should be spoken only to the one dearest¡­


    Medusa pulled Eugenia towards her. To the girl¡¯s surprise she was embraced. Without a word she tore the parchment in her hands to pieces. They floated away inside the ocean breeze and traveled across the seas.


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Eugenia was shocked, but she was not allowed to comprehend as she was already dragged upwards. In a moment she was carried in Medusa¡¯s arms as if she weighed naught but a feather.


    ¡°I do not need to be protected by someone like you.¡± Medusa declared loudly. ¡°You will not allow me to die because of you? Human arrogance knows no bounds!¡± She said with a snort. ¡°The one who will decide my fate is me alone. You will just bend to my will as it should be!¡± She flapped her slightly scorched wings wide open as feathers fell to the ground from the barely recovered holes.


    ¡°You don¡¯t mean-?¡± Eugenia struggled in Medusa¡¯s arms, but there was no way to resist this primal strength.


    ¡°Eretria, you said?¡± Medusa smirked. ¡°How hard could it be to find?¡±


    ¡°Wait, no way!¡± Eugenia weakly hit the Gorgon¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You can¡¯t do this! The gods will punish you!¡±


    ¡°Then let them try!¡± Medusa flapped her wings repeatedly and they took off into the air.


    ¡°Medusa, listen to me¡­!¡± Eugenia said with desperate tears. ¡°The expedition thinks you are dead! The cycle is finally broken¡­ You can live a peaceful life without humans or gods hurting you!¡± She clutched to her chest with all her might and begged her to reconsider.


    She was right of course. That was Eugenia¡¯s end goal. The letter would pacify Athena and the human expeditions would end (except perhaps for one last attempt to raid the treasures during which she could have hidden). For someone who wanted harmony, like Eugenia, this was the perfect ending. Her life was meaningless compared to the change she could have finally brought to a vile cycle like this.


    ¡°FOOL!¡± Medusa burst through the clouds ahead and already sailed through the air as the island got smaller and smaller. ¡°I did not ask for peace. I did not ask for anyone to spare me the pain. The only thing that I want right now¡­¡± Her cursed eyes looked ahead determinedly as she broke through the barrier of storms. ¡°¡­is for you to live.¡±


    Eugenia gave her a pained expression of disgruntled surrender. It was far too late for them to stop now¡­ and if she was truly honest¡­ she felt happiness.


    Of course Eugenia¡¯s consciousness slipped away as she clung tightly to Medusa. She had been on the brink of fainting this entire time, but this last exchange took all her remaining strength.


    Medusa noted her irregular breathing and sped up her pace. With the dark clouds above and the pitch black ocean below it was hard to tell which direction they were going. Was Sarpedon behind them? To their left? Did she go north or south? This barrier of storms was no better than the Labyrinth of Crete. She had to give respect to the human sailors who bested these raging storms and found their way to her lair. The occasional floating empty ships or pieces of boats were proof of abundant failure as well.


    At first the temperature just dropped, but eventually it became almost freezing cold. The clouds above rumbled with thunder. Zeus¡¯ anger was engraved in each darkened storm cloud. The moment Medusa felt her skin get used to the cold it began to pour intensely. The rain added to the freezing cold and soaked her body completely in seconds. Eugenia in her arms was also hit by the unforgiving rain and shivered subconsciously. The dress given to her by Typhos was not made to resist this weather.


    Medusa grinded her teeth and hugged the girl closer. All she could do was to share as much warmth as possible. Faster than any bird she pierced through the storm¡¯s wind currents. They got so fast that it seemed to slice her skin with each heavy breeze!


    She flew straight ahead for minutes, but the darkness only got thicker. The lightning in the black clouds formed horrific and alien shapes. She could have sworn that she saw the shape of long tendril like tentacles, and the fangs of a large beast.


    With a surprised yelp she almost lost her balance when the air sizzled and lighting missed them by a range that was far too close. She had to lower her altitude to avoid the deadly sparks above.


    SPLASH!


    With a last second reflex she turned around midair to shield Eugenia from the large tidal wave that reached several parasang¨¥s above the ocean¡¯s surface! The greedy maw of the ocean itself was opening up in whirlpools and unending waves to devour them whole. Saltwater splashed against her skin and wings, making them heavier and heavier until they were like lead.


    The fangs of the ocean below and the cage of the clouds above, they were deadlier than she had ever seen. As a former deity of the seas she certainly knew the ferocious strength of the great blue, but this was different. There was nothing natural about it. The ocean and weather had a mind.


    Eugenia twisted in her arms. The heat of her fever exceeded the cold of the rain. Her frail heartbeat was echoing inside Medusa¡¯s chest as well.


    She would not yield.


    This was the final barrier. This storm of epic proportions, nature¡¯s sword, was the last thing keeping her from saving this girl. Thunder roared so loud that it might have shattered her ear drums if she had not shielded Eugenia¡¯s ears with her hands.


    The waves grew ever taller, beyond the natural limit. They were the wheels of his chariot, the will of his mind.


    The snakes hissed and pointed forward as if to snap at the enemy that their master could not see. Their instincts were correct.


    ¡°Show yourself, you coward!!¡± Medusa yelled into the storm to surpass even the loudest of thunder.


    The waves rumbled and crumbled like towers of fortresses, barely missing the Gorgon¡¯s legs. The rain turned to hail and pelted her relentlessly. Yet these tiny stings of pain only served to enrage her.


    ¡°Show yourself, ruler of the seas!!¡± She called him out again. Each attack of the storm was just another slap in her face. It was just another insult to someone who once stood eye to eye with this being.


    Clip clop¡­ clip clop¡­ clip clop¡­


    Like metal ringing against metal, yet also like satin brushing across silk, the loud storm was pierced by the sound of hooves. It was impossible for this low sound to overpower the raging death around them, yet this sound transcended noise. It overcame the distance to the ear without crossing it.


    As if phasing from the fabric of the storm itself, a white stallion galloped across the tidal waves. Ignoring their forward momentum, the waves kept still and crashed into each other, but always only so far that the horse could stand upright on top of them. It was an eerie scene that would have shattered the mind of most mortals.


    Medusa¡¯s vision had seen past the illusion already and focused on the stallion¡¯s black horse eyes. Despite the raging winds that tossed her around and the rain and hail that threatened to scrape away at her skin¡­ their intertwined gazes were not broken.


    It was as if the world had fallen silent at its loudest primal shout.


    ¡°Poseidon!¡± She spoke his name without reverence or respect.


    The stallion galloped in place and kept its empty gaze fixed on her alone.


    The god of the oceans, the seas, the weather and so much more was blocking her path. This was his barrier, his final resistance. One of the three greatest gods of Olympus that ruled over one of the three aspects of the world. No opponent would have been more perilous. And yet she felt nothing but contempt for this old stallion.


    ¡°You will not stop me!¡± She shouted with bile in her voice.


    The white stallion neighed so loudly that it rivaled the thunder above their heads! Steam sprang from its nostrils and the very fabric of the world around them seemed to be compressed until it hurt to breathe. The force of a god¡¯s will was frightening and all-encompassing. She knew this feeling too well, for everything she suffered in her exile was due to this man¡¯s actions.


    Back then she had been full of pride¡­ na?ve¡­ and weak.


    Not anymore. Not today. She was not going to back down this time. There was only one path and it was right through this divine wall!


    ¡°You owe me, Poseidon! Athena has you in her grasp for your crime, but I am the one who will pay for it until the end of time.¡± She said something quite unlike her. Every word she spoke was degrading to herself. That was her newfound strength. If pride could not win against the gods then she would abandon it in a heartbeat.


    The horse neighed again, defiantly.


    ¡°You will let me pass! I will return to my prison without complaint, I will even forgive your crime-!¡±


    A gigantic tidal wave towering higher than a mountain suddenly rushed towards her! Medusa was pushed back by the cold water that was like a wall. At the last moment before impact she had thrown Eugenia far above herself to protect her.


    The freezing wall of kinetic energy crashed against her and threatened to tear her wings off, but with a shout that even the water could not suppress she cut through the entire wave with her claws. It was cut cleanly apart and crumbled into itself, returning to the ocean whence it came.


    Then with a heavy breath she caught Eugenia before she could fall past her. With all her focus she had managed to catch her softly so as not to open the wound. The girl was on the brink of death. She could feel her energy fading through the heat of the fever. Her body was starting to steam in the contrast of the cold air around them.


    Medusa felt fear. She felt fear of loss. This rage and shame inside her were nothing compared to that feeling.


    ¡°I will do ANYTHING!¡± She screamed angrily. ¡°I will do anything you wish, just let me pass you this once!¡±


    The stallion raised its head. The lustful eyes of the past were no more. There was something else inside those black eyes. For the Gorgon this expression was impossible to read. Then the stallion turned away and left behind storm squalls so intense that they almost tore the snakes from her head.


    He was not giving in! This foolish old lusty coward - he was afraid of Athena¡¯s wrath. This barrier was his duty and punishment alike. The gods had their own rules.


    ¡°If you¡­ won¡¯t yield¡­¡± Medusa breathed heavily as she kept resisting the intense streams against her body and shielded Eugenia. ¡°I WILL PETRIFY THE VERY OCEANS!¡±


    Her eyes sprang open wide and turned into slits. The limit of her curse was unexplored, for it would tear apart even herself if she were to go too far. Instinctually she knew that this was not a gift, not a power of her own. Athena had given her a punishment that was also a tool. A tool that would destroy her eventually. But right now she would use that tool to its fullest capabilities. There was no telling how long she would last, but this was the only chance she had.


    The stallion stopped in its tracks on top of the waves. It was stuck. The waves below it seemed to crumble at the same time as they turned solid and then reformed.


    Beyond the crackling of the storm, the world seemed to bend. The god of the ocean turned back. He saw the eyes of a monster so far gone that it should have destroyed itself, but his hooves, they were unmoving. He could not move. Not leave or advance.


    The Gorgon had petrified him.


    Naturally a god would not turn to stone, but she impaired his movement. The ocean around him seemed to shift between black wetness and a grey solid.


    The Gorgon¡¯s eyes started to bend reality itself.


    ¡°I will stake my life on this.¡± She said as her skin crumbled and revealed a granite like texture. ¡°Because if you will not let us pass then my life is forfeit already.¡± She said as she shakingly embraced Eugenia.


    The words came naturally. They were certainly exaggerated; a powerful rush of madness had clung to her at this moment. It was far from her normal thoughts and mind. But what was ¡®natural¡¯ did not matter to her anymore. This was the deciding moment.


    Poseidon broke free of the petrification and stomped his thundering hooves once.


    ¡°I beg of you.¡± Medusa swallowed her pride and let go of her deteriorating curse.


    The waves crumbled as if on command and the air moved again. The world that had been stuck in an unnatural grasp was now freed. And the stallion too was moving.


    Moving towards her.


    ¡®In the end¡­ the gods will always have the final word¡¯, she realized.


    <hr>


    Cold and hot, loud and quiet, wet and dry¡­ her body seemed to be pulled through an endless cycle of contradictions. She felt immense pain and immense relief. In the deepest recess of her mind she thought that she could hear her voice¡­


    The only thing that her soul could still follow was the rhythmic beat of her heart.


    And then it ended.


    ¡°Medusa!¡± Eugenia moved her torso up with an outstretched hand.


    She regretted the motion immediately due to the intense stinging pain in her side. She bent over and held the freshly stitched wound with tears in her eyes and moans of pain. The bed below her creaked in protest at the sudden weight shift.


    Bed?


    Eugenia felt around with her hands and realized that she was indeed lying on a bed filled with straw. After feeling her way around she noticed there was a small nightstand next to her, with an earthen cup on top of it. It was filled with a liquid she wasn¡¯t willing to test the taste of right now. As usual the world was dark for her, so all she could do was to listen to the surroundings and feel her way around. Instead of the raging storm she had expected she was in, this was a tranquil room. From the lack of echos she was certain it was relatively small and probably made of wood.


    There was nobody here.


    Without regard for her injury she crawled to the edge of the bed and slammed open the window shutter she had found soon. In an instant she felt the hot light of the sun against her skin and was assaulted by the loud noise of a bustling town.


    This was a human city.


    Had they made it? Her heart was convulsing in a mix of joy and confusion.


    Where was Medusa? Why was she not at her side?


    The priestess¡¯ sudden awakening in a foreign city was underlined by the chatter of townsfolk. Each and every one of them had their own tales to tell. Only Eugenia was left without knowing the tale of her salvation.

 Chapter 30: Eugenia and separation

    The waves hit the beach in soothing shapes of pearly white. The few boats that were tied to the piers shook every time the ocean''s heartbeat met them. Dim sunlight reflected off the waters and into the city''s damaged walls, tracing long strands into the buildings and crowds beyond.


    The much traveled dirt roads were winding their way along to the finest crafted buildings at the very center of the war wrought polis. With every shaking cart and stomping hoof the city took its weary breaths. This was a place where many feet had crossed their destinies.


    Dripping trails of ocean salt were covering the path which had been taken by an unbelievable sight not too long ago. A miraculous moment that humbled the lives of those who had witnessed it. The tale of the mysterious woman would become part of the city''s long tapestry soon enough.


    And a tale of great consequence would soon begin within these old walls. The one at the center of such improbable events was rudely awakened just at this moment.


    <hr>


    Nothing was right. The young girl had awoken from what could only have been a feverish nightmare, yet even awake she found herself all alone. No sign of her companion. The window that she had flung open with great pain to her body was creaking somewhat while revealing that she was no longer on Sarpedon.


    The noise of the bustling city outside her window made Eugenia all the more aware of the discrepancy in her personal world. She had gotten used to the quiet sounds of the breeze and the constant waves, the occasional flapping of tiny wings and the ever present slithering of scales across the ground. Now nothing of the sounds around her reminded her of that calm and comfortable world.


    She was surrounded by life and civilization and yet she felt more isolated than ever before.


    Pressing a hand on her stinging waist, she slowly moved her legs over the edge of the bedding and tried to stand up. The first attempt led to nothing, the second to a sudden backwards fall. Finally on her third try she managed to stand, albeit shaking and hunched over. Her arms were supported by the nightstand next to the bed. A mug with water was placed on it which meant someone had expected her to awaken soon. Otherwise it might have just been a hopeful precaution.


    The details hardly mattered now as she was bound for the door at the edge of the room. The wooden floor creaked below her dainty bare feet and seemed to whisper complaints. She felt thirsty and exhausted after just a few steps already, but forced herself to push onward. She had to find her!


    As if her feeble attempt at escaping had been noticed she could suddenly hear the noisy footsteps beyond the door get even louder. For a moment she wondered whether she should hide, but decided against it. She was not even sure if there was any hiding spot in this small room in the first place.


    ¡°I swear if this is just your overactive imagination again¡­¡± A man¡¯s voice, numbed through the door, was getting closer.


    ¡°My ears are just fine. Unlike a certain old man¡¯s.¡± A softer voice retorted.


    The door burst open and two men came rushing in, but rather than focus on the girl in front of them, they had their heads turned towards each other.


    ¡°Age may have dulled my senses, but not my fist as I would be willing to demonstrate to any impudent apprentice. You would do well to remember your position.¡±


    ¡°As if your unprovoked daily reminders didn¡¯t make it impossible to forget.¡± The younger man grunted and shrugged in exasperation.


    ¡°Where did you cultivate such a foolish penetrative personality? Truly, you will remain my greatest failure.¡± The older man sighed while stroking his lightly trimmed full beard.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    The silent and rather confused greeting from the until now unnoticed girl made them suddenly look ahead perplexedly. With a change that would shame the shapeshifting capabilities of most deities they were suddenly standing to each of her sides and grabbed her arms with deep concern.


    ¡°The young lady has awoken, Bion!¡± The older man called out to his apprentice.


    ¡°Told you so.¡± The younger man replied in his defiant manner, but his body moved with serious intent now. With their combined strength they easily dragged Eugenia back to the bed and forced her to lie down.


    ¡°Keep your breathing calm and regular and then look me in the eyes.¡± The older man addressed Eugenia with a careful and deliberate voice. Eugenia felt confusion tie her tongue, so at first she stayed quiet in face of such oppression.


    ¡°You know she is blind, right Master?¡± Bion squinted his eyes and sighed.


    ¡°O-Of course! This was merely a test to tell her level of cognizance!¡± The master replied with a cough and then put a hand on Eugenia¡¯s forehead. ¡°Can you hear me, young lady? Do you remember your name?¡± He retracted his hand and nodded towards Bion. ¡°The fever has faded.¡±


    ¡°¡­I am Eugenia.¡± She replied after an uncomfortable bit of silence. These strange men acted incomprehensibly, but they seemed to be worried about her. Was it alright to assume that they were versed in medicine? She sure hoped so, because otherwise the man¡¯s touch was far from appropriate.


    ¡°Master, the throat is much higher.¡± Bion said in a rather disparaging tone.


    ¡°I was checking her heartbeat you simpleton.¡± The master responded stoically and then felt Eugenia¡¯s wrist. Her pulse was slow, all things considered. ¡°Lady Eugenia, is it? You seem to have recovered exceptionally fast ¨C no doubt a result of our superior workmanship!¡± He puffed out his chest and crossed his arms in self-satisfaction.


    ¡°Your soul was barely hanging on to your body when you arrived at our Medicoriam.¡± Bion added and handed her the water mug. His insistent hand made her accept it gratefully and she emptied it in haste.


    ¡°I was¡­ hurt¡­¡± A red-hot sting in her side reminded her of the injury. Pieces of the previous events were starting to come back to her. In her overwhelming concern for the one that was missing she had forgotten almost everything.


    ¡°More so than the shoddy stitch work it was that vile poison that destroyed your body.¡± The master explained with a raised index finger and one hand in his chiton. ¡°Indeed, if you had been brought to any other place in town there would have been no salvation for your mortal coil!¡±


    ¡°We just happened to have the antidote in our collection. It was pure coincidence.¡± Bion said matter of factly, much to his master¡¯s dismay.


    ¡°You saved me from the poison?¡± She muttered as she set down the earthen cup next to her. ¡°Poison¡­¡± Her hazy mind flashed white and she suddenly had to hold her head from dizziness. The poison¡­ on the dagger¡­ Typhos¡­ expedition¡­. ¡°MEDUSA!¡±


    Her unexpected shout made both men jerk back in surprise. Eugenia¡¯s face turned hot as the gears of her mind started to spin. Medusa had taken her through the barrier of storms. She had carried her all the way to this distant human city. Where was she? Why was she not at her side despite all this? Fear was starting to bite into her heart.


    ¡°Where is Medusa? Did the town guards attack her?!¡± She grabbed the master by his clothes and tried to force an answer out of him.


    ¡°M-Medusa? My d-deepest apologies, I have no i-inkling as to that person¡¯s wh-wherabouts-¡± The words were basically shaken out of his mouth.


    ¡°The old man isn¡¯t lying.¡± Bion suddenly put a hand on her shoulder and softly pressed her down. She let go of the master¡¯s chiton and turned towards the apprentice. ¡°You have to calm down and explain it to us. We know almost nothing about your circumstances.¡± His words were sensible, yet Eugenia was out of it. She couldn¡¯t contain herself.


    ¡°She should have been with me, she is the one who carried me here! She-she-she is tall and prideful and strong and selfish and¡­¡±


    Bion and his master exchanged glances and then shrugged.


    ¡°I am not certain whether this will help, but before you were brought to us by the fishermen, we were told a peculiar story.¡±


    ¡°The guards and sailors confirmed the claims.¡± Bion continued. ¡°It¡¯s fantastical to be honest. A woman with white wings walked across the very ocean itself, accompanied by a giant white stallion. This supreme being carried a single human girl in her arms and brought her to our shore. She spoke with an unearthly voice to the fishermen and demanded that the girl be saved. Eretria is a city of many legends, but none as confounding as this.¡±


    Eugenia¡¯s heart began to pump irregularly. Her stomach contracted violently. She was scared.


    ¡°T-The winged woman brought me here? Where is she now?¡± She asked with a dry throat.


    ¡°The guards said that she put you down on the sand because the frightened men would not approach her and then the stallion turned around to return to the sea. The winged woman followed it into the depth without another word.¡±


    The white stallion. Medusa. Barrier. The gods. Exile.


    Words streamed through her head and created a deep panic inside her. It took her limbs and forced her into action outside of her conscious control. The men were again taken aback by her sudden movement and too slow to stop her. A sickly girl with a freshly healed wound should not have been able to push ahead so frantically, but she managed to run downstairs before the others could even react. The dusty and creaky wooden steps were screaming in pain that seemed to mirror her own.


    At the front door she almost tackled a visitor out of the way and then burst through the main entrance. Her feet tapped across a dusty road full of pebbles and sharp stones, but she did not even notice the pain. Her steps should have been aimless, but through her superior hearing and the smell of the salty breeze she could find her way.


    Why did she do this? Why would she break her promise - her vow? The gods would not forgive her! The white stallion was the symbol and preferred form of the great and angry Poseidon. To pass his barrier Medusa must have bargained with him, but what could she possibly offer? Rather did she even offer anything? It seemed that she was simply treated as a prisoner that was escorted back to her cell.


    These chaotic thoughts barely penetrated the outer layer of her mind as she simply kept pushing aside citizens and dodged the hooves of neighing horses. Her body was now acting on its own and sought out the destination with mad fervor. The yelling and loud cracking around her did not even register.


    ¡°Medusa¡­ Medusa¡­!¡± She kept frantically chanting her name as she passed the districts and finally reached the familiar sound of waves clashing against carved stone. The harbor was just as loud as the rest of the city, but the noise was of a different nature. The creaking of boats and the clenching of rope were becoming the central theme even if the occasional cart was still rolling through.


    Out of breath and patience, Eugenia ran down the dock and along the rippling waters. Each step took her farther from the main harbor and towards the edge of the city limits. There was a city wall as expected, but the gate was permanently opened. If Eugenia had not been so desperate, she might have realized that there were rather large holes in the formidable wall and that the gate was unhinged. She had no mind for such things however and just ran past the confused guards checking on the incoming merchants.


    Once outside the city bounds, she finally slowed down as her throat was burning up something fierce. Her legs were numb and her hair soaked in sweat. With a more erratic pace she made her way past the fishing huts and piers towards the mostly empty beach beyond. The words of the medico still rang in her ears. She was brought to the shore by the woman who then returned into the sea. Eugenia collapsed and her knees sank into the rough sand.


    ¡°Medusaaaaa!!¡± She shouted into the uncaring sea. Again and again she shouted her name until it did not resemble a word anymore and just drowned in sobs.


    Her hands dug into the sand and felt its cold mass reform with each twist of her fingers. Her happiness was as fleeting as the shapes she could form with a handful of sand.


    The silence around her drove home just how pointless her outbursts and struggles truly were. What had she hoped to find here? Who did she believe to come running at her pathetic calls? It was so incredibly foolish.


    ¡°You... jerk¡­¡± She said between sniffles and pressed knees against her face. She could only blame herself and yet she felt unexpected rage inside her chest. ¡°Even though I didn¡¯t want any of this¡­¡±


    ¡®What a selfish¡­ kind¡­ monster¡­¡¯


    Thoughts would not form for quite a while afterwards. She just shed her tears until everything was dry inside and out. After releasing all of her emotions a profound emptiness set in and she felt quite numb to it all. What was she getting so worked up for anyway? Her life had been over the moment Typhos had stabbed her. Anything afterwards was merely fate delaying its hand.


    Her strong hands had merely given the illusion of freedom.


    No better than the husk of a cicada the priestess of Athena was left all alone once again.


    ¡°You¡¯ve made it quite far for someone of your fragile constitution.¡±


    She did not react to Bion¡¯s slightly breathless voice. Her milky eyes were directed at her knees and her ears only accepted the rhythm of the ocean. Bion put his hand on his hips and watched her with half closed eyes. Then without asking for her approval he just sat down next to her and crossed his legs. His hemp and leather clothes were not that of a standard citizen. Eugenia could not help but notice their unique rustling.


    ¡°The ocean¡¯s beautiful.¡± He proclaimed in an unenthused tone. ¡°Or so the poets say. The ocean¡¯s like a woman, sometimes furious, sometimes calm. That¡¯s what the sailors tell us.¡± He snorted. ¡°To me it looks all the same. Just a blue rug stretched across the horizon. That¡¯s why Master Agapetos calls me a simpleton and dilettante. He believes anything he reads in the library¡¯s scrolls.¡±


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Hm.¡± Eugenia didn¡¯t feel like making small talk.


    ¡°But I can¡¯t help it, I just want to know what the girl that was birthed from the ocean thinks of her cradle.¡± He turned his face to her and smiled vaguely.


    ¡°¡­if you want to mock me go ahead.¡± Eugenia replied hollowly and just kept her head down.


    ¡°You hurt me ¡¯Lady Eugenia¡¯.¡± He stressed the title with a dry smile. ¡°I am genuinely curious. I have never seen anyone cry in front of the ocean for so long. Mayhaps you wish to increase its size with your tears?¡±


    ¡°Idiot.¡± She actually felt irritation creep up her back.


    ¡°Right you are. I am called a fool, a useless assistant and a bad cook on a daily basis. There is nothing you could call me that Agapetos has not already made his own pet name.¡± Despite his wry tone he seemed far from bitter. ¡°But even a fool can see that you are not well.¡±


    ¡°What does it matter to you?¡± She asked with creased brows.


    ¡°For one, my Master will certainly give me the riding crop if I do not retrieve you by noon.¡± He said with one arm leaned over his angled leg. He did not seem to be joking. Such harsh punishments were not completely uncommon for apprentices, but it seemed extreme even then. ¡°Which would not be so bad if he used it in our bedstead, but I do not quite enjoy it as much when I am tied to the stable next to the horses.¡±


    Eugenia almost choked on her own tongue.


    ¡°Oh, did I say that out loud?¡± He said in a carefree tone.


    ¡°Y-You fool¡­¡± She repeated as she hid her blush.


    ¡°So you can still make an expression like that. Guess my worries are laid to rest then.¡± He said lazily and stretched his arms. ¡°If you don¡¯t wish to starve and would prefer to sleep in a hay bed rather than on the beach, you can come to the Medicoriam. That¡¯s what Master calls our workshop.¡± He added for clarification.


    Eugenia felt listless and empty, but she still understood that this boy was showing her compassion in his own way. His crude approach was not something she was used to, it might even have irritated her, yet¡­ despite her mental state she still had been trained to be grateful and polite. ¡°Thank you Bion.¡± She said with a sore throat hurt from all the crying.


    ¡°Just doing my job.¡± He said with a smirk unbefitting of his dull eyes.


    <hr>


    They had walked back to the city walls and entered without being held up, although the guards were staring at her for some reason. When they walked across the cobblestone and dirt Bion suddenly stopped her and pulled off his sandals.


    ¡°What?¡± Eugenia had no idea what went through his mind.


    ¡°I thought your feet might feel lonely being the only ones bare.¡± He said and hung the sandals over his shoulder. His exposed feet were covered in dirt in no time and resembled the priestess¡¯ splendidly.


    She did not call him an idiot this time, because he could easily read it from her expression.


    Thinking that they would return to the house, she was quite surprised to end up at the pier. Bion sat down at the edge of the wooden planks and let his feet dangle above the water. He didn¡¯t ask her to sit down, but she felt uncomfortable standing behind him. After pushing her legs over the edge as well she felt the breeze against her hot feet. Her toes touched the cool water.


    ¡°Did you come to Eretria with purpose?¡± He asked casually while taking care of the strings on his sandals.


    Eugenia tried to remember. She must have mentioned the city in delirium when Medusa panicked and asked for a place to heal her. Why had she chosen this city again?


    ¡°Is it because of the stories that people get cured by our rare herbs and skilled medicos?¡±


    ¡°I think so.¡± She replied sluggishly.


    ¡°Master will be ecstatic.¡± He said sardonically. ¡°He and his compatriots have been working hard to create that rumor. So many letters were exchanged, my feet really hurt from the deliveries. I still got some new blisters on top of my old blisters.¡± He rubbed his feet carefully.


    ¡°But you did heal me.¡± She protested.


    ¡°As I said, a mere coincidence. Master was testing out poisons and mixed a few herb based potions. It was not very effective. When we saw your wound, he was certain that it was the poison of a northern snake and simply took the antidote assigned by the old parchments we bought in Thebes. It had a slight chance of working.¡±


    Eugenia held her sewed side with reservation and a pale face. Typhos would definitely have chosen a rare poison, so a rare antidote would have had a higher chance of working. Her life had been saved by the eccentricity of this Agapetos. If Medusa had found out about this, how would she have reacted?


    ¡°How foolish.¡± She said while holding her head.


    ¡°Fate makes a fool out of anyone, beggar or king alike.¡± He said apathetically. ¡°We are still the most respected medicos in Eretria thanks to such lucky coincidences.¡±


    She could only hope that they were more professional on conventional ailments.


    ¡°Speaking of fate, you certainly are loved by it. A wound like yours has killed sturdy men before and that¡¯s when lacking the evil coalition with poison. Someone really must have wanted to see you perish. A jealous wench? Some spurned aristocrat?¡±


    Eugenia lowered her head.


    ¡°Maybe not.¡± He relented. ¡°No matter who it was, they were powerless in front of the gods watching over you. I doubted the talks of Poseidon sending a messenger, but now I am inclined to believe it.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t the gods.¡± She denied him with twisted lips. ¡°The gods didn¡¯t save me. My life and happiness all were in her hands¡­¡±


    ¡°Medusa. That¡¯s what you called her?¡±


    When he spoke her name a burning echo inside her chest seemed to devour itself and made her clutch it painfully. She nodded weakly.


    ¡°I can see it plain as the water in front of me, that one means a lot to you.¡± He was not trying to patronize her; his voice was even. Yet those simple words voiced in an uncaring, disconnected tone were hitting her harder than any of her own desperate screams.


    ¡°Yes¡­ so¡­ much¡­.¡± She said as a new wave of tears spilled from her eyes. She had thought them all dried up, but below the first well was another reservoir.


    He put a hand through his shoulder length hair and sighed. He let her relief those emotions for a while before finally picking up the conversation again.


    ¡°Your ''master¡¯ is just as unfair as mine, huh?¡± His sympathy was a bit forced, but he clearly tried his best. ¡°Did she abandon you because she wanted to cut ties?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Eugenia had thought about it so much, but she could not tell. Back on Sarpedon Medusa had told her that she needed her¡­ and yet she had not said anything when she left. No message for her and not a single hint as to what would happen to her now. ¡°She broke a promise for my sake and now she will be punished for it.¡±


    ¡°How noble.¡± He mused.


    ¡°Yes¡­ No! She is-¡± Her thoughts would not align.


    ¡°Unfair?¡± He suggested.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Told you.¡± He smirked. ¡°Those closest to us always think they know what is best. Often they won¡¯t acknowledge our own will. We are beneath them after all and their kindness is a gift we cannot refuse.¡± He spoke, content with his lot apparently.


    But Eugenia wanted to refuse it. She had never wanted Medusa to suffer for her. All along she had only wanted them to get closer and understand each other. Her awkward and twisted kindness was so¡­ unfair. One-sided and overpowering, just like her personality and legend. Eugenia hated being special. And the way Medusa had treated her was the worst kind of special.


    ¡°Does it make you mad?¡± Bion asked with a set smile.


    Eugenia held her face and nodded.


    ¡°Then the answer to your problem is simple.¡± He said as if they just ended a long debate between friends. ¡°You will have to tell her off.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Eugenia dipped her feet in the cold water and jerked back.


    ¡°All those pent-up emotions won¡¯t go away. They will just eat you up like lions do a slab of meat. If your thickheaded ¡®master¡¯ does not understand your feelings then you gotta shove them in her face!¡± He slammed his fist against his open palm.


    Eugenia¡¯s heart seemed to resonate with the punching sound. The next moment she was standing tall at the pier and balled her fists. Then she inhaled deeply.


    ¡°MEDUSA YOU JERK! I won¡¯t let you get rid of me! If you think you can cut me off you have something else coming!¡± Her shouts were loud enough to make the entire harbor stop in their tracks for a moment and stare at her. She huffed a few times and wiped sweat from her brow, but the void inside her seemed to disperse alongside the salty droplets. She turned to Bion and smiled. ¡°That felt good.¡±


    ¡°Er¡­ glad to hear it.¡± He had actually backed away from her and was holding an arm raised as if to shield himself. His shock was apparent.


    ¡°Now the first thing I will need is a boat. Do you think I can rent one around here?¡± She cupped her chin and moved her head around to listen for information.


    ¡°You want to sail back to that Medusa right away?¡± Sweat pearled down his face and forehead as the sun bored down on their heated exchange.


    ¡°You have no idea how lonely she gets. I also promised her a new chiton, so I will need some fabric and sewing tools.¡± She muttered to herself and then walked across the dock.


    ¡°Hey hey, why don¡¯t you take it a little slower? You haven¡¯t even recovered yet and-¡±


    ¡°I am fine. Compared to what Medusa must be going through right now I am in Elysium.¡±


    ¡°You will really end up in Elysium if you don¡¯t take care of yourself.¡± He pointed out and sighed.


    ¡°I am not that frail-¡± She said with a pout, but then a loud rumbling sound interrupted her. Those blubbering noises came from her belly.


    ¡°People get irrational on an empty stomach.¡± Bion said with a shrug and cracked his neck. ¡°Let me show you my mediocre cooking skills at least.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Eugenia whispered with a flushed face.


    <hr>


    ¡°If I had known that you would awaken today I would naturally have hired a great chef for the occasion. This does not reflect well on our great Medicoriam at all!¡± Agapetos lamented as he took the grilled chicken and cut off a rather large slice for himself.


    ¡°If it bothers you so much stop stuffing your wrinkly face.¡± Bion said without any sympathy.


    ¡°A great philosopher once said: Beggars cannot be choosers. Now of course a renowned gentleman like me is far from a beggar, but the essence of the idiom-¡±


    ¡°Do you want some more herbs Eugenia?¡± Bion turned towards the quiet priestess. Since she had sat down at the table the back and forth between master and assistant had not stopped.


    ¡°Y-Yes please.¡± She said quietly and took them from his extended hands. ¡°I think you made this quite well. When I roast animals, I always burn them a bit.¡± She admitted sheepishly.


    ¡°Do you hear that? Even a refined woman like Eugenia is satisfied with my grub.¡± Bion pointed at his master.


    ¡°Hah! She is simply indulging you.¡±


    ¡°So you call it grub as well.¡± Eugenia muttered as she took a small bite out of the meat. It wasn¡¯t bad at all. Her appetite was lacking and this meal was a bit too intense for her nostrils and taste buds, but she needed strength as soon as possible, so she forcefully dug in.


    ¡°I tire of the dull conversations with that boorish assistant.¡± Agapetos said and moved closer to her. ¡°If you would kindly indulge an old man with some answers to keep up his good cheer.¡± He made a humble, yet somehow dignified expression.


    His hairline was receding, but one could still tell that it must have been wild in his youth. Eugenia could not see his hair color naturally, but she guessed that it must have been silver-white already. A man like him could have even been around for up to forty-five summers or more.


    ¡°I-If it pleases you.¡± After her embarrassing exit from before she was quite self-conscious, especially because Agapetos seemed to be of noble blood.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be fooled. This man has not a drop of aristocratic blood in his veins.¡± Bion commented from the other end of the table while rubbing his chicken slice in a strange paste.


    ¡°Tsk, simpleton. Nobility comes not from the blood, but from the mind. The wisdom imparted to me makes me someone that even the Archons in Athens respect!¡±


    ¡°You trade with Athens?¡± Eugenia wondered.


    ¡°Oh, you assume that we are not so amicable with our brothers down south? As Ionians we simply must hold strong together. There is no question about it at all.¡±


    ¡°Even though Athens ignored our plea for support during the war? I suppose some blood bonds only flow one way.¡± Bion said sarcastically.


    ¡°Do not mind his ignorant mouth. He is a slave from the eastern isles. He has no understanding of the bonds between Ionians or Atticans.¡±


    ¡°Ah haha¡­¡± Eugenia had never given much thought to tribal unity and certainly never considered herself Ionian. In Dankana and even Lamia such things rarely came up. So this was what the cultured elite thought about? She wondered how Typhos would have seen things here. He was a supporter of humanity rather than specific groups. Or perhaps that too had been just a lie to get to his goal of reclaiming the throne¡­


    ¡°My, I am so sorry to have bored you with politics. That is not a topic a young lady would put much mind to.¡± He clasped his hands together in apology. ¡°What kind of occupation did you follow before you were brought here? Did you serve someone or are you perhaps aristocratic yourself?¡± He was careful in his presumptions no doubt.


    ¡°I was¡­ am a priestess of Athena.¡± She said and put the food down. Suddenly her mouth tasted like ash and dirt.


    ¡°A woman of the faith! That explains how a blind girl could have been treated so well by fate.¡± He said joyfully. Bion gave her a concerned glance, but she did not care to notice. ¡°Then the stories are true and you were guided by one of Athena¡¯s servants alongside a messenger of Poseidon. I feel so honored to have treated a chosen one in my Medicoriam!¡±


    ¡°Master.¡± Bion tried to shut him up, but Eugenia stopped him with one hand.


    ¡°It is true that I was saved by Athena. I will never be able to repay her.¡± Those feelings had not changed after all this time. Somehow even after finding out all the things she never wanted to know she could still not change them. Did she even want to?


    Her heart was clouded in this regard. This overwhelming desire to see Medusa again was pushing everything else aside, just so she could keep going. Yet she knew that eventually, maybe soon, she would have to confront this new reality.


    ¡°We are all indebted to the gods. In Eretria we are especially fond of Poseidon and Dionysus.¡±


    ¡°Dionysus?¡± She was surprised to heart hat. Port towns tended to mostly follow Poseidon and Hermes. The seas and trade were their domain after all.


    ¡°We are a cultural people. The wisdoms of the grape are not to be underestimated.¡± Agapetos said proudly.


    ¡°Wine is cheap after the war. The fields were the only thing not destroyed, so compared to lumber and ore, wine is easy to trade.¡± Bion explained.


    ¡°Hush you.¡±


    ¡°Incidentally, the wine in our cellar is all cheap stuff bought in bulk. Master wanted to gather a great collection to sell once the prices return to normal.¡± The assistant enjoyed revealing his master¡¯s secrets far too much. Before Agapetos could get his riding crop, Eugenia replied.


    ¡°How many owls would a bottle make?¡±


    ¡°Owls? I am not certain about the purity and exchange rates. Our coins are marked with the octopus.¡±


    ¡°Ohh, I have never heard of such coins.¡± Eugenia¡¯s face lit up.


    ¡°Here, you can have this one.¡± Bion threw a coin her way and she caught it with ease. The two medicos exchanged gazes, thinking the same thing apparently.


    Eugenia rubbed the coin and followed its pattern with her fingers. There really was an octopus engraved on it. The coin was a bit smaller than an Attican owl. Less metal contents meant they were worth less of course.


    ¡°How many octopi do I need to rent a boat?¡± She asked casually.


    ¡°What? Rent?¡± Agapetos was shocked.


    ¡°Sorry, we don¡¯t really do that around here. Eretria is the ¡®city of rowers¡¯. We only supply ships and man them with sailors and rowers. We didn¡¯t make any ourselves ever since the war destroyed the shipyard.¡± Bion explained.


    ¡°The acropolis has decided that we will invest into better land routes to the other towns of this island first. Gaining passage on foreign vessels is a delicate matter as of right now.¡± By that he meant the aristocrats governing the city above were weary of such practices.


    ¡°So nobody can buy a ship here?¡± She could not believe it.


    ¡°If you find a captain who will settle down in this city with all of his crew and is not afraid of getting into trouble with the owner, he might sell it, but probably not.¡± Bion shrugged.


    ¡°Indeed, the only men who own boats themselves are fishermen after all.¡± The master said as he gulped down an entire cup of wine. ¡°Pwhaah. But no sane person would wish to ride on those self-made water coffins.¡± For once both of them laughed in unison.


    Eugenia did not laugh.


    <hr>


    It was late at night, the moon was already gracing the city, when Eugenia rose from her bed. The hay was somewhat itchy, but that was not the reason she left. The clothes given to her were far more practical than the dress she had worn before. Typhos had not thought about her mobility when he gave it to her, but thanks to his dagger it had been ruined completely anyway. The new outfit probably made her look like an average city girl. At least they felt like they would.


    According to the medicos the payment for her treatment and stay here was arranged by the acropolis after they heard the news of her arrival. They would no doubt want to interrogate her after she fully recovered. And even if they did not, Eugenia had no reason to stay, but every reason to leave. She would find a way back to Sarpedon no matter what!


    As she sneaked down the stairwell and to the exit she was not stopped by anyone. Her hearing was too good to get surprised. Despite having made up her mind she still felt somewhat bad for leaving without a word, so she left a small note on the table. A goodbye and thank you and a blessing on top. Maybe one day they would meet again and then she would properly repay them.


    Her next destination was the small fishing village outside the city!


    With newfound determination the priestess pressed for a new goal. The unknown pain of the Gorgon was fueling her every move. Soon she would come to find that her decision was leading her to great resistance instead.

 Chapter 31: Eugenia and the melody of the soul

    Searching for something inside the darkness of night always proved difficult for humans. Pale moonlight would only illuminate so far and when Artemis moved farther away during each cycle the moon¡¯s presence became nearly unnoticeable. During those times the small cones of torchlight were the only thing separating humans from the encroaching darkness. Therefore activities in the city were limited to certain illuminated spaces and the inside of buildings. Few would venture outside, much less beyond the city walls.


    Eugenia was different. To her night or day made little difference when it came to navigation. The silence around made it far easier to find her way actually. For a girl that only knew darkness, light was indeed an unnecessary luxury. The night breeze was the only inconvenience and quickly rejected by her thick layer of clothes.


    The gates were under constant surveillance by the town watch, even in the thickest of night, but they were far less attentive than during the day. Eugenia passed two yawning guards in the middle of a dice game. Unlike in Athens these pastimes had not been regulated yet. Distractions like these would lead to the fall of cities sometimes, although Eretria¡¯s walls were a far cry from those of Troy in the first place. Any opposing army would be able to take the city before sunrise.


    Outside the city limits she could feel the ground become rougher and the roads less maintained.


    From what she had been able to gather during her dinner conversation with Agapetos, the fishing hamlet was located not too far from Eretria itself. It was somewhere just beyond the local forest. The fishermen¡¯s autonomy was far from approved, but the acropolis did not have the manpower to subjugate them right after the war and the rebuilding efforts. They followed the policy of ¡®out of sight, out of mind¡¯.


    She was certain that if anyone would sell her a boat it had to be these upstanding hardworking villagers. To that end she had no fear traversing a foreign forest if she had to. The eerie sounds of nocturnal birds above and rodents scurrying below the underbrush seemed oddly enhanced tonight. There was a faint echo like inside the halls of a temple. Truly, a forest was just a temple of nature.


    Her sandals got stuck in roots and ditches a few times, but she made relatively good progress by calmly putting one foot in front of the other and listening carefully for the sounds of the wind brushing over trees and leaves. As long as she took a straight path (or as straight as was possible inside a winding forest) she would arrive at the village before sunrise.


    Crack.


    Her heart skipped a beat when she stepped on a twig. The sound was so sudden and loud that it seemed to have silenced even the critters around her. The night birds had stopped their nearly imperceptible songs and the badgers stopped burrowing. Not even the sound of rustling leaves reached her ears anymore.


    There was an aura of rejection in the air. The last step she had taken was one too far. As the wind felt colder than snow and the air became thick as honey, Eugenia felt fear creep up her chest. Something was not right about this forest. It had been bothering her for a while now, but the atmosphere was simply wrong. For a while she just stood still to listen for something scary.


    Nothing would come. Yet if she kept moving her frozen legs would she still remain safe? That manner of irrational fear had taken a hold of her already. She shook her head, finally breaking the spell. There was nothing here except wildlife. A forest was a forest and her goal lay just ahead of its dirt covered mossy maws.


    She could not have known what she had just encountered and where it would have led other people¡­


    <hr>


    Against her prediction, Eugenia left the forest only when the sun had firmly broken past the horizon¡¯s edge. Helios was riding swiftly from the east.


    The priestess¡¯ legs were cold and wet from all the mud and moistness she had stepped through, but her exhaustion was not as bad as expected. The wound had not reopened either, which she thanked Athena¡¯s grace for.


    The hamlet was right in front of her, as signaled by the sounds of wives toiling away at the well to get their buckets filled with cool, pure water. Their men were preparing for the early rides unto the nearby sea by organizing their gear and gathering the bait. She pulled the hood of her clothes deeper into her face, hiding her milky eyes. It was a defense mechanism she had developed in the faraway past.


    When the first villager noticed her arrival he almost dropped his fishing hook and immediately called out to the others.


    Eugenia was taken aback by that reaction, but soon found out that they were not used to visitors. The initial shock had settled soon and their welcome was rather sweet. Except for the dubious looks given to her by one man.


    ¡°You come from Eretria, lass?¡± The eldest of the villagers was just old enough to be her father, which showed how young this hamlet truly was. They must have moved here right after the war.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a stubborn mule, let ¡®er rest her feet a wee bit and give her somethin¡¯ to drink.¡± The man¡¯s wife slapped the back of his head and almost made him fall off his seat on the perch.


    The village women had seen Eugenia¡¯s muddy clothes and her blistered feet right away, so they gave her a seat to rest on and handed her some of the freshly drawn well water. It was highly unlikely to see a woman travel on her own, let alone with such fine clothes. They must have assumed that she had lost her way.


    ¡°My name is Eugenia and I come from Eretria, yes.¡± She admitted after drinking her fill. ¡°But I am only passing through. My destination is far away from here.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really travelin¡¯ on your lonesome?¡± One of the men asked with crossed arms and a doubtful look.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Eugenia nodded. ¡°I came to you good people, because I need your help to get to this place.¡±


    ¡°How can we help ya?¡± A mother asked with surprise while cradling her drowsy child in her arms.


    ¡°I need a boat.¡± The priestess said with a stern expression.


    ¡°Likely story, that!¡± The eldest once again chimed in. ¡°You¡¯re a spy sent by those arrogant pricks, tryin¡¯ to figure us out, aint¡¯cha? You tell them that we won¡¯t be coming back and our boats aren¡¯t gonna be gettin¡¯ in their greedy paws either. We don¡¯t serve filthy cowards whose- Blargh!¡° He was interrupted by the swift impact of his son¡¯s fist in his gut.


    ¡°Father¡¯s not on speaking terms with the city folk, sorry for his behavior.¡± The young fisherman apologized seriously. ¡°If they really had spies to waste on some reclusive peasants, they wouldn¡¯t have sent a frail lass like her.¡± He said to the hunched over father.


    ¡°That¡¯s what they want¡¯cha to think!¡± He replied while coughing.


    ¡°But why do you need a boat so dearly?¡± The eldest¡¯ wife asked worriedly.


    ¡°I... need to return to the place I belong.¡± Eugenia replied while clutching her hands together.


    ¡°Don¡¯t they have ships in the city that you could board? They won¡¯t reject a nice girl like you.¡±


    Eugenia twisted her brows and tried to come up with an explanation, but thankfully the son took over again.


    ¡°Since we - I mean they ¨C lost the war they¡¯ve been unable to regain status around the other cities, mother. I heard that the harbor is basically under foreign control.¡± He said with a deep sigh. ¡°Habtos said he can¡¯t even go fishing without a permit anymore.¡±


    ¡°Buncha cowards¡­¡± The eldest spat out. The scars on his face and hands spoke of a rather turbulent past, but thankfully Eugenia could not see them. She was uneasy enough already.


    ¡°Would it not be safer to take the land route then lass? Find a good caravan and settle for a nice backseat on a cart? Ya could ride to another harbor town then.¡± They all made similar suggestions, clearly worried for her well-being.


    It made sense of course, a single girl traveling the seas on her own was far from ideal. Even the most valiant sailor would reconsider such a suicidal task despite the relatively short distance to the mainland.


    ¡°Can you even sail?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± She admitted and felt her heart sink. ¡°I wanted to ask you to teach me that as well. There is not much time so I need to cross the ocean as soon as possible!¡± She bowed her head in front of them.


    ¡°Now I¡¯d have liked it better if ya were a spy.¡± The eldest grumbled and rubbed his dirty head. ¡°Don¡¯cha mock the sea like that!¡± He shouted and pushed his finger against her chest.


    Eugenia froze up.


    ¡°Can¡¯t just expect to learn two or three knots and then be ready for sailin¡¯! Takes real blood, sweat and tears to learn the ropes! Ya really think we¡¯ll hand some outsider one of our precious boats? Can ya even pay us for it? Hm? Speak up!¡± His words stabbed her like arrows and left her unable to respond. The other villagers did not intervene this time either.


    She knew all along that it would not be easy. There would be resistance and rejection, but their arguments cut deeper than that. Like a child she had just stumbled forward, desperately chasing the first sparkling light she saw. Only did it not lead home, but into a swamp of doubt.


    And yet¡­


    ¡°I may not have anything to pay you with.¡± She said while balling her fists. ¡°I may not be able to sail this vast world on my own. But!¡±


    But¡­


    ¡°I still have to do it anyway!¡± She raised her voice and stood firm in the center of their attention. When she thought of the image inside her mind, the retreating shape of a woman that returned to the sea against her will¡­ It wiped all doubts away.


    Her determination seemed to reach a few of them at least, as the villagers calmed down their elder and got him to get back to work to cool his head. Meanwhile the son sat down on a stump that was used to cut fire wood upon. He nodded Eugenia to come closer.


    ¡°You arrived at a complicated time, Eugenia. Even if father won¡¯t accept it, we are struggling to keep this small place running.¡± He admitted and pressed his thumbs together in his folded hands.


    ¡°What is the issue?¡± She asked neutrally.


    ¡°As I said before, there¡¯s a great foreign influence in the area. They need fishing permits in the city, because the acropolis doesn¡¯t want us to do any shady deals behind their backs.¡±


    ¡°Deals?¡±


    ¡°Black market stuff. Selling goods without letting Eretria profit. The best way to stomp out the rebuilding efforts is to completely isolate the city from fair trade.¡± He explained dryly. For a fisher¡¯s son he seemed incredibly well educated. ¡°Sorry, was that too complex?¡±


    ¡°I think I understand.¡± She replied truthfully. Even a priestess was taught things that ran beyond the confines of faith. As the ones who had to give advice to people from all walks of life their general education had to be on par with most nobility.


    ¡°My apologies for doubting you. Those fine clothes are not just for show, huh?¡± He smiled weakly. ¡°If we are going to have a business relationship, I should probably introduce myself. I am Therses of Eretria. Although my father would prefer if I did not add that last part.¡±


    ¡°He really hates the city, doesn¡¯t he?¡± Eugenia felt strangely curious. Usually she avoided getting involved with people as much as possible, but recently she felt that knowing people could not be so bad. Right?


    ¡°Father was once a proud soldier of the local military. You should have heard his boasting and stories from before the war. He was so enamored with the military life.¡± He sighed sweetly. ¡°Of course losing so conclusively left him bitter. He has spent the last few years learning grandfather¡¯s occupation out of sheer spite. ¡®A fisherman¡¯s son has to be a fisherman as well¡¯, that is his motto now.¡±


    ¡°But what about you?¡± She asked with concern.


    ¡°I am honestly fine, no matter what job you give me. My expensive education might be wasted on this occupation, though.¡± He expressed self-mockingly, but not nearly as bitter as his father. ¡°That doesn¡¯t really matter anymore. I told you that these are complicated times and I was not exaggerating. Some unknown men keep attacking our boats when we sail out for a haul.¡±


    ¡°A-Attack? They would do something so vile?¡±


    ¡°There is nothing they wouldn¡¯t do, I think. We can never get a hold of our attackers, though, so it¡¯s hard to prove that the city is involved. Father only became more stubborn recently, but the others don¡¯t want to provoke them any more.¡±


    ¡°How horrible¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. We can get by. None of us were fisherman before founding this village, so we have other skills we can rely on. Recently we have been thinking about becoming farmers.¡±


    ¡°In this place?¡± She was doubtful. They were mostly surrounded by the forest and sea. There was not much space for fields or a mill.


    ¡°Hah, I had the same doubts. The idea is to be self-sustaining, so additionally to the fishing we also kept livestock and are growing some basic things in the backlands. There are some edible fruit in the woods as well.¡± He raised a finger and seemed rather excited.


    ¡°I see. You really have this figured out.¡± She came from a farming village herself, yet she knew so little about the logistics. It made her feel a bit ashamed.


    ¡°So you see, we could spare a boat or two if we switch our focus as planned. There is just one problem.¡±


    ¡®Yet another one¡¯, Eugenia thought to herself.


    ¡°Our stock is disappearing.¡±


    ¡°Disappearing?¡± She repeated in confusion.


    ¡°Yes! During the night the cows and pigs just vanished. Even the chickens escaped their cages. Gods know how this happened, but that¡¯s not where it ends. Not at all.¡± He rubbed his temples. ¡°We suspect they were freed by an outsider. Our youngest has found hoof prints that lead into the deepest parts of the forest.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good news! You may find them yet.¡± She clapped her hands in relief. But Therses reaction was not one of joy.


    ¡°We cannot go there.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°The forest, have you not heard its nickname? It¡¯s the forest of enchantment.¡± His voice quivered, but Eugenia simply tilted her head to the side. That name only evoked positive feelings. When seeing her lack of reaction, he exhaled. ¡°I can see now that you really are not a local. This forest is infamous among anyone who lived here even for just a short while.¡± He covered his mouth and rubbed the short youthful beard that must have grown just recently.


    ¡°It didn¡¯t seem dangerous when I went through it. I got lost a few times, though.¡± She said sheepishly.


    ¡°Wait, do you mean to tell me that you simply walked through the forest without a map? No guidance at all?¡± His perplexed tone was creeping her out a bit.


    ¡°I knew that I had to walk in a straight path to come here.¡±


    ¡°You did not take the suggested roads?!¡±


    ¡°N-No.¡±


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°Remarkable¡­¡± He seemed stunned. ¡°The enchanted forest is a place that nobody returns from. If you stray even slightly from the path there is no telling where you will end up. We do not even dare to hunt, because the game will hide off the beaten path.¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t return? People disappear? Just like your cattle?¡± She now finally saw the connection.


    ¡°Exactly. We cannot track them - or whoever stole them - down. You must be blessed indeed to have made it all the way here without encountering the song.¡±


    ¡°What has singing to do with it?¡±


    ¡°Those few who managed to return to the path said that they heard a sweet song that seemed to draw their heart to the darkness. That is all we know.¡±


    Eugenia put her arms behind her back and gave it some thought. These revelations were quite mysterious.


    ¡°My ears, they are, uhm, rather good.¡± She rubbed said ears nervously. ¡°But when I went through the forest I could not hear any singing. It was scarily quiet actually.¡±


    ¡°Maybe this is a sign?¡± He said and tapped his foot. ¡°If the forest became safe for passage we could search for our cattle and also go hunting. Those would be marvelous news!¡±


    ¡°W-Wait a second, I am not sure that¡¯s it.¡± She raised her hands in a placatory fashion. ¡°Perhaps I was just lucky.¡±


    ¡°That is a possibility. I don¡¯t want to risk the well-being of anyone in the village over a coincidence.¡± He agreed.


    Eugenia suddenly had a flash of inspiration. It seemed like the only opportunity she would get. With all her courage she stretched forward her hand and called out to Therses.


    ¡°Then let me go there in your stead!¡±


    ¡°What are you saying? This isn¡¯t your issue-¡± His eyes lit up when he realized what she was about to say.


    ¡°If you promise me to teach me how to sail and give me one of your boats I will return your cattle to you. I am confident that I will be safe from any enchantment.¡±


    ¡°How could you be so sure?¡±


    ¡°Because I trust in the great and wise Athena.¡± She said with a wry smile. Therses could hardly respond to such a show of faith. In this world a strong belief that the gods were on one¡¯s side was far from rare, but it seldom led to a good ending to take it for granted. He had every right to doubt her desperate declaration. It would have been the most sensible choice.


    ¡°I see. That is a relief.¡± He smiled. ¡°I, too, am a devout follower of Athena.¡± He revealed with pride. Indeed, there were all kinds of people in this world. To meet one of the same deep faith was a blessing in itself. ¡°If you believe that strongly, I would be remiss to deny your offer. But I have one condition.¡± He rose from the stump and turned serious.


    Eugenia gulped down cold air. What could he possibly demand now? She was already unsure of whether this was a smart decision, but now she got truly nervous. His hand moved forward forebodingly.


    ¡°Let me come with you.¡± He asked courteously and grabbed her hand.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    <hr>


    They stepped through the thick underbrush and over moss covered fallen trees. The air was moist and somewhat suffocating, which mixed with the cold shade, created an uncomfortable feeling like no other. Despite this uneasy atmosphere shaking the priestess to the bone, she kept walking ahead of the young man to follow the noise of quietly tapping paws in the distance.


    ¡°This place is just as eerie as I remember it.¡± Therses said quietly, as if he feared to speak aloud in this natural echo chamber.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t need to come along. Your family will be worried.¡± Eugenia said as she put on a brave mien.


    ¡°Father doesn¡¯t believe in the forest spirits or the ¡®song¡¯, so he will probably think I ran away from work.¡± Therses replied with a joke. ¡°And mother understands that we cannot go on like this much longer.¡±


    Eugenia felt the heaviness in his words and decided not to question his decision again. He was also worried about the people that mattered to him, just like her. Both of them would risk their lives for their sake. Right now she simply made a silent prayer to Athena to watch over them.


    ¡°There are animal tracks everywhere. We must be on the right path.¡± The young fisherman knelt down and inspected the trampled ground. ¡°Hooves.¡±


    ¡°You said there were cows and pigs?¡±


    ¡°Yes. And chickens too, but I don¡¯t see any claw marks.¡± He responded slowly and raised his head. ¡°¡­all of these lead towards the center of the forest¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s so quiet.¡± Eugenia strained her ears as best as she could, but aside from Therses¡¯ regular breathing she could barely hear anything. It was as if she had pushed her head underwater and listened to a bird¡¯s song from the sky.


    ¡°¡­there should be a clearing¡­. ahead¡­¡± Therses muttered and suddenly overtook Eugenia. He was not rushing at all, but he took the lead without saying anything.


    ¡°W-Wait, why do we need to go to the clearing? How do you know it¡¯s there?¡± She rushed after him and jumped over a root that almost tripped her at the last second. There had been a lot of plants and branches in her way until now, but it just seemed to get thicker over time. Therses claim of a clearing seemed out of place.


    ¡°¡­it sounds so sweet¡­ the clearing must be where this sound is coming from¡­¡± Therses said in a trance and kept moving forward, faster than before.


    Then Eugenia realized it, the young man wasn¡¯t going faster, she was just slowing down. There was so much brush and so many branches cutting into her face and hands that she simply couldn¡¯t keep up. It was as if the forest itself was trying to keep her away. With growing concern for Therses¡¯ odd behavior she managed to push through the branches trying to hold her back and jumped across the vines that seemed to spring up to trip her.


    ¡°Therses, wait! You are affected by the ¡®song¡¯!¡± She shouted after the quieting footsteps of the young man. ¡°Close your ears!¡±


    Her warnings were left unheard. Before she knew what had happened the footsteps disappeared. Suddenly it was as if he was not there anymore. To Eugenia who could only rely on her ears, he had vanished from the world. When she reached the spot he had last stood in, she only found a pile of leaves.


    This was bizarre. She had not heard a single note of this ¡®song¡¯ that had taken Therses. How could a man just disappear into thin air? Had the ground swallowed him up?! The mere thought made her stomach convulse.


    ¡°No¡­ no, you can¡¯t be gone.¡± She frantically turned in place. She had just wanted to help, but now Therses was gone because of her.


    This was too frightening, too unnatural. If she could not smell, hear or taste the cause of these mysteries, then how could she possibly get to the truth? She felt powerless to do anything. At this instant she was completely alone¡­ except for the guidance of the goddess. Eugenia felt uneasy to call upon Lady Athena. Even more so than her inherent guilt of relying upon the gods for her own selfish gain, she had grown a certain distance to her. If only Medusa was here to say something sarcastic to reassure her¡­


    Why was it that even now she was rather thinking of Medusa than her benefactor above?


    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± She slapped her cheeks and focused. There were things even she alone could do. People did not just disappear. That was for certain. She knelt down next to the pile of leaves and found that below it was a hole in the earth, dug by badgers or hares. Therses could not possibly have fit in there.


    Then there were the low hanging branches and ivy. It seemed like a stretch, but perhaps he had climbed them when she was distracted? The creaking of wood and the stretching of plants was distinct, but not enough to stand out when she was rushing through her own hurdles.


    If she went by that assumption, then perhaps someone had climbed across the trees and taken Therses. They would have to have been swift and strong, but it was a possibility. The next question was where they could have taken him.


    ¡°A clearing.¡± She remembered what Therses had been muttering before. To the priestess it was hard to differentiate a clearing from the rest of the forest, but there were ways. She closed her eyes and focused her ears with as much effort as she could reasonably give and listened to the eerie forest¡¯s heartbeat.


    There were rustling leaves and swaying branches¡­


    There was bubbling from a distant brook¡­


    If she focused into one direction only¡­


    There! She started moving again. The sounds of the forest were quiet, but constant. There was only one gap in the sound of the wind passing through. There was one place without rustling or movement. The clearing was right ahead of her!


    She tore away the ivy in front of her and stepped through the bushes.


    In an instant the air became warm and thick like honey. The until now eclipsed sunlight was suddenly back with full force and began to bake her skin and dry her clothes. The numbness she had felt inside the dark forest was suddenly turned into vibrant song! The chirping of birds accompanied each note and the bubbling brook from the distance was now right in the center of the lush clearing. Even though she could not see the beauty of nature, the feeling she got from standing in this place was¡­ like bliss.


    There was laughter, echoing and ethereal like phantoms. Children? People? There was more, the oinking of pigs and the lethargic mooing of cows. They were all condensed in such a small space, barely the size of a house.


    Eugenia was snapped out of her mesmerized state when she heard a soft androgynous voice call out to her.


    ¡°You should not have come here. Kygnos song was not for you.¡±


    ¡°Where are we?¡± She replied while trying to keep a clear head. The air itself seemed to drown out her thoughts, but the constant vibration of harp strings reverberating through the clearing was distracting her even more.


    ¡°¡¯Tis a place for the decadent and the seekers of pleasure~¡± The voice replied almost singing.


    ¡°Who¡­ are you¡­?¡± She held her head in drowsiness.


    ¡°You have entered Kygnos¡¯ home, little priestess.¡± The voice replied. Were they Kygnos? Where they speaking for him?


    ¡°Did you take¡­ Therses?¡± She bit her lip. The pain allowed her mind to focus.


    ¡°Kygnos has no us for men. The boy is enjoying the Eros of his life with the others.¡±


    Eugenia could not follow this person¡¯s words very well. Eros was the son of Aphrodite, a god of love and pleasure. Some may have referred to his presence as a state of being. Grand priestess Akacia had taught her not to mingle with the cult of Eros. Was this a place for those decadent followers to mingle?


    ¡°Why did¡­ Kygnos take him then?¡±


    ¡°It is for the sake of pleasure.¡± The voice replied immediately.


    This conversation was not bearing fruit. She could hardly understand the soft voice that spread like the notes of a harp touched by the wind. The song would simply not stop washing over her thoughts and gently pushed them away. She was listening closely to gain a stronger image of reality around her. The voice came from right ahead, beyond the giggling and laughter. The voices of humans were a layer around the true source of it all. She could hear the animals¡¯ heartbeats and noises spread around it like a half-moon. They were all placed around the person, at their feet, completely obedient.


    Then the person stood from their throne carved into the giant central tree. She could hear the rustling of feathers, the swaying of a tail and the heavy step of hooves. For a moment she had assumed it was the sound of the animals around them moving away, but they were unmoving.


    That could only mean¡­


    ¡°You aren¡¯t human.¡± She concluded.


    The creature strummed its harp playfully and the animals finally moved aside. Now Eugenia could finally hear the bodies of humans fall over as well. They had been leaned against the being¡¯s body the entire time, unmoving, like plants.


    ¡°You are not wanted here.¡± The voice replied.


    ¡°Yet now I am here.¡± She replied bravely. ¡°Who are these people?¡±


    ¡°Seekers of pleasure, servants of desire. Humans from the forest of stone and men from the wooden caves. They followed Kygnos¡¯ song.¡± The person named Kygnos replied.


    ¡°You took what doesn¡¯t belong to you and keep people prisoner with your¡­ enchantment?¡± The pieces were falling into place.


    ¡°Nothing belongs to anyone. Every soul is free. The animals are free to go, yet they stay. The humans are ignorant of the world now that they have found the truth of pleasure.¡± Kygnos said and suddenly the song stopped. The hand stilled and the harp¡¯s harmony was extinguished.


    The honey in the air was thinning and now Eugenia could finally think straight again.


    ¡°Your name is Kygnos?¡±


    ¡°Kygnos is Kygnos.¡± The man replied. The moment the song had vanished so did its androgynous tone.


    ¡°You¡­ you are a Satyr!¡± She finally realized. Legs and a tail of horse, a wild mane of hair across their head and the ever-present desire. The moment she realized the truth she stepped backwards and shielded her body with her arms. Satyrs were spirits of nature and lust. Eternally bound to their desire for the flesh, but also the arts and joys of music. ¡°Don`t come any closer.¡± She warned him.


    ¡°Your heart has finally found the truth.¡± The Satyr moved his arms as if in dance and the women to his sides stood up to follow his lead. ¡°Do not fear me, for you are beyond my reach.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± She still feared for her safety under that lecherous gaze, but it was soon turned to the other women.


    ¡°You are marked by the silvery eyes, girl. There are pleasures that are beyond the reach of even Kygnos.¡±


    ¡°Lady Athena¡¯s eyes?¡±


    ¡°Kygnos can see their vibrant silvery reflection behind your back. To be a fool for pleasure¡¯s sake does not mean having a foolish mind. A priestess is a fruit so delectable, just so, because it cannot be mine.¡± He danced in place with the women that kept laughing in trance.


    ¡°So you cannot touch me.¡± She felt a strong sense of relief.


    ¡°Kygnos does not touch those who deny him. Yet¡­ no one denies.¡± He said sensually and then wrapped his arms around the two women. Naturally all of them were naked, as was the custom for woodland spirits like the Satyr. Eugenia was thankful for her blindness as she had no desire to see the deformed snout and eternally engorged manhood of the creature.


    ¡°Your enchantment keeps them tied to your desire. This is not their own choice!¡±


    ¡°Kygnos¡¯ song merely guides the way, only the listener can make the choice to follow it.¡± He replied gleefully.


    ¡°There are families out there who miss their children and husbands. If you asked them if they wanted to return, I am certain they would all-¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Kygnos hummed a melody and suddenly Therses appeared from behind a tree. He could not have stood behind it the entire time, yet here he was. ¡°Does this boy wish to return to his family? Or will he seek the truth of his Eros?¡±


    Therses eyes were dulled, but his lips were upturned in a perpetual smile.


    ¡°Therses, don¡¯t listen to him! Focus on my voice!¡± Eugenia encouraged him.


    ¡°¡­Eugenia?¡± He recognized her!


    ¡°Listen to me! Your father and mother are waiting in the village. They are worried sick for you and the animals that the Satyr stole.¡±


    ¡°Father?¡± He showed signs of thought.


    ¡°Hahaha, what is the bond of family compared to the climax of everlasting Eros? Do you not wish to return to that passion, child?¡± Kygnos whispered into Therses ear and his filigree finger movements created a sweet sound on his harp.


    ¡°Why should I return to a father who doesn¡¯t love me for who I am?¡± Therses said with resentment. ¡°He tore me from the city life which I loved so much. Mother did not resist his oppressive hand even once. I was shackled Eugenia¡­ this place lets me express who I really am. I can write poetry, I can revel in beauty!¡± He said with euphoria and spread his arms.


    ¡°That is not who you are!¡± She shouted and overpowered the strings. ¡°I don`t know you very well, that is true, but even an outsider like me can tell that there is more to it than that! You love your family even if it is hard sometimes. You risked your life for the village, because you felt that it was the right thing to do. A sense of duty is part of what makes us human.¡± She clutched her chest and focused on the rules she had lived by for so long. ¡°The love for your family is just as strong as that Satyr¡¯s Eros. Your devotion to Lady Athena is as genuine as your wish to be free. Am I wrong?¡±


    ¡°To choose two paths is the same as choosing none.¡± Kygnos said softly and strummed his harp. ¡®None¡¯ the women at his side repeated in whispers.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s a contradiction, but is it wrong to want to have both?¡± Eugenia said as her hair fell into her face.


    ¡°My duty¡­?¡± Therses held his head in pain from a strong migraine.


    ¡°Kygnos can show you pleasures that no man can achieve alone.¡±


    ¡°But what meaning is there in pleasure for pleasure¡¯s sake? What does it mean to be happy¡­ if there is nobody to share it with?¡± Eugenia exclaimed. ¡°These people are all chained to a dream without substance. You will never truly reach each other.¡±


    ¡°Reach them?¡± Therses looked up with a spark of life in his eyes.


    ¡°You can still reach your father. It¡¯s not too late. But if you listen to this self-serving song, you will never see him or the villagers again.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t¡­ want that!¡± Therses said with pain in his voice.


    ¡°What if the village joined this pleasure?¡± Kygnos suddenly suggested with a lusty smile.


    ¡°No¡­ No¡­. leave my family out of this!¡± The young man suddenly pushed the Satyr off his shoulder and ran away. Before long he was out of the clearing and vanished from the sunlit world.


    ¡°Kygnos does not need men, they are rebellious and unruly.¡± The Satyr said without remorse and sat down on his throne again. ¡°Women are enjoyable. Kygnos would be satisfied if they stayed.¡±


    ¡°Please, let them go. The animals too.¡± Eugenia asked of him seriously.


    The song came to a halt again. Even the strumming of the harp had made no difference until now. The women and animals all seemed alert and hid behind the trees and bushes. Now the path between Eugenia and Kygnos was utterly free.


    ¡°Kygnos obeys the gods, as Master Dionysus taught his kind. No harm will be done to the messenger, nor the preacher. Beyond that you exert no power over my realm, girl.¡±


    ¡°I am not commanding you.¡± Eugenia shook her head. ¡°I am asking you to show compassion for us foolish humans.¡±


    ¡°Human Eugenia, you are strange.¡± The Satyr tapped his hooves against the ground repeatedly in a melodic rhythm. ¡°You are protected by the silvery eyes, yet Kygnos can sense the touch of another demi-human on your being.¡±


    Eugenia¡¯s shoulders clamped up.


    ¡°That contradiction that moves you, will it find an end when these two passions clash?¡±


    She averted her face from his boring gaze. It seemed to bring him quite a bit of amusement. Enough to hop from his throne and move her way. She tensed up when his hand almost slid across her arms and chest. He truly did not touch her, just as he had sworn.


    ¡°Is your passion for the silvery eyes of the same nature as the one you seek?¡± He whispered into her ear. ¡°Even the purest well contains a drop of taint. What does your heart want? What do you deny with your every breath? This is pleasure tasted all too rarely. Kygnos is curious.¡±


    She felt his breath against her cheek and the static electricity of his mane against her own hair. The clapping of his hooves surrounded her like a cage.


    ¡°Walk the path you follow¡­ away from Kygnos¡¯ song. Perhaps there is Eros to be found even there, in that innocent heart of yours.¡±


    And with that the dream ended. Confused mooing and grunting surrounded Eugenia and the fearful gasps of both women and men chimed in. The clearing was gone. Was it ever truly there? The forest once silent was now as lively as any forest she had ever ventured before.


    The priestess stood in the middle of the chaos, holding a harp she could carry in her frail arms. This was the only proof of her encounter with a strange Satyr¡¯s song.


    ¡°Eugenia? Is that you? I have been looking for you all ove- wait who are these people?¡± Therses came running from the depth of the forest and was shocked by the group of naked people and confused cattle.


    ¡°Where am I?!¡± A man shouted.


    ¡°Where are my clothes?¡± A woman asked as she covered herself in shame.


    ¡°Why do I feel so exhausted? And my behind stings.¡± A middle-aged man rubbed his hurting body.


    As the confusion expanded and then subsided, the people who had been led astray were escorted to the village for now. Eugenia followed them as well with Therses apologizing to her repeatedly for losing sight of her. He also thanked her for finding the lost cattle, but he felt even more grateful for reasons he could not express.


    The young woman bashfully accepted the thanks, but could not fully focus on the going-ons from here on.


    The words of the Satyr were like a spell, but she was not enchanted. Rather she felt a burning heat gather in her chest and a tightening in her throat. What he had said about her heart, it could not have been true, could it?


    The harp in her hands was warm and its curves made it easy to handle. There was a mischievous tone in the note that Eugenia¡¯s accidental touch released.


    With the freedom of the lost, the priestess came one step closer to reaching Sarpedon. At the same time the doubts clamoring inside her heart had now found their own melody.

 Chapter 32: Eugenia and the messengers wisdom

    Soft notes were strung along with the rhythmic splashing of the waves. The ocean joined in on the innocent melody that floated across it ever so carefree.


    ¡°Would¡¯cha put down that accursed trinket already and help me with th¡¯se knots?¡±


    Eugenia blinked and realized where she was. She was sitting at the pier where the fishing boats were tied down. As her mind had wandered, she had instinctively played the small harp in the melody of her distracted mind. The village elder glared the instrument down and then turned back to his work. The priestess jumped to his side and helped him with the knots.


    ¡°Forgive me.¡± She said quietly.


    ¡°Darn thing¡¯s got you under a spell, huh? Been strummin¡¯ it for weeks now. Where¡¯d ya even get it from?¡± He asked as he untied the rope and pulled out the oars from the bottom compartment.


    ¡°It was a gift¡­ I think.¡± She set the harp down on a calf-high table.


    ¡°Better not been Therses, that good for nothin¡¯ romantic!¡± He spat out into the sea and then stepped onto the boat. Eugenia followed him as if it was natural.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t from him.¡± She shook her head earnestly.


    ¡°Good. Boy¡¯s got enough to worry about in that city of cowards. Doesn¡¯t have time for women.¡± The elder said with a disgruntled expression and kicked the boat away from the pier.


    Eugenia nodded thoughtfully. It had been three weeks already since she had arrived here, but it felt much longer. Therses had a serious talk with his parents and convinced them to let him go to Eretria to find work there. Having someone inside the city for information gathering was a real boon. They told him not to get into trouble or put his nose into matters that it didn¡¯t belong, but Eugenia could tell that he would do that anyway.


    Meanwhile she had been taught sailing by the (self-proclaimed) master fisherman father. The village was quite grateful to her, despite her insistence that she barely did anything. Even now she was not quite certain why Kygnos had relented so easily. There was no time to contemplate this anymore though, as the training she received was rather Spartan.


    Every single day they would sail out farther away from the village and throw out fishing nets. While they waited for results the elder taught her various things about boats and sailing with an iron fist. He had no remorse in hitting her head whenever she mixed up terms or held something wrong. He took the profession extremely serious.


    Thanks to that Eugenia felt a real sense of accomplishment. She always had a good memory, so she was not failing on the quizzes, but there were certain errors that were unavoidable¡­


    ¡°If I had known you¡¯re blinder than jellyfish I¡¯d not have agreed to this.¡± He complained as he kept rowing. Realizing that his words might have been too harsh he added. ¡°But ya got a good head on your infant shoulders. Shouldn¡¯t have come this far with your bad eyes, honestly.¡±


    ¡°There is movement over there!¡± Eugenia called out and pointed towards the left.


    ¡°Gods know how ya tell these things¡­¡± He grunted and then moved the sail a little to let the wind let them turn. He had been skeptical of her claims at the beginning, but it turned out that she really did point to good fishing spots. Maybe that was the true reason he still taught her.


    ¡°I listen to the currents.¡± Eugenia replied truthfully. All that got her was a snort.


    ¡°Anyways, got the basics down already, but ya will never be able to sail on your own, lass.¡±


    Eugenia fumbled with the net and furrowed her brows.


    ¡°Sailors need to look at the sky to navigate. Need to see landmarks. Read sea maps.¡± He counted down on his fingers. ¡°Just give it up and find a new place.¡± His rough words were hiding genuine concern, but to the young woman it still sounded like a personal attack.


    ¡°I will reach it.¡±


    The elder sighed hoarsely and then helped her throw the net out. They tied it to the side of the boat and got ready. Despite their differences, when it came to moving the net they were in perfect synchronicity.


    ¡°Let¡¯s say ya really know where ta take this boat. How far is it? Ya need supplies. Maybe for weeks. We¡¯ve agreed to give ya a hand, but we ain¡¯t got stuff to waste on an aimless Odyssey.¡± They strongly pulled the net back against the struggling fish.


    ¡°I will get the food myself. I will ration myself.¡± She said quietly.


    ¡°What`s waitin¡¯ for ya? What¡¯s got ya so hung up on some island? Family?¡± He really didn¡¯t seem to understand her. She had once explained what island she was going to and where it should roughly be located, but that was it. Understandably the villagers felt she was going too far for so little.


    ¡°She is not my family.¡± Eugenia shook her head and opened her mouth to elaborate. Yet when she tried to say more, nothing would come. What was Medusa to her? When she had been desperate she had freely said that it was the place she belonged. But what did that mean? Why was it so hard to put into words?


    ¡°Don¡¯t break your lil¡¯ head over it.¡± He said after an agonizingly long silence. ¡°If I would be shipwrecked in some strange place, I¡¯d wanna go back to my wife no matter what too.¡± He admitted while rubbing his scars embarrassedly.


    ¡°What about Therses?¡± Eugenia asked with a small smirk.


    ¡°The boy can look out for himself!¡± The elder protested and then dragged the net into the boat. Lots of flopping fish were panicking in the dry air. ¡°I¡¯d wanna see him again, sure.¡± He admitted with a voice too low to perceive by normal ears.


    Eugenia smiled.


    Swish!


    Out of nowhere an arrow suddenly cut through the net in their hands, which made the fish break out of their confines and spread all over the small boat. In the confusion Eugenia and the elder turned around, but where surprised by several more arrows hailing down on them!


    ¡°Duck!¡± He pushed Eugenia down and was grazed by a few arrows. The cuts were shallow, but the problems only started now. A low sizzling became much louder fast. The sail was on fire! ¡°Burning arrows?! Ya cowards! Come fight me like men!!¡± He shouted over the edge of the boat, towards the attackers in the distance.


    ¡°W-Who-?¡± Eugenia pulled herself up at the mast and was promptly tackled out of the way again. The archers were still not satisfied.


    ¡°Put out the fire lass! I¡¯ll get the oars.¡± He rolled across the deck and got the oars to move them out of the way of fire.


    Meanwhile Eugenia grabbed a bucket and filled it with water. Next, she splashed it against the burning sail, but it was far too late to be salvaged. Her mind was racing in fear and reflection. The villagers had told her about the constant attacks from strangers that they assumed came from Eretria. They had not made a move in the last few weeks, but now they were attacking full force. Just as they had gone out farther on the ocean than ever before. Was this a calculated move? Out here there would be no ships coming by to help them.


    As she realized that, she heard the air being cut by more arrows and pulled up a wooden plank to shield herself. The arrow tips bored through and halted right in front of her face. They were not even aiming for her though, but the elder who was rowing madly.


    ¡°The boat is on fire!¡± She shouted while shielding him with another plank. ¡°I can¡¯t extinguish all of it!¡±


    ¡°Poseidon¡¯s wrath be on them!¡± He cursed and let go of the oars. ¡°Hope ya can swim lass.¡± He said gravely and then pushed her off the boat.


    ¡°Waaah!¡± She shrieked and then fell into the cold depth of the ocean. When she surfaced in a panic, she felt several large pieces of the boat floating around her so she held on to them. Her clothes had been soaked full instantly and felt incredibly heavy. She spat out water and tried to focus her senses, but the only thing she heard was the crackling fire and the shouts of men in the distance.


    The heavy smoke entered her nose and lungs and made her nauseous. It gave her flashbacks of the destruction of the Greenhouse. A horrible feeling of loss spread in her heart and she felt heavier by the second.


    Was the elder fine? The rain of arrows created dozens of small impacts on the ocean¡¯s surface. He must have jumped off too, right?


    In that moment she suddenly felt the flailing of a man inside the water and paddled over. He was struggling to keep afloat! Apparently he couldn¡¯t swim either. With all her strength she pulled him above the surface and dragged his arms and head onto the floating wreckage. He coughed loudly and then his head sank onto the wood.


    ¡°You must hold on! Grab more pieces-¡± She tried to tell him what to do, but he did not respond. In fear of the worst she held her hand against his mouth, but he was still breathing luckily. He had passed out while clutching to the wreckage. Soon she realized the reason for this. An arrow was sticking out of his shoulder and another one was stuck in his leg.


    The situation was catastrophic. If their attackers decided to come closer now to search for them, they would easily be able to finish them off. Eugenia gritted her teeth and held on to the elder so he wouldn¡¯t let go of their last lifeline.


    All she could do right now was to lay low and hold on for dear life¡­


    <hr>


    A few minutes (hours?) later she concluded that they had left. There had been no more attacks. That didn¡¯t mean they were saved now. They were still floating in the middle of the ocean with no help in sight.


    Eugenia¡¯s lower body was freezing. Despite the heavy sunlight above, no perhaps because of exactly that, her submerged body parts were starting to get stiff and cold while her face and arms felt scorching hot. Holding on to the wood was already getting tiring, not made easier by the fact that she also held the elder in place. No matter what she attempted to wake him up, he would not react.


    It all seemed hopeless.


    ¡°Not here¡­¡± She pressed out. She could not fail here of all places. Not here, before she had even begun her journey. The very idea of drowning here made her furious. If Athena was watching her right now, what would she think? Perhaps this was fine with her. She had helped Eugenia so much already that this foolish end was more than justified.


    But she would not accept it!


    ¡°Hng... huff.¡± She stretched out her left arm and began moving her legs. With some effort they started to move. Back towards land, back to the place the elder belonged.


    Maybe it was impossible to push them all the way back there. Her legs would give out first. Her arm would sink. Her mind would fade. But she would rather sink while trying than succumb to it here!


    <hr>


    Each stroke was like fire creeping up her muscles. Legs like lead were too heavy to rise even in the buoyancy of water. She felt herself slipping off more frequently. Keeping the elder in place was a struggle that exceeded even the paddling.


    How far had they made it? A parasang¨¥s? Perhaps just a plethron? It was impossible to tell for her. She figured even if her eyes could see the endless blue ocean nothing would have changed.


    They were drifting across the waves in a deadly circle. The waves were weak right now, but they moved in maelstrom like circles. No way to advance, no way to retreat. They were stuck until they would either lose hold or dehydrate.


    Rebellious kicks of her legs were a futile resistance to the inevitable. Her mind didn¡¯t even process the pain anymore.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ sorry.¡± Her dry throat pressed out a last apology to the man floating next to her. If she had a choice, she would have liked for at least the elder to be saved. She couldn¡¯t bear the thought of a devastated Therses getting the news.


    ¡°I am not certain whether I can accept your apology.¡± Replied the man floating next to her.


    Floating¡­


    Not on water, but on air?!


    ¡°After all you have not wronged me yet.¡± The familiar voice said teasingly and grabbed her hand.


    It couldn¡¯t have been him and yet there was no other explanation.


    ¡°Lord-¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°Hermes!?¡± She yelled into the surprised face of the elder¡¯s wife. The plump, yet sturdy woman had been busy wiping her face with a rag which she now promptly dropped.


    ¡°By Poseidon¡¯s mercy you have returned to us!¡± She clutched Eugenia¡¯s confused looking face and held her in place. ¡°You had me worried.¡± She said while wiping a tear of joy. Unlike the elder she was always quite open about her true feelings.


    ¡°B-Back at¡­ the village?¡± She asked much disoriented.


    ¡°Yes, you two were spilled ashore just hours ago! There was no sign of the boat¡­ that stubborn mule wouldn¡¯t tell us anythin¡¯ except that you saved him.¡± She made a resigned face when talking about the elder.


    ¡°Is your husband alright?¡± She asked between a few short coughs. Her entire body was covered in woolen blankets to warm her up. Her clothes were hung up to dry.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t be better. Never saw him more alive than when we broke the arrows and pulled them out.¡± She joked. If she could be this upbeat then there was nothing to worry about. ¡°Now dear, rest as much as ya need. I¡¯ll prepare some hot fish broth for ya right away.¡±


    ¡°Could you, er¡­ leave out the fish?¡± She asked meekly with red cheeks.


    ¡°I see, I see, that¡¯s fine. Gettin¡¯ tired of our sea food?¡± She laughed loudly at the priestess¡¯ embarrassment. ¡°I¡¯ll find some veggies instead, just for my man¡¯s savior.¡± She cheerfully threw open the door of the small hut and left for the fireplace outside.


    ¡°Savior?¡± Eugenia rubbed her tired eyes. ¡°I haven¡¯t done anything.¡± These misunderstandings kept piling up. The one who saved them was-


    ¡°Do not belittle yourself. Had you not bravely held on for the both of you I might not have found you in time.¡± Hermes said encouragingly.


    ¡°When did you-?!¡± She pulled up the blankets to cover herself and spun her head towards the ceiling. The messenger was sitting on top of the wooden roof beam without a care.


    ¡°It is so very good to see you again.¡± He greeted her joyously and angled his arms grandiosely.


    ¡°B-But how did nobody notice you?¡± She pointed at him in confusion. The villagers would have been in uproar already if a god appeared before their eyes!


    ¡°Ah, that little trick? This trinket comes in quite handy for such occasions.¡± He took off a beautiful cap that had been crafted with the finest care. ¡°It conceals my presence from people¡¯s hearts and minds. Useful not only to escape the enamored eyes of young beauties and their ire-stricken fathers.¡± He chuckled.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Eugenia still knew not how to respond to the joking nature of an Olympian god other than to quietly take it in. Despite her rundown state she wanted to show respect and dignity, but that was already out the window after everything that had happened.


    ¡°Thank you for rescuing us.¡±


    ¡°It was no trouble at all.¡± He smiled.


    ¡°Where you simply in the area? It¡¯s a miracle that you would be there to save us just in time.¡± She could sparsely believe it.


    ¡°Oh my, it was nothing short of your prayers for my help that led the way.¡± He claimed with a hand on his heart.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t pray to you.¡± Eugenia flatly denied him.


    ¡°Oh? It may be hard to recollect, but I assure you that deep in your heart you called out to me!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t call for you.¡± Her expression was completely deadpan.


    ¡°You do not have to deny it so strongly¡­¡± His head sank down in disappointment. ¡°To sate your brimming curiosity, I was indeed just passing by on a delivery. My ever vigilant sister had her eyes elsewhere today, so I took the liberty of giving you a hand in her place.¡±


    ¡°The great and wise Athena shouldn¡¯t waste her time on me.¡± Eugenia said dejectedly.


    Hermes looked at her with an unreadable expression and then jumped down from the beam. He seemingly pulled a staff out of thin air and leaned it over his shoulders. It was the famous Caduceus staff with the winding snakes and wings.


    ¡°Athena has her priorities and you would surely be surprised where you are on that list as of now.¡± He said while playfully spinning his staff in place. ¡°The task on hand was simply that important to her.¡±


    Eugenia nodded slowly. For the goddess of wisdom and war there were never-ending duties and events awaiting in this world. Yet the way Hermes had put it was rather unsettling. He could not have been talking about that¡­


    ¡°Lord Hermes, do you know something about-¡±


    ¡°Careful there. Asking me for details on the affairs of the gods may have rather profound consequences.¡± He interrupted her by lightly tapping his staff¡¯s tip against her forehead. The winding snake carvings seemed to wriggle around it somehow, yet that must have been an auditory illusion. After seeing her guilty expression, he pulled back and relaxed. ¡°I merely jest. A simple messenger like me has little in the way of knowledge about the others¡¯ interests. If there is anything I can share with you, I would be willing to do so.¡±


    ¡°Do you know what happened on Sarpedon?¡± She asked curtly. The fact that he had not been the least bit surprised to find her here made her believe that he was far better informed than he would let on.


    ¡°Your confrontation with the scholar, yes? I have heard some bits and pieces. I am relieved to see that you recovered from your wounds.¡± His genuine tone was somewhat embarrassing her.


    ¡°Please, tell me, what happened to Medusa?¡± She leaned forward and pressed her hands on her legs.


    Hermes squinted his eyes a little and noted her shaking arms. Then he hopped over and landed softly on the bed. He sat at her feet with his legs stretched into the room and the staff placed on top of his knees. Then he leaned his head on one hand and sighed.


    ¡°I do not want you to blame yourself for this.¡± He said softly.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Eugenia repeated.


    ¡°The Gorgon ¨C no, Medusa ¨C made a choice. The consequences are hers to bear. It was a selfless deed. I have a better opinion of her now.¡± His words were carefully picked.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t dodge the question.¡± Eugenia could hardly bear it any longer. This seemed to convince him to give it to her straight.


    ¡°Her punishment was executed by Poseidon. Imprisonment in the darkest depth of the sea. It is said that once the sun fell off Helios¡¯ chariot and submerged deep into the sea. It burned a hole into the ocean floor and created an ever melting and steaming hole between the two plains of the Underworld and the ocean. Now there is a cave below the eyes of any creature, closer to Tartaros than to the human world. Medusa is held prisoner in this pit for her crime and will only be released once her flesh has burned for sixty days and nights.¡±


    Eugenia covered her mouth and had to suppress her gag reflex.


    ¡°For trespassing into the world that she was denied, she is now forced to the edge of the world itself. That was the decision made by Athena and Poseidon.¡± He closed his eyes and then put a hand on Eugenia¡¯s head. ¡°She is strong. Far stronger than you believe. Such punishment is hardly going to break her. Before long she will return to Sarpedon and reclaim her exile.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t right.¡± Eugenia said with a pain filled voice. ¡°Then I should have been punished as well!¡±


    ¡°Sarpedon was never your exile. Passing through the barrier is no crime for a human.¡± He flicked his staff a little.


    ¡°But she did it for me. It¡¯s all because of me...¡± She clutched the blankets tightly.


    ¡°Indeed it is. What a wonderful thing!¡± He said with a sly grin.


    ¡°W-What?¡±


    ¡°You are fortunate to have the likes of her care for your well-being.¡± He declared. ¡°She cares. And so do you. Bonds such as this are valuable, far more than any offering provided to us I would reckon.¡±


    Eugenia listened to his words with increasing irritation. Here he was talking about the suffering of others as if it was some amusing tale. What happened to the wise and insightful god she had talked to back on Sarpedon? Her mind drifted back to that place again.


    ¡°Do you resent her for it?¡± He suddenly slipped a question into her distant mind.


    ¡°Huh? I- No, why would I-?¡± She stuttered. ¡°I will never resent her. But...¡± She swallowed the rest.


    ¡°I sense a gaping hole inside your heart. The way your eyebrows clench, the manner your mouth turns, even the position of your hands, they are all like writing on the walls.¡± His incredible perception became all too clear now. ¡°This frustration has found a channel, yet you doubt it is righteous. It is surely more becoming for you to consider everything ardently. However, contemplation over a foregone result is meaningless. Is it not your desire to speak those words to her face?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± She nodded. This was a decision she had already made back at the beach with Bion. Why was she fumbling around basking in self-pity now?


    ¡°Hmhm~¡± Hermes hummed shortly and then leaned on Caduceus. ¡°It was no coincidence that I found you adrift at sea then. You truly wish to sail back to that place.¡± His smile was twisted in a mesh of amusement and resignation.


    ¡°I know it will not be easy. Even if I can¡¯t make it there, I still have to try.¡± The shaking of her hands had stopped.


    ¡°Losing yourself in a suicidal charge is all too human. Admirable, yet unwise.¡± He suddenly moved his hand forward and pulled Eugenia¡¯s face close to his. His spruce fingers were holding her small chin in place without wiggling room. For the first time she could feel just how strong this athletic man was. ¡°Your hesitation might be your last chance. Embrace it and return to your previous life. Forget about that island and its monstrous inhabitant. Then you shall find peace and security.¡±


    ¡°There is wisdom in what you say, Lord Hermes.¡± She admitted. ¡°But I never claimed to be wise.¡± Her response was a tad forced, but the bravado came straight from her heart.


    His reaction was unexpected.


    ¡°I like you Eugenia. If something I like is hurt, then I will be hurt as well. In that regard all of us are quite alike.¡±


    The ¡®us¡¯ he was referring to could only have been the Olympians. Deep desire and possessiveness was a trait common among all of them. His grip was inescapable - confining ¨C a cage of frailty. It would be far too easy to give her soul to this gilded cage¡­ that was the feeling rising inside her.


    ¡°Do you understand what I am trying to convey?¡± He asked in a whisper. For a moment it seemed that the entire village was silenced and only their breathing rang through the hut.


    ¡°I can¡¯t return to my old life. Not for you or for Lady Athena.¡± Eugenia¡¯s voice was unwavering.


    Hermes lips were shut tightly as his forehead touched hers. His skin was warm in an unnaturally temperate way. It felt as if his aura was flowing into her head from where they were connected. Was he reading her mind?


    ¡°That is all I needed to hear.¡± He said jovially and then petted her head like he would a dog¡¯s.


    ¡°Huh?¡± She had braced herself for some harsh repercussions to her defiance, but instead the messenger of the gods simply sighed in relief and fell backwards on her bed.


    ¡°It would not do at all if you gave in so soon!¡± He chuckled. ¡°It takes a thickheaded woman such as yourself to get through to that one. I do not envy either side here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not thickheaded!¡± Eugenia protested with puffed out cheeks.


    ¡°Hahahaha.¡± His laughter was infectious and for the first time since her arrival in Eretria the priestess felt the weight on her shoulders lighten, if ever so slightly. She forcefully suppressed the instinct to snicker. ¡°There is nothing more lovely than a human with a grand goal. You will make a fine hero yet.¡±


    ¡°I might end up the opposite.¡± She said with a weak smile.


    ¡°As long as you are aware of this I will be able to give you my support.¡± He said with a flash of mischief. ¡°My duty is to convey other¡¯s messages, but there is an exception to every rule. Listen and listen well. This is advice directly from a messenger¡¯s own experience.¡±


    Eugenia gulped and then nodded seriously. Advice from the gods was invaluable.


    ¡°Do not drink the milk. The old cow got sick last night.¡± He said with a raised finger and then disappeared.


    She strained her ears, but his breathing completely disappeared as did the weight on her bed. ¡°What the-¡±


    "I am back dear!¡± The door was thrown open by the heavy kick of the elder¡¯s wife. In her hands she carried a wooden bowl filled with steaming soup. Under her arm she also carried a large mug filled with lukewarm milk. ¡°A growing girl like you should be able to finish this all on her own.¡± She basically forced it onto her legs and then handed her some dry bread and a large spoon. ¡°Don¡¯t forget to chug the milk in one go, wouldn¡¯t want to mix the liquids.¡± She smiled brightly.


    ¡°T-Thank you.¡± She took the mug with a baffled expression and set it down next to her. It smelled just fine, but it was not like her to distrust a god¡¯s warning.


    ¡°We sent for Therses right after you dragged the stubborn mule to the shore. He should be returnin¡¯ home by sundown. You need to get back the color in your face to reassure him that everything¡¯s fine. The boy is a real worrywart.¡±


    Eugenia laughed nervously and took a sip of the soup. It was a bit bland, but the heat filled her body and made her relax.


    ¡°Take yer time. I¡¯ll be sewing shut my cryin¡¯ husband¡¯s wounds for the remainder.¡± She sighed and then left the hut again.


    Eugenia ate her soup thoughtfully. Now that she was reminded of what had happened she had new worries. Who were the attackers on sea? How could she make it to Sarpedon if she couldn¡¯t sail from Eretria''s coast? Was it too callous to only think of her own issues right now?


    ¡°A real shame about the milk. It would have made this piece of granite slightly more edible.¡± Hermes muttered as he bit into the stale bread. She could have sworn that his teeth made a cracking noise.


    ¡°WAH!¡± She almost tumbled out of bed and only the god¡¯s swift reflexes prevented the soup from finding an untimely end on the floor. ¡°Could you stop that!?¡±


    ¡°Stop what?¡± He asked curiously while sipping on the soup.


    ¡°The disappearing and reappearing thing!¡± She hastily covered herself with the blanket again. Still naked below. She kept forgetting.


    ¡°I never left.¡± He said with one eye closed and tapped his invisibility cap.


    ¡°Ugh.¡± She groaned and snatched the bowl out of his hand. Her entire perception of the messenger was crumbling at blinding speed.


    ¡°Oh what a familiar sound. Indeed, I felt the presence of the Gorgon through it.¡± He lamented playfully and handed her the bread.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really sound like her, right?¡± She asked the soup quietly as she slurped it up.


    ¡°Fill yourself and rest well. You will have fairly little time for leisure soon.¡±


    ¡°Another bit of advice?¡± She asked snappishly and then soaked the bread in the soup.


    ¡°Yes, yes. The milk was a bonus. It would not do to have the hero die of a stomachache.¡± He chuckled and then leaned his head out the window to soak in the evening air.


    ¡°I am not good at solving riddles. If you gave me a mathematical equation I would be more useful.¡± She said as patiently as she could.


    ¡°Is that so? Then I count five fingers that will move to three more. In the last step we subtract seven.¡±


    ¡°That leaves one.¡±


    ¡°And that one will be you in Athens.¡±


    ¡°You dropped the equation already!¡±


    ¡°I am not very good at giving advice through mathematics it seems.¡± He smiled.


    ¡°Why do you want me to go to Athens?¡± She asked with furrowed brows as she scraped the bowl¡¯s ground with the spoon.


    Hermes sat on top of the windowsill and stretched his leg alongside the frame. His head was leaned back tiredly. He showed a rare moment of sobriety.


    ¡°I will see you make good on your previous words. Athens is the place of your trial. That is all I can tell you.¡±


    She listened to the lively outside that lay beyond the window which Hermes frame blocked out. The laughter of a child mixed with the exclamations of pain from the elder as he was treated. The ambivalence of the world was never more palpable than now. The man with the most freedom was the most shackled and the girl with the least power was the one who had the freedom to make her choice.


    ¡°I understand. Then I will accept that advice gratefully.¡± She said, set the bowl aside and bowed in front of him.


    ¡°Are you not just smearing honey around my lips?¡± He asked with a tilted head, but did not face her.


    ¡°I want to believe in you.¡±


    ¡°Your faith is limitless, hm?¡±


    ¡°I am a priestess after all.¡± She smiled genuinely. ¡°And I did give you an offering already, so it is only fair to take your advice.¡± She added while putting the empty bowl aside.


    ¡°I will just claim that smile as the offering, because that bread does not count!¡± He insisted with a wry smile and then jumped out the window. Except he never landed. There was only the wind.


    Eugenia tried to turn down her lips, but it seemed impossible.


    <hr>


    ¡°Father!¡±


    ¡°Poseidon¡¯s hooves deafen my ears, so I won¡¯t hafta hear this shriekin¡¯ anymore.¡± The elder held his head as his son shouted in concern.


    ¡°Are you alright? Did they cripple you?¡± Therses was clutching his father by the shoulder and shaking him violently.


    ¡°He¡¯s doin¡¯ just fine, dear.¡± The unapologetically entertained wife hugged her son and then smacked the elder on the back where he was bandaged up.


    ¡°Rrrrgh!¡± He bit his lip as so not to cry out again. Apparently he couldn¡¯t allow himself to show weakness in front of his son.


    ¡°It¡¯s about time you told everyone what happened. Eugenia saved yer sorry ass from drownin¡¯, where¡¯s the thanks?¡± The villagers had gathered around the family and even Eugenia had joined them. The clothes had finally dried, so she didn¡¯t have to cover herself in blankets anymore.


    ¡°He actually saved me first.¡± Eugenia intervened.


    ¡°Pah!¡± He didn¡¯t seem happy.


    ¡°Who attacked you?¡± Therses asked and wiped his sweat covered brow. He had traveled all the way to the village in half a day.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t ask the girl yet?¡± He grumbled.


    ¡°She is blind you oaf.¡± The wife smacked his head.


    ¡°R-Right...¡± He rubbed the painful spot and slowly spoke up. ¡°Some folks on sailin¡¯ boats. Three. Showered us with arrows till we sunk.¡±


    ¡°Did you see their flags? Emblems? Anything to identify them?¡±


    ¡°Too far away. Not easy to focus on a whole lot when you¡¯re gettin¡¯ charred.¡± He said sarcastically.


    ¡°Curses.¡± Therses bit his thumb nail.


    ¡°All¡¯s well that ends well. We just oughta stop sailing out there.¡± The villagers seemed to be satisfied with that. They had already given up on fishing at this point. The elder was clearly unhappy, but surprisingly he did not object. Even someone as stubborn as him understood when it was unwinnable.


    ¡°Therses, you have a hunch who did it.¡± Eugenia suddenly approached him and received a surprised look. The young man rubbed his fuzz and then nodded. He signaled her to follow him away from the crowd.


    ¡°I have been doing some research in the city.¡±


    She had expected as much. His sense of obligation for the village was strong, so he could not stop himself. She found it admirable.


    ¡°It must have been dangerous.¡±


    ¡°Not at all. I was among old friends.¡± He waved his hand. ¡°Anyway, the acropolis has been acting odd for a while. There are weird stories about a messenger from the sea appearing and then disappearing without a trace. They were searching for them since I arrived there. Because of that the town watch is thinly spread. I could sneak around the temples and palace without much trouble.¡±


    Eugenia coughed nervously and covered her mouth. So they were searching for her in the city.


    ¡°Do you need to rest a bit more?¡± His concern was sweet, which made her feel even guiltier.


    ¡°I am fine. Tell me what you found out, if that is okay.¡±


    ¡°Of course. To tell you the truth, my contacts have been trying to figure this mystery out for a while. It turns out that it¡¯s not just our boats that get attacked.¡± He said with crossed arms. ¡°Several personal ships of the aristocrats smuggling goods across the south Euobean gulf got sunk or seized.¡±


    ¡°The aristocrats¡¯ ships? Who could do something like that?¡± That completely destroyed the theory that Eretria was the aggressor.


    ¡°Some assume pirates who pick easy targets. The Attican ships are too big and well-guarded, so they pick off small game.¡± He said unconvinced.


    ¡°But they didn¡¯t steal anything from us.¡± She pointed out what was bothering him as well.


    ¡°I know. Pirates have no reason to sink fishing boats. Even more suspicious is that none of the ships that harbor in Eretria have ever seen these elusive pirate ships. That¡¯s impossible in such a small gulf.¡±


    ¡°But then how could these attackers do it?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I was trying to find out, but the answer is far worse than I want to believe.¡± He said with a shadow over his young face. Seeing how Eugenia did not speak up he finally felt compelled to say it. ¡°The only way nobody could notice these attacks is that they are in on it.¡±


    ¡°The trade ships are cooperating with them?!¡±


    ¡°It must be so. The captains are paid to keep quiet about it. They don¡¯t own the ships or the cargo, so they are dependent on their contractors. That means they will not squeal.¡±


    ¡°But who has the power to silence so many people?¡±


    ¡°The main influx of goods comes from a single city. Our great ally in the south.¡±


    ¡°Athens.¡± Eugenia realized it with a sense of clarity.


    ¡°That¡¯s the only logical conclusion. I didn¡¯t want to believe it either.¡±


    ¡°Why would they do such a thing?¡± Her heart was hurting from these news. She might have been from Lamia, but Athens was her city of education and maturity. It was the place she had always respected the most. It was where she had met Typhos¡­


    ¡°My guess is that they don¡¯t want to be just allies. They will make us so dependent on them that we basically become a vassal city. The leading families on this island are weak and can¡¯t oppose the Archons in Athens.¡± He sighed. ¡°Instead of solving these matters they are chasing a made up envoy of the oceans. As if Poseidon had time for our worries.¡±


    An electric current went through Eugenia¡¯s mind and she felt the clarity return. This must have been a sign. Hermes¡¯ words were indeed wise. She took a deep breath and then grabbed Therses by the sleeve. ¡°Please take me to the acropolis.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I need to speak to the lords. I know where their messenger is.¡± She said determinedly.


    The priestess¡¯ words were the first dice throw in the gamble. There was a path towards the city of enlightenment. A path that would lead her towards conflict, but also closer to the punished Gorgon.

 Interlude: The Gorgons punishment

    The hole was endless.


    Flickers of supernatural fire kept exploding across her retinas and burned shapes into her mind that would not disappear even when she closed them. Mere eyelids could not blend out the intense light anyway.


    The hole was breaching the barrier between worlds.


    Water was rushing and evaporating around her in a constant equilibrium. The steam was scorching hot and hurt her skin. Not even the scales could protect her from the damage.


    The hole was narrow.


    From the Underworld a malicious current shot up the hole and sent the frost of death her way. Her body was frozen and then thawed out repeatedly every single moment. It created cracks in her body like old stone on the temple grounds.


    Medusa was chained in the center of the hole. Chains so powerful that not even she could loosen them. Chains that could resist the fire and ice without trouble. Her body was hanging limply, already exhausted from the weeks of torture. The only indication for the passage of time in this dark glowing hole was her own heartbeat.


    Thump. Thump. Thump.


    Reliable like the tide her heart would keep beating in the same rhythm regardless of her body¡¯s condition. After all, what could not kill a monster would never reach its soul. Pain was meaningless. Isolation meant nothing to her. Her punishment was only a short sixty days. Compared to the fate of Prometheus she had nothing to complain about.


    Her regeneration was keeping her alive, but it was perhaps too strong. Her nerves were fixed so fast that the pain would not end. Had Athena predicted this too? Her judging eyes had penetrated the darkness before. Even as her eyes were blinded by the endless fire, she could still feel their presence on her soul. The silvery eyes were watching her every movement. Delighting in her suffering. At least that was what she imagined as her consciousness faded in and out.


    At the edge of the world, at the gate between life and death, the soul would break and reveal the truth. All notions of pride and self-respect should have been devoured by fire and ice. Yet there was one thing Medusa would not allow. Not once, not even for a heartbeat did she ever flinch. She would not moan or cry in pain. There was no satisfaction for her audience, no performance by the actor. Only a mind of stone.


    Pride was stringing the pieces of her mind together and kept her ego alive. The sense of self that should have withered away was kept intact. It would have been easier to escape this pain by separating herself from her body, from her shackling emotions. But the Gorgon was not such a simple beast. Her face was covered in burns and scar tissue, but her mouth could still form a defiant smile.


    An empty smile? What good did pride do her now? Her defiance of the gods had brought her to the edge. Was this destiny? The day she was born, so long ago, a fate like this had been chained to her soul? Submitting would have been better if that was the case. Giving up on ¡®Medusa¡¯ was the only way to escape the chains that bound her. Their rattling was painful to her ears. Such weary and ancient chains¡­


    Her mind faded away.


    <hr>


    The heat of the afternoon sun was spreading on her scales and warmed her comfortably. Her body was wrapped in her long snake tail to spread the warmth. It was her favorite sleeping pose. Only the sound of ocean waves and rustling leaves kept her company in her nap. It was so pleasant that she never wanted to wake up.


    ¡°OOOOO MASTER OF IOOOOOO~!¡±


    Medusa¡¯s eyes snapped wide open in horror. The unbearable noise that resembled grinding stones on rusty metal had woken her. This was not a sound for mortal ears. No creature born with a sense of hearing would have lasted more than a moment in this horrific attack on the ears!


    ¡°TAKE MEEEEE~ TO THE PALACE~¡±


    The screeching of a debilitated harpy was trying to break Medusa¡¯s eardrums like a rotten pear. It was so agonizing that she wanted to cry. With trembling arms she pushed herself up and slithered towards the edge of the temple. The source of this unholy attack was standing there with outstretched arms.


    ¡°BEE-LOOOOWaaagh!!¡± She tried to raise her voice to heights that even Ikaros would have thought suicidal, but was then smacked by Medusa¡¯s tail.


    ¡°Stop this maltreatment of my ears this instant.¡± Medusa demanded while holding her migraine riddled head.


    ¡°Ow ow ow. How dare you treat me like this, Dusa!?¡± The young woman rubbed her throat that had been smacked so brutally. Her hair was made up in two very long braids that were tied around her waist. Her white dress was usually gracefully fluttering in the ocean breeze, but now it was crumpled just like its owner''s mood on the dirty temple grounds.


    ¡°I only defended myself.¡± Medusa replied annoyed and turned her head away from her sister.


    ¡°You are the worst! This is oppression of the arts!¡± The girl complained while kicking the ground.


    ¡°Nothing could hurt the arts more than your voice.¡± Medusa said dryly.


    ¡°Aah! I even waited until you were sound asleep, because you always criticize me so unduly.¡± She balled her frail hand to a fist and then swung it against Medusa, who gracefully dodged it. ¡°Bwagh!¡± And thus the younger looking woman landed flat on her beautiful face.


    ¡°You should have gotten more distance then. Nobody can sleep through this yowling.¡±


    ¡°How far am I supposed to go?¡± She surprisingly got up without a scratch or any indication of pain.


    ¡°¡­Olympus.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s way too far!!¡±


    ¡°You always talk about wanting to leave the island, so just do it.¡± Medusa crossed her arms and frowned.


    ¡°You know I won¡¯t do that.¡± She got up and dusted off her dress. ¡°Fool.¡± She added with a pout.


    Their glares clashed and created tension in the air. That was until the air cooled down from the mask like face that appeared right between them.


    ¡°No fighting.¡± The third girl said with a low voice that was softer than a sigh.


    ¡°Euryale?! Where did you come from?¡± The failed singer jumped back in shock.


    ¡°Mh.¡± The brooding girl pointed at the entrance to the lair.


    ¡°D-Did we wake you up?¡±


    ¡°Your ghastly screeching probably did.¡± Medusa muttered.


    ¡°What was that?!¡±


    ¡°Stheno. Make peace.¡± Euryale said in a voice so cold it left no room for backtalk.


    ¡°Sorry¡­ Dusa.¡± Stheno pressed out between her teeth.


    ¡°Hmph.¡± Medusa didn¡¯t respond¡­ until Euryale¡¯s black hole like eyes sucked her pride away. ¡°I overreacted as well.¡± She admitted quietly.


    ¡°Good.¡± The youngest looking girl patted her sisters on the heads like one might their favorite dogs. ¡°Dinner?¡±


    ¡°You sure play by your own tune.¡± Stheno said with both hands on her waist and a weak smile. ¡°We ate last week already, wasn¡¯t that enough?¡±


    ¡°Mgh.¡± Euryale shook her head, which made her long loose hair flutter beautifully. It went all the way down to her ankles, which would have been a true nightmare to keep for a human woman.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯ll fetch something from the ship Dusa sank before. There is probably some good stuff in the cargo!¡± Stheno cheered and rushed off towards the beach. She was always bursting with energy to the point where it became a bother for her sisters.


    Medusa watched her jump into the water without hesitation and shivered. After such a wonderful sunbath, imagining the cold water was unpleasant. Not to mention that she would be forced to dry the long dress again.


    ¡°Medusa.¡± Euryale grabbed her sister¡¯s arm and pulled her closer. ¡°Her singing is horrible.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Medusa nodded seriously.


    ¡°But yours is worse.¡±


    Medusa lowered her head in shame.


    ¡°Do not bully her. Got it?¡± Her piercing purple eyes were sharper than any spear for just a moment, before they returned to their typical dullness.


    ¡°I was not bullying her, it is just tough love.¡± Against her better judgment she acted defiant. Promptly the sole of a sandal dug deeply into Medusa¡¯s snake tail and made her yelp in surprise. ¡°S-S-Stop, what are you doing?¡± She squirmed under the shockingly strong step of her younger sister.


    ¡°Sharing my love.¡± Euryale said deadpan.


    ¡°Ouch- You know, I am sorry- Forgive meee!¡± She said with frightful eyes.


    <hr>


    Her mind returned to her body. She had blanked out. No, it was closer to fading away. That was dangerous. For a moment she had lost sight of who she was. The heat of the hole was scorching the snakes on her head. They had long since died from the physical strain. For once they were hanging down loose like true hair.


    Those memories were so distant¡­


    Why did she have to remember them now? A time where she had still shared her prison with those two. It had been so many decades ago, but her perfect memory would not allow her to forget. If only she had a failing memory like those frail humans. Their weakness allowed them to forget what they didn¡¯t need. Didn¡¯t need¡­


    Where could those two have gone? That two-faced messenger had told her they were going north. Far away from Mount Olympus and the other gods. Stheno was probably enjoying the new sights, while Euryale complained about the bad roads. Did they meet new people? Did they get into fights with humans? With each other? It seemed likely.


    Her heart that had beaten in perfect rhythm without fail tightened for just one beat.


    This feeling was pointless. Unneeded. At the edge of the world there was no place for these thoughts. Her sisters were far away and would never know of this. They shouldn¡¯t know about this. They should never have to choose between the world of the divine and a mortal monster ever again.


    An extraordinary wave of frost, straight from the pit of the Titans, engulfed the hole and for a moment even froze the very flames. Medusa¡¯s body was encased in the deadly cold. Her throat was closed and her cursed eyes solid.


    This cold embrace was nearly comforting now.


    The next moment it was vanquished by the sun¡¯s flames and all ice turned to vapor that burst against the tight walls. The shockwave rattled the chains and made Medusa swing in place. Her sense of balance was destroyed and she felt like she was falling into the sky.


    Her mind lost grip¡­


    She fell¡­


    <hr>


    She kept falling. It was like her body was made of lead. Her wings would not move. What was this? She felt paralyzed.


    ¡°Fhhhah.¡± She snapped out of her dream. She was leaning against a pillar and her eyes were directed at the scenery. Despite never closing her eyes she had drifted off to sleep.


    What a strange dream. To be flying so close to the sun and then falling endlessly. It seemed to have taken a hold of her composure as she felt rare bouts of sweat run down her back. For the Gorgon this was unusual to say the least. What would bring on such a disturbing dream?


    Her eyes followed the hands of the priestess. The girl was currently cutting pieces of tree bark and wood into sheets. With a small knife she kept cutting them into thin layers. Then she folded them many times. It was a confounding activity, even for this girl. Soon she picked up a smaller knife and cut holes and shapes into the folded sheets.


    Medusa crossed her arms and watched as inconspicuously as she could.


    ¡°Finished.¡± Eugenia said with a satisfied smile and wiped sweat from her brow. Her sleeves were pulled back during the work and exposed her light tan to the hot sun. There was sweat running down her mostly covered neck as well. It must have been warm unlike the Gorgon¡¯s.


    She shook her head and tore her eyes away.


    ¡°Lady Medusa!¡± The girl called out to her. ¡°Take a look at this.¡± That expression never boded well. She was far too excited to show something off.


    ¡°If this is another piece of ¡®mathematics¡¯ you may keep it to yourself.¡± Medusa replied disinterestedly.


    ¡°Err¡­ it is connected to that in a way.¡± She said slowly, but when she heard Medusa move away she hastily stopped her. ¡°But it¡¯s not about that! Here, take a look!¡±


    Medusa sighed and then returned her attention to the sheets. She watched Eugenia unfold them several times until they were completely spread out. It was a miracle that they weren¡¯t falling apart from all the holes.


    ¡°Oh?¡± With genuine surprise she looked closely and noticed the shapes in the unfolded sheets. They resembled stars, circles and other familiar things. ¡°How did you manage to create shapes with such thin layers?¡± She took a sheet and held it against the sun. The light spread through the shapes and created images on the walls.


    ¡°If you fold them several times and then cut the connected parts, you will create shapes in the center.¡± Eugenia said with some pride and puffed out her chest.


    ¡°So this is what study at the temples earns you.¡± Medusa said slowly while mustering the artworks.


    ¡°Huh? No, it¡¯s not something you would learn as a priestess¡­ I mean not necessarily¡­ it¡¯s not.¡± She trailed off and scratched her cheek.


    Medusa handed the sheets back to her and raised a brow. She had not meant to tease the girl this time. This really was fairly impressive to her. More so than any amount of prayers she could have memorized. Of course she would hardly tell her that.


    ¡°Then what purpose does it serve?¡± She asked neutrally.


    ¡°It, well, it looks pretty?¡± Eugenia said while tapping her fingertips against each other.


    ¡°I see.¡± They both realized the irony of such a statement out of the blind girl¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°I thought you might like it. But I didn¡¯t mean to imply that you are a ch-child or anything like that!¡±


    Her nervous stumbling was her downfall as usual.


    ¡°What was that about children?¡± She dragged the retreating Eugenia back by the white clothes and pushed her against the wall.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing!¡± She insisted, but as a hand slammed against the wall next to her she became a whole lot more cooperative. ¡°¡­we taught young children in Lamia to make these to gift them to their mothers during festivals.¡± She explained with a defeated expression.


    ¡°Which one am I?¡± Medusa asked with a set smile.


    ¡°What?¡± The priestess put on a stone-masked face.


    ¡°The mother or the child? Which do you take me for?¡± The Gorgon asked sweetly.


    Eugenia realized her back was against the wall - figuratively and literally. And to each of her sides were strong Gorgon arms. She might as well have been thrown into a lion cage.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t really think about it that way¡­ I just wanted to¡­¡± Eugenia was squirming for a while, but the unrelenting stare of the monster woman in front of her was inescapable. ¡°I just wanted to make you happy!¡± She forced out with embarrassment consuming her face.


    ¡°As arrogant as ever, I see.¡± Medusa said with a sardonic grin. ¡°To believe you could win me over with such pointless trinkets.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not it.¡± Eugenia shook her head, which made her long and slightly curly hair tear out of the small wall gaps it had been stuck in. ¡°I wanted to thank you for what you did for Zosimos. A-And for everything else you did¡­ for me.¡± She got quieter by the second.


    Medusa retracted her arms and stayed silent. Eugenia was hypersensitive to her every movement right now and froze up, expecting something.


    ¡°I got some good wine out of it, did I not? To see you squirm like this from time to time is also entertaining in itself. Your art is not necessary to appease me.¡± Medusa lightly tapped the girl¡¯s forehead with one finger. It was so soft a touch that it almost felt like an illusion.


    Eugenia blushed slightly and was left speechless.


    ¡°You should not waste firewood like that either, lest you have to eat your fish raw.¡± She added teasingly and flung the sheets into the pile for the small campfire. They lit up in surprisingly bright flames.


    ¡°My woooork!¡± Eugenia jumped to the fire in desperation and tried to pick the pieces out of the pile, but they were burning to ashes in moments. ¡°You are such a jerk, Lady Medusa.¡±


    ¡°Heh. This is quite the delightful present. The weeping of humans will always let me rest easy.¡± She said without a care and left for her lair. As she slithered down the steps she carefully took out a single sheet with a wing pattern in it from her chiton and smiled at it. The owl sleeping on the perch above hopefully didn¡¯t see her swipe it.


    <hr>


    Like a blade sunken deep into her chest being suddenly torn out she felt a sharp pain. It helped her regain consciousness, but the feeling of emptiness that followed was worse than the fire or ice could ever be.


    This memory was worse. Much worse than the previous one. If only she could have closed off her mind. Yet she was not allowed that escape.


    ¡°Eu¡­gen¡­ia.¡± Her burned throat that should not have been able to operate was brought to its limit of strain. Her vocal cords had moved without her consent. In this darkest abyss, in this brightest of caves, she was silent for over thirty days. Yet one single memory broke her silence.


    In the flames she saw that girl¡¯s smile.


    In the steam she saw her flowing hair.


    That¡¯s right. Her punishment had a purpose. It was not to be broken or to appease the gods. Why had she strayed so far?


    A smile caressed her hurt face.


    She had done what she set out to. Eugenia was safe. She was free. Finally, she had managed to make her leave as well, just like her sisters. To be embraced by the world they belonged in.


    The silvery eyes cut through the flames. Their hatred so condensed that it literally pierced her soul and almost shattered it. The curse that was born from these eyes was acting up and made her convulse painfully.


    But she did not mind anymore. Her defiance had not ended just yet. For a moment or for an eternity, she would bear it all. This punishment was her choice. Her first free choice since she was exiled.


    This unending sting in her heart was her triumph.

 Chapter 33: Eugenia and the trial

    The heavy wooden door fell shut behind them with a stretched out creak. Just as it closed the final gap the hawk like eyes of the guards vanished as well. The audience hall had been as tense as the strategy camp during a war campaign. The hallways of the mansion were drenched in a supreme atmosphere of importance as well, yet in comparison they seemed more like a wide open field of freedom.


    Therses pulled away the hand used to cover his mouth and finally allowed himself to exhale. It felt like he had been holding his breath ever since he entered. His heartbeat was still quick and his muscles tense. A young man who barely managed to grow a beard or find his role in society had no way of dealing with the pressure of aristocracy.


    Yet there was one just around his age with an even frailer constitution that had been in the center of attention far longer than him. The girl standing at his side was the opposite of him in every regard. Her breathing was calm and regular, her hands firmly pressed on her hips. She exhaled as well, but it was an outlet for exhaustion rather than stress.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you were the messenger, Eugenia. I had to bite my tongue in there not to shout.¡± Therses finally pressed out with cold sweat on his brow.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± She apologized with a wry expression and pulled back the hood that had hung deeply into her face. Freeing her long hair from captivity seemed to considerably lighten her burden.


    ¡°It is not that I don¡¯t believe it. This explains how you were able to escape the song and save all these people from the forest of enchantment.¡± He said almost reverently.


    ¡°That was just luck.¡± She walked forward, paying attention to the footsteps of the patrolling guards outside. ¡°Can I tell you a secret?¡±


    ¡°Certainly!¡±


    ¡°I am not actually a messenger of Poseidon.¡± She revealed quietly.


    ¡°¡­pardon?¡± He was clearly perplexed.


    ¡°I was brought here by Poseidon and¡­¡± She hesitated to call her name in these halls. ¡°¡­the one who saved me. There is no message to be delivered, though. I told you that I am a priestess of Athena, not Poseidon.¡±


    ¡°What? B-But then what you said in there-?¡± He pointed back at the big doors that had closed behind them.


    ¡°I did not lie. I will go to Athens to speak in their name.¡± She said with a hint of guilt.


    ¡°You are daring. Those were the noble elites of Eretria, the highest authority of the entire island. If they find out that you pretended to be who you are not¡­¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± She nodded grimly.


    ¡°But you truly were brought here by Poseidon himself?¡± He asked while rubbing the fuzz under his chin.


    ¡°So I was told.¡± She said with a dry throat.


    ¡°Hah. Then all is well. The gods do not do anything without reason. This must be Lady Athena¡¯s wisdom too.¡± His earnest eyes lost their franticness and he seemed content.


    She could not answer his idealistic beliefs right now.


    ¡°If we go to Athens I will have to prepare my luggage. I have never stepped foot beyond the lands surrounding Eretria.¡± He got rather excited now. ¡°First we need to find the city representatives though. They said they are in the guest wing. Maybe it would have been better if they gave us an escort, this place is huge.¡± He kept chatting away, but Eugenia barely listened.


    Her focus was inward, the thoughts swirling in her mind became painful. In the spur of the moment she had decided to use the misunderstanding surrounding her arrival in the city as a stepping stone towards Sarpedon. Lord Hermes had told her to go to Athens for the sake of a trial. He was well meaning, that much she believed. This trial must have been necessary to return to the place she belonged. Sailing with the fishing boat had been out of the question because of the mysterious attacks, so she had to rely on this ruse.


    The aristocrats were vexed by the attacks on their personal smuggling ships and directed their incensed fingers at Athens, the city of wisdom, and the city¡¯s patron herself¡­ Athena.


    If these rumors were true, if the attack she had experienced really came from Attican ships, then she felt a certain responsibility to uncover the truth. Yet the only reason she went along with this plan was to satisfy her own selfish wish to sail back to Medusa. Her motives were too impure.


    ¡°I think that is the room.¡± Therses hand pulled her out of her inner world. He firmly placed it on her shoulder to stop her from making another left turn. ¡°We should check up with them and then prepare for the journey. If you wish you can leave the talking to me.¡± He added with a smile.


    It must have been so obvious that she was worried. He was treating her like a hare scared stiff in front of its predator. The most shameful part was that she felt relief from his offer. She nodded weakly.


    ¡°I wonder what kind of officials would travel all that way. They must be stoic and disciplined negotiators.¡± He claimed jovially and then went towards the door. When they closed in their ears picked up a conversation, numbed by the wood, but still intelligible.


    ¡°This is a travesty! My body is withering away in this suffocating room. How much longer do they intend to make us wait?¡± The strong voice of an older man tinged in aggravation bellowed from the keyhole.


    ¡°Running in circles is only going to make it even stuffier in here.¡± A far more indifferent voice replied.


    ¡°I tire of this. This is not right for a man of my stature. My mind needs stimulation! Come over here you good for nothing.¡± The sound of someone being dragged across carpets escaped the door slit.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have any intention of stimulating your mind.¡± The other guy said dryly. ¡°This isn¡¯t the right place for that, Master.¡±


    ¡°You always complain, but I have never witnessed your resistance.¡± The other man said with a deeper tone.


    ¡°How could a mere slave object?¡± The younger man asked lethargically.


    ¡°Then silence that sarcastic mouth of yours and get on your knees.¡±


    The situation seemed to have escalated and both Eugenia and Therses felt incredibly uncomfortable all of a sudden. Just what were these representatives doing in the middle of the day in the palace?


    The sound of pleased grunts did not help the situation.


    ¡°Mhhm¡­ you are good with your hands, if nothing else.¡±


    ¡°I have some experience by now. Just don¡¯t ask me to use my mouth¡­¡±


    Eugenia¡¯s face turned as red as the evening sun. To her surprise Therses reacted very passionately¡­ by throwing the door open.


    ¡°Have you no shame? There is a priestess at the door!¡± He shouted and pointed accusingly at the pair.


    ¡°And who might you be?¡± Agapetos asked with a raised brow. He leaned back on the cushioned chair with his feet placed on a small footrest. They were in the care of nimble youthful hands. ¡°Aaaarhg! Not so rough Bion!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t help it. There is too much dead skin. Would you prefer if I used a knife?¡± The ever unimpressed assistant asked without care.


    ¡°Never, you fool! Sharp objects do not belong anywhere near there.¡±


    ¡°Should a medico be saying that?¡± Bion muttered and continued with the massage.


    Taken aback and with the wind out of his sails, Therses stood center of the room and just tried to pull back his finger without allowing himself to move. The medico duo seemed to already have forgotten about the newcomers.


    ¡°Bion? Agapetos?¡± Eugenia stepped out of Therses shadow and finally realized who she was facing. Their voices should have been so familiar, yet her confused state had blocked her memory for a moment.


    ¡°Eugenia?¡± Bion immediately rose up and nonchalantly let go of the feet which painfully crashed on the wooden edge of the rest.


    Between a yelp of pain Agapetos also turned towards her and hastily put on his sandals. He didn¡¯t seem to care that Therses saw him in a compromising pose, but he could not appear unrefined in front of her.


    ¡°She is doing just fine.¡± Bion said with a smirk. ¡°Told you so, Master.¡±


    ¡°Great Dionysus, calm my nerves. It is so good to see you unblemished.¡± Agapetos moved past Therses, followed by Bion and they both immediately walked circles around her as if she was an object for study. ¡°I read your letter with a weary heart, my dear! To think a young woman of your importance would set off on her own-¡±


    ¡°He had to explain it to the higher ups. While searching the Medicoriam for you they found our secret stash of-¡± Bion tried to reveal secrets once again, unprovoked of course, but a hand covered his mouth instantly.


    ¡°I am sorry for leaving so suddenly.¡± Eugenia finally had found an opening to speak. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to rely on your kindness for too long and there was a place I had to go no matter what.¡± She did feel a twinge of guilt for their troubles.


    ¡°It was a pleasure to be your host even for such a miniscule amount of time. I can surely understand the cries of the heart, beautiful freedom of youth. Once upon a time I also set out to accomplish my dream of becoming a world renowned medico. And now this dream is ever closer to becoming reality.¡±


    ¡°As close as Ares is to becoming a pacifist.¡± Bion said with one hand behind his head, already predicting the inevitable smack.


    ¡°Could you two be the representatives of Eretria?¡± She asked curiously. Agapetos claim to fame and them being in this particular room could not be a coincidence.


    ¡°Indeed, I was chosen for my upstanding reputation and connection to Athens¡¯ scholars.¡± He said with a pride inflated chest.


    ¡°And I tag along, because he has no sense of direction.¡± Bion added sardonically.


    Eugenia nodded politely. To think that her comrades on this journey would be so familiar. This really did feel like destiny more and more.


    ¡°When we heard that the divine messenger had returned and would spearhead our business in Athens I just knew that you would be involved.¡± Agapetos said pleased and put a hand into his chiton.


    ¡°I had to tell him to relax, because he was so worried.¡± Bion put a hand on Eugenia¡¯s shoulder and dragged her towards the armchairs. ¡°You can tell us all about your little journey and what we are going to do next. But you can do that sitting down as well.¡±


    ¡°Even more sitting¡­¡± Agapetos seemed to feel a horrible itch for being confined in this room for hours. ¡°By the way, who is this quiet lad?¡± He pointed over his shoulder at the still mostly petrified Therses.


    ¡°He is a friend who will come to Athens with us.¡± She said with a tilted head and patted the seat next to her to signal him that he could join them.


    ¡°I am Therses¡­ pleased to make your acquaintance.¡± Indeed, his voice broke even though he should have passed puberty a while ago.


    <hr>


    ¡°This is a nice ship.¡± Bion said with a hand above his eyes to block the sun.


    ¡°I reckon it has seen its best days before the war.¡± Agapetos was less enthused. His old face was disgruntled and his hairline seemed to recede with each moment it was exposed to the unyielding sun. ¡°To stow away in a mere trading vessel is degrading for Eretria¡¯s envoys, do you not agree?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Bion didn¡¯t even listen and began to carry their luggage on board. Some sailors with shaved heads and bandanas showed him the way below deck.


    ¡°The state of this port is lamentable indeed if even the aristocrats cannot get their hands on better transportation.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s why we need to negotiate with the Archons.¡± Therses agreed and inspected the ship¡¯s bow with his sharp eyes.


    ¡°It will be challenging, but nothing I cannot handle.¡± The medico chuckled confidently and then walked up the plank. ¡°I will have to discuss our lodging with the captain first. It would simply not do for us to sleep next to the freight and rats.¡± And so he disappeared on his quest for comfort.


    Eugenia stayed behind with a forlorn expression. She could hear the soft sway of the ship even from the pier. It made her legs weak like yogurt.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we can make any demands here. Getting to Athens via ship is more than enough.¡± Therses said loudly.


    ¡°Wha-? Y-Yes. It¡¯s faster than the land route I heard.¡± She swallowed.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°Are you nervous about our mission?¡± He asked with worry. Her comment was so out of place, considering that they were on an island surrounded by the ocean.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that.¡± She muttered.


    ¡°I see.¡± He didn¡¯t see at all. ¡°Do you really want to take the harp with you?¡± he pointed at the instrument wrapped in white linen cloth. ¡°It might get damaged on our travels.¡±


    ¡°This is my only possession.¡± The priestess pressed the harp against her chest and felt strangely dour. At first she had not been sure whether to keep it at all, but now they were nearly inseparable.


    ¡°You are pretty skilled with it, I¡¯ll say.¡± He chuckled at her defensive reaction. ¡°Keep it wrapped tightly, the sea air can get to string really easily.¡±


    ¡°T-The sea breeze¡­¡± Eugenia¡¯s face was covered in wrinkles.


    ¡°Do you have a problem with-?¡± He wanted to inquire, but was cut off by a sudden call.


    ¡°Hey, fisherboy! I could use some help with this stuff.¡± Bion called Therses informally and waved him towards the deck.


    ¡°What did he just call me?¡± Therses squinted and then walked up without hesitation.


    The ship would set sail the moment it was loaded. Eugenia had fairly little time left in Eretria. She turned back to listen to the sounds of the city, the heartbeat of a place still unfamiliar. It had not been long, but she already felt a certain connection to this place from the few weeks she had stayed here. For the sake of her goal she would have to leave the city behind. It would not be the last.


    ¡°A real beauty, huh?¡± Bion said right behind her, which made her shriek and drop the harp. He reflexively caught it in one hand.


    ¡°Whoa, relax, you are tenser than a corpse.¡± He said with his usual dull eyes and handed her the harp. ¡°Weren¡¯t you supposed to have good ears?¡±


    ¡°I was distracted!¡± She said with a pout.


    ¡°Haha, now that¡¯s more like it. If you had acted like a lost puppy for one more second I¡¯d have had to take you in. Master would scold me though.¡±


    ¡°You really are an oaf.¡± She said with a wry smile.


    ¡°Was it the beauty comment? I know you can¡¯t see it, but this city has history and culture in every rundown building and every giant hole in the walls.¡± He said jovially and put a hand on his neck. ¡°Will be interesting to see how Athens compares.¡±


    ¡°Have you ever been to another city?¡±


    ¡°No way. I¡¯ve been housekeeping for Agapetos whenever he went to have fun elsewhere.¡± He shrugged.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it painful¡­ to be a slave?¡± Eugenia asked hesitantly.


    ¡°Hm, that¡¯s a heavy question. I don¡¯t know any other life.¡± He replied without disdain or grief. ¡°Master gave me a home, education and food. Even if he doesn¡¯t like how I prepare it.¡±


    ¡°But what about freedom?¡± Memories of Dankana¡¯s occupation resurfaced. The things said by the general who had taken a battalion of slaves to some aimless freedom.


    ¡°Everyone is a slave to something, don¡¯t you think?¡± He said with a short notion of seriousness.


    ¡°Everyone?¡±


    ¡°A man is a slave to his family. A wife is a slave to her husband. Children are slaves to their parent¡¯s will. A priestess is a slave to the gods.¡± He said with another shrug.


    ¡°But I chose to accept the duty.¡± Eugenia retorted vehemently.


    ¡°As I see it, everyone has a choice. But most of the time the alternative isn¡¯t worth the trouble. I could run away, join some shady highwaymen and be ¡®free¡¯, but I¡¯d rather massage Master¡¯s stinky feet and learn a profession that helps people from him.¡± He slicked back his shoulder length hair and then turned away from Eugenia. ¡°Why did you become a priestess? Why¡¯d you accept that duty? I am sure your reasons aren¡¯t too different from mine.¡±


    She could not respond. His words were cutting her unexpectedly deep.


    ¡°Heavy, heavy, this talk¡¯s too heavy for an idiot like me. I¡¯ll put something heavy on my shoulders instead. Don¡¯t hurt your head mulling over the details, that¡¯s all there is to it.¡± He left with such irresponsible words.


    ¡°Why did I become a priestess?¡± She repeated the question with a sad expression.


    Any sister could have told her the correct answer in a heartbeat. Lady Akacia would drill it into their heads: ¡®To serve the divine.¡¯ or ¡®To guide the people.¡¯ Those selfless and pure reasons were the doctrine of the sisterhood and the temples. Girls chosen to become priestesses had to be virgins, pure of heart and obedient. Those were the requirements to be chosen, but what was it that made them accept the duty? Each one must have had their own convictions.


    Eugenia knew that she had conviction as well. She had chosen to follow the duty bestowed upon her to honor her late mother. She wanted to repay the kindness shown to her by the great and wise Athena. The duty was something far greater than just herself, something to become absorbed into.


    So was she simply doing this out of guilt and gratitude? She knew herself better than that. The true reason she had stuck to her painful training and ostracization was far simpler.


    She just wanted to be needed.


    If that was all there is to it then where would this purpose lead her? Back in Dankana she had felt useless and lonely. She had barely had the chance to act as a true priestess. In Lamia and Athens she was shut out from the social circles because she was special.


    Even now she used the image of being ¡®special¡¯ to get closer to her goal. The admiration she didn¡¯t deserve and the trust put in her were just tools to abuse. Was that really who she had become? What was worth this horrible feeling?


    I do not understand myself yet. There are things that only you can teach me about myself, I have realized that now.


    Words spoken in the chaos of a bloody conflict, but more honest than anything she had ever heard her say. Medusa truly needed her.


    ¡°Me too.¡± She whispered. Only now that they were apart she could really understand this. The more she doubted herself, the more she realized that she also needed someone to teach her more about herself. Eugenia of the past would have turned to a source above, but now¡­ now she sought the one farthest away from the frosty mountain tops of Olympus.


    Perhaps it was a mistake. Confused and hurt as she was, maybe she had lost all reason. It might have all been an excuse to see her again. But had she not decided to let herself be deceived back then? This was just another string to be pulled. A puppet of her own heart.


    The young woman took a brave step forward.


    <hr>


    The young woman was curled up in the corner of the quarters and moaned pitifully.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand. How could you be this seasick?¡± Therses watched her with disbelief. ¡°You have been going to sea with father every day for the last few weeks, haven¡¯t you?¡± He patted her back as she hurled horrible sounds into her arms.


    ¡°Urrrgh¡­ that¡¯s different¡­¡± Her face was taking on colors that did not belong on a human.


    ¡°I do not see how.¡± He said with sympathy, but also confusion.


    ¡°Being inside the belly of the ship, cut off from the outside air.¡± Agapetos went over a note he had dug out of his belongings. ¡°Sea sickness can stem from many such trivialities.¡±


    ¡°Should we drag her on deck then?¡± Bion suggested while scratching his belly below his leather jerkin.


    ¡°We would be bothering the crew.¡± Therses said regretfully.


    ¡°You know your stuff fisherboy.¡±


    ¡°Could you stop calling me that?¡± He replied annoyed.


    ¡°She needs to drink copious amounts of salted water and chew on herbs to cure her upset stomach and mind.¡± Agapetos declared proudly.


    ¡°¡°That will just make her throw up!¡±¡± The young men shut him down in perfect sync.


    ¡°Uweeeh¡­¡± Eugenia buried her face in a sack filled with pelts. After all of Agapetos negotiations they had ended up in a storage room anyway.


    ¡°Maybe it is the imbalance of sexes.¡± Therses suggested seriously. ¡°I have read that women should not board ships, for it brings bad luck. If she is surrounded by men the curse might take stronger effect.¡±


    ¡°That is entirely preposterous! The male presence has a supporting effect on the mind of women.¡± Agapetos lectured him. ¡°Curses like this are tall seamen tales you hear in taverns past midnight.¡±


    ¡°He is right, ya know?¡± Bion agreed with his master for once. ¡°If women weren¡¯t allow¡¯d¡­ nghrm¡­ on ships, there would be no female slaves.¡±


    ¡°Are you eating?!¡± Therses asked in stupor.


    ¡°Mhm. Thwese beahns an¡¯t half bwad.¡± He said with his mouth stuffed to the brim. ¡°Want to try?¡± He handed him the bowl.


    ¡°I am not hungry right now, believe it or not.¡± The young man growled with squinted eyes.


    Mortified groans proclaimed Eugenia¡¯s dissatisfaction as well.


    ¡°My medical opinion is that we can do nothing but let her rest right now. You should feel ashamed.¡± Agapetos stepped between them and then took the bowl out of his apprentice''s hands. ¡°Do not stuff your belly before your master is sated!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s your only issue here?¡± Therses was losing his mind.


    ¡°Get out of here!¡± Eugenia¡¯s deeply disturbed voice made them all shiver and back away. A wounded lioness was the most dangerous. ¡°Just let me die in peace¡­¡± She pushed her blue face back into the sack.


    ¡°We should respect her wishes.¡± The old medico said while clearing his throat. The others followed him out of the quarters and into the stairway.


    Outside they sat down on the steps just before the exit to the deck. The breeze coming through the gaps was intense. It sounded like there was a storm brewing on the ocean. The shaking of the ship would only intensify.


    ¡°How long until we arrive?¡± Therses asked the only experienced traveler among them.


    ¡°At least a few more days.¡± He replied while fondling his silver-white beard.


    ¡°I feel for you Eugenia¡­¡±


    ¡°You seem to be feeling a lot for her.¡± Bion suddenly said with a glint in his eyes.


    ¡°What are you insinuating?¡± His brown eyes returned the boring gaze.


    ¡°Why¡¯d they let some fisherboy tag along? Sounds to me like Eugenia insisted you would come with us.¡± He pointed out.


    ¡°I represent my village and all the other victims of the attacks.¡± He explained with a slight edge in his voice.


    ¡°A clever move. Our benefactors cannot openly discuss their black market involvement, so to make a righteous case in front of the Archons they need a third party. The commoners and merchants who are victimized by these acts of violence.¡± Agapetos nodded self-satisfied with his brilliant deduction.


    ¡°That is the gist of it.¡± The young fisherman confirmed. ¡°That has nothing to do with my responsibility towards Eugenia, though. I wish to see her reach her goal, because she is the savior of my village as well as a fellow believer in Athena¡¯s wisdom.¡± He was firm and honest. ¡°I would rather question why some slave assistant is acting so close to her.¡± He shot back.


    ¡°Pah. You wouldn¡¯t get it anyway.¡± Bion replied already disinterested.


    ¡°Do not mind his foolish mouthpiece. I will sew it shut one of these days.¡± The master intervened and pushed Bion¡¯s head down. ¡°You certainly are well spoken for a young man from a fishing village. Have you received an education?¡± He was curious now.


    ¡°I was taught in the city since childhood.¡± He nodded.


    ¡°What a waste to let a bright and beautiful young man like yourself waste away on a fishing boat!¡± Agapetos closed in on his personal space like a chariot on a small animal. ¡°Would you like to work for me instead? After this whole fiasco is behind us I would gladly take you into my Medicoriam for a lecture on human anatomy.¡±


    The older man was making Therses back away little by little, but he soon found himself against the wall. He swallowed.


    ¡°Y-Your offer is very kind, but-¡±


    ¡°I insist! It would be a boon to my weary soul to have a lively and capable apprentice. Your arms are superbly toned from your family trade, but your hands are those of a scholar.¡± He grabbed Therses hands without hesitation.


    ¡°Ahaha.¡± The young fisherman was starting to regret his decision to join this mission.


    ¡°Maaaster.¡± A shadow was expanding behind the back of the man and crawled over his shoulder. ¡°You already have an apprentice. Would you kindly stop your buck hunting? You are too old for this game.¡± His words were calm, but his smile utterly terrifying. Did Therses read him right? Was that jealousy?


    Before things could escalate further the trapdoor to the deck was pulled open and a scarfed face peeked inside. There was a big scar over the person¡¯s left eye, which was perpetually closed.


    ¡°Thought I heard a commotion. Any trouble down there gentl¡¯men?¡± The sore and coarse voice asked sharply.


    ¡°Captain Irvenos! Nothing to report, naturally. We are merely letting our companion rest for a bit.¡± Agapetos was instantly at an acceptable distance to Therses and completely composed.


    ¡°Womenfolk. Always bad news on sea.¡± The captain replied with a grunt. His clothes were somewhat ragged, but clearly had been worth quite some coin once. They must have belonged to some aristocrat who sold them. For a sailor he had a rather frail build, closer to Bion¡¯s then the muscular crew. It was hard to make out his face below all the scarves and the tight cloth wrapped around his head.


    ¡°So the tales are true!¡± Therses pumped his fist.


    ¡°¡¯course not. Superstition and alcohol, that.¡± He replied quietly. ¡°Just don¡¯t let two dozen men get close to a woman during a few weeks of travel. Won¡¯t end well.¡± He said, laughing hoarsely.


    The three representatives all turned serious at his words and seemed very somber. Incidentally they blocked the stairway with their bodies right now.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let my men touch any passengers. Just keep her down there till we are in the port.¡± He said amicably. ¡°We¡¯re in rough weather soon, so hold on to something. Better be heavy.¡± He laughed again and closed the trap door.


    ¡°Just a few more days.¡± Therses muttered with concern towards their quarters.


    <hr>


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t give up! We already anchored, it¡¯s just a few more steps!¡± The three men encouraged the skeletal looking priestess with all their positive cheer.


    ¡°Haaah¡­¡± Eugenia¡¯s body was as white as her milky eyes. It was a miracle that she could even stand on the softly swaying ship. She had probably released more of her insides than she could fill up again, but it was mostly just her senses that seemed to try to kill themselves. Balance? Where was that? Smell? Even a rotting mackerel would not do anything for her. Taste? She was almost glad that had failed her a few days ago.


    ¡°There is solid ground right in front of you.¡± Bion said as he walked backwards down the plank.


    ¡°Landlubber never fails to amuse me.¡± Captain Irvenos said with crossed arms as he watched their little act. ¡°Gotta be more assertive.¡± And with those words he slapped Eugenia on the back and made her tumble down towards the pier.


    ¡°Whoa! Not on top of me!¡± Bion shouted before he was unceremoniously buried below a bundle of suffering.


    ¡°Athens. The pearl of the south. What emotions well up in my breast as I see your enormity and nobility once again!¡± Agapetos stretched his arms aside theatrically.


    ¡°The owl cage¡¯s nothin¡¯ special. Not worth the poetry.¡± Irvenos said in his coarse voice and then kicked Agapetos down as well. Just a moment later a metal hook tied to a rope flung right past the spot he had been standing. ¡°And someone¡¯s got slippery fingers.¡± He added with a glare towards one of the crew members.


    ¡°Eugenia! Answer me! Has this buffoon hurt you with his heavy body?¡± Therses crouched above the dizzy girl and shouted at her.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine, worry about her, when I¡¯m the one on the bottom.¡± Bion said emotionlessly with his dull eyes turned towards the sky.


    ¡°Ngh. Captain, you have a way with physical communication.¡± Agapetos rubbed his hurting spine.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome. Look out for the hounds too.¡± He waved with evil cheer.


    ¡°H-Hounds?¡± A bunch of dogs were approaching, led by guardsmen. They had been expected.


    ¡°Are you the envoys of Eretria?¡± The guard captain asked in a booming voice.


    ¡°Indeed, we are them.¡± Agapetos said with his back straightened and a proud tone. The pile of misery next to him sort of undermined that image.


    ¡°I am captain Trifos of the Athenian guard. By the order of Archon Achaeus, you are to be escorted to the town hall. Do not resist or delay.¡± He said with one hand on his sword.


    Agapetos watched his actions closely. The dogs were showing their teeth and the other guards were equally tense.


    ¡°Of course we will come with you. That is our duty.¡± He said calmly.


    ¡°Very well. We were told that there would be five representatives.¡± He pulled up a small parchment.


    ¡°Five?¡± He asked perplexed. There were just four of them from the start.


    ¡°Take care of the ship. Don¡¯t let anyone piss against the bow again.¡± Irvenos instructed his second mate and then gracefully stepped down the plank. ¡°I¡¯ll be coming with you.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°Decision comes from my contractor. Lots of coins means I¡¯ve no reason to object. They didn¡¯t tell ya?¡± He wrapped another layer of scarves around his face and mustered the medico with his one good eye.


    ¡°Evidently not.¡± He conceded.


    ¡°I count five representatives. Follow me please.¡± The guard captain nodded them to come along.


    ¡°Can you stand?¡± Therses pulled Eugenia up who made an unidentifiable sound.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine too by the way.¡± Bion said from below her feet.


    The group was led towards the Akropolis, forcing the masses of commoners to part before the armed men and their dogs. It was not too different from a handful of prisoners being shoved towards the dungeon.


    The priestess had returned to her city of maturity. The moment she had touched its soil the trial had already begun. All eyes were on her.

 Chapter 34: Eugenia and the Archon of discord

    Athens¡¯ Akropolis was imposing and fortified. Its walls were a clear message to all commoners and enemies to stay far away. The average Athenian citizen would only step into its walls once in their lives for festivals or sacrifices to the gods. To climb the hill meant to climb up the social ladder. The palace was the zenith that even outclassed the grand temple of Athena. Humanity¡¯s hubris on these lands was endless, but they knew well that no palace would ever reach the top of Mount Olympus, so far above the clouds.


    The small group of representatives, escorted by several guards and dogs, was led through the gawking onlookers. They were just a few chains short of looking like unglamorous captured enemy generals. If it weren¡¯t for the expensive clothes of the ship captain and the medico they might even have passed as a bunch of lower class citizens captured for misconduct at some cheap tavern.


    In the middle of this procession, as if shielded by the others, the priestess was taking steady steps towards her destination. Her mission was modest enough when spoken aloud, but the true trial was far from simple. Before she could really adjust to the strange welcome she already bumped into Therses when he suddenly stopped walking. With the layout that she still remembered from her time in Athens she could tell that they had arrived at the town hall.


    It was a relatively new building, built on the foundation of a former nobleman¡¯s mansion. The Archons would not deliberate in the palace, for the issues of the city had long since been separated from the ruling class. While unassuming to the eye, the town hall was the true seat of power these days.


    ¡°Enter.¡± The guard captain barked. From his measured voice it was possible to infer that he was used to shouting commands and had little to offer in the way of etiquette. It was not unusual for outsiders or foreigners to be treated unceremoniously, but his behavior was still an affront.


    ¡°We will have to speak about this with the Archons.¡± Agapetos snorted displeased.


    ¡°Don¡¯t start a fight over this. I want at least one decent meal before biting the dirt.¡± Bion said with a shrug.


    The front gate was opened and they were let inside. The main hall reeked of polished wood and oils. The floor was covered in red and blue tiles, an unspeakably expensive display of artistic decadence. There were torches at every wall, but it was bright enough due to the windows all across the upper walls. Large staircases on both ends of the hall would lead to the offices of the Archons and staff.


    Soon one of these long nosed bald staff members approached them. His chiton was tight and embroidered beyond any sensible margin. He would have made most peacocks envious. His face was clean shaven, giving him a youthful look despite his baldness. Even Eugenia could feel his sharp gaze on them.


    ¡°Greetings envoys of Eretria. I am Lupus of Athens, at your service.¡± He did not lower his head or made any other polite gesture, but his words were going by protocol.


    ¡°Lupus? Strange name.¡± Bion muttered, but received an elbow to the gut by his master.


    ¡°We are honored to be received by the great Archons of Athens. The journey was long, incredibly so. We bested the storms and suffered through the crude behavior of your guards.¡± The medico spoke with great pathos and showed his exhaustion. ¡°Yet we have come in goodwill and shall be ready for the negotiations immediately.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Lupus did not show any sympathy, but his clever face showed that he knew full well who he was dealing with now.


    ¡°He isn¡¯t speaking for all of us.¡± Suddenly captain Irvenos chimed in. He put a hand on his many scarves and aired them out casually. His one eye was resting on the peacock. ¡°I could use a stiff drink to bring my spirits back to the land. The sea¡¯s gotten to most of us, no?¡± And then he focused on Eugenia.


    ¡°Erm¡­ I don¡¯t¡­¡± Eugenia felt uneasy being the center of attention all of a sudden. She had never talked to the captain before, but something was definitely off about him. He had seen through her weak attempt to stand sturdy in an instant. She was still very exhausted after the long suffering journey.


    ¡°You are in luck then. Archon Achaeus is currently in an important meeting, so he will not be able to receive you until late noon. In the meantime I can offer you refreshments and a meal.¡± He nodded curtly and then urged them to follow him.


    ¡°That¡¯s good hospitality.¡± Bion seemed pleased at least.


    ¡°We are merely passersby in their daily routine.¡± Therses said with his hands fumbling on his belt. His aggravation was obvious.


    ¡°A light meal cannot do the body harm.¡± Agapetos slapped Therses on the back and spearheaded their little formation.


    ¡°Sorry if I butted my head into somethin¡¯ not of my concern.¡± Irvenos walked next to Eugenia and loosened his leather gloves a bit. His worn noble clothes at last fit this pompous place at least.


    ¡°You are kind.¡± She replied with a weak smile. Her weakness was obvious even to a one-eyed stranger.


    ¡°Hah! I don¡¯t get that a lot, so I¡¯ll take it. ¡®specially from a pretty young thing like yourself.¡±


    Eugenia turned her head away.


    ¡°Flattery usually makes ¡®em happy, not melancholic.¡± The captain said with a hurt head tilt.


    ¡°I¡¯m aware that I am nothing compared to the Muses.¡± Eugenia said with a tender smile.


    Captain Irvenos seemed to be caught off-guard. It was a strange comparison to make, and rather arrogant. Apparently his image of Eugenia was not congruent with such replies. He caught himself swiftly though and laughed hoarsely.


    ¡°At least take on the Graces if ya got that much pride.¡± He said with a hand on his face and walked ahead of her still laughing.


    Eugenia smiled. The captain¡¯s laughter reminded her of Medusa at this moment.


    <hr>


    The dining room was just as spacious as the rest of the rooms in the building. There was a long table as well as several finely crafted chairs, but the highlight were the large silver chandeliers. It was rare to see such excess in a mere dining room. Two servants were bringing in the food and taking care of the guests. Lupus had left the moment everyone was seated, apparently returning to his master¡¯s side.


    Eugenia¡¯s stomach had finally calmed down enough for her to chow down on some of the white bread. She hadn¡¯t eaten any precious bread of this quality in years. Not even the wares Themistokles had carried were this good, probably because these were fresh. The roasted beans and vegetable soup returned the color to her face in no time.


    The others were also partaking in the feast, but with different levels of enthusiasm. The medico pair were the only ones who seemed to have no reservations.


    ¡°Ahem, while we are regaining our strength I would like to discuss our next move.¡± Therses had barely touched his food at all. His face was glum. He really could not deal with the pressure well. ¡°Do you know anything about the Archons, Agapetos?¡± He turned towards the oldest of their group.


    ¡°Achaeus is the man with the plan.¡± The silver-white haired medico said and burped. Captain Irvenos¡¯ brow twitched slightly. ¡°He is said to have a great head on his shoulders and has led the city for twenty summers. He was reelected as Archon three times already. If he is the one talking to us we will definitely get somewhere.¡±


    ¡°If you can convince him.¡± Irvenos said while leaning on the edge of his chair. He was casually balancing it and put his legs on the table. A seaman¡¯s manners were just as poor as rumored.


    ¡°And the others?¡± Therses ignored the scarred man.


    ¡°Hm. I have never met the other two. When visiting the great scholars we talked little of politics.¡±


    ¡°You were busy drinking until you passed out I bet.¡± Bion said with a dry smile.


    ¡°I know them by name.¡± Eugenia spoke up while the medicos were beginning another argument. ¡°There is Achaeus the pragmatic, Topos the impartial and Leander the hero. They already ruled three years ago when I studied at the grand temple.¡±


    ¡°They even have fancy titles.¡± Bion snorted.


    ¡°Well, bein¡¯ forced to do business here has taught me a few things about those fancy titles.¡± Irvenos leaned forward and stabbed a chunk of meat with his saw knife. ¡°Leander¡¯s a young upstart. Made himself a name by sinking pirates north and south of the Aegean Sea. Heard he knows where to point the sharp end of a sword. He¡¯s sorta famous in all the ports.¡± He tore off some of the brown meat with his teeth.


    ¡°If he is that knowledgeable about the sea routes he might know who is attacking our ships.¡± Therses cupped his chin.


    ¡°Or he might be the one orderin¡¯ the attacks.¡± Irvenos said between loud chewing noises.


    Everyone grew quiet and the air became colder. The possibility was far too real that the Archons were directly involved in this scheme.


    ¡°Anyway, that old mummy, Topos, he ain¡¯t going to be much help. Heard he was growin¡¯ senile. Word of mouth is that¡¯s why he is always neutral. Can¡¯t remember the details.¡± He cackled.


    ¡°If he is so very old, why was he not retired yet?¡± Therses asked confused.


    ¡°Some say he is too respected for anyone to tell him off.¡± The captain shrugged.


    ¡°A new election is coming soon. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be succeeded then.¡±


    Eugenia¡¯s ears perked up. An election? That rang a bell. There was someone who had so desperately wished to make it to Athens in time to keep his deadline. That man was certainly awaiting the election now. With all the troubles recently she had almost forgotten about him. Now she wondered if she could perhaps meet him while they were both in Athens.


    ¡°Then our choice is clear. We will have to put our bets on Achaeus.¡± Agapetos decided. It was convenient to him who was clearly biased from the beginning.


    ¡°If he was the one who sent us that warm welcome I¡¯m not sure how much love he will show for our cause.¡± Bion played with his spoon and watched his distorted reflection.


    A loud knock on the left entrance made them collectively jerk up and straighten their backs. One of the servants opened the door and made way for the newcomer.


    The presence of the man that entered seemed to suck them all in at once. His posture was aristocratic and his trimmed beard slick. He was certainly getting up there in age, but his hair was still of a strong ebony color as his eyes were pure stinging blue, something not seen often in these lands. His ceremonial clothes were gilded in a few places, but his boots were far more military like. He gave the impression of a strategist that would lead his troops while at the same time quite capable at ending his enemies personally.


    Eugenia could hear the presence of will in his steps alone. His gaze moved across the table and stayed on her for just a few seconds longer than the others. Perhaps because she seemed the most out of place?


    ¡°I am Achaeus of Athens. Archon of the city, general of the troops and your host for the duration of the negotiations. There is little time in my schedule, but I will not leave this matter to the others.¡± He stood at the head of the table as was his right and then glared at Agapetos who was hastily getting up to exchange formalities. ¡°Seat yourself. My right leg was injured in battle so I require some time to loosen it before seating myself.¡± He put a hand on his hip and closed his eyes with a sigh.


    ¡°We are truly grateful for your time. The lords of Eretria send their regards-¡±


    ¡°They sent you, most importantly.¡± He cut him off. ¡°To speak business I heard.¡± It was a rather unsubtle hint to move things along.


    ¡°Y-Yes. It is our utmost concern to ask for your gracious aid.¡± Agapetos nervously stroked his beard. Eugenia had not witnessed that kind of reaction from him before.


    ¡°It is always aid that they want. Asking Athens to bleed for her allies'' mistakes.¡± He said with a disparaging expression.


    ¡°It is a matter of blood, sir.¡± Agapetos swallowed. ¡°We Ionians and Atticans need to stick together.¡±


    ¡°Pah. Sometimes I wish we would share our ancestry with the Spartans. At least those warriors have spines. Military understanding. Instead we will always be connected to farmers and fishermen.¡± His words were highly controversial. Athens was famously antagonistic towards their southern rivals. No matter how many ceasefires they agreed to, war was an inevitability. ¡°Now we are even being undermined by a Rhodian fool. The city is going to the dogs.¡±


    ¡°Rhodian?¡± Eugenia knew who he was talking about. At least she thought she did.


    ¡°So what do our Ionian brothers need from us? You lost the war and our stance was made quite clear. We will not be involved in any acts of revenge. Our men will not die for petty ambitions.¡± His words rang clear.


    ¡°You must¡¯ve read the letter sent ahead of us, no?¡± Suddenly captain Irvenos chimed in. He was not showing any sign of respect for the Archon¡¯s towering aura. His legs were still on top of the table. ¡°Ya know why we¡¯re here, so let¡¯s cut to the chase.¡±


    ¡°Irvenos!¡± Agapetos turned pale and glared at him.


    ¡°Hmph. Fitting that the captain without a homeport would speak his mind first. You have no stake in this after all.¡± Achaeus didn¡¯t seem to feel insulted. In fact he was taking it well. With a slow motion he rubbed his snake ring and then finally settled down on the chair. His leg must have loosened.


    ¡°My stake is very real. A chest full¡¯a coins is ridin¡¯ on this.¡± Irvenos retorted calmly.


    ¡°Money. Anyone can be bought in the end.¡± The old Archon put his arms on the table. His plate was empty. ¡°Incidentally that is something Eretria is lacking, as I am aware. You emptied your coffers to rebuild. You cannot afford ships or protected trade routes.¡±


    ¡°That is exactly true.¡± Agapetos nodded frantically and rubbed his sweaty palms.


    ¡°And there is some unknown pirate activity in waters around your port. That is the extent of the letter¡¯s information. The pigeon could only carry so much. Go ahead then, make your shameless demands.¡±


    ¡°Please, sir, we have no intention of making demands!¡±


    ¡°We owe you nothing and you have nothing to offer in return. You can only demand, entitled as you seem to feel.¡± He said sharply. The pressure exuding from his glare was enough to make lesser men back off. And so did Agapetos. He clearly felt intimidated. Bion noted it with a neutral expression, but the grip on his spoon had gotten tighter.


    ¡°Lord Achaeus.¡± Of all the ones present it was Therses who withstood the pressure. ¡°My name is Therses and I am also of Eretria. I am the son of a simple fisherman, not worthy of your presence.¡± He lowered his head. ¡°But I was selected to speak for my people. The people of Eretria, not the aristocracy. Our ships are sunken every day by these evil forces. We lose our very lifeblood to these malicious attacks. You do not owe Eretria anything, but as a fellow Ionian and believer of Athena! I beg of you, such evil cannot stand before her justice!¡± He said with complete conviction.


    ¡°What does a worm like you know of Lady Athena¡¯s will?¡± He replied stoically.


    ¡°What?¡± Therses was shocked.


    ¡°Lady Athena has not told us to intervene. She has not passed judgement on pirates or any other city. The priestesses have no shortage of offerings for her, but she will only respond to matters that are changing the lives of Athens¡¯ citizens for the better. Eretria has fallen off the faith recently, has it not? Your Dionysus cult is growing stronger by the year, as expected of grape farmers.¡±


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°Sir, Lord Dionysus is a distinguished god. He is not simply the father of the grape-¡± Agapetos was slightly offended, but his indignation stopped the moment focus returned on him.


    ¡°I am not here for religious debates. The human world is my domain and I will act in the best interest of my people. Not Eretria¡¯s people. Do you have anything else but tear filled pleas and religious babble?¡± His words became harsher yet.


    ¡°Religious babble?¡± Therses seemed furious. ¡°You may be the ruler of this city, but you still answer to the gods!¡±


    ¡°Do not tell me who I answer to, boy. I know my place in the grand scheme of the gods. Soon enough I will fulfill my destiny.¡± He was worked up, but then cooled himself.


    ¡°Then you have to listen to us! Because we have a messenger of the gods right here!¡± Therses rose up and pointed his hand at Eugenia.


    ¡°Calm yourself Therses, my boy¡­¡± Agapetos raised his hands to calm him, but the damage was done.


    ¡°Oh? A messenger you say? That unimpressive lass?¡± Achaeus turned to Eugenia. His initial gaze had been locked on her, but now she realized what it truly meant to be in his sights.


    ¡°She is a follower of the great Athena and a direct messenger from Lord Poseidon!¡± Therses claimed with pride.


    ¡°The letter mentioned something of the kind. So you claim to be personally sent by two of the great Olympians?¡± His mocking tone was all too transparent.


    Eugenia was surprisingly calm. She felt the pressure get to her nerves, but compared to some of the situations she had been in since her expedition began, this seemed almost trivial. In the end Achaeus was just one angry man. Not as clever as Typhos and not as terrifying as an angry Medusa.


    ¡°I serve Lady Athena without question.¡± She replied truthfully. Lying about her convictions and purpose was out of the question. But there were always ways to bend the truth a little bit. She had learned that recently.


    ¡°Oho, so you will tell us that you have a better idea of Athena¡¯s will than the priestesses in her own patron city?¡± His dismay was growing.


    ¡°I cannot speak for Lady Akacia and the others.¡± She shook her head. ¡°But I know Lady Athena.¡± Better than most mortals at least.


    ¡°The gods wish for us to support Eretria then? To send our ships to protect their waters? Waste resources on a fool¡¯s errand? Where is the wisdom in that?¡±


    ¡°It is the right thing to do.¡± Eugenia replied honestly.


    ¡°Justice is a fickle mistress. It may change directions on a coin flip.¡± He said slowly. ¡°The acropolis in Eretria might have fallen for some exaggerated sailor¡¯s yarn, but what proof do you have that you are a chosen messenger?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Eugenia felt a sting in her heart. Of all the things she never wished to rely on it was probably this fate that she hated the most. There was just no alternative if she wanted to help those poor people in the fishing village. Was this the trial? ¡°I was blessed by Athena as a child. I have been chosen by her.¡± She pulled back her hood and revealed her milky white eyes.


    To his credit, Achaeus did not even move a muscle in his face. Captain Irvenos was the one who gasped instead. He was the only one of the group who was not aware of her blindness before.


    ¡°Blessed you say? A blind priestess?¡± Achaeus kept rubbing his snake ring as if he tried to heat it up until it glowed red-hot. There was faint recognition in his eyes.


    ¡°I implore you deeply, please consider helping Eretria. These people did not do anything wrong. Whoever is responsible for those attacks is not acting with the blessing of the gods.¡±


    ¡°Surely not.¡± He agreed in contemplation and cracked his fingers. ¡°If you are truly blessed, you must be able to confirm this with the head priestess, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± She nodded.


    ¡°Hypothetically.¡± He rose from the chair and circled the table. ¡°Hypothetically, if this is the truth. If your priestess is not a fraud, then the gods are incensed by these actions. Even when Athena has been silent for such a long time, I would not wish to risk it.¡± He admitted. When he passed Irvenos he sighed. ¡°Still I ask: What will I get in return? What will Athens gain from this aside from a chance to prove its faith once again?¡±


    ¡°The aristocrats offer their unquestioned support in all future war efforts. We will lessen the trade tax. And we will concede some of the profits made from successfully established trade routes.¡± Agapetos counted down the list quickly.


    ¡°Frankly, those are worthless concessions.¡± The old Archon replied matter of factly. ¡°Your military presence is negligible. The tax you impose is unjust in itself, for we are the ones keeping your trade alive in the first place. We should not merely partake in the profits.¡± He waved every single point off. ¡°Eretria cannot even handle a simple pirate issue? In that case you should forfeit your control over the area to Athens. We will deal with this issue swiftly and decisively.¡± He hammered his fist on the table and sent the cups flying upwards for a moment.


    ¡°Y-You cannot ask us to give up our sovereignty.¡± Agapetos was sweating heavily now. The greatest fear of the aristocrats had been spoken aloud now.


    ¡°You came crawling to us for aid. Even the gods wish this issue to be resolved quickly, no?¡± He smiled darkly toward Eugenia. Her stomach cramped up like she had eaten buckets of snow. He had used their trump card against them! ¡°Athens does not ignore injustice, but we are not foolish enough to leave these matters to incompetent hands." It seemed they had made their bet on the wrong Archon. Achaeus was taking advantage of the situation.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t care less who controls the seas.¡± Irvenos said with his good eye on the ceiling. ¡°But if ya invade Eretria you¡¯ll be dealin¡¯ with her enemies too. Ya might be biting off more than ya can chew.¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain Irvenos of nowhere.¡± He put a hand on the table and glared at him. ¡°Who do you serve? Why are you representing Eretria?¡±


    ¡°My contractor has a big stake over there. All they want is you to consider the deal.¡± He replied almost disinterested.


    ¡°Very well. If you can make greater concessions we might find a compromise.¡± Achaeus changed his tune after exchanging a quick glance with the captain. ¡°I shall not be known as the unreasonable one. I have learned a few things from Topos over the decades.¡±


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Bion lowered his bent spoon and leaned on one hand. His shoulder length hair bent to the side. Why was his expression so stern?


    ¡°We are so thankful!¡± Agapetos almost groveled before him.


    ¡°I have not agreed just yet. We shall reconvene tomorrow after I made some deliberations with the others.¡± The sharp Archon was still far from friendly. ¡°For now we can raise our cups to the occasion. Wine has always been a partner to greatness.¡± He clapped his hands and the servants brought in a large tray full of amphorae. Right behind them came Lupus, the subordinate.


    ¡°The wine from southern Attica has come in, sir.¡± The bald man held up a special amphora with a red seal. It was a wine-soaked cork.


    ¡°Smells spirited.¡± The Archon replied with a satisfied smile.


    The servants went around to fill the cups, but the first one tripped right next to captain Irvenos. The wine was spilled across his long coat and scarves.


    ¡°My, what a clumsy ass.¡± Achaeus growled and snapped his fingers. The servant cried out in fear, but there was no escape. He was dragged away by two others and then disappeared into the basement. ¡°My apologies captain. Good personnel is hard to come by.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t I know it?¡± Instead of losing his temper the captain laughed! ¡°If I was not used to the smell of cheap wine on my clothes I couldn¡¯t be a sailor. I¡¯ve been pouring it myself countless times.¡± He rose from his seat gracefully and picked up the wine from the tray.


    ¡°You should not lower yourself-¡± Lupus seemed shocked beyond reason to see a guest pour wine for the party, but the captain ignored his protests. He filled everyone¡¯s cups carefully and without spilling a drop.


    ¡°One cup won¡¯t upset your goddess.¡± He said when he reached Eugenia who had meaningfully reversed her cup.


    ¡°I don¡¯t drink.¡± She refused with an awkward smile.


    ¡°So you were the real deal.¡± He muttered and set the amphora down next to her. His scarred eye seemed to itch as he scratched it repeatedly. The dozens of scarves covering his mouth and hair were probably reeking of wine.


    ¡°Then once again, to our future collaboration!¡± Achaeus raised his mug above his head. The others followed suit and then sipped on their drinks.


    Agapetos was the first one to finish his mug. A seasoned drinker indeed. The rest took their time. Achaeus did not drink because his leg acted up and he had to adjust his posture. Irvenos took long, but measured sips below his scarves. Eugenia wished she could see what his mouth looked like below the scarves, as their rustling made it hard to make out the facial movements by sound alone.


    Lupus seemed to be a true connoisseur as he had finished his cup the second fastest and smacked his lips greedily. He had a slight red tinge on his cheeks already.


    ¡°Do not imitate a starved dog now Lupus. You may drink my cup too. I know you love the Attican ones the most.¡± Achaeus generously offered him his cup as he hit his leg with his other fist. He didn¡¯t seem in the drinking mood anymore.


    ¡°My thanks Archon.¡± Lupus bowed his head and took the cup gratefully.


    Irvenos tensed up ever so little and stopped his cup from moving.


    ¡°Truly a good drop.¡± Agapetos praised it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Tastes just like the booze you let me have after the deed.¡± Bion said while stretching out his tongue in disgust.


    ¡°You are such an amateur. I feel nothing but despair when I consider the Medicoriam¡¯s future.¡±


    ¡°W-What deed?¡± Therses gulped. His throat seemed to be burning up from the wine.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you drink with us Eugenia? I don¡¯t wanna finish this.¡± Bion held his cup towards her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t drink.¡± She repeated with a mask-like smile.


    ¡°C¡¯mon, no priestess sticks to the rules for all her life.¡± He kept pushing it towards her. She pushed it back.


    ¡°I do not drink.¡± She said with a colder smile.


    ¡°Are you a lightweight?¡±


    ¡°Whatever are you suggesting?¡±


    ¡°Or are you a bad drunk?¡± He said with a grin.


    ¡°I am not! I don¡¯t drink and I am never drunk!¡± She stammered.


    ¡°Bullseye.¡± Bion said as if it was settled now.


    ¡°Krkk¡­ garrhg¡­¡±


    ¡°Speaking of which. This guy doesn¡¯t seem to hold his liquor too well either.¡± The slave apprentice pointed at Lupus who was bending over.


    ¡°Lupus? What has gotten into you man?¡± Achaeus seemed alarmed.


    The bald man¡¯s body was shaking. His eyes were bulging out and he clawed at his throat. Then his mouth began to foam and he collapsed.


    ¡°Guards! Call for the guards!¡± Achaeus shouted and then drew his sword. He moved next to the twitching man and inspected him. Afterwards he grabbed the half emptied cup and smelled it. ¡°Poison.¡± He showed the small black leftovers in the red wine.


    ¡°By Lady Athena¡¯s mercy¡­¡± Eugenia covered her mouth in terror.


    ¡°P-P-P-Poison?!¡± Agapetos looked at his empty cup and turned paler than parchment.


    ¡°Master, throw up right now.¡± Bion said with an unusually serious tone.


    ¡°I do not believe that will be necessary.¡± Achaeus interrupted. ¡°This poison was meant for me alone.¡±


    ¡°Who could have done this?¡± Therses was losing his cool and seemed up and ready to scream. That was the first time he had seen someone die.


    ¡°None of you were poisoned despite drinking from the same wine.¡± Achaeus glared them down. "Except for the priestess all of you tasted it. Am I wrong?¡±


    They all stayed silent. Eugenia had a suspicion. It was like her heart froze over when she noticed the unchanging heartbeat next to hers. The perpetrator did not even feel stressed in this situation¡­


    ¡°Then the poison must have been administered to my cup specifically. But there was nothing in it before it was filled.¡± He threw the cup down and shouted. ¡°You attempted to poison me captain Irvenos!¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± The others turned to him with fear. Only Eugenia did not flinch. She had felt something was off about this person from the start.


    ¡°What a cryin¡¯ shame. Foiled by a thirsty bureaucrat.¡± The captain shrugged carefree. The same moment armed guards stormed the room. They grabbed all the representatives and checked for weapons. The captain had a few dozen daggers in his clothes, but when they tried to feel inside his chest pockets and below the scarves he kicked the guard in the shins and threw him against the table. Six swords were aimed at him in an instant.


    ¡°Do not resist, assassin. Who are you working for?¡± The Archon interrogated him angrily.


    ¡°I won¡¯t give away my contractor that easily. You should know better.¡± The captain laughed hoarsely.


    ¡°What was your goal? If you kill me there will be no hope for Eretria.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Not my problem.¡±


    ¡°You are his accomplices.¡± Achaeus turned towards the others. ¡°What is this treachery?¡±


    ¡°W-We did not know about this!¡± Agapetos shook his head afraid like a pig before the slaughter.


    ¡°Irvenos did this on his own.¡± Therses insisted.


    ¡°Nonsense. You were sent by the same people with the same goal.¡± The Archon put his sword back into its sheath and breathed deeply to calm his red angered face down.


    ¡°Ah, this is painful. You really have no idea?¡± Irvenos mocked. ¡°Everyone knows that you would¡¯ve ignored the plea for help. So ridding the world of your stubborn head would only improve our chances.¡±


    ¡°Then you are Eretria¡¯s servant?¡±


    ¡°You will not get anythin¡¯ else outta me.¡± The finely dressed captain turned mute.


    ¡°What underhanded weasels you are.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡± Eugenia called out. ¡°He is lying. The aristocrats¡­ they were not involved in this. They genuinely wanted a peaceful solution!¡± Her emotions were overflowing. This was all wrong. She had talked to those men heart to heart. They just wanted to stay independent, but they had no malice in their hearts. She had promised them to solve this problem. She had sworn it!


    ¡°Na?ve wench, you were used like a puppet.¡± The Archon declared and kicked Irvenos in the back of the legs. He fell to his knees and was then dragged away. ¡°Ignorance does not excuse your sins, however. None of you will escape punishment.¡± He pointed at the group and then signaled his guards to take them away. ¡°Lock them into the guest quarters until tomorrow. Then we will send them to the dungeon until judgement is ready. Enjoy your last days among the living. You will be executed before the end of the last summer day.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t do this! I am a distinguished man! I am important!¡± Agapetos shouted as he was dragged off.


    ¡°I got my last meal at least.¡± Bion didn¡¯t resist at all. His dull eyes were only judging the situation.


    ¡°This is injustice.¡± Therses was devastated. Then he turned back and resisted the muscular guard. ¡°At least leave Eugenia out of this! She is not to blame!¡± He got beaten every time he tried to turn back.


    ¡°Pease stop it Therses.¡± Eugenia said with tearful eyes.


    Her quiet plea finally got him to give in. The last guard grabbed Eugenia roughly by the arm and pulled her along as well.


    ¡°Ares¡¯ spear and Zeus¡¯ lightning tear us down, what is the meaning of this?!¡± In that moment a man burst into the room and shouted his displeasure. ¡°Achaeus, why this commotion?¡± It was a man in his mid-20s. His hair was chestnut brown and he had a full beard. He seemed confident, yet humble from his posture. The rage in his voice was not hateful, but righteous.


    ¡°Leander, these are assassins.¡± Achaeus walked over to him and blocked the door. The men were already dragged away and only the guard with Eugenia had to wait.


    ¡°Murderers? In the town hall?¡± He was in complete disbelief.


    ¡°It is Eretria as I told you. They declared war.¡±


    ¡°Gods be merciful.¡± The man named Leander grasped his face and bit his nail. ¡°Are you certain?¡±


    ¡°They openly tried to poison me and sent an envoy with ludicrous demands. They are arrogant. Have a death wish.¡± Achaeus whispered conspiratorially.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe this. I was in Eretria before, they are not mad dogs. Perhaps this is a misunderstanding.¡±


    ¡°Lupus died due to this misunderstanding.¡±


    ¡°Lupus¡­ is dead?¡± Leander was devastated.


    Achaeus picked up the corpse from the chair it had been rested on.


    ¡°No¡­ no no no. My old friend.¡± He grieved with a twisted face.


    ¡°They are savages without morality or faith.¡± Achaeus said darkly.


    ¡°All these people were just here to take a life?¡± The younger man put Lupus back on the chair and wiped a tear. ¡°Even this innocent lass?¡± He pointed at Eugenia.


    ¡°She must have been tricked. They made her lie about being a priestess or something, do not mind it. She will be punished as the others-¡±


    ¡°She is a priestess?¡± Leander questioned loudly.


    Eugenia had listened to their quiet conversation with ease. What she could garner was that this Leander might have indeed been the famous Archon of the same name. And he was not convinced of their guilt just yet!


    ¡°I am a priestess of Lady Athena!¡± She called out.


    ¡°Quiet you-!¡± Achaeus growled, but Leander stopped him with one hand.


    ¡°I have come here in peace to convey the message of the gods, yet all I found was rejection and death.¡± Eugenia said with her best attempt at dignity. If only she could have been half as proud and arrogant as Medusa¡­


    ¡°Achaeus, you know that priestesses are not bound by common law. They are judged by the clergy.¡± Leander said seriously and then ordered the guard to let her go.


    ¡°But you have to consider-¡±


    ¡°We govern this city by the laws, both manmade and divine. A soldier who ignores orders will lead his battalion to doom.¡± Leander put a hand on his comrade¡¯s shoulder and implored him. ¡°We will find the truth together. But we have to do it justly. What is your name lass?¡±


    ¡°Eugenia.¡±


    ¡°Then Eugenia will be moved to the grand temple. The grand priestess will confirm her claims and judge her accordingly.¡± He ordered and the guard saluted. ¡°This is a dark day. Lupus needs to be prepared for his journey to the Underworld. I need to find out more about this group.¡±


    ¡°Leave this to me Leander. You are overworked as it stands.¡± Achaeus said with rather feigned concern.


    ¡°Perhaps. But now this is personal.¡±


    <hr>


    Eugenia was escorted to the grand temple of Athena not too far away from the town hall. Compared to her previous escort this one guard seemed not much of a threat. For a second she considered trying to flee. He didn¡¯t even have a hunting dog. But even if she did escape, she would only throw more suspicion on the others this way.


    How did everything go so wrong, so fast? Why would captain Irvenos do such a foolish thing? She had not much freedom to worry about others either. Returning to Sarpedon was the least of her worries now, wasn¡¯t it?


    ¡°I am to hand over this here priestess to the uh¡­ priestess.¡± The guard was clearly not used to discourse with women as the blank stares of the priestesses at the temple entrance made him extremely nervous.


    ¡°Please take me to Lady Akacia.¡± Eugenia helped him out. The guard sighed in relief and then moved off. The two girls stared at her. They must have been relatively new, so they probably didn¡¯t know her. She could not really tell. There were too many priestesses in this temple.


    When she turned the familiar corner towards the quarters of the head priestess she wondered if the statues were all cleaned until they would reflect their faces. She had polished them so many times as punishment¡­


    ¡°Tell him that I cannot force her to listen to me, just like I will no longer be forced to listen to his complaints.¡± An authoritative woman¡¯s voice echoed through the halls and signaled the inevitable approach of the storm that was the head priestess. ¡°If I knew that I would be joining the Oracle of Delphi! Give him my regards.¡± She sent another messenger out of her room and then slammed down a feather against an ink-covered piece of parchment. ¡°I swear by the uneven rims of Athena¡¯s armor if I see one more problem today I will-¡±


    ¡°L-Lady Akacia?¡± The two girls pulled the curtains aside and called her out. ¡°There is a problem.¡±


    A deep sigh was drowned in a moan of frustration.


    ¡°Alright, leave them to me. Go sweep the yard or something.¡± She shooed the girls away.


    When she stepped out and saw the ¡®problem¡¯ she crossed her arms below her bosom and became very silent. Her eyes mustered the fellow priestess carefully to make sure she was real.


    ¡°You.¡± She said in utter dismay.


    The priestess had returned to her old teacher. The baleful gaze of a shared past would lead the girl to the next stage of the trial.

 Chapter 35: Eugenia and the city without eyes

    ¡°Stop your helpless gaping and come inside already.¡± Akacia ordered curtly and pushed the curtains aside. Unlike most rooms in the temple, the quarters of the grand priestess were always open. Only a thin curtain served as a wall between it and the rest of the world. For this woman was protected by Athena herself and would never have to fear intruders. Such an open way of life left not much room for privacy either.


    Eugenia followed Akacia into her room and kept her hands folded in front of her stomach. Despite the circumstances she felt strangely nostalgic about this. She had spent quite a lot of time inside this small room. Unsurprisingly nothing about the interior had changed. Without much focus on her senses Eugenia naturally avoided running into anything, because every piece of furniture was in its place. The same place it had been three years ago.


    ¡°Sit down.¡± Akacia said with her back turned to Eugenia. She swept aside the parchment she had worked on and then grabbed a carafe filled with pure water. ¡°Of all the possible troublemakers, why did she send you?¡± She muttered as she filled two earthen cups with the clear liquid.


    When she sat upright inside her chair with imposing charisma and a gaze even a blind girl could feel deep inside her soul, the head priestess seemed to read her like a scroll. Eugenia had taken the cup out of politeness, but after the meal at the town hall she did not feel any thirst. Especially when remembering the horrific gurgling sounds of the poisoned man.


    ¡°I should ask why you have come to Athens without any prior warning. You know that you are required to announce your arrival to the temple.¡± She immediately began to interrogate her.


    ¡°There was no opportunity. I apologize for my misconduct.¡± She lowered her head submissively.


    ¡°Even for one such as you, this was too surprising.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She did not understand what Akacia meant by that, but apologized anyway. ¡°I have come from Eretria to-¡±


    ¡°Eretria?¡± The head priestess interrupted her. ¡°Whyever would you have been in Eretria? This is not what I was told.¡±


    ¡°It is a long tale. I have come to the temple, because of the situation in Eretria.¡±


    Akacia rubbed her temples and sighed. This information seemed to not sit well with her at all.


    ¡°Why did you leave the temple in Dankana? I have not been informed of this.¡± Akacia questioned with the fingertips of both hands pressed against each other in an attempt to collect herself.


    ¡°It was an unexpected journey.¡± The younger priestess said with an awkward expression.


    ¡°Out with it then. I need the details before I will listen to your problems.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t wish to know why I was escorted here first?¡± She asked in surprise.


    ¡°That will become clear soon enough. It is far more important to ascertain how trustworthy my information network can be.¡± She said with some contempt.


    ¡°I left Dankana in the late spring before the previous summer.¡± Eugenia began to recall how she left her village.


    ¡°Stop. You are telling me you have left your post for more than a year?¡± The head priestess widened her eyes. After receiving confirmation via nod she put a hand to her mouth and made angry noises. ¡°Dapine will have to answer for this. She has not mentioned any of this in her monthly reports.¡±


    ¡°Priestess Dapine?¡± Eugenia raised a brow. She was the head priestess in Lamia. Incidentally she was also the one that Eugenia sent regular reports to ever since she had taken over the temple in Dankana. Her name was not one she had expected in this context.


    ¡°I asked Dapine to keep an eye on you. She was to tell me every minor detail.¡± Akacia revealed without hesitation.


    ¡°W-What?¡± Eugenia was taken aback. This meant that she had been spied on by her superior! But why would Lady Akacia arrange something like this? A distant temple in a faraway village had no merit to Athens.


    Akacia glanced at her between her hands which she pressed against her forehead. Her quietness was unnerving. Then she shook her head and urged her to continue.


    ¡°Dapine was always averse to conflict. Her complacency is going to earn her a stern lecture later. Continue your tale.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    Eugenia resumed and told Akacia of the expedition and Typhos. The head priestess¡¯ hands twitched for a moment when she heard that name, but she did not interrupt again. She listened to the tale of a lone blind priestess stranded on a monster¡¯s island and how she survived each day. Then the return of the scholar and his men and the conclusion of their hard fought battle put a frown on the fierce woman¡¯s face.


    The younger priestess finished her retelling with the duty given to her by the lords in Eretria. She had openly confided in Akacia without hesitation. She only left out especially personal details, but she would not hide her intentions.


    ¡°Typhos, that arrogant fool.¡± She leaned back in her chair and clicked her tongue.


    Eugenia had not known how deep their connection went before the young scholar had spoken of it on that fateful night. Now she could sympathize with Lady Akacia¡¯s reaction. They were never all that close, but hearing of his demise still affected her. Yet someone of her position was used to not showing her grief or weakness, so she remained steadfast.


    ¡°You are a handful, as I have come to expect.¡± She addressed Eugenia directly. ¡°You got captured by one of Athena¡¯s greatest enemies. By her grace alone have you survived to tell this tale.¡±


    ¡°¡­right.¡± Eugenia nodded.


    ¡°Yet you are meaning to tell me that you wish to return to that monster?¡± She squinted.


    ¡°I must.¡±


    ¡°Are you aware that your actions are the greatest blasphemy against our goddess?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t see it that way.¡± She shook her head.


    ¡°What you see is not reality. It is merely your dreams.¡± Akacia said heavily. ¡°You have always lacked focus. The will to confront what is inevitable.¡± She sighed deeply.


    Eugenia lowered her head and felt her throat turn dry. Even now she felt guilt for the trouble she had given her mistress so long ago. Days where she had studied the rules and prayers in this room sitting on her knees, waiting for the storm to die down. The times she had to find sanctuary from the other women¡¯s verbal stone throws.


    Akacia was strict, harsh and unrelenting, but she had never once shirked her duty to watch over all her girls trying to grow into full-fledged priestesses. Despite her role, despite her preordained path, to this woman she had always been¡­


    ¡°Your foolishness would have given me trouble enough, but at this moment I have much deeper concerns. You may well be fortunate to have made these mistakes at this time. Now that Lady Athena has averted her eyes from us.¡±


    ¡°The great and wise Athena did what?¡± Eugenia felt a strange tingle in her body when she heard this revelation.


    ¡°The mistress has not answered any prayer, not visited any dreams and not taken a single offering for forty-two days already. She has grown silent to our calls and invisible to our eyes.¡± Akacia explained while emptying her cup. All of a sudden she sounded far more exhausted.


    ¡°Lady Athena has abandoned Athens?¡± She could not believe it.


    ¡°She works in mysterious ways. That will not satisfy her angry followers for much longer, though. The aristocracy is planning something grand and they want her blessing for it. This is not something she would ignore.¡±


    This was strange. Too strange. Lady Athena was wise and always saw the greater picture. Her imposing gaze was a constant reminder to Athens that she guided them. That there would be no decision under her watchful silvery eyes that defied the will of the gods. Those who chose a false path would end up failing on their own, while the patron goddess shielded the rest from their failure.


    Why had she abandoned them for so long? So many weeks¡­


    Eugenia¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She felt cold sweat run down her neck when realization struck.


    ¡°What is wrong? I can tell that you are worried about something.¡± The head priestess leaned forward and grabbed Eugenia by the face. Her grip was firm and deliberate. ¡°You know something, do you not?¡±


    The anxiety inside Eugenia¡¯s heart was growing as she frantically thought of an excuse, but her mind drew a blank. She was never good at lying and especially not to someone who was this sharp.


    ¡°I think she is preoccupied with another task.¡± Eugenia said quietly.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t know which task this is, chosen one?¡±


    ¡°I d-don¡¯t know for sure. I was not told anything.¡±


    ¡°You are not involved in this catastrophe?¡± Her eyes became even sharper and her face was so close that she felt the breath on her skin.


    ¡°M-M-Me?¡± She stammered.


    They were interlocked for a while. Just Akacia¡¯s piercing glare and a sweaty Eugenia. If she could tell something she did not let it on and equally Eugenia could not reveal her true fear.


    ¡°Tell me if she will return.¡± She loosened her grip and asked this neutrally.


    ¡°Lady Athena always cares for us, wherever she goes.¡± Eugenia replied with a pained look.


    ¡°I taught you well. You have gotten better at hiding your mistakes, if nothing else. Keep your secret then.¡±


    Eugenia exhaled her tension when she got that response. She was off the hook. For now.


    ¡°Whatever keeps her facing away from us, this situation is dire indeed. The city is changing beneath us, something is brewing. You did not arrive here by coincidence. The situation with Eretria, I have heard of it before you arrived. You may now tell me why you were escorted here by the guards.¡±


    Eugenia told her about the meeting and assassination plot involving Captain Irvenos that had transpired and of the representatives currently imprisoned in the town hall and how she was handed to the authority of the clergy.


    ¡°Concerning.¡± The head priestess was much more contemplative than before. The worry carried in her voice was of a different nature than before. ¡°Achaeus is a snake. He always winds his way through resistance. To think he would go this far.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Eugenia did not follow.


    ¡°You managed to get yourself caught in a deadly net this time, girl. I should throw you out of this temple right this instance.¡± She said coldly. Then she averted her face. ¡°If you weren¡¯t Kynthia¡¯s girl I would gladly hand you over to these cutthroats for your sheer foolishness.¡±


    Eugenia¡¯s expression changed from surprise to a smile.


    ¡°What reason do you have to smile? Are you giving in to the madness now?¡± Akacia asked disgruntled.


    ¡°You really loved mother.¡± Eugenia¡¯s heart was feeling unexpected warmth. Akacia¡¯s words were harsh, distant and deliberate, but the last thing she said had changed Eugenia¡¯s mind.


    The reason for the rejection she had lived through in this temple had always been that she was special. To everyone surrounding her since childhood she was Athena¡¯s chosen one. It was a great weight to bear, but this treatment would also earn her allies.


    Lady Akacia was different. She did protect her, looked out for her and even against her own better judgement would shelter her from enemies. But she did it not because Eugenia was a divine emissary. It was because of her mother.


    ¡°I did.¡± Akacia said with pain in her voice. The regrets of the past clung to her as tight invisible chains.


    ¡°She often spoke of you when we sat down around the fire.¡±


    ¡°Not another word. My memories of her are not yours. Leave it at that.¡± She stood up and leaned on her desk in the back.


    ¡°I am sorry.¡± She realized that she had spoken out of line.


    ¡°Tsk. More importantly, what do you intend to do now? We can give you shelter. The judgement is up to Athena once she returns. Nobody here will enact self-justice.¡± She had changed her tune and now spoke of it as a certainty.


    ¡°I can¡¯t stay.¡± Eugenia said firmly.


    ¡°I expected those words. There is a secret exit in the underground storage rooms. It leads to the trees near the palace. The guards will patrol there three times a day, so be aware.¡± She explained matter of factly.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°I cannot say that I predict any good outcome for this endeavor. Whether you head for the port or try to stop what has been set into motion, you will not find the light.¡±


    ¡°But I have to try nonetheless.¡± Eugenia said as she pulled the hood over her head.


    ¡°The temple cannot interfere with politics on its own. Without Athena¡¯s authority we are forced to stay neutral. Once you leave this building you are on your own. Next time I may not shelter you.¡± She looked down on Eugenia.


    ¡°I have caused you enough trouble.¡± She said with a weak smile.


    ¡°Trouble is part of my duty.¡± She replied with a smirk and crossed her arms. ¡°Though I shall not complain if your face never appears before me again.¡± She really meant it too.


    With that Eugenia slipped out of the room and headed for the stairs to the basement.


    Akacia pulled out a necklace from her robes and gave it a melancholic look.


    <hr>


    As Eugenia left the dusty tunnel and forced the metal barred gate open she enjoyed the cold breeze. It smelled a bit like freedom.


    While she had been sneaking around she had come to a decision. Just as Akacia said, she could have headed for the port and tried to escape. Maybe return to Sarpedon right away. It would be a lie to claim she did not want to do so.


    But there was no way she could leave Therses and the others behind. Their fate was unjust. If she didn¡¯t help them, nobody would.


    Lady Athena was not here to speak judgement and the reason was painful to think about. There was only one thing that would get the goddess¡¯ undivided attention. Lord Hermes had described that horrid punishment to her, but he had not mentioned who kept watch on her. Because it was inside the deepest ocean she had assumed it was Poseidon, but¡­


    This grudge was too cruel.


    ¡°Medusa.¡± She bit her lip when thinking of her torturous pain, all alone in that place. She wanted to go there - to ease her suffering - but she had already made her choice.


    The town hall was surrounded by guards. Their presence was much denser than when they first arrived. Eugenia had managed to sneak through the Akropolis with relative ease, thanks to her impeccable hearing. She always knew the movement of everything around her, be it a rodent or the heavy sandals of guards. She hid behind a tree and waited for the one gap in the circling footsteps.


    She dashed towards the building and hastily climbed up the wall. There were enough gaps for her fingers to barely slide into. She had always been good at climbing, which troubled the people who did not expect so from a blind girl. This time she would not fall.


    After jumping to a window and dragging her weight up to a stable point she took a few deep breaths. She was hanging from the second floor and her toes were barely finding hold. From what she had remembered of the layout she should be close to the guest quarters they had moved the others to.


    To be certain she pressed her ear against the boarded window and listened to the voices inside. There were two people talking.


    ¡°¡­that was not part of the deal!¡±


    ¡°My hands are tied. Until the Eretrians are executed you will stay in confinement. Leander is making a great racket out there and I will not endanger the operation by letting you roam free.¡±


    ¡°This is a stinkin¡¯ pile of-!¡±


    ¡°He will send someone else to interrogate you before long. Prepare yourself and do not spill a single word. I will have one of my own men ready to silence you before you do, just in case.¡± The stern voice said with finality and then left.


    ¡°Raah!¡± The person left behind kicked something and a loud rumble followed.


    Eugenia gulped and kept climbing westward. If she was right about who those voices belonged to¡­ Not that she had time to figure the rest out.


    When she moved a few rooms over she found a couple of open windows. This time the voices from inside were quite clear.


    ¡°You have to release us! This is injustice! We had nothing to do with the poisoning!¡± Therses banged his hands against the locked door while shouting.


    ¡°Would you quit it already? I¡¯m trying to take a nap here.¡± Bion said with a yawn.


    ¡°Do you always have to act the fool? This is a serious situation! We will be executed!¡± Therses turned around and grabbed Bion by the collar.


    ¡°And screaming at the door will save our lives?¡± The slave replied with a disinterested look.


    ¡°No- It¡¯s- we¡­ we have to try something at least! They took Irvenos and Eugenia to who knows where and are going to strong-arm Eretria. Do you not care about any of this?!¡±


    Bion put a hand on the shaking boy¡¯s arm and let his dull eyes return the furious gaze.


    ¡°But I am sleepy.¡± He said deadpan.


    ¡°Urgh. You are such a useless freak!¡± He let go of Bion and stormed back to the door.


    ¡°You are pretty quiet, Master. Usually you¡¯d be right at his side to complain in tune.¡± Bion leaned his face on one hand and watched Agapetos who was perched against a wall. His expression was utterly hopeless.


    ¡°¡­have we been sold out? Was Irvenos truly sent by the lords for this dastardly plan? How could they¡­ To sacrifice someone of influence like me¡­¡± The old medico was muttering to himself, still devastated.


    In this depressing picture the light from the window was shortly blocked out and then an unsteady girl fell inside. Eugenia hastily rose up to hide her embarrassing fall, but Bion had totally seen it.


    ¡°Am I dreaming already? My savior wouldn¡¯t look that clumsy though if I were.¡± The apprentice medico said with a shrug.


    ¡°Eugenia!¡± Therses forgot to hit his fist against the door when he looked over the shoulder.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± She asked the three men while dusting off her clothes.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I should ask you!¡± Therses rushed towards her and grabbed her hands. ¡°Did they do anything to you? How did you escape?¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡± Agapetos was snapped out of his dark thoughts when he saw this unfold. With some effort he heaved himself up and straightened his back to appear steadfast. ¡°They sent you to the temple, correct?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I snuck out to come see you.¡± She confirmed and tried to subtly free her hands from the fisherman¡¯s anxious grasp.


    ¡°This it too dangerous. You have to leave before they find you!¡± Therses immediately lost his cool.


    ¡°We can escape together.¡± Eugenia pointed at the windows.


    ¡°Ahem¡­ not that I would have trouble climbing such a small distance.¡± Agapetos cleared his throat and interjected. ¡°But we already thought of that. If we were to be caught during our escape they would execute us on the spot.¡±


    ¡°I can guide you safely around the guards.¡± Eugenia said confidently.


    ¡°Really? Can you get us past the gate and into the city? That would be a neat trick.¡± Bion said sarcastically.


    ¡°Oh¡± She realized that there was only one entrance and exit to the Akropolis, so even if they made it out of the town hall, there was no way to escape.


    ¡°Even if we could escape, I can¡¯t run.¡± Therses said with a twisted expression. ¡°The Archons are interrogating Irvenos right now. If he confesses then Eretria will be in dire straits.¡± He had apparently already accepted that Irvenos was an assassin sent by the Eretrian aristocrats.


    ¡°We can scarcely do anything to prevent a disaster at this point.¡± Agapetos was resigned. ¡°We have no allies in this place. Even Archon Leander distrusts us now.¡±


    Eugenia tried to think of something. There was something that was really bothering her. She just needed to focus on that!


    ¡°This Leander seemed to be at odds with Achaeus.¡± She recalled.


    ¡°The Archons have different ideologies and duties. Leander is representing the commoners and merchants'' interests, while Achaeus controls the military and the port.¡±


    ¡°What of the third Archon?¡± Therses asked.


    ¡°Topos is the spokesperson for the aristocrat¡¯s interest. He is generally neutral in these matters.¡± Eugenia recalled from her vague memories.


    ¡°So he won¡¯t tell Achaeus off.¡±


    ¡°We are doomed, time to give up.¡± Bion said lazily.


    ¡°Not if I can bring Leander on our side.¡± The words just seemed to come out by themselves. Everyone looked at Eugenia.


    ¡°He has no reason to trust us.¡±


    ¡°He seemed reasonable.¡± Eugenia insisted.


    ¡°Think about this calmly. Even if you managed to meet him, how would you convince him that we aren¡¯t involved?¡± Agapetos tried to reason with her.


    ¡°I will find a way.¡± She said with feigned bravery.


    ¡°Should you succeed and free us, that would still not save Eretria.¡± Therses said with a shadow over his face. ¡°Not as long as Irvenos lives.¡±


    Bion glanced at the other young man and then patted Eugenia¡¯s shoulder encouragingly.


    ¡°Nothing can be done about this for now. Just making it out of this place alive would be a great boon.¡± Agapetos was a little more pragmatic when it concerned his life. ¡°I am ashamed to ask this of a young woman such as yourself, but I beg of you Eugenia, if you truly believe in yourself, find Leander and convince him of the truth.¡± This old man, with all his wrinkles and receding hairline, bowed before a mere child.


    ¡°I will do everything I can.¡± She swore.


    ¡°I want to come with you. Climbing these walls can¡¯t stop me.¡± Therses pulled a small meat knife out of his garments and furrowed his brows. ¡°And if we find Irvenos first¡­ may Athena have mercy on his corrupt soul.¡±


    ¡°Okay, take it easy fisherboy.¡± Suddenly Bion laid an arm around Therses¡¯ shoulders and pulled him close. ¡°If you leave right now, what will the guards do when they check up on us? That will create a bigger clamor than the release of the Titans.¡± He nodded towards Eugenia meaningfully.


    She understood and climbed out the window.


    ¡°Damn it all! Why am I so useless?¡± Therses sank to his knees and hit the ground with his fist.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Eugenia said softly and then left the window.


    ¡°Heh. Not what you wanted to hear, hm?¡± Bion patted him on the back and then yawned again.


    <hr>


    She carefully climbed alongside the fa?ade again while the gears turned inside her head. Where would she find Leander? He could still have been inside the town hall, but he might also have left to investigate Irvenos'' ship. How could she sneak past the gate?


    While deep in thought she almost lost her grip and had to hold onto the sealed window. The wooden plank was surprisingly loose and tore off! Her heart stopped for a second as she dangled in the air. It was like her stomach was turning inside out. Her arms already hurt, but she had to pull herself up with muscle strength alone.


    With a last desperate move she grabbed on to the windowsill and forced her head over the edge. In the next moment she was grabbed by a strong hand and dragged inside. She panicked and flailed around, trying to punch the person, but she only hit their open hand. The struggle ended fast when she was let go and hit her behind.


    ¡°What d¡¯ya know? A priestess and an adventurer.¡± The familiar coarse voice of captain Irvenos greeted her. The sound of dozens of fluttering scarves was also a good hint.


    Eugenia tensed up. She had not expected to meet him here. Unlike Therses she had no knife to protect herself.


    ¡°Kept the scream in yer throat. Quick thinking.¡± Irvenos complimented her and then leaned against the wall in a relaxed pose. ¡°You don¡¯t need to be afraid. Even I won¡¯t harm a priestess. Divine retribution¡¯s a hassle.¡± He joked.


    ¡°You¡­ why did you do it?¡± She pulled herself up and faced him.


    ¡°A job¡¯s a job. Can¡¯t be too picky with the current situation.¡± He shrugged and adjusted his scarves to be tighter. They had loosened up for some reason. Eugenia could also hear that he was breathing unevenly. The way he leaned against the wall was odd as well.


    ¡°They will kill you.¡± She said sadly.


    ¡°That¡¯s a possibility. Always is.¡± He chuckled hoarsely.


    ¡°It must be hurting.¡±


    ¡°Oh, ya noticed? Plenty perceptive for a blind lass.¡± He sank down the wall and let his injured leg lie down loosely. He had been keeping up a strong fa?ade until now. Despite his injuries he had pulled her up when she was about to fall. ¡°I had to resist their second rate interrogation a bit. Could¡¯ve been a lot worse if they got a few layers deeper.¡± He wiped some blood from above his scarred eye. His words were mysterious, but Eugenia felt that he was being honest.


    ¡°You weren¡¯t hired by Eretria, were you?¡± She shot into the dark, only following a feeling.


    ¡°Haha. Those cowards wouldn¡¯t do somethin¡¯ so outrageous. They really thought some girl could solve their problems. Put all the burden on yer small shoulders.¡± He slapped his knee as if it was a hilarious joke.


    ¡°Archon Achaeus staged the assassination on himself.¡± The voices she had heard when passing by this room had definitely belonged to them. Now it seemed almost obvious. The way Lupus had gotten the cup with the poison was too convenient.


    ¡°Worked wonders, didn¡¯t it? And I take the fall. ¡®cept I wasn¡¯t supposed to really fall so hard. Can never trust those noble types.¡± He coughed and Eugenia could have sworn that she heard a wet sound. ¡°You should¡¯ve stayed in the temple and waited it out. Achaeus¡¯ll be going into the next phase of his plan the moment your friends are dead.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t let that happen.¡± She shook her head.


    ¡°Hehehe.¡± He cackled. ¡°So righteous. I want ta strap ya to the front of my ship, so my enemies will be blinded by your light.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you feel any remorse?¡± She asked with furrowed brows.


    ¡°If I bite it here, I¡¯ll be remorseful in the Underworld. Otherwise I¡¯ll be a lot richer and far away from this erupting forest fire by tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°You know Achaeus'' plan?¡±


    ¡°Mostly. But all you need to know is that there will be war.¡±


    ¡°War? With Eretria?¡± Her ears twitched.


    ¡°Thinkin¡¯ way too small time there. Achaeus is rightly mad. Ambition¡¯s reaching higher than Mount Olympus.¡± He chuckled again, interrupted by his own cough. ¡°Just get outta the way of trouble, lass.¡±


    ¡°If you told Leander what you know, we could prevent this.¡±


    ¡°The hero of the pirate war is not the brightest. He can use a spear, but never held an abacus.¡± He commented dryly.


    ¡°Do you believe Achaeus will hold to his end of the bargain?¡± Eugenia asked honestly. She had already experienced betrayal. And she knew how a clever man could trick people into doing what they didn¡¯t want.


    ¡°¡­it¡¯s not your concern priestess. If you want to butt heads with Leander I won¡¯t stop ya. But I always bet on the strongest bull.¡±


    ¡°I see. I will pray that you can return to your ship then.¡± Eugenia said with a dejected expression.


    ¡°Hold up¡­ if ya want to get to Leander, you¡¯ll have an easier time by talking to his assistant.¡± Irvenos called after her before she reached the window.


    ¡°Assistant?¡±


    ¡°He seems to be new. Some Rhodian with a terrible accent. If anyone¡¯s not been bought by Achaeus yet it would be that guy.¡± He lowered his head and exhaled in pain. ¡°He¡¯s in the guild house of the merchant district. I¡¯m not sure why I¡¯m tellin¡¯ you this. Must have hit my head harder than I thought.¡±


    Eugenia tilted her head quizzically and then climbed out the window. She silently prayed for Irvenos, despite knowing Athena was not listening.


    <hr>


    It was quite fortunate that the guards at the gate didn¡¯t know much of what was going on. A priestess was generally allowed to come and go around the Akropolis and because there were no reports of her escaping the temple, there was no alertness at all.


    The streets of Athens did not change at all over the years, they only became more clustered. Despite only having left for the other districts occasionally she felt relatively at home with the city. The stands around the edge of the upper class district at the foot of the Akropolis reminded her of the times when she tagged along with the other priestesses in training. She really had to tell Medusa about that one story from the time they met a fortune teller¡­


    But she couldn¡¯t. She couldn¡¯t talk to her until she finished this trial. What would she think of this situation? Medusa had never cared for human matters much after all. Eretria was the first human city she must have seen in centuries. Eugenia could already imagine her reaction to Athens.


    ¡°All human cities look the same to me.¡±


    She smiled. And she wiped away a single moist tear.


    ¡°Excuse me, could you kindly tell me where the guild house is?¡± She asked a gruff merchant.


    He just pointed over his shoulder, not aware that she was blind of course. Her hood was too deep in her face, as intended. But the motion was enough to tell her the direction. It was not far, so she managed to reach the fence really fast.


    Guilds for professions were unheard of until recently. It was a new idea that the Archons implemented for easier control of the city. It was not popular with the other aristocrats, but it made life a bit easier for the commoners.


    And this guild in particular, the merchant guild, was by far the most developed. Owls were flowing in and out in great amounts every day. Eugenia didn¡¯t know much more about it sadly.


    She stepped inside and was immediately hit by the cool air. The insides were made of stone and thus cooler than the outside. She could hear a couple of people wander the hallways or the lower levels, but nobody in the main hall. She carefully moved across the stairs and to the first floor. It was common knowledge that the more important someone was the higher they would live.


    Eugenia touched the plates on the doors that had engraved names of their owners. All unfamiliar names and titles. When she reached the end of the hallway she pressed her hand against the door, but it was opened at the same time, so she instead held her hand against a man¡¯s chest.


    She hastily retracted her hand, but to her shock the man grabbed it strongly. She could even feel his accelerated heartbeat through his fingers. His mouth shook a few times as he searched for words.


    ¡°Eugenia.¡± He said with a mix of shock and awe.


    ¡°Zosimos?¡±


    Realization struck like an arrow from Artemis¡¯ bow.


    In her search for a way to save her friends, the priestess met another acquaintance. A reunion unexpected, but fateful nonetheless. She would soon realize the merchant¡¯s role in this trial.

 Chapter 36: Eugenia and the Archon of order

    The merchant stumbled backwards in shock, much like he had just seen a stray soul walk the ground before him. It was mere luck that prevented him from falling painfully as he just about held on to the table and pushed over the scrolls on it. His panic was apparent, but he was not the only one surprised.


    Eugenia¡¯s heart began to race. That voice with the familiar accent, the goofy exaggerated motions and of course his twitchy face. She could hear it all and felt reminded of a few months ago. Ever since she had returned to Athens the possibility had been at the back of her mind, but finding confirmation so suddenly was still a shock.


    ¡°Zosimos?¡± She exclaimed hopefully. ¡°Is that really you?¡± She took a step inside, but noticed his retreat. She stopped her feet and stood in the doorframe, unsure how to proceed.


    ¡°Artemis¡¯ pale light¡­¡± Themistokles put a hand to his mouth and seemed to do his best to collect himself.


    Eugenia could understand his surprise as she was in the same boat, but his shock seemed to run deeper than hers. Rather than delighted to see her again, he was plagued by something else. A shadow that crept up his shoulders and grappled his throat. The priestess wished to calm him, but was afraid to upset him even more by acting too forward.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting to meet you here. What a joyous coincidence.¡± Eugenia said with her most amicable smile.


    ¡°You can still smile at me?¡± His face twisted in pure pain.


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°After all I¡¯ve done to you¡­?¡± He muttered.


    It was then that the tanned merchant did the unthinkable. He fell to his knees and bent over, prostrating before the perplexed priestess. His hands and head were pressed against the dirty ground. A pose of total submission and regret.


    ¡°Forgive me!¡± He said in a loud voice.


    ¡°T-Themistokles, what are you saying?¡± She had never heard him so regretful before.


    ¡°Please¡­ forgive me.¡± He repeated with a strained voice. His back was twitching and his shoulders shaking. She realized that he was sobbing. A wretched soul at the brink of losing himself was sprawled out before her and begging for her forgiveness.


    She knelt down in front of him. From here she could hear the nearly silent impact of the tears on the floor. The anguish of his suppressed sobs.


    ¡°What is there to forgive?¡± She asked softly.


    ¡°I was a coward. Betrayed your trust - sold you out!¡± He pressed out between gasps. ¡°When Typhos came to interrogate me, I told him everything. About you and your Lady of the Isle, I even drew him a map and told him the route to take¡­ All of it¡­¡± He could not raise his head. It was pressed down so he would not reveal his unending shame.


    Eugenia was kneeling properly with both hands on her legs and listened to his self-loathing words. She was not shocked. Typhos had told her about Zosimos survival. If they had met then he must have gotten what he needed out of him, that¡¯s just the kind of man Typhos was.


    ¡°He promised to leave you unharmed¡­ said he would protect you¡­ But I knew his goal, so this betrayal is not lessened. I thought you dead! Now you stand before me, but I still bear the weight of¡­ Your Lady¡­ the one you cherished the most¡­¡± His words were cutting off more and more as the hot tears streamed.


    She understood his grief now. The news must have spread fast after the sailors returned from the expedition. She could imagine him losing himself to the guilt of knowing that it was his cooperation that had sealed her fate. Even though he was relieved to see her alive, he still knew of her loss.


    This brave, but fragile merchant had never managed to make a true connection with the Gorgon, yet he still shed tears for her sake. For the sake of the one who allowed him to continue his journey. The depth of his feelings was complex and yet so transparent to her unseeing eyes.


    ¡°Medusa is alive.¡± She said quietly and raised his face with both hands.


    ¡°Wha--t?¡±


    She could feel the pricking of his stubble against her fingers and the convulsions of his cheeks as he sharply inhaled. The vibrations of his face allowed her to ¡®see¡¯ him once more. This look of depression and guilt did not suit a man like him.


    ¡°Medusa lives. She saved my life and brought me to Eretria.¡± She explained.


    ¡°Your¡­ life? What¡­ what happened?¡± He looked up to her unable to move.


    ¡°Please still your tears first.¡± She gently pushed his chin up and then helped him raise his shoulders. They now sat facing each other as equals. ¡°Did you reunite with Eopia?¡± She asked with a satisfied smile.


    ¡°Yes! Yes I did!¡± Those simple words wiped away the dark flame of self-hatred for a moment and relit the purest light inside him. ¡°All thanks to you and her. I can never repay you¡­ and yet I stabbed you in the back¡­¡±


    ¡°No more of that!¡± She chided him.


    ¡°Understood.¡± For now his guilt seemed to make him more compliant.


    ¡°Hahaha.¡± She couldn¡¯t suppress the snicker.


    He just sat with his hands pressed against his knees like a confused dog.


    ¡°I tried to emulate her. Did I sound authoritative?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s-¡± He scratched his head and twisted around uncomfortably.


    ¡°Nevermind. You wanted to know what happened, but I came here for something really important. We can catch up after that.¡± Unlike with the Eretrians, she felt relaxed around Zosimos. Even when he was reduced to this, there was still a sliver of his easy-going aura left.


    ¡°I swear solemnly that whatever use you can make of me, I will provide.¡± He said with all seriousness.


    She tilted her head worriedly at his dramatic pledge, but decided to ignore it for now. In concise words she told him of the situation in the Akropolis and her search for Archon Leander. In her haste she might not have been clear enough about the reason for her involvement, but Themistokles¡¯ face changed from guilty devotion to sharp comprehension fast.


    ¡°I can¡¯t say I''m too surprised.¡± He admitted. After being drawn back into the politics of the city he seemed to have calmed himself a little. Enough to offer her a chair at his table anyway. Kneeling on the cold ground was rather unseemly after all, especially with an open door. He closed it hastily and made sure nobody was listening in.


    ¡°You know what is happening?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you remember my goal. The one I went on this big journey for in the first place?¡± He said still meek.


    ¡°You wished to become an Archon so you could marry Eopia.¡± She naturally recalled. Ever since he had left she had kept wondering how his tale would continue.


    ¡°Well, that didn¡¯t work out.¡± He muttered to himself, but then shook his head. ¡°I am currently working as the Archons¡¯ grand assistant.¡±


    ¡°What kind of title is that?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t actually exist.¡± He replied with a sigh.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a temporary occupation before the vote for the new Archons begins. I¡¯ll be assisting the real Archons in their duties and if they are impressed with my work I might get a chance to get my name into the hat.¡± He must have been talking about the king¡¯s cap which aristocrats used for voting.


    ¡°Wait, so they didn''t make you next in line?¡±


    ¡°That would never fly with ¡®em.¡± He replied with a dry laugh. ¡°I¡¯ve got the support of Eopia¡¯s father and one of the Archons right now, but I¡¯m still just a commoner and an outsider. I¡¯m already breakin¡¯ tradition.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± She didn¡¯t understand nobility well, but she understood that his goal had always been on the lofty side. ¡°Then you must know Archon Leander personally. I was told that you were his assistant, but what you just told me is different.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t specifically serve Leander.¡± He confirmed and covered his forehead in pain. ¡°This just keeps getting worse and worse. Why did you have to bump heads with the scariest one?¡± Deep regret was an understatement. Zosimos was clearly debating himself right now.


    ¡°Please Zosimos, tell me what you know. My friends are in real danger.¡± She pleaded.


    ¡°I already decided to give you my full support, so I will.¡± He put his fists on the table. ¡°But honest to gods, Eugenia, I wish you didn¡¯t get involved with this. This isn¡¯t something you can stop.¡±


    ¡°What do I need to stop?¡± She asked seriously.


    ¡°When I gave Typhos what he wanted, he put in a word for me with Archon Achaeus.¡±


    Eugenia gasped.


    ¡°He was interested in the map I made. The one of Persia.¡± He sucked in air between his teeth and turned his face away. ¡°This situation must be my fault as well.¡±


    ¡°Why did he need the map?¡± She urged him to continue.


    ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure or anything, but he might be intending to¡­ start a war.¡± A shadow covered his face.


    ¡°War? With whom?¡± She asked naively.


    ¡°Persia.¡±


    It was one short word, but it might as well have been a poem of death. Nobody, not even the smallest child in the most rural village, had not heard of the great Persian Empire far to the east. It was a massive desert, even hotter than the isle of Crete. A foreign place filled with blasphemers and false gods. There had been many clashes with these people along the centuries and they were a threat to the Greek world.


    That was one side of it. On the other hand they were trading partners in times of peace and a culture of many fascinating mysteries. Zosimos had experienced it firsthand as the brand on his arm proved.


    Be that as it may, not a single city would have been brave enough to bear its fangs towards that eastern Titan. Almost every conflict in the last century had been defensive. Eugenia had studied history for a while and was aware that Athens had always been steadfast thanks to Athena¡¯s guidance. She would not send them into a futile war.


    But Athena wasn¡¯t here.


    ¡°The things happening in Eretria, that ain¡¯t an isolated case.¡± He braced himself for what he was about to say. ¡°It¡¯s been happening everywhere around Attica and beyond. Ionian cities and villages are being turned into vassals of Athens one by one. Achaeus is amassing influence like none ever seen since the great kings.¡±


    Eugenia tried to process these words as best as she could. Her view of the world had been so very narrow. Even thinking on a city level for the sake of Eretria had been too small. If Zosimos was right, then the entire area had been drawn into something scary.


    ¡°The merchants could smell the conflict from a distance and already flooded the city. We had to close the guild house for today so we could process it all. With these resources the Archons might actually do it.¡±


    ¡°Then¡­ they are just subjugating all these allies and treating them like treasure chests to plunder?¡± She asked angrily. The memory of the attack on the fishing boat was still fresh to her.


    ¡°Some say the small wars and power struggles among the surrounding cities were too convenient. Thebes, Lamia, Eretria, Rhaidestos, the list goes on.¡±


    ¡°Lamia too?!¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s your home.¡± He remembered and swallowed.


    Eugenia clutched her hands into the chair and took a sharp breath. Lamia had been at war with an opposing city over a decade ago. The war that had led Simon to desert with his band of slave soldiers and wander the lands for a place to call home. The night of thunder and blood was still vivid as ever in her mind. Could this conflict as well have been a result of the Archon¡¯s schemes to destabilize the region?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ At this point I don¡¯t think this can be averted. Achaeus has been playin¡¯ the long game here. I dunno how far back, maybe even since he became Archon twenty years ago, but this man¡¯s been sowing the seeds ever since and he is ready to reap.¡± His words were underlined by a cold breeze from the window. Eugenia shivered.


    ¡°What about the people? What about Eretria`s citizens, the fishing village, the slaves in Athens? Do they all have to pay the price for this - this madness?¡± She asked with creased brows.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think a man that tall can see the ants at this feet.¡±


    ¡°Then what of Leander and Topos? They are fine with this?¡± She had to move forward and think smartly. She owed this to the ones who put their trust in her.


    ¡°I work for Achaeus, but I at least got some impression of the others. Topos won¡¯t move an inch from the palace. He¡¯s a living corpse at the end of his reign.¡± He illustrated it by hunching over like an old man. ¡°Leander is not on good terms with both of them, but he isn¡¯t a saint either. He definitely knows ¡®bout Achaeus work, but he didn¡¯t stop him yet. Not that he¡¯d be able to.¡±


    ¡°He is my last option. We must talk to him!¡±


    Zosimos looked at her intently, twisted his lips downwards and then pushed his chair back. His silence was unnerving as he walked across the room and treaded in circles. It seemed aimless at first, but then he finally stopped. From the shelves filled with parchments he took something thin and long.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll be honest, this is not somethin¡¯ I do lightly. Goddess of the moon, guide my arrows.¡± He took the bow and strapped it to his back, then he got a quiver full of arrows from below a compartment. ¡°I haven¡¯t used this in years, but you have my bow. I¡¯ll hunt Leander down and force him to support ya!¡±


    ¡°Huh? T-That¡¯s crazy.¡± Her mouth was wide open.


    ¡°I can¡¯t drag Eopia¡¯s family into this, so all I can offer is my weak body. Leander is good with a sword, but he won¡¯t be able to parry arrows.¡± He said with feigned confidence and put his hands on his hips.


    ¡°I want to solve this peacefully if at all possible.¡± She replied with reservation.


    ¡°Me too! I¡¯m seriously scared here!¡± He admitted and lowered his head.


    ¡°Calm down Zosimos, let¡¯s think this through.¡± She placated him with a hand wave.


    ¡°But¡­¡± He bit his lower lip. She could tell the swirling emotions that consumed him. Zosimos had always been a man of action. Rather than worry his mind he would lose himself in a purpose. That¡¯s how he had managed to build a boat on Sarpedon. That¡¯s how he could travel across a foreign empire and the seas on his own. This was not the time to act rashly, but acting was all he knew. The sly merchant was merely a guise for a boy who had desperately held on to an invisible rope.


    She understood it all the clearer now that he was tied to Athens and perhaps also her. These chains of guilt seemed to bind them.


    ¡°Themistokles.¡± She called out to him and stood up to face him. Her head barely reached up to his nose, but she knew that he was looking her in the milky eyes. She could sense the shaking of his hands on the bow and the erratic heartbeat in his chest.


    He wanted to redeem himself at all costs. But there were things Eugenia was not ready to lose. She harbored no ill feelings towards him, despite all his revelations, but right now there were a few words he needed to hear more than anything in the world.


    ¡°I forgive you.¡±


    His face was distorted and his eyes became moist again. The hand on the bow sank down limply.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay now. You don¡¯t have to push yourself anymore.¡±


    She had never judged him, yet she was absolving him. She had never felt hurt by him, yet she declared herself healed. In this one moment of his life he seemed to feel a sense of salvation. She could not see his eyes, but she knew that he was looking back at her with relief.


    ¡°Thank yo-¡± The relief was so strong in fact that he was toppled over¡­ ¡°Bwagh!¡±


    That was not entirely accurate. What toppled him over was a foot that kicked his legs. The next moment the merchant was already face down on the ground in an unflattering pose. There was a sandaled foot pressed on the back of his messy head.


    ¡°She may forgive you, but I shan¡¯t.¡± A fiery woman said.


    Eugenia had a mask like expression on her face. She had been so absorbed in the moment that she hadn¡¯t even realized that someone had entered.


    ¡°You good for nothing oaf!¡± The woman lightly kicked the groaning merchant¡¯s back repeatedly while insulting him. ¡°Who gave you the right to look so happy?! You ruined her life and have nothing to show for it!¡±


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Ouch-Argh-owow! P-Please forgive me Eopia!¡± He begged while shielding his head from her kicks.


    ¡°It isn¡¯t me you should keep begging for forgiveness!¡± She said grimly and then pressed him back down with full force. When she finally exhaled, she looked up and completely changed her expression. ¡°Nice to finally meet you priestess. My name is Eopia of the noble house of¡­ It matters not. I am just Eopia.¡± She extended her hand in all her grace and shook the confused priestess¡¯ hand.


    From the loud rustling all her movements created it was clear that she was wearing an exceptionally gaudy himation, befitting of a noble woman. From how Zosimos had described her, she was apparently a thin and beautiful lady with a long ponytail and eyes so fiery that they might almost be red. The description had always struck Eugenia as exaggerated (he compared her to many gems), but from her voice alone she knew that he had never overstated her personality.


    ¡°I¡¯m Eugenia of Lamia.¡± She introduced herself sheepishly.


    ¡°I know, I know. There has not been a day since this oaf returned where he did not speak of you. If he was not so hopelessly infatuated with me, I might have thought you were his secret lover.¡± She jested. ¡°You can take him if you are interested, though.¡± She added dryly.


    ¡°Uhm¡­ I d-did not even consider it.¡± She stammered.


    ¡°Eopia, my wildflower, you know my heart beats only for you.¡± Themistokles protested and tried to raise his back up, but was promptly kicked back down.


    ¡°It shall not beat much longer if you rush to your death. Then what use does it have to me?¡± She said coldly.


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    ¡°I had a premonition that he would do something foolish and came to the guild as swiftly as possible. Artemis seems to care for her cubs.¡±


    The cub in question moaned in pain.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to endanger Zosimos. I just need his help to find Archon Leander.¡±


    ¡°Uncle Leander? He is at the port right now.¡± She revealed straight away.


    ¡°Uncle?!¡± The one in shock was Themistokles of all people.


    ¡°He visited me at home back when we were staying in Athens the longest time. I remember he would always bring me trophies from his hunts. It was very messy, but the deer skulls make great decorations.¡± She reminisced with a dignified expression.


    ¡°The port.¡± Eugenia nodded. Now that she knew where to search she was ready to leave.


    ¡°Wait a minute, sweetie.¡± Eopia grabbed her by the collar before she could even get past her. ¡°This fool may have been rash, but he is right about the danger of this endeavor. You should reconsider.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t go back now.¡±


    ¡°I am not saying that you should run and hide. Just wait for us to get ready to accompany you.¡± She said with a large smirk and then kicked Zosimos over so he faced upwards. ¡°Don¡¯t make me worry for you all the time.¡± She whispered while lowering herself to his ear, quiet enough that she assumed Eugenia could not hear her.


    Eugenia¡¯s face softened a little.


    <hr>


    After getting a few things in order the trio made their way to the port, which was surrounded by a strong guard presence. They had not sealed it off by any means, but there was hostility in the air, which kept most of the peasants away.


    ¡°I am glad I sold my boat when I returned.¡±


    ¡°Did it fetch a good price?¡± Eugenia asked curiously.


    ¡°Huh? It was so-so. They only paid me for the iron and some of the undamaged wood.¡± He replied sardonically.


    ¡°They took it apart then?¡± She felt a bit miffed by those news. All that work they had put into it was treated no better than a shipwreck.


    ¡°Did he really make you work for him? Without pay?¡± Eopia asked her suspiciously.


    ¡°I definitely paid her back! Those wares were not cheap. You are so cruel to doubt me, my morning glory.¡± He walked behind her like a scolded dog.


    ¡°You left them behind, because they would have slowed you down, did you not?¡± She retorted knowingly.


    Zosimos¡¯ denial was drowned out by the barking of a guard captain at the edge of the pier. He was instructing his men who were searching a certain large vessel. That ship belonged to none other than Irvenos. Eugenia stopped the bickering couple and pointed at the heavy inspection. They figured out her meaning right away and got serious.


    ¡°Search every man and every chest on this ship! Archon Leander wants any and all traces of evidence reported to him!¡± The armed captain shouted. Then he turned around when he noticed the trio approach. ¡°This is a restricted area. Return to your business in the city or face the consequences.¡± The gruff and sweaty looking man was visibly disgruntled and would certainly make good on his threats.


    ¡°We have come to speak to Archon Leander.¡± Eugenia said straightforward.


    ¡°So does half the damn city, get in line.¡± The man spat out and turned away.


    ¡°Is he on the ship?¡±


    ¡°I said scram already or-¡± He turned back, but then noticed who was standing behind the priestess. ¡°You?¡± His mouth was agape.


    ¡°Good day captain. I hope you do not mind if we have a little chat with Uncle Leander.¡± Eopia said very dignified.


    ¡°The lord¡¯s daughter wishes t-to speak with the Archon? Naturally! Go ahead!¡± His tune had changed faster than the transformations of Zeus into a bull when he was badgered by Hera.


    ¡°Appreciated.¡± She smiled and then grabbed Eugenia`s hand to pull her on board. ¡°Their guard house was built from my father¡¯s investment. They are rather understanding of my family business.¡± She explained dismissively.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t even recognize me.¡± Zosimos grumbled. As the Archon¡¯s grand assistant he had higher expectations. His pride took another hit.


    On deck things were even more hectic. Chests and sailors were pushed around and all manner of objects piled on top of a little mountain. Most of them were standard ship equipment, but there were also a few bottles of cheap wine and dice that certainly didn¡¯t belong there. More objects were carried from below deck already.


    ¡°What fancy wannabe bard brought a stinkin¡¯ harp on a cruise?¡± A guard appeared with a beautifully crafted wooden harp in his arms. It was still half covered by leather and linen, but the design was shining through all the same.


    ¡°Hey! You can¡¯t just take that!¡± Eugenia called out to him and stopped him from throwing it on the pile.


    ¡°What¡¯s a brat doing here? Put your greedy eye on this thing or something? Listen here lass, everything on this ship has been confiscated by the city of Athens. You better back off before I throw you overboard.¡± He glared down on her and held the harp above her reach.


    ¡°That belongs to me! It was a present.¡±


    ¡°Hah! And I am the Pharaoh of Egypt. This thing is too precious to belong to some peasant girl-¡± He patted the harp haughtily and then accidentally strummed it. The low pling sound lasted merely for a second, but its vibrations reached the man¡¯s deepest core. ¡°Feelingsotired...¡± He collapsed immediately and began snoring face down.


    Eugenia carefully picked the harp from his veiny hands and dusted it off. She made a note in her head not to underestimate a Satyr¡¯s enchanted instrument.


    ¡°Poison! We found poison!¡± A shout came from below deck and everyone turned their heads to the caller. A young guardsman climbed up the ladder and put down a tiny pouch. It was filled with a strange white powder.


    ¡°Thanatos Puff?¡± The guard captain ran up the plank.


    ¡°Dried snake poison?¡± Another guard guessed.


    ¡°Flour, if the taste is anything to go by.¡± A third said after putting a finger into it and then licking it.


    ¡°Keep looking!¡± The captain growled close to an aneurysm.


    ¡°You are doing good work men.¡± Leander stepped out of the captain¡¯s compartment and praised the suddenly very busy guards. The Archon was wearing a cuirass and military boots, but his cape was more on the aesthetic side. Overall his aura was far more dignified than during the short exchange he had with Achaeus back at the town hall. In his left hand he held a small vial that was tightly wrapped in ox leather. Clearly he had found what he came for.


    ¡°Greetings uncle.¡± Eopia waved gracefully.


    ¡°Eopia? This is unexpected. I haven¡¯t seen you since the negotiations with¡­¡± He looked a bit surprised, but then it seemed to settle in where they were and who was standing behind her. ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± He put a hand to his sword hilt and the atmosphere got tense.


    ¡°Do calm yourself. There is no need for such hostility among civilized people.¡± Her words were bold and sounded more like a command than a request. She really was of high birth.


    ¡°I hold no grudge against you Eopia, but your company is worrying. You brought along Achaeus¡¯ lapdog and someone who was supposed to be detained.¡± The Archon circled them slowly and nodded the guards to take position at the exit.


    ¡°You know milord, I am serving all the Archons to my utmost.¡± Zosimos said with forced reverence.


    ¡°I will keep my doubts about that¡­ Themires.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Themistokles!¡± He let his head sink down in regret.


    ¡°We are only here for insurance. This matter is all Eugenia¡¯s.¡± The proud woman said firmly and then pulled Eugenia forward to give her the stage.


    ¡°The priestess? I had thought that this would be one of Achaeus little games, but you can¡¯t possibly be involved.¡± He crossed his arms and fell silent. His expectant stare was quite crushing.


    ¡°Lord Leander.¡± She forced out a stable voice, even though she suddenly felt rather faint. ¡°I have information that you must receive.¡±


    Eugenia went ahead to tell Leander of what she had found out about Achaeus from Irvenos and Themistokles. The merchant confirmed her words, albeit regrettably. This would make him a traitor to the other Archon. Eugenia¡¯s words were filled with a pleading appeal to the goodness of his heart, but also with the desire to change the situation at all costs.


    ¡°This is a tall tale to swallow.¡± He finally replied with almost closed eyes. There was a hint of pain in his voice.


    ¡°But-!¡±


    ¡°Yet I cannot ignore reality.¡± He raised his hand to intercept her retort. ¡°I was aware of Achaeus movements. His actions have grown bolder by the year, but I did not wish to believe he would go this far. Lupus was a dear friend. To snuff out his life merely to get my approval for his next operation is cowardly.¡± His personal loss had driven him here, but he still remained objective. ¡°A war with Persia will cost us more than just blood. If he had the blessings of the gods and a good strategy I might not interfere.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Eugenia didn¡¯t believe her ears.


    ¡°With all due respect milord, such a campaign would throw Athens into a grueling recession.¡± Themistokles said convinced.


    ¡°You were the man that brought him the map, is that not so Themistero?¡± Leander asked stoically.


    He backed off with a guilt ridden expression. The Archon¡¯s words were undeniable. If he did not owe Eugenia his life, would he even have spoken out against this plan in the first place? Those worries surely plagued his soul.


    ¡°He did so to satisfy my father¡¯s demands.¡± Eopia suddenly came to his side and revealed the truth. ¡°It was a gamble to attain a seat among the candidates of the next vote.¡±


    ¡°Did Achaeus promise that?¡± Leander seemed displeased.


    ¡°Why does it matter? All of this is meaningless. Think of all the people, all the citizens of Athens that will be sacrificing their lives for this war.¡± Eugenia cut in sharply. Her emotional voice demanded attention. ¡°The envoys of Eretria will be executed for no fault of their own. Agapetos, Bion, Therses, these men have not done anything wrong! They only wanted to save the city that they loved, just like everyone else. Even captain Irvenos was only acting out of fear of Achaeus'' wrath. Aren¡¯t you a hero? You cannot put a blind eye to this!¡±


    Her breathing was ragged from shouting and her face red from the blood rush. She clutched the harp against her chest as if to find solace in it.


    ¡°That was a long time ago. I don¡¯t feel like much of a hero anymore.¡± Leander said with a surprising heaviness. He laid a hand on his sword and closed one eye. ¡°Achaeus has the military on his side and he already controls the towns all around Athens. My only sworn duty is to guide the citizens of this city and its commerce. There may not be much I can do at this point, for my gaze has been clouded too long.¡± He roughly sat down on the mountain of goods that had been piled up in the middle of the deck.


    ¡°Lord Leander, please¡­¡± The priestess could feel a profound melancholy from this man.


    ¡°Say, priestess, what does Athena think of this?¡± He asked earnestly.


    Eugenia stayed silent. To make a claim on Athena¡¯s will was not in her power. She realized that she could not bring herself to ask for her support anymore. The image of the goddess she had lived for was already blurry in her mind. Yet at the center of that darkness was an unshakable core. Something like the essence of what she perceived the goddess of wisdom as.


    ¡°I believe¡­ that the great and wise Athena¡­ would not sanction a war that we cannot win.¡± She stumbled a few times, but ultimately that was her judgement.


    ¡°Indeed. Were it Ares, any war would be a festival, but this is Athens, the jewel of the wise owl. Wisdom is a rare good that we cannot raid and plunder from our enemies. It is cultivated in the minds of our scholars.¡± Leander was speaking to himself more than the trio. ¡°I tire of battle. I am weary of wearing this sword on my hip. Lupus always told me truth was in numbers and words, not steel.¡±


    ¡°I am sorry for your loss. He... he sounds like he was an intelligent man.¡± Eugenia said quietly. Only now did she understand what plagued Leander so deeply. A man weary of conflict that was always drawn back into another skirmish. Someone who mourned more than anyone would be the one that fought the fiercest. It was a cruel fate.


    ¡°Your kindness honors you priestess. What is your name?¡± He asked and looked her in the milky eyes for the first time.


    ¡°Eugenia of Lamia.¡±


    ¡°Lamia, eh? A beautiful town. I was there during its defense.¡± He trailed off and then forced himself back on his feet. ¡°I may be an aristocrat, but I cannot turn my eyes from the suffering of the commoners, much as I try. Good men have given their lives to protect our lands. Achaeus has sullied their sacrifices and will walk over a mountain of corpses to reach his goals if we leave him unchecked.¡±


    ¡°Milord, do you mean¡­?¡± Themistokles'' face lit up.


    ¡°It may not be too late. If I can convince Topos and the great houses to veto this campaign we can find a different solution. You have my support, so I swear by the honor of my family!¡± He hit his chest plate with his fist and the guards around him cheered once, copying the motion.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to thank you.¡± Eugenia said with teary eyes.


    ¡°A prayer will have to do. We move for the town hall right away.¡± Leander turned around, letting his cape wave in the breeze and then stomped off the ship. ¡°You will come with me Themistes. I need your word as a witness.¡± He added over his shoulder.


    ¡°Of course milord! But it''s actually Themistokles.¡± He hastily followed after the Archon.


    The two women were left behind and moved down much slower. Eugenia took a few deep breaths. Her heart had still not settled down. She twitched a little when Eopia put a hand on her head.


    ¡°You have my thanks as well.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Whatever for?¡± She nervously turned her head.


    ¡°Themistokles has been blaming himself for your death for a long time. The unreasonable demands of my father have driven him to become a scoundrel and thief again. I never wanted to put this burden on him. He tells me that I am worth all these trials, but I do not agree. If he has to change from the man that I fell in love with, then it could never be worth it.¡± She was not losing her countenance, she simply revealed her true feelings. ¡°Thus I only wished I could have done more for him. That thought has been a deep scar on my pride.¡±


    ¡°Worth the trials?¡± Eugenia repeated slowly.


    ¡°Today you forced him to move out of his rut and gave his eyes hope again. I know you cannot see it, but he looks much handsomer when he is doing something for a cause he believes in.¡± She chuckled.


    ¡°I think your understanding and love is what justifies the challenges to him. He tried to change for his love.¡±


    ¡°Is love enough to defy fate? To change one¡¯s values and mission?¡± Eopia wondered and looked up to the blue sky.


    The priestess could not answer that question yet. What drove her was not love, but something else. That was why she could not return yet. Even now she asked herself whether this was part of the trial Hermes had given her.


    <hr>


    ¡°Open the gate!¡± The guard captain ordered the soldiers on the opposite side. The entrance to the Akropolis was sealed.


    ¡°We got orders from the Archon not to let anyone pass.¡± The lean soldier replied.


    ¡°Are you blind, man? This is Archon Leander! Your order is overruled!¡± The captain kicked the iron gate with fury.


    ¡°Stop it Trifos. Let me speak to him instead.¡± Leander pushed him aside and faced the unimpressed soldier. ¡°What is happening in the Akropolis? Has there been an emergency?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t say. There was a poisoning and we incarcerated some traitors. Currently everyone connected to Eretria and the port is being investigated.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am aware. I am part of the investigation.¡±


    ¡°My apologies Archon, but you are not expected in the palace.¡± The soldier replied firmly.


    ¡°Who did he pay to spy on me?¡± Leander asked coldly.


    The soldier stayed quiet.


    ¡°Very well. Achaeus knows this will only delay me shortly, so he must be planning something big.¡± He turned back towards Themistokles. ¡°One of the guards sold me out. They are aware that I am going to confront Achaeus, so he is probably inside the palace to do something about it. We must act swiftly-¡±


    ¡°Archers!¡± Suddenly one of the guards shouted and pushed Leander and Themistokles out of the way. The arrow pierced Leander¡¯s shoulder and created a deep bleeding wound. The Archon managed to steady himself without flinching and readily drew his sword. Immediately the remaining guards gathered with shields to protect him and readied their own bows.


    ¡°This was a direct attack on an Archon.¡± Leander shouted over the shields. ¡°You know well the punishment for traitors!¡±


    ¡°You have no authority in this place.¡± The soldier said with a dark smirk and a dozen more appeared at the gate. The archers lined up on top of the wall were all aiming at them.


    ¡°Did Achaeus order this?¡± Leander asked with a deadly glare.


    ¡°Heh heh heh, you got too much earwax or something? I said your words aren¡¯t worth dogshit here! Bark somewhere else and leave the ruling to the worthy!¡± The soldiers laughed and made obscene gestures towards the town guard.


    ¡°How dare you, traitorous dogs!!¡± The captain drew his sword.


    ¡°Enough.¡± Leander shouted and everyone, even the hostile soldiers turned quiet.


    The Archon grabbed the arrow shaft and broke it clean off. Then he dug the arrow tip out with his bare hands and threw it to the soldier`s feet. Blood was leaving spots on the ground, but they seemed to be evaporating under the heat of the man¡¯s rage.


    ¡°I wish for a peaceful solution to this, but I swear by the 12 Olympians, if Achaeus spits on our traditions and violates the laws of our people, I will not stand for it. This gate will fall under my fury. Every single one of you will be executed. There will not even be a burial for you.¡±


    The soldier felt a cold shower down his back and retreated a few steps. The archers above were all aiming at him, ignoring all other enemies.


    ¡°Make your choice! Will you grant me passage or will you light the spark of battle?¡± His ultimatum had been made.


    The soldiers were intimidated, truly. Many of them had served alongside Leander before and his legend preceded him. Most of them were only following orders, so it was understandable why Leander had given them a choice.


    Some of the archers lowered their bows and it seemed like the rude soldier in front was reconsidering,


    ¡°Open the-¡± He raised a shaking hand.


    ¡°Leander, your charisma was always your only good quality.¡± A deep voice echoed across the gate passage and the soldiers immediately straightened their backs.


    It was Achaeus who graced them with his presence. His slick black hair was combed back to allow him to put on the helmet he carried under his arm.


    ¡°Would you turn your blade against your own allies now?¡± Leander asked with pain. Not due to wound in his shoulder, but rather the taste of betrayal.


    ¡°All who stand on that side are no allies of mine.¡± The old Archon replied. His eyes pierced Themistokles who was cowering behind the shields. ¡°Assistant, you have thrown away a golden future for a mere priestess.¡±


    ¡°To be fair, this golden future wouldn¡¯t exist without her either.¡± Zosimos moved past the guards and tried to act casual. His sweat covered body was not supporting that attitude. ¡°I have not betrayed you, just so we are clear. This is just a temporary disagreement.¡± The tanned merchant said in an apologetic pose.


    ¡°Hmph. I will execute you last, for the merit of your impressive map. It will serve me well on the campaign.¡±


    ¡°E-Execute?¡± Zosimos stammered with a pale face.


    ¡°All traitors will be disposed of, so the palace may be safe. I have already informed Topos of your betrayal.¡± Achaeus turned back to Leander.


    ¡°What am I accused of?¡±


    ¡°Conspiring with Eretria to murder me and Topos. A dastardly scheme to take Athens for yourself and reinstate the monarchy. I thought better of you.¡± Achaeus put as much poison into his words as was possible.


    ¡°I see. Then this was not just a reactionary move. You intended to be rid of me all along.¡±


    ¡°That is not true. I had high hopes for you in the coming war. It is a shame that you cut your strings at the last moment. Your bloodthirsty spear is hindered by your weak heart.¡±


    ¡°Shall we test this in honorable combat?¡± Leander asked fiercely.


    ¡°Your blade will never reach me.¡± There was finality in his word and he turned away.


    As his back retreated, the soldiers took formation and readied themselves for defense.


    Leander put a hand on his bleeding injury and took a few shallow breathes. Then he raised his hand and shouted ¡°Retreat!¡±


    The men made their way back down the giant Akropolis hill and back to its foot. Halfway there they encountered Eugenia and Eopia who had been straggling behind.


    ¡°You are injured!¡± She tended to Leander who finally sank against a wall and got supported by two shields.


    ¡°We were too late.¡± Zosimos explained to Eopia.


    ¡°Oh no.¡± Eugenia felt faint, but had to focus on treating the wound first.


    ¡°Do not fear priestess, I will not falter now. Achaeus is¡­ cornered.¡± Leander spoke between gasps as the pain flared up his shoulder.


    ¡°How could that be?¡±


    ¡°He will hole himself up in the Akropolis ¨C ngggh- because his troops are spread across the land. Even if he made the return call before shutting us out, the troops will take a few days to gather. Until then ¨C graaah - until then, he only has the royal guard and his personal battalion.¡± He bit into a rag while the needle penetrated his skin.


    ¡°But milord, it is impossible to take the Akropolis! We will be biting our teeth out on the walls.¡± Themistokles said pessimistically. ¡°And we can¡¯t starve them out either, the reinforcements will arrive too soon. All we could do is lay fire to the entire hill.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s absolutely forbidden! We can¡¯t hurt the people inside there! The temple of Athena is sacred ground.¡± Eugenia refused such drastic measures.


    ¡°If we had siege equipment¡­¡± Leander mused. ¡°There will be panic among the citizens if we make large movements. I have to form a strategy as soon as possible and¡­¡± He held his head, clearly dizzy.


    ¡°If there was something that could destroy the gates or the walls without siege equipment.¡± Eugenia remembered something and it was going to change everything. Everyone was looking at her. ¡°If I could get something like that, would you listen to my request?¡±


    They were all ears.


    The Archons clashed for their ideals and at the center of the conflict that would decide the future of Athens and thousands of souls was the priestess. An old scar would now lead to a new path.

 Chapter 37: Eugenia and the shadow of the scholar

    ¡°What is going on out there?¡± The young fisherman was peeking out the window.


    ¡°Can¡¯t even take a nap with all that commotion.¡± Bion yawned in response to Therses aggravated pacing. He had also heard the shouting from outside the town hall, but unlike the others he didn¡¯t show any interest in the situation.


    ¡°We can only hope that this is not connected to Eugenia, my boy.¡± Agapetos put a calming hand on the young man¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Hrm.¡± Bion averted his eyes and frowned slightly. Then his dull eyes sharpened a little as they got fixed to the door.


    ¡°With so many soldiers out there it will be impossible to climb down unnoticed now.¡± Therses clicked his tongue and then let himself fall on one of the chairs. He seemed exhausted from all his circling and shouting when he banged against the door. Unlike Bion who was just resting on the ground with his back to the wall.


    ¡°We should never overestimate our capabilities. Such hotheaded actions will only lead to an unfortunate end. Trust the scholar¡¯s wisdom: ¡®Those who are patient will find that they already won.¡¯ they say.¡± Agapetos encouraged them with one hand in his chiton.


    ¡°Those are some nice sentiments, master.¡± Bion said dryly. ¡°Seems our patience will be rewarded real soon too.¡±


    ¡°What are you muttering to yourself for again, fool.¡± Agapetos twisted his lips and glared at his assistant.


    ¡°Footsteps coming our way.¡± The younger medico nodded towards the door.


    ¡°Did they finally reconsider?!¡± Therses immediately rose up again and rushed for the door.


    Bion and Agapetos exchanged a short glance and then the old men softly pulled Therses back.


    ¡°Perhaps it would be wisest to act cautious-¡± He began, but was rudely interrupted by the door, which was unlocked and then aggressively thrown open. ¡°Ah, it is good to see the upstanding guards of Athens looking after our humble selves!¡± He took a step towards the soldier in full armor and rubbed his hands subserviently.


    ¡°Envoys of Eretria, you have been found guilty of treason against Athens and will now be executed.¡± The gruff man declared darkly and glared down the older medico.


    ¡°P-Please wait just a miniscule moment, merely a heartbeat!¡± Agapetos was sweating profusely, but he forced himself to reason with the man. ¡°Did you collect any damning evidence for this claim? Did the captain make a false remark? Certainly we cannot be found guilty so swiftly, it would just not be civilized to rush such matters- Ungh!¡° In the stream of his anxious words he was suddenly met with a rather abrupt counter argument.


    The back of the man¡¯s fist had flung the old man to the ground and left him whimpering.


    ¡°W-What right do you have to treat us this way?¡± Therses growled and stepped in front of Agapetos to shield him from more harm.


    ¡°Your execution was advanced and will be taken care of in the basement. There is no need for a public showing. Archon¡¯s orders.¡± The soldier was towering above Therses and clearly intimidated him.


    ¡°You foul beasts!¡± Therses gritted his teeth and then pulled out his knife.


    ¡°Hah.¡± Apparently the tall warrior had just waited for such a reaction and drew his short-sword. Before Therses could even react the knife was flung from his hand and the tip of the sword at his throat. The soldier grinned and then kneed him in the stomach, so he collapsed next to the old man.


    ¡°Argh¡­ ough¡­¡± Therses held his stomach and had trouble breathing.


    ¡°You¡¯re no more than sacrificial lambs waiting for the slaughter.¡± He said as he kicked Therses over. ¡°If you resist I have no choice but to execute you right now. Come on boy, give me a reason!¡± He kept kicking the fisherman.


    ¡°C¡­ease this barbarism.¡± Surprisingly the heavy boot was stopped by Agapetos¡¯ hands. ¡°We will come along quietly, so spare the boy. As fellow Ionian allies we should respect each other, even us doomed men.¡± His face was still bruised from the heavy punch, but he managed to suppress his trembling.


    ¡°You have no say in this, old man. Ionian? Don¡¯t try to feed me this shit.¡± The soldier exhaled. He seemed to have lost interest. ¡°I am a proud Attican. Your Ionian alliance is pathetic.¡± He turned away and then stopped at the door to wait for them to follow.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Agapetos had a grim expression on his face.


    ¡°A-Agapetos¡­ don¡¯t.¡± Therses pressed himself up and stretched his hand forward to hold the medico back.


    ¡°You dare ridicule the proud Ionian people? You deign Atticans superior to your brethren?!¡± He was actually furious.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like your tone, traitor.¡± The soldier stretched his sword to the side and moved calmly forward.


    ¡°Speak the truth! Is this how you perceived your blood sworn allies all along?¡± The old medico returned his gaze with fire.


    ¡°Heh. You wouldn¡¯t understand the greatness we have in store for the world. Ionians, Dorians, it doesn¡¯t matter who you are. Once this war begins everyone will be in awe of our destiny. Your little alliance will just act as our vanguard, which is a great honor in itself.¡± He seemed truly delighted by the prospect of the near future.


    ¡°What you suggest is poisoning the bonds of blood, no more, no less.¡± Agapetos said in disgust.


    ¡°I should humble you a bit old man!¡± He raised his left fist and then struck Agapetos down again. This time he drew blood. His sword was already ready to stab downward.


    ¡°He could use some humility, sure. A ¡®thanks¡¯ or ¡®good job¡¯ every now and then would be nice.¡± A cold voice crawled over the soldier¡¯s shoulder. ¡°But you¡¯re not in any position to lecture my master.¡±


    The Athenian soldier spun around, but suddenly his armor fell to the ground and on his feet. The cuirass had been cut by the links and loosened, but the final blow had come when Bion had pulled it off. The soldier was too shocked to even move after the fishing knife had been rammed into his gut.


    ¡°No screaming? Interesting. Shock can have that kind of effect too.¡± Bion said calmly as the soldier sank on his knees before him.


    He carefully moved the knife inside the wound. The young medico observed the twisting and fearful stare evenly.


    ¡°The man you just knocked out, y¡¯know, he¡¯s my master. Taught me everything I know about the human body or at least I¡¯ll let him claim that so he can stroke his ego.¡± He kept chatting while cutting something inside the man¡¯s gut. ¡°Foooor example¡­ this was your formerly intact stomach. This is something not many people know, but our stomachs contain a lot of bile. This stuff really stings on the skin.¡± He left the knife stuck in the man and took one step back. ¡°This nasty stuff will now flow into your innards and turn them to mush. Slowly. Like a small fire that devours leaves. It¡¯s not a pretty death. Hurts like quartering.¡±


    ¡°Arrgh¡­ ahhhhh¡­!¡± The soldier bent over and held his belly. He tried to pull on the knife, but Bion kicked him against the chin to stop him.


    ¡°Ah ah ah. That¡¯s no good. If you pull now that will widen the cut and you will be leaking even more. That¡¯s no way to end things. Instead lemme give you two options.¡± He held up two fingers and smiled. ¡°You tell me exactly what I want to know. In return I will end your suffering immediately. Great deal, no tricks, can¡¯t complain, right?¡±


    ¡°Guh?!¡±


    ¡°¡­but if you wanna be stubborn, well I could always do this.¡± He slightly tapped the knife and sent immense pain through the man¡¯s gut. ¡°I¡¯m a medico, so I¡¯m familiar with how to keep someone alive long enough for them to regret it. Master always says that we should swear an oath to preserve life. It¡¯s not like I care about that, but I¡¯d make an exception - for you.¡± He tapped the knife again.


    ¡°Ahhh!!! I¡­ what¡­ do you want?¡± Tears of pain gathered in the man¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Just a couple of small things.¡± Bion said patiently and pulled the man against the wall.


    <hr>


    ¡°You are not just some normal slave.¡± Therses said with a pale face and disgust.


    ¡°Figured that out all on your own, fisherboy?¡± Bion flipped the knife in his hand and wiped it off on a curtain.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the first time you killed, is it?¡± He looked away from the corpse and then pulled up Agapetos. He had enough sense to know that they had to leave fast. ¡°Or did you grow accustomed to death thanks to your occupation?¡±


    ¡°Which would you guess?¡± The young medico picked up the short-sword and then threw the knife towards Therses.


    ¡°Are you a master slayer?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re quicker on the uptake than expected.¡± Bion shrugged and then stepped over the corpse to peek into the hallway.


    ¡°How could a man like Agapetos take in criminal scum like you?¡± It seemed to be incomprehensible to him.


    ¡°Wish I knew. Honestly.¡± Bion said sardonically.


    The atmosphere was strained between them. Not just because of the subpar situation, but also because of what had just been revealed. Bion was a master slayer. A slave that had taken his master¡¯s life. A crime so severe that it was punished not just with torture and execution, but also with vengeance on the entire slave population working for the deceased master. Every slave knew that they would be held responsible if one of their kind was found guilty of such a sin.


    Therefore a master slayer was not just the scum of the earth who bit the hand that fed him, but also a traitor to his own kind. Some crimes were punished by taking away privileges or demotion, but this sin would leave a permanent mark on everyone involved.


    It was a miracle that Bion had survived and escaped his punishment, but he would have been marked by the authorities and hunted down. Even if it was just a lower class master, the acropolis tended to make brutal examples on any hint of a slave uprising. It seemed impossible that Agapetos was not aware of who he had taken in, but he had never said anything.


    ¡°Slow down¡­¡± Therses gasped shallowly for air and stopped in his tracks. He was carrying the old medico on his back, but even so he was exceptionally exhausted.


    ¡°Told you so. You shouldn¡¯t have exerted yourself so much for pointless things.¡± Bion stopped at the corner of the hallway and shook his head.


    ¡°Where are we going anyway?¡±


    ¡°You heard the coward¡¯s story. Eugenia managed to convince that Leander guy to take up arms against our enemy. No idea how that girl keeps doing this stuff.¡±


    ¡°She is guided by Athena.¡± Therses said with a small sigh of reverence.


    ¡°Whatever the case, because of that the Akropolis is a fortress right now. Too bad we are stuck inside. We aren¡¯t getting through that battalion outside.¡± Bion waved his hand and they slipped into the next hallway.


    ¡°We could hide until they storm the hill.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, not gonna happen. You really think taking an acropolis is that easy? If they lose their patience they might set everything on fire, but that¡¯s about it.¡±


    ¡°T-They wouldn¡¯t burn down holy ground and the palace!¡± Therses refused to believe such an outrageous claim.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be praying to whatever god bothers to listen that you¡¯re right.¡± Bion noticed an interesting door and used the sword to break its lock. Then he levered it open with a loud crack. ¡°Seems that coward wasn¡¯t a liar at least. Achaeus¡¯ office.¡± He sarcastically welcomed Therses inside and then kicked the door shut behind them.


    ¡°It does look like it belongs to someone important.¡± The young fisherman acknowledged and looked around the extravagant trophies and purchases from faraway lands. There was not a lot of space to walk with all of the chests and spread out maps. ¡°Is this a war room?¡±


    ¡°Might as well be. Maps of all the cities and kingdoms in the east. Trophies from occupations and campaigns. What a poser.¡± Bion poked an odd tribal looking spear and didn¡¯t even flinch when it fell over and hit a vase.


    ¡°Why did you want to come here?¡±


    ¡°There must be evidence. Stuff we can use against the big-headed Archon.¡± Bion shrugged.


    ¡°Did you not tell me to stop being na?ve? They wanted to execute us without a hearing or evidence! There is no way they would change their minds now.¡± Therses said dejectedly.


    ¡°Probably not, but that only goes for Achaeus¡¯ followers.¡± Bion said with a smirk.


    ¡°The other aristocrats?¡± He looked up in realization.


    ¡°It¡¯s worth a shot. He probably took the palace under some false pretense. The aristocrats inside are bound to be real pissed off.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­ right! If we find something incriminating we can bring it to the Archon¡¯s opponents and make this right.¡± The young man finally seemed to find some hope in the situation.


    ¡°There¡¯s that blind optimism I was looking for. Now search the room while I take a look around the building.¡± He waved over his shoulder and was already halfway out the door.


    ¡°What?! Do you have any idea where you are going?¡±


    ¡°Not yet.¡± Bion shrugged once again and closed the door.


    ¡°Can we really change anything like this?¡± Therses wondered as he sat the unconscious Agapetos down on the chair.


    <hr>


    The door had been locked tightly, but with the keys he had obtained from the guard downstairs it was not at all an issue. The iron key was sprinkled in red, but it unlocked the door all the same. It swung open into the darkened room. Although the window shutters were slightly agape, the light streaming inside did not reveal much. Only a small pile of old clothes.


    That pile seemed to be breathing.


    ¡°They didn¡¯t take it easy on you.¡± Bion squatted down next to the beaten and bruised person leaning against the wall.


    The small part of his face that was visible was swollen and blue. The remaining good eye was barely able to open, while the scarred one was untouched. The painful breaths escaping the scarves proved that he was looking no better below the old noble¡¯s garments. It was a pathetic picture, but not as bad as the alternative.


    ¡°¡­still alive, aren¡¯t I?¡± Irvenos replied as he wiped some blood from his face.


    ¡°That deal didn¡¯t go so well, huh?¡± Bion leaned his head on one hand and watched the captain neutrally.


    ¡°I always knew it wouldn¡¯t be that easy.¡± He coughed with a raspy throat.


    ¡°You know Achaeus'' goal?¡±


    ¡°One interrogation af''er another.¡± Irvenos pulled his leg back and leaned his head on the knee. ¡°I¡¯ve got a coupl¡¯a questions myself.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just some traitor ready for execution. What could I even tell you?¡± He said with a bored look out the slit in the window shutters.


    ¡°How¡¯s the priestess doin¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Heh. Your eye has been caught by Eugenia? Really?¡± He snorted.


    ¡°That lass¡­ she`s got a fire. Still not sure if it will consume her or this city first.¡± Irvenos said carefree and then changed the topic. ¡°You got the eyes of a killer. Now that I see ¡®em up close I`m sure of it. Why¡¯re you playin¡¯ lapdog for that old peacock?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s personal.¡± Bion replied curtly.


    ¡°Then we¡¯re two of a kind.¡± The captain released his raspy laugh and leaned his head back against the wall. ¡°Achaeus¡­ he¡¯s got a hunger. Won¡¯t be satisfied until he''s gnawed on the bones of every single man in his way. Ya wanted to know what his goal is? Slaughter. Conquest. Revenge. Pick one.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t work for him because you were hungry too?¡±


    ¡°Coin doesn¡¯t lie. But you got me. I¡¯m tired of ramming my sword into screaming men an¡¯ seeing the life vanish from their eyes. The sea was my home, but its divine blue¡¯s turnin¡¯ red in front of me.¡± The weary healthy eye of a ship captain seemed to see naught but the past. ¡°He came to me when I was at my lowest and gave me an out. Leave my old life behind and become somethin¡¯ better. Just had to sell him my freedom while I was at it.¡±


    ¡°You poisoned the cup and let yourself be caught. Pretty simple plan.¡± Bion tilted his head at the simplemindedness.


    ¡°If you have a long spear you don¡¯t need much effort to close the gap.¡± Irvenos put a hand to his mouth below the scarves. Then he adjusted his outfit and turned his head away. He almost looked like one of the corpses on a painted vase.


    ¡°We are going to break that spear entwine.¡± Bion met his eye and they exchanged a meaningful look.


    ¡°I¡¯ve stopped believing in miracles a long time ago.¡± Irvenos dismissed it lightly with one hand.


    ¡°You are an accomplice, but that just means your word will damn that scheming guy even more.¡±


    ¡°Not bloody likely. If I betrayed him now it¡¯ll get a whole lot worse.¡±


    ¡°If you stay here you¡¯ll be a goner.¡±


    ¡°Pah.¡±


    ¡°Eugenia got Leander¡¯s support. She¡¯s going to be right in the middle of this mess again and I¡¯m not happy about it, but you know.¡± He tapped his sword. ¡°If there¡¯s a chance for all of us to make it out alive, we need to do our part.¡± He extended his hand towards the beaten man.


    ¡°Are you doing this ¡®cause we got the same eyes?¡± Irvenos hesitated.


    ¡°Who knows? I didn¡¯t think that far.¡± He smiled drily.


    ¡°You must be a fool then.¡± He grabbed Bion¡¯s hand.


    Bion shrugged.


    ¡°I¡¯m not on your side, but I don¡¯t got any reason to wait for a pathetic death inside here either. If there is a battle in the breeze I¡¯ll be biding my time.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t wait to see fisherboy¡¯s face.¡± Bion said elated and opened the door for him.


    <hr>


    Far away from the Akropolis and the dark clouds above the palace, a different group was also setting their plan into motion. Archon Leander was in charge of the common people and the guard houses all across the city. They were fiercely loyal to him, but it would still take a lofty speech to band them together against the enemy that was supposed to be their ally.


    The guards and some war veterans were gathering in the guardhouse to the south and listening to Leander¡¯s invigorating words and plans. He didn¡¯t betray his shoulder injury as he fervently riled up his allies. Eopia had stayed at his side, as her family was one of the greatest backers of the guards. Her face and support would give the Archon¡¯s legitimacy more weight. She had sided with him for one simple reason. Her father was inside the palace right now. Achaeus was holding him prisoner alongside the rest of the aristocracy and it was hard to tell how he would react.


    ¡°My father would never support such a boorish plan.¡± She had declared dismissively and pledged allegiance to Leander.


    While the upper class were doing their part of organizing a sizeable force, there was another team that had the equally important task of acquiring ¡®a miracle¡¯. Leander was a great speaker and fighter, but he could not take the Akropolis with those qualities alone. Indeed, he would probably have had to resort to drastic measures to take care of this before the reinforcements arrived.


    ¡°We sealed off the port, but it was too late. One of Achaeus¡¯ messengers managed to slip through. In the last few years he has moved a lot of troops into other destabilized cities for alleged support. If he pulls these back to Athens now we will be surrounded and crushed. We cannot bide our time.¡± The former general explained with a grim expression. Even after becoming Archon he had not stopped paying attention to the army. ¡°Eugenia of Lamia. I put the fate of this entire operation into your hands. That miracle you told me of would be a blessing of the gods.¡±


    And thus she was sent on her quest. Accompanying her were Themistokles and the guard captain. His name was Trifos if she remembered correctly. They were an odd trio, but the city was still not aware of the imminent conflict. Leander wanted to avoid a panic for as long as possible.


    ¡°An ore that burns like the fires of Hephaestus forge and explodes with the force of Zeus¡¯ lightning? It sounds fantastical.¡± Zosimos said weakly. ¡°Yet I haven¡¯t much room to talk after meeting the legendary Gorgon myself.¡±


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ¡°Haha.¡± She chuckled, but it was more out of nervousness. She still remembered the taste of the smoke and the heat of the fire. The loud crumbling of the Greenhouse¡¯s walls¡­ the feeling of burnt plants and earth¡­


    ¡°That Typhos was incredible for gathering all these special trinkets. N-Not that I¡¯m at all impressed with his methods!¡± He hastily added. His sweat covered face surely must have looked funny.


    Eugenia understood of course. To a skilled merchant like Zosimos, these must have been enticing goods. If she had heard of such an ore during her days in the temple she would also have been fascinated. Now it was no more than a trump card to save Athens from a painful war.


    ¡°This Typhos is a well-known character. A scholar of some sort.¡± Trifos said from the back. He was following them with some distance. ¡°I have never heard of such goods, though. I doubt we will find anything.¡±


    ¡°We won¡¯t find anything in his house, I¡¯m sure that¡¯s obvious.¡± Zosimos agreed. ¡°But I have some connections in this city and I know someone who should know where he got his deliveries from.¡± The tanned merchant pointed ahead energetically.


    ¡°The stables?¡± Trifos raised a brow and then turned his crooked nose in disgust.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Eugenia tilted her head.


    ¡°Trust me on this! I¡¯m not completely useless.¡± He insisted and then walked into the large yard. Not many wagons were lined up yet, so the workers were taking a break and throwing dice in a small bowl.


    ¡°I will be waiting outside.¡± The guard captain deliberately stopped at the entrance and turned his back. The stench of horse stables was probably not the only thing keeping him out.


    Eugenia and Themistokles made their way towards an old man sitting atop a large chest. He was leaning on a large wooden cane and had them in his sights the moment they entered. His sharp eyes were mostly focused on the priestess, who stood out in such a lowly commoner area.


    ¡°Greetings, stable master. You must be the one they call Hegord.¡± Zosimos immediately put on airs and spoke in his slickest merchant tone.


    ¡°Hrm. Do they now?¡± The old man was not receptive at all, but his deep voice commanded a certain respect. ¡°¡¯Tis true, name¡¯s Hegord. You¡¯re well informed ¡®Rhodian bootlicker¡¯.¡±


    ¡°E-Excuse me?¡± Zosimos blinked and barely managed to hold his crumbling smile together.


    ¡°Nothin¡¯ personal boy. That¡¯s what they call you around town.¡± Hegord laughed hoarsely and smacked the head of his cane.


    ¡°Who¡­ why¡­?¡± Disillusioned and emotionally destroyed he was instantly out of commission.


    ¡°If he¡¯s with ya, then you must be connected to Typhos as well.¡± Hegord concluded perceptively.


    Eugenia nodded tentatively. She could tell that this man knew more about the circumstances than anyone she had met until now. His voice was rough, but he was not at all hostile. So he could not have been aware of the truth, right?


    ¡°You are¡­ Eugenia.¡± He said.


    She felt a shiver down her back and her heartbeat picked up the pace. Zosimos had not introduced her and she could not remember ever meeting this man. How did he know her? It made her panic, but she tried not to let it show.


    ¡°Calm yerself lass. I¡¯m no oracle or anythin¡¯.¡± His voice like rustling parchment had the tone of a kind grandfather. ¡°But if a blind priestess with such a serious expression walks into my place, even an ol¡¯ man like me can connect the clues.¡±


    Eugenia covered her eyes in response. He had seen them even below the low hanging hood. She had been too careless...


    ¡°You are right.¡± She confirmed.


    ¡°So you survived that expedition. The crew wasn¡¯t much help in figurin¡¯ out what happened. They said you¡¯re a lost cause and probably eaten alive by the monster before it was torn to bits.¡±


    Eugenia¡¯s face twitched involuntarily in response. The sailors that had escaped were telling tales of the expedition, naturally. They were speaking of Medusa¡¯s death and that was good, but she had never considered that she was supposed dead as well. If she returned to Sarpedon now, would nobody try to go there again? Was the cycle finally over just as she had hoped? Right now her words would affect the future of that island.


    ¡°She was¡­¡± Eugenia¡¯s throat tightened. All she had to say was that Medusa was dead. It was a minor lie. It shouldn¡¯t have mattered what this old man or any of the people in Athens thought about Medusa. To them she was merely the monster of legend. As long as she knew what she was truly like¡­ But that wasn¡¯t it. If she spoke those words and claimed that Medusa was dead, her heart would break. Lord Hermes words about her punishment were still so fresh. Even just a white lie would feel too real.


    She could not say it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t break your pretty lil¡¯ head over it. I reckon that it¡¯s been rough.¡± He said sympathetically.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She nodded with moist eyes and forced herself to get a grip.


    ¡°Don¡¯t matter much how you made it back, but if ya would kindly tell me one thing?¡± He lowered his wrinkly face and stroked his long silver-white beard. ¡°How did Typhos die?¡± There was pain in his voice.


    ¡°He died standing on his feet. Fighting for the things he believed in.¡± Eugenia replied with a bittersweet smile.


    ¡°I see. A hero¡¯s death it is then.¡± He took it in and then smiled softly.


    A hero was someone who fought for a goal. Someone who was brave enough to go to any length for such a purpose. If that was how one perceived the world, then certainly even Typhos was the hero of his own story.


    No matter how much he had hurt her and Medusa, she could never quite bring herself to hate him. This should have upset her deeply, but there was only melancholy in her heart. Nobody would ever know the truth of what had happened that fateful day and she had no intention to tell.


    ¡°A true shame, that. Rhaidestos lost a good king in the makin¡¯.¡±


    ¡°What? You- You knew?¡± She was shocked.


    ¡°I¡¯ve spent a good bit of effort to figure that boy out. I always knew why he went out on that journey. To follow his father¡¯s footsteps and to surpass them. Mayhaps he got that little bit further in the end. The Gorgon¡¯s slain, but his kingdom is still in ruin.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She bit her lip and closed her milky eyes.


    ¡°Silly thing. Heroes don¡¯t like being pitied. If he knew ya made such a face after bein¡¯ saved, what would he think?¡± The stable master was treating her with such understanding that it made her hurt all the more. ¡°Saving a country with a monstrous quest was a tough bet to make. I¡¯ve been humbled to have known him.¡±


    ¡°I wish I had been able to talk more.¡± She admitted with regret tinging her voice.


    ¡°This old man¡¯s got not many summers ahead of him, so I can confidently say that ya got nothin¡¯ to worry about. We all get a chance to speak to the fallen eventually.¡± The faith that all souls would meet again in the Underworld was strong in the wise and old alike.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She felt a bit better just hearing his confidence.


    ¡°Well then, you didn¡¯t bring this Rhodian along to have a nice chat with an old man.¡± He raised his voice so Themistokles would know he was allowed back into the conversation. He had taken a tactful backseat during their exchange until now.


    ¡°We are searching for the special ore that you obtained for Typhos.¡± Zosimos got right to the point.


    ¡°Mh. That is a surprise.¡± He squinted his eyes a bit and then turned to Eugenia again. ¡°I have none of it left in storage. My men moved every last crumb onto that triremes headin¡¯ to the Gorgon¡¯s lair.¡±


    ¡°Can you organize more?¡± Zosimos stepped forward impatiently.


    ¡°Douse your head with ocean water, lad!¡± The old man hit Zosimos¡¯ leg with the full force of his cane, which promptly got the merchant hopping on one foot in agony. ¡°There was not much of it to begin with. The village which it was mined from¡¯s been clammin¡¯ up. It will be hard to get any more on short notice. You need it quickly I reckon?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is important for the future of Athens.¡± Eugenia nodded seriously.


    ¡°That¡¯s a tall order. Nothin¡¯ less from the priestess who got that lad¡¯s attention.¡± He chortled deeply and then tapped his cane on the dry ground. ¡°I can¡¯t give ya what I don¡¯t own, but there might be one place with a small reserve in this city.¡±


    ¡°Seriously? That¡¯s great!¡± Eugenia got excited.


    ¡°Well, isn¡¯t that convenient?¡± Zosimos grumbled while rubbing his hurting leg.


    ¡°That man was th¡¯ one that gave Typhos the location of the village in the first place. He sure is a handful and infamous to boot. Never a good combination. I¡¯ll tell ya his name under one condition.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± The duo swallowed in anticipation.


    ¡°Once this is over, tell me what really happened.¡± He said with a glint in his old eyes.


    She first showed surprise, but then smiled faintly. From the very beginning he had seen through everyone it seemed. He was an old gentleman with little more to do than observe people and their stories. To him her attempts at being ambiguous were child¡¯s play.


    ¡°I promise.¡± She shook his hand. It was wrinkly, dry and full of blisters, but this handshake was honest and firm.


    ¡°His name is Epiphanes and he¡¯s goin¡¯ to make a mess of the Eridanus River this time of day. Can¡¯t tell you much more about this odd fellow.¡±


    Eugenia turned towards Zosimos who groaned in lack of recognition and then shrugged. She bowed her head and thanked him for his help and then they left the yard.


    ¡°Epiphanes? Yes, I know where he lives.¡± Trifos received them with a stoic look and then took the lead.


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. I thought we would have to search the entire city.¡± Eugenia sighed in relief.


    ¡°You¡¯re really well informed, captain.¡± Zosimos praised him as well and smacked him on the back.


    ¡°He lives in the jurisdiction of my guard house. There are constant complaints coming in every day, so I have no choice in the matter.¡± He visibly brushed off his shoulder and increased the gap to Themistokles.


    Under his lead they made it to the river quickly and then followed it up north. Eventually a rather peculiar house became visible. Even Eugenia knew immediately that they were in a strange place thanks to the stinging smell and the occasional loud banging.


    ¡°That¡¯s the place?¡± Zosimos asked worriedly. He probably wished to turn around immediately.


    ¡°Strange. He must be taking a break.¡± Trifos muttered and inspected the chimney.


    ¡°Why do you think so?¡±


    ¡°Usually the smoke clouds coming from up there would turn day into night.¡± He replied humorlessly.


    ¡°Well, if anyone would have magic ore to spare it might be this weirdo. You should probably stay outta this dump Eugenia.¡± Zosimos straightened his back and pushed forward to the door. He knocked for quite a while, but with no response. ¡°Nobody home! Guess we need to find another way.¡± He said with relief and patted the door, which promptly made it swing wide open. ¡°At least lock your door, man.¡±


    ¡°We should all head inside together.¡± Trifos said and then pushed Zosimos inside. Before Eugenia could follow he blocked her path with one arm. ¡°Say priestess, are you certain of this? An ore that could crack open the walls of the Akropolis itself?¡± He didn`t seem to put any trust in her words, but when they arrived at this strange house he had become thoughtful.


    ¡°It tore through the walls of a temple. I don¡¯t know how it works, but it does.¡± She nodded.


    ¡°Hmm.¡± He lowered his arm and let her enter. His gaze penetrated her back.


    Inside the house the air was thick and stale. It must not have been aired out often. There were other smells that she could not identify at all, but some of it did remind her of a smithy she once visited long ago. The odor of sweat and steel was permeating the walls. She could hear Zosimos¡¯ steps not too far ahead. He was walking like a scared child and it made her smirk.


    ¡°Helloooo? Anybody home?¡± He shouted through the hallway to break the eerie silence. ¡°Why does it have to be so damned dark? Has he never heard of windows?¡±


    So there was no light. Eugenia could not have noticed naturally, but the atmosphere did remind her a little of night. Or perhaps a cave? Behind her she could hear the front door close shut. Trifos had finally come too.


    ¡°AHH!¡± Suddenly a loud yelp made her tense up. It was Zosimos voice from another room and he apparently just rolled over the floor and hit a wall. ¡°W-Why are these candlesticks sticky? That¡¯s no wax either¡­¡±


    False alarm. Eugenia¡¯s lips turned upwards in a wry smile. He had scared her for a moment there-


    ¡°Wah!¡± She stumbled to the side, only dodging the sharp blade by a hair¡¯s breadth.


    ¡°Missed you because of the dark.¡± The man said with an emotionless voice.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± She turned her back to the wall and tried to back away, but the short-sword was rammed right against the wall to her left.


    ¡°I will just tell Leander that we could not find the miracle. You could not bear the shame, so you fled from Athens. Nobody will find your corpses here.¡± Trifos spoke quietly with an unknown animosity. The darkness was enveloping his body, but his killing intent pierced it like the sharpest sword.


    ¡°You-?¡± She ducked under another swing and felt her robes get sliced open at the shoulder. Why was this happening? She scurried across the ground and received a kick to the side which made her cry out painfully. Stinging pain went through the scar left from her old deep injury.


    ¡°Epiphanes has luck on his side. Because he isn¡¯t home he won¡¯t die today.¡± Trifos clicked his tongue when she rolled behind a cupboard to evade his deadly blow.


    ¡°Hel-!¡± She tried to shout for help, but was grabbed by the neck just in time to choke her voice. The lean guard captain was far stronger than he appeared and his veiny hand covered her mouth completely. He was acting as if possessed.


    ¡°It will be over soon. Just let Thanatos¡¯ chains drag you down.¡± He whispered from behind and then put his sword to her throat.


    ¡°HNNNG!¡± She flailed and resisted, but it was meaningless. His arm was too strong and the blade too sharp.


    ¡°Let go of her!¡± In the last second Themistokles jumped the guard captain from behind and wrestled him to the ground. Eugenia collapsed and coughed relentlessly. ¡°I knew there was - ungh ¨C somethin¡¯ suspicious about you!¡± He took a direct hit to the nose, but managed to twist the man¡¯s arm to let go of the sword.


    ¡°Worthless Rhodian scum!¡± Trifos head-butted his assailant away and then rushed for his sword.


    ¡°Shit¡­ can¡¯t let him get it¡­¡± Themistokles held his bleeding nose and seemed to be disoriented. Eugenia swayed on her feet, but did her best to move. She kicked off the dusty ground and jumped onto the warrior¡¯s legs, holding them down.


    It was a desperate struggle, but not one she could win. Even with all her weight she was barely slowing him down. While he couldn¡¯t shake her off, he still managed to get the sword. He raised it with a distorted face and then stabbed down at the girl.


    The impact was loud and bone-shattering.


    Swords did not make that kind of sound.


    ¡°Who ventures into my home un-un-unannana¡­ ounced?¡± Drunken babble accompanied the slacking of Trifos body. He collapsed down with white eyes and blood running down his face. Whatever had hit him across the skull had knocked him out cold.


    ¡°Haah--- haaa¡­¡± Eugenia was shaking all over from the fear and adrenaline.


    ¡°I said ¨C hic- teelelel me your business!¡± He raised the heavy iron again, this time towards the two remaining intruders.


    ¡°Hey, calm down! We don¡¯t mean you any harm.¡± Zosimos stopped him loudly. Things had gotten confusing and tense.


    <hr>


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for hitting your friend.¡± Epiphanes said with deep shame.


    They were now sitting in his workshop (he had somehow managed to pull chairs out of a pile of supplies) right next to the smoldering furnace and the chimney. The room was hot and cluttered, but in a strange way it was also comforting. Maybe Eugenia had spent too much time cooped up in temples and on sun burned islands to have common lodging sense anymore.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t call him that.¡± Zosimos said as he tied the unconscious guard to a weird bronze contraption on a table. ¡°What does this thing do?¡±


    ¡°Ah, that ¡®un. It was intended to transfer heat from fire to the upper floors. Would spread heat in the house all across the corners.¡± He explained happily. Inventors tended to be most upbeat when talking about their inventions, especially when unreasonably intoxicated.


    ¡°Nice.¡± Zosimos smiled and then pushed the plate closer towards the chimney. It would heat up pretty fast.


    Eugenia felt a little bad for Trifos, but at the same time the pain in her side was not sorry at all. They had convinced Epiphanes that they weren¡¯t intruders, but the only reason he seemed so easy to convince was the incredible buzz. His breath stunk of cheap ale.


    ¡°This guy was working for Achaeus. This is just our luck, to get backstabbed by someone who Leander trusted.¡± The merchant sat down next to the priestess and sighed.


    ¡°Are you sure he is one of his men?¡±


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯m sure. Nobody else would want us dead right now. Unless you stepped on even more people¡¯s feet?¡±


    ¡°Not that I can remember.¡± Eugenia looked away sheepishly.


    ¡°No matter. He¡¯s out cold ¨C though it will get hot for him soon ¨C so we can do our business now. If we tell Leander who sold him out, he¡¯s gonna be lucky to just get a little heat.¡± Zosimos dismissed the situation magnificently and put a rag to his nose. The bleeding had stopped, but it sounded pretty bad.


    ¡°How¡­ How can I help you good people?¡± Epiphanes was slowly getting out of his blood rush and inebriation. It was strange to witness a scholar in such a pitiful state. At least Eugenia had a very different impression of their kind.


    Typhos presence would not leave her head today. He drank only sparingly and with great care. He always had the habit to only taste good things once, so as not to sully their memory. She had once thought this trait to be charming, but now she wasn¡¯t so sure anymore.


    ¡°We¡¯re here to ask you for a trade.¡± Themistokles went back into his business persona right away.


    ¡°I¡¯m no merchant, sorry.¡± The scholar replied while pouring new wine into a few cups.


    ¡°What we need isn¡¯t your average ware either. I¡¯m fairly certain this is the only place in all of Athens that has any reserves left.¡± He leaned forward and accepted the cup gratefully. It was custom to take food and drink offered to a client.


    Eugenia politely declined. Epiphanes must not have recognized her as a priestess or else he would not have offered. Surely.


    ¡°I got lotsa unique items here. The future in the making!¡± He gave them a bellowing laugh, but then coughed and chugged some wine. ¡°Not that much has been going right at all.¡± His depressed voice was heavy.


    ¡°I am sure you have much to show, but we are only interested in one thing. Our contact told us that you were acquainted with a certain man. Typhos.¡± Zosimos said with a cool swig. No wine actually entered his mouth. He was a professional.


    The scholar let go of his cup and it shattered on the ground, splashing red wine over the soot covered floor. Tears gathered in his eyes as he hunched forward.


    ¡°Damn it¡­ damn that boy¡¯s¡­ my boy¡­¡± He put his hands into his face and gave way to the tears without shame.


    ¡°Wa-wait, I¡¯m sorry, did I say something wrong?¡± Of course the merchant was shocked by such an emotional reaction.


    ¡°You were his mentor.¡± Eugenia said subconsciously. The words had come out before the realization had reached her mind. ¡°You were the one Typhos spoke of. The scholar, Epiphanes!¡±


    How could she have missed this? It all made sense, but under the current issue she had not been able to think straight. She knew that Typhos was raised by a scholar and she had also heard about Lady Akacia¡¯s father, but to think that this man they sought out for the last hope of stopping Achaeus would be the very same Epiphanes¡­


    ¡°Youuu- You two knew my boy?¡± He asked with snot running from his nose. He cared not about appearances. Now his drunkenness was put into a new light. The smell of grief was oft equated to a cheap bottle of wine.


    Eugenia stood up and stopped in front of the old, dirt covered man.


    ¡°I am sorry for your loss.¡± She said and hugged him. Her robes were getting covered in soot and dirt, yet she only tightened her grip.


    ¡°Ah¡­ oh¡­¡± He was out of it, but his foggy mind seemed to clear up somewhat by her warmth.


    She didn¡¯t even know why she felt so apologetic. Maybe it was guilt, maybe sympathy. All she could do was try to alleviate this old man¡¯s sorrow.


    ¡°Akacia¡­¡± He mumbled as he returned the embrace.


    ¡°I am not your daughter. She is still in the temple far away.¡± She said softly.


    ¡°Sorry¡­ you must be right.¡± He hiccupped.


    ¡°Your daughter is currently held prisoner by a powerful man. Someone who will not stop before he reached his goal. He already killed several people and created conflicts that took many more lives. He also caused the uprising in Rhaidestos.¡± This last part was just a gut feeling, but in this moment of clarity she felt like she finally understood.


    Achaeus had sown the seeds of discord across the world. One such seed had grown its vines right under his feet and then become a prideful wildflower. This flower of discord had traveled the very seas to reach an island far away for a revenge against the people that had been victims of the same discord as well.


    Typhos was a victim of Achaeus schemes. This¡­ enraged her. The pain Typhos had caused was his own doing, but the path that had led to this ending was paved by the Archon!


    Meeting Epiphanes had given her the realization she could not have before. Themistokles words had been so terrifying that she had been hit by tunnel vision, but now she truly knew the bigger picture.


    The war that had sent Lamia into defense and made the slaves flee, the council¡¯s greed fueled by the Athenian aristocrats, the attacks on innocent fishermen in Eretria. All the bad that had happened around Eugenia, it was caused by one man.


    ¡°Please give us the sacred ore so we may end this madness. Help us stop Achaeus before he can take another child from you.¡±


    ¡°The ore? That¡¯s what you wanted?¡± He had stilled his tears and let go of the embrace. Hearing that his daughter was in danger had sobered him up. ¡°I have only little left, but it is all yours.¡± He wiped the tears with his dirty sleeve and then looked her deep into the milky eyes. ¡°You¡¯re her, are you not?¡±


    ¡°I hear that a lot.¡± She replied with furrowed brows.


    ¡°He said he wanted to save you. That boy always spoke half-truths to people¡¯s faces, but I wanted to believe this one.¡± The scholar said quietly.


    ¡°I was saved by the one he wanted to end.¡± She said truthfully.


    ¡°I knew he wouldn¡¯t return. ¡®Twas not meant to be. But it hurt so much to hear the sailors¡¯ words. And now the one who he wanted to save¡­ who was saved from him¡­ wants to save my daughter.¡± He left the chair and limped towards a large pile of materials. There was a wagon wheel sized sack among them which he took carefully and then set down on the workbench.


    ¡°Is that it?¡± Zosimos asked from the back. He had watched the exchange intently until that point.


    ¡°All that¡¯s left after my boy took the rest on his expedition.¡± The old scholar nodded.


    ¡°I can¡¯t imagine this will be enough to destroy the gate.¡± He said doubtfully.


    ¡°It will.¡± Eugenia replied confidently. She had experienced firsthand how powerful this miracle could be.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take your word for it. What do we owe you?¡± He turned to Epiphanes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want anything. It¡¯s been a long while since I felt like experimenting. Since Typhos¡­ left¡­ I didn¡¯t have any funds either. I might close down the smithy after this. But I want my final work to be sent straight towards that man¡¯s end.¡± He picked up some odd metal container and then started to push the ore inside it.


    ¡°It will be a bloody battle, even if this works.¡± Zosimos grimaced and relieved his frustration by pushing Trifos closer to the fireplace. The guard captain was starting to twitch in his unconscious state.


    Eugenia clutched her hands together and thought about those words. This rage she felt, did it cloud her mind so deeply? Why had she been so intent on stopping Achaeus? It was to prevent more suffering and deaths. But if Leander led his men to a battle to take the Akropolis from the other Archon, how many people would die? What if he took hostages?


    This ¡®miracle¡¯ would open the gates for any possibility.


    If Lady Athena had been here, she could have seen the most logical and wisest path. A way to resolve conflict in an instant and make Athens prosper. But even the goddess of wisdom lost to her own hatred. Would Eugenia really be another one in the long line of rage fueled avengers?


    ¡°Ghh¡­ Ngh¡­¡± Trifos began to squirm from the heat spreading across his back. This was just barbaric. Eugenia moved to the table to move him over, but slipped on some casing on the ground and swiped across the entire table. Dozens of contraptions crashed down loudly and materials were flung into the fire.


    The priestess leaned on the table with a red face.


    ¡°Whoa!¡±


    ¡°Incredible.¡±


    The two men reacted in a confounding way. It was rather inappropriate after such an embarrassing mishap. She felt their gazes were not on her however.


    ¡°That¡¯s a great discovery lass!¡± Epiphanes cheered.


    ¡°Huh? What did I do?¡± Now she was really worried.


    ¡°The flames, they, well, they are changing colors.¡± Zosimos explained. It must have been really mesmerizing.


    ¡°C-Colors? Fire is yellow, right?¡± She only knew what she was told. ¡®Yellow¡¯ was a foreign concept to her, as almost any color, except for the ones she ¡®saw¡¯ in Athena¡¯s vision.


    ¡°It¡¯s green. And purple. And now blue.¡± He described what he could hardly believe.


    ¡°What didja throw in there?¡± The scholar looked at the piles of dust on the table and inspected them curiously.


    ¡°This looks like a divine white. Artemis must be wandering the flames!¡±


    ¡°I think it was just the powder¡­ or the salts.¡± Epiphanes replied more down to earth.


    A divine fire. Merely an illusion, but it must have been impressive. Eugenia was sure that Akacia would have loved this kind of knowledge for her rituals. Much of the preparations priestesses performed were there to encourage the citizens that came to pray, rather than to appeal to the gods.


    ¡°Hm?¡± She felt like she had just thought of something really blasphemic and yet¡­


    There was an idea.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back to Leander and end this.¡± She said with newfound drive.


    <hr>


    There was only one path towards the Akropolis. This path wound all the way up the hill straight to the large gate. Now it was closed to the entire city and archers were taking up arms on the upper walls. An impenetrable defense that would cost many lives to overcome.


    Marching up that hill were all the men Leander had gathered under his banner. There was no need to declare war, for Achaeus had done so with his previous words and actions.


    The guards and soldiers held up their shields. They were not just protecting themselves, but also the cargo they dragged behind on a wagon. Several nets filled with metallic capsules. The archers began their rain of death. Arrows met wooden shields and paved ground, but only few penetrated the gaps in the formation. With each salvo they wounded more of the attackers and as Leander ordered them into the maw of death they would no doubt be crushed.


    The archers were nervous. Leander¡¯s troops had brought no ladders. They did not intend to scale the walls! Yet they kept marching as if possessed. They deflected arrow salvo after arrow rain and finally reached the large gate. Shields raised high above their heads, they threw the cargo against the walls and placed it there.


    After finishing that mission they hastily retreated in formation. A few were skewered on their escape, the first victims of this conflict. A few arrows also hit the metal balls, but they just got deflected as expected. Nothing happened.


    The archers were sure of their victory now. They had repelled the forces after all. And the strange metal balls at the base of the gate were nothing dangerous. If they had been burning logs, they might have been more effective.


    ¡°Draw the line!¡± Leander shouted from his horse.


    And then all the metal casings were pulled open. The cheering got stuck in the archers¡¯ throats as they saw in a mere heartbeat an entire pile of the casings opening, revealing water. Water that splashed across small clumps of ore.


    KRA-KOOM


    That day a thunder as loud as the greatest lightning spear thrown in Zeus legendary fights could be heard all across Athens.


    The gate was no more.


    ¡°Take the Akropolis! Corner the liar and coward Achaeus! For Athens!¡± Leander raised his sword and the troops streamed into the wide open passage. The archers who stayed atop the walls had been flung off and were lying spread out across the ground, shocked and afraid. They were left there unharmed, as their spirits were already broken.


    Thus began the fight between Archons.


    The miracle brought upon by the priestess was a thundering roar of rebellion. Yet the trial was far from over. The chains were not yet broken.

 Chapter 38: The Archon of order and the Archon of discord

    The Athenian Akropolis was a fortress in itself, but it had not been used as such before. Indeed, the fortifications were merely a first step towards a truly unbreachable acropolis. Under the last king of Athens the construction had begun, but ever since the Archons had been elected to watch over the city, support and financing had been flowing slowly. For the glory of Athens and its prestige, building a true acropolis that could not be replicated by any other city-state would have been highly important, but the Archons had long since used such prestige projects as a levering method against the other aristocrats.


    Today as the walls fell, a certain Archon would come to regret this decision dearly.


    The former throne room was a meeting place for the heads of the noble families and the Archons and served as the center of the current crisis. Whether they understood it or were blissfully unaware, the aristocrats were confined to the throne room. Guards were standing at every exit to make certain that nobody would leave in haste.


    And at the largest balcony, leaned lightly against the rim, stood the head of the troops that were defending the Akropolis from the coming threat. His name was Achaeus the wise. A moniker he could only snort at. Today he had felt much the fool.


    ¡°Lord Achaeus!¡± One of his men entered the throne room and approached him with a grim look.


    ¡°What is the situation in the city?¡± The black-haired Archon asked while leaning on the balustrade with both arms.


    ¡°Sir, the citizens have been ordered to stay in their homes. Archon Leander has sealed off port Piraeus and the city gates. But that isn¡¯t the worst of it.¡± He swallowed and bent a knee. ¡°He has gathered a small army of four hundred men. They are headed for the Akropolis right now.¡±


    ¡°Four hundred? You could not gather more Leander?¡± His sharp eyes looked over the walls and into the distance. The foot of the hill was too far away to be seen clearly from here, but surely they were marching along the path right as they spoke. ¡°Reinforcements will arrive in two days from Thebes and the east, correct?¡±


    ¡°They are on a death march to make it here in time.¡± The messenger nodded and still had his head lowered.


    ¡°We merely have to hold out for two days. To be honest, I feel little threat from a bunch of guardsmen and volunteers. Yet there is no reason to risk even a single of our men if we can simply repel them at the gate.¡± He tapped the stone railing with two fingers.


    ¡°But sir, their march is determined. Archon Leander is leading the enemy troops with his head held high.¡±


    ¡°I would expect no less from a ¡®hero¡¯. Did the scouts find any siege equipment yet?¡±


    ¡°None.¡±


    ¡°Then he must be truly desperate. You will inform me of any new developments.¡± Achaeus was satisfied and waved his messenger to leave. After taking in another deep breath he returned to the throne room where he was greeted by mixed expressions. Far from shackled, the aristocrats were standing and sitting in their social circles as usual, but the tension could have been cut with a blunt knife.


    ¡°Achaeus, will you tell us the details already?¡± A lank man with deep dark rings under his old eyes questioned him angrily. He had gotten on in age and was holding an oddly shaped piece of glass to look through. When asked he told people that it helped him see people better with his failing eyes, but if anyone else looked through it they would only be met with blurry imagery. This was no doubt the handiwork of a certain scorned scholar.


    ¡°Do not glare at me through that thing Kleitos.¡± He sighed and raised his hands in a placatory fashion.


    ¡°You will not earn my compliance until you have answered me. I cannot fathom why Leander would betray us and I have even less patience for your idea of ¡®safe-keeping¡¯. My daughter and my future son-in-law are outside the Akropolis right now, with that rabble.¡± He was incredibly irritated and no doubt represented a large faction of the upper class with the same issues.


    ¡°I hear your worries and will answer them.¡± Achaeus raised his hands to the sides and called out to the gathered crowd. ¡°Leander would resort to many things, but taking hostages is not one of them. I know that you are quite close to him Lord Kleitos. Your daughter, Eopia, is certainly still on good terms with him as well.¡±


    ¡°Are you suggesting that I am involved with this?¡± Eopia¡¯s father glared back at him with disgust.


    ¡°I have no cause to accuse you of anything. The reason I bring up this fact is to reassure you. Leander has always valued his comrades far more than common sense! That is why he can betray you and still uphold his own twisted form of honor.¡±


    ¡°Now you speak highly of him, despite his apparent betrayal? Who is to say that this was not an act too?¡± A corpulent lady joined the voices of many that showed disapproval.


    ¡°I knew Leander for many years¡­ thought I knew him, I should say. He had me fooled indeed. While I was preparing my campaign against the east he must have seen his opportunity. To slay me and take the palace would mean no less than seizing monarchy once more. You would have no objections to that, isn¡¯t that right Topos?¡± The dark-haired Archon pointed at one man close to the old throne.


    There sat an old man, greyer than dust, more brittle than the oldest parchment. A thousand folds on his skin and another thousands curls in his chest long beard. Between the deep and thick eyebrows he hid the old and nearly milky eyes of ages past. Archon of balance, Topos, a man that had lived longer than his own offspring and the last of his house. What could possess a corpse to move beyond the limits of human existence? Nobody could read this man.


    Topos opened his crusty eyes just enough to return his fellow Archon¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°I blame you not, old friend. The days of kings and strong rulers are not behind us just yet. But Leander shall not have his way. His methods have become twisted, perhaps thanks to an outside force. He poisoned my assistant and freed a prisoner. When I uncovered his plan I immediately sealed the Akropolis to prevent a coup. I lay all my cards bare in front of you valued houses.¡±


    ¡°Leander has no power over our soldiers, so how did he hope to take over? You are telling us that he intended to do it all with poison?¡±


    ¡°He had support from Eretria.¡± Achaeus explained curtly.


    ¡°Eretria?! Those coinless rowers supported him? For what reason?¡± Kleitos was full of doubt.


    ¡°I would garner that it was for the sake of the Ionian Alliance.¡±


    ¡°What? Do you mean to say they have betrayed us as well?¡±


    ¡°We cannot make such hasty judgements. I have captured the assassin and will press the motives out of him soon enough. For now he has confessed to be working for the Eretrian traitors.¡± Achaeus responded quickly.


    ¡°I cannot believe this. Leander has no connection to Eretria or the Ionian Alliance.¡± Kleitos again opposed the Archon. It seemed to be turning into a debate between the two of them. But his sentiment was far from the exception.


    ¡°After the pirate war he had been staying in Eretria for an entire year.¡± Achaeus revealed with a heavy mien. ¡°He went around Attica and all the cities to support them in wars and squabbles like possessed. He must have thought himself a hero of legend or something. In that time he certainly could have gotten his connections.¡± What Achaeus did not mention was that those Attican support troops had been sent in his name. An unimportant detail as far as he was concerned.


    ¡°This is how they repay our shed blood and sweat?¡± The aristocrats were outraged.


    ¡°I am certain that Eretria and Leander are working outside of the Alliance¡¯s true interests, but for now I will have to ascertain their cooperation.¡± Achaeus smirked. The troops placed in all the cities of the Alliance would gladly investigate on his command. ¡°If there is one thing we can thank the gods for, it is that Leander was exposed now. Had I begun our campaign, nobody would have been here to defend you. Now we can nip this scheme in the bud and assert ourselves over our careless allies.¡±


    The crowd murmured and seemed to eat up his words. Nothing was more convincing than the need for control. Humans desired nothing more than to have an influence on their own little world. That was especially true for people who had tasted power already. If Achaeus words were true, no, even if they were mostly lies, they could only gain from such prospects.


    ¡°Why? Just why would my brother do such a thing?¡± Finally a rather young, but deeply pained voice cut through the murmuring. It belonged to a young man, barely twenty summers of age. His hair was shaved with the exception of a braided ponytail. His fashion reminded more of the northern tribes far outside the range of Attica, the Thracians.


    He was the youngest member of Leander¡¯s house. A distant blue blooded boy married into the family under distress. He was clearly ostracized among the rest of the gathered, but his words had managed to silence them nonetheless.


    ¡°Thracus.¡± Achaeus spat out the word and looked down on the boy.


    ¡°Leander is a heroic man. A good man. He has never held an evil emotion in his heart since I met him.¡± The boy¡¯s thick accent made him feel more foreign, which would make his claims less believable, but he could still not stay quiet.


    ¡°We all know Leander¡¯s circumstances. He is a bastard.¡± Achaeus said straightforward. The others gasped. It was not something that was brought up often, for the history of house Leander was that terrible. ¡°A man born from a mere slave woman in Thebes¡­ I cannot underline how much I respect a man who could rise up from that. But no achievement will ever change what he truly is. A bastard. One that has only become the head of his family due to tragedy. I will tell you why Leander has turned out this way. After losing his brothers in war, his parents to sickness and the fortune to the money lenders¡­ what else could he have become? All of you gave him your trust! You voted him to be Archon despite his makeshift role as the head of a house and he slandered your names and went behind your backs! Is that how an honorable man repays his debts?¡± He balled his fist. ¡°No, that is the way of the cutthroat and criminal that his blood forced him into. It may not even be his fault. The gods made him that way.¡±


    ¡°How- how dare you speak of my brother that way!¡± Suddenly the young man lunged forward and swung his fist against Achaeus cheek.


    The Archon took the blow cleanly. Then he forced the fist back with his head. His eyes were sharp as a blade. Without remorse he punched the boy across the head and made him fall to the ground. His swing had more force and more devastating consequences. The young man spat blood at his feet.


    ¡°Thracus, you would do well to keep your mouth shut around us Atticans. Just like your traitorous brother, I have no patience for foolishness.¡± He still held his bruised fist raised and all the attention was on him. When sweet words ran out, the fist would reign. The complaints had turned silent already.


    With a quick breath he regained his composure and made an apologetic gesture towards the crowd.


    ¡°I swear that your relatives will be safe. Your enemies will be slain. And I will be victorious.¡±


    The certainty in his voice could finally convince them to believe.


    KRA-KOOOOM!


    And that was when everything became chaotic.


    The palace shook from something like an earthquake and there was a blinding light outside the windows. Achaeus had managed to keep his legs steady and immediately rushed to the balcony. The troops down below in the yard were apparently just as riled up as the aristocrats inside and began shouting and dispersing, but the officers kept them in line.


    Soon a messenger came running into the main yard and shouted something towards one of the captains below. They then hastily advanced the message to the higher levels. Achaeus was already halfway down the stairs when he met the pale faced man.


    ¡°Zeus'' thunder!! The gate was struck by the force of the king of gods!¡± His hysterical words were met with a smack to the face and an even glare of his superior.


    ¡°Get a grip. That is simply impossible.¡±


    ¡°B-But the gate! It is no more! It was blown away by thunder!¡±


    ¡°Who is Zeus?¡±


    ¡°W-What?¡±


    ¡°Who is Zeus?¡± He smacked him again.


    ¡°T-The god of the sky¡­ the father of all¡­¡± The messenger swallowed his fear.


    ¡°Thunder and lightning are his weapons, but if he were to come to battle, surely there would be a storm.¡± He pointed above where the sun still reigned supreme.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± The man regained some composure upon realizing this.


    ¡°There is no reason to assume the gods are on some self-righteous traitor¡¯s side. Do not get wrapped up in their pace. They must have used some form of siege equipment that we are not aware of.¡± Achaeus¡¯ thoughts were racing. The situation had taken an unexpected turn.


    ¡°They were apparently moving something on a wagon. But there is nothing else to report, the traitors have breached the gate, but the fighting has not started yet.¡±


    ¡°Four hundred men in a tight space? I want archers to take position in all the buildings surrounding the palace. Barricade the streets and get word from the lookouts on the towers! We have to cut them off as quickly as possible.¡± He imparted his orders and then joined his troops to explain the plan to them as well.


    Not counting the ones inside the palace, he had eight hundred men at his disposal. Double that of Leander¡¯s and at least four times better equipped. This was a defensive battle, but they had the advantage.


    Leander had decided to bite at the throat of a beast that willingly went into a snake pit to eradicate it completely.


    <hr>


    A few hours ago.


    ¡°I cannot believe you would betray me Trifos.¡± Archon Leander said with a miserable expression as he looked down on the beaten and tied up guard captain. He had already been in this unfortunate state when Leander arrived, so he had not been able to prevent the rough treatment.


    Swollen as his mouth was, the man still managed to spit out some blood and looked up with his bruised eyelids half open. Leander lowered himself to eye level and they stayed so in silence for a while.


    ¡°I never¡­ betrayed you¡­¡± Trifos said with pained breaths.


    ¡°You tried to kill Eugenia to prevent our trade with the scholar. Without that ore we will not be able to take the Akropolis and you knew that. Look me in the eye and tell me that you are not working for Achaeus.¡± His strong face belied his inner pain.


    ¡°I serve¡­ Achaeus, yes.¡± He admitted.


    ¡°I knew it.¡± Themistokles muttered at the door frame.


    ¡°Then you have betrayed me.¡± Leander sighed deeply.


    ¡°I ne¡¯er¡­ betrayed you¡­¡± Trifos repeated obstinately. ¡°You! You¡­ betrayed yourself.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°The man I followed into battle¡­ the reason I became a guardsman in this city¡­ It was all for that man. The hero who never ran from a battle. The legend among the soldiers who would inspire us to each and every victory.¡± He raved deliriously.


    Leander was struck with realization and widened his eyes.


    ¡°When did you become so¡­ soft? So despicably¡­ tired?¡± Trifos spat blood at his trousers. ¡°Leander, the hero of the pirate war¡­ hero of many wars. All I wanted was to keep fighting by your side. Swing my blade in your name¡­ But you abandoned war. You abandoned our way of life!¡± He moved his head forward despite his ropes until their eyes were only a finger¡¯s length apart. ¡°Achaeus has a hunger that I can respect. He will give us the eternal battlefield we belong t-o-¡­¡± His frantic smile turned hollow as his eyes lost light and he collapsed backwards. He had fainted from overexertion.


    ¡°A wolf drunk on the hunt.¡± Themistokles crossed his arms and looked away with pity. He knew people like him. Men who lived on the street and knew only how to swing their fists. For the next piece of food, for some clothes and sometimes just to feel alive.


    ¡°Please do not think too badly of him.¡± Leander rose up and smiled weakly towards the merchant and the priestess.


    ¡°He truly adored you.¡± Eugenia said with a hand over her mouth.


    ¡°It was my fault for not seeing when our paths had diverged. Ares has kindled the fire in his heart until there were only ashes left.¡± With a twisted expression the Archon left the small storage room and entered the light.


    The other two followed after him and then gathered around the map and the small strange canisters they had acquired from Epiphanes.


    ¡°I did not believe we would gain any information from Trifos, so nothing has changed. We will proceed with the plan as discussed before. That miraculous ore will be our trump card.¡± Leander moved his fingers across the map and placed a finger on a large drawing of a temple. ¡°I would be remiss not to warn you Eugenia. This is a battlefield and I cannot guarantee your safety. We will free the temple of Athena once the palace is taken, so you have no reason to accompany us.¡±


    ¡°I am aware that this is my selfish wish. There is no need to protect me.¡± She said quietly.


    ¡°You have my bow at least.¡± Zosimos said encouragingly, although his nervous legs were not supporting those confident words much.


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Leander inspected the map for the umpteenth time. ¡°I cannot sanction your plan, because it is too reckless, but there is no guarantee that Achaeus will not do something unforgivable. If I send a small group to free the temple and fortify it then you could at least evacuate the priestesses.¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯t do anything to the temple.¡± Eugenia said with absolute certainty.


    ¡°Listen here, Eugenia.¡± Zosimos moved his hands frantically. ¡°The Archon is trying to keep you safe despite disapproving of your plan. He¡¯s worried for you!¡± He whispered into her ear.


    ¡°I know.¡± She replied loudly. ¡°Thank you for your kindness, but I must decline.¡± She lowered her head.


    ¡°You think rather highly of your enemy.¡± Leander tilted his head to the side.


    ¡°When he spoke of the gods before, I know that he truly believed that they are on his side. Someone like that has no reason to destroy a temple. He would make himself the enemy of all of Athens too.¡± She moved aside a strand of her long hair and then returned to a serious expression. ¡°If you divide your forces to protect me you will lose, won¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Very well, your arguments are sound.¡± Leander surrendered.


    ¡°Even if you don¡¯t believe in my plan, I at least have to speak to Lady Akacia.¡±


    ¡°The moment you enter that battlefield you will lose my protection. The chaos of bloodshed cannot be contained. I will try to keep the casualties to a minimum by cutting off their support structures and capturing as many soldiers as I can, but a final stand will be unavoidable. These brave soldiers that serve our great city will be vanquished by their own brothers.¡± His heavy words showed the depth of his battle exhaustion. He appeared way older than he truly was.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give up hope. We need to stop Achaeus before he can hurt any more people.¡± Eugenia encouraged him and then left for the backdoor. There was no time to waste apparently.


    ¡°¡­do you think you can win this? Without divine intervention?¡± Zosimos scratched his head and looked at the wide open door.


    ¡°Nothing is certain in war.¡± The Archon replied slowly. ¡°Please look after her.¡± He added more kindly.


    ¡°Planned on that even if you said the opposite. Sorry, I¡¯m a terrible assistant.¡± Themistokles apologized lightly and followed Eugenia.


    ¡°Your tea is certainly lacking.¡± The Archon muttered with a smirk as he finished his cup. It was time for him to rally his men. One last speech.


    The Archon walked into the large gathering hall of the guard house. At least a hundred men stood ready inside and even more were waiting outside and on the floor above. He recognized many of their faces, but there were also some young lads he had never met before. Town guards, retired soldiers, veterans who had been released of service for injuries. It was a great mix of fighters. He even spotted a few wives between their husbands. He would also have to fight for their approval.


    ¡°It is good to see all of you again comrades. I also welcome the new lads who came to hear me out on this day. To plead for your strength in this coming battle.¡± He raised a fist.


    ¡°What are ya saying Leander? Pleadin¡¯ with us?¡± One of the larger warriors crossed his arms and glared down on the Archon. His left eye was blinded by a large scar, but his other appeared all the more intimidating for it. Leander had known him for many years. ¡°Hahaha!¡±


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°Nikos?¡± He sized him up as the frown turned into a hearty laugh.


    ¡°Raise your sword. Wherever it points, we shall wreak havoc upon yer enemies!!¡± He roared and large chunks of the crowd joined in on the war cry.


    Leander looked stunned for a heartbeat, but then turned his expression to disapproval.


    ¡°I cannot accept such bravery! Such loyalty!¡± He shouted and raised both his fists to the sides.


    The crowd turned silent at his reprimanding.


    ¡°I am not here to ask you for your favor as your former General. I am not here to call upon your blood oaths!¡± He moved his gaze across their eyes. ¡°I called upon you so I may convince you to fight this battle¡­ for yourselves!¡±


    ¡°Aye?¡± Nikos bulging muscles seemed to grow even greater as he tensed them up.


    ¡°This is a battle between Archons. You should not have to choose a side. This is not just. You swore loyalty to Athens, to the will of the Archons, but you have never been forced to fight for a single man¡¯s ideals. That is not the role of a soldier! And yet¡­.¡± He grit his teeth and focused his anger to the core of his chest. ¡°Achaeus has used you all for his own plans, for the senseless battles that he himself has wrought.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Does he tell the truth?¡±


    ¡°Who was there at the defense of Lamia?¡± Leander asked passionately.


    A bunch of men shouted.


    ¡°Who raided the Aegean pirate fort at my side?¡±


    Another round of acknowledging voices.


    ¡°Are you the men who intercepted the barbarians during the offensive on Eretria?¡±


    The men on the upper floors all raised their fists.


    ¡°These battles, the blood you have shed and the comrades you¡¯ve lost. For whose sake did you give them? For what purpose did you lose them? Was it for the glory of Attica? To protect you families around the world?¡± Leander was taken by a fire. ¡°YOU ARE WRONG! All of this hardship was for the sake of only one man. Achaeus! You fought his battles, you slayed his opponents and you risked it all for his political games!¡±


    Now the crowd was visibly swelling up with anger.


    ¡°Many of you are Ionians. Allies of Athens and its people, granted a life in our glorious city as recompense for fighting our wars for us. Many of you are slaves who have known no choice in life, enlisted as our soldiers to save privileged men¡¯s futures.¡± His hand went through his hair to contain his emotions, but he could not shackle them. Not when looking into these honest men¡¯s eyes. ¡°But to me you are all comrades! Brothers who fought at my side! Your lives have meaning to me and I cannot allow a selfish man¡¯s will to decide their path to doom. You fought Achaeus¡¯ battles, but not anymore. This next campaign he has prepared for your sons, for your families, for all of the powerless men across the world will not be fought upon your backs. Their blood shall not run in rivers to carry the ship of one delusional man!¡±


    Silence enveloped the guard house. Everyone was drawn to the Archon¡¯s lips, to his wild eyes and voice. He lowered his fists and finally came to his plea.


    ¡°Not for my sake and not for that of Athens. Please, join me in this fight for all those who have not yet given their souls to war. For your children and your wives. For the ones who cannot decide for themselves. I beg of you¡­ lend me your strength!¡±


    As he gasped for breath he was not sure what to expect. His words had come from his heart, but he had told them that all their achievements and all of their hardships were a lie. For many of his claims he had no solid proof. If they doubted him then he would not keep them here. There was no time to gather more comrades, to start a civil war. These men were his only chance, but he would not deceive them.


    ¡°I said it already, so don¡¯t make me repeat myself.¡± Nikos stepped forward and put his hand on the Archons¡¯ shoulder. ¡°There is nobody here who would doubt your words. Your sword swings true and your spear could pierce the hide of Kerberos. That¡¯s more than enuff for ''em.¡±


    ¡°Down with Achaeus! Down with the deceiver!¡±


    ¡°RAAAHH!¡±


    Their cries were those of the vengeful and wronged. But also of friends who would not abandon his side.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He whispered almost inaudibly.


    <hr>


    An hour ago.


    ¡°Soldier to our left. Next to the tree.¡± Bion guided them past yet another enemy with quick reactions and short skips. The other two followed him with delay. That is how they had made it from the town hall all the way to the stables near the palace.


    ¡°Not many horses here. They must be short on long distance messengers for some reason.¡± Bion joked and then kicked open a wooden door. Then he rolled into a bunch of hay and poked his head out.


    Therses looked at him with displeasure.


    ¡°It¡¯s better than nothing fisherboy. We need a break. Especially master.¡± He urged him to come inside the hay filled room and they finally took refuge.


    The smell of hay, horse urine and something rotting was stinging Therses'' nose. Even as someone who was used to the stench of aged fish, this was vile. He set Agapetos down on a bale of hay and then flipped out his knife. It was aimed at none other than captain Irvenos.


    ¡°I¡¯m in no state to do ya any harm, boy.¡± Irvenos said casually and leaned against the wall with crossed legs.


    ¡°When you came back with that piece of shit I wanted to punch you, but you just had to alert the guards. I can¡¯t believe we walked all the way here with a backstabber.¡± The young Eretrian held his fisher knife steady. Its hooks were still bloody from the guard it had impaled recently.


    ¡°Told you he would make an interesting face.¡± Bion said with a deadpan grin.


    ¡°Have you lost your mind?! This man - he is the reason we were locked up in the first place! He is the one who poisoned that assistant and betrayed Eretria!¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say I betrayed ¡®em. Achaeus¡¯ men were cooperating with Eretria¡¯s great houses. My claim to work for the council is legitimate.¡± The captain said carefree and folded the sleeves of his worn noble clothes. There were a few white scars on his lower arms.


    ¡°I won¡¯t believe a single word out of your mouth! We should have abandoned him in the town hall so he could rot.¡± He glared at Bion again who was still sticking out of the hay.


    ¡°Is he usually this judgmental?¡±


    ¡°What time is it?¡± Bion asked.


    ¡°Late noon I reckon?¡±


    ¡°Then yes.¡±


    ¡°Would you stop joking around? This is serious. You are letting a murderer walk alongside us. Do you not care for Agapetos¡¯ safety?¡± Therses grinded his teeth.


    ¡°We ended a bunch of Achaeus¡¯ men already, so it¡¯s not like we have any chance at mercy. If we¡¯re caught, we¡¯re done for.¡± The young medico replied with a yawn. ¡°Same goes for the captain, so why not work together?¡± He leaned into the hay to relax.


    ¡°I only want to get out of here.¡± Irvenos said honestly. ¡°You may expect me to help ya take down the tyrant or whatever, but that¡¯s not my line of work. We¡¯re probably going to die anyway, but I¡¯d rather die trying to get back to the port.¡±


    ¡°See? He won¡¯t even speak against Achaeus! He is clearly a liability.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t see a way to get out of here without taking down a tyrant or two.¡± Bion replied dryly.


    ¡°Heh. You may well be right ¡®bout that.¡± The captain chuckled hoarsely.


    ¡°We probably won¡¯t be able to sit this one out in here.¡± Bion rolled around in the hay and picked up some bugs that tried to crawl into his shirt. ¡°So we need a plan. Preferably the easy kind.¡±


    ¡°We need to get into the palace and show the evidence we found in the office to the aristocrats.¡± Therses declared and smacked the bundle inside his inner pockets.


    ¡°That sounds more like a trial for Herakles.¡± Bion¡¯s dull eyes looked at the ceiling.


    ¡°It¡¯s not impossible! We made it this far already.¡±


    ¡°Because we kept a low profile. Won¡¯t be a walk across the meadow from here.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s right.¡± Irvenos agreed, but was blinded by the reflection of the fishing knife. The swelling around his good eye had barely receded, so it hurt twice as much.


    ¡°They got people on watch in the towers around the palace. If we take those out we might be able to sneak in.¡± The young slave said with a deeper voice.


    ¡°We can¡¯t leave Agapetos behind, so one of us has to carry him. That means only you will be able to fight.¡± Therses said dejectedly. Even though it were his words that caused this plan, he still felt hopeless.


    ¡°I could carry the old man.¡± Irvenos raised a hand.


    ¡°Never.¡± The fisherman growled.


    ¡°Then let me fight. I¡¯m a bit banged up, but this is nothin¡¯ compared to naval combat. Shakin¡¯ legs make me feel right at home.¡±


    ¡°You really think I would hand a weapon to you? Hah!¡±


    ¡°Will a sword do?¡± Bion asked and threw one of the two swords he carried to the captain.


    ¡°You fool!¡± Therses tensed up and held his knife ready.


    ¡°Hrmph¡­ Huh.¡± He swung it a few times and suppressed a wince. ¡°Light. Good material. Those lads are lucky to be this well-equipped.¡±


    ¡°I prefer knives to be honest.¡± Bion shrugged and spun the remaining sword in his hand.


    ¡°Like I already said, I won¡¯t be pickin¡¯ a side. Never ends well. But I¡¯ll be useful to you until the currents tear us apart.¡± Irvenos stood up and held the sword in perfect form. He clearly had learned swordplay from a master.


    ¡°Stormy weather ahead.¡± Bion joked and lightly smacked Therses with the blunt side of his sword.


    <hr>


    The soldier on lookout fell over with a gurgle. His throat had been cleanly cut from behind. He joined his partner on the opposite end of the wooden tower in this fate. Their armor was good, but their throats were unprotected either way.


    ¡°Finally someone my size.¡± Bion exhaled in relief and then undressed the guard. The cuirass and boots were good fits, but the rest not so much.


    ¡°Be glad that you¡¯re small. My size is much rarer.¡± Irvenos said with a dry voice and dragged the corpse towards the inner wall.


    ¡°Hah, that so? Strange how you got the right size on your first try then.¡± He said with furrowed eyebrows.


    ¡°Picked the one that looked my size as our first target, naturally.¡± The sailor replied coolly.


    ¡°Are you two done yet?¡± Therses asked nervously from below the ladder. He was waiting for them to come down.


    ¡°You want anything fisherboy? Maybe a helmet?¡±


    ¡°Stop joking and come down here! I think there is a patrol coming.¡±


    ¡°Six on the right. Street corner to the stables.¡± Irvenos nodded over the wooden wall.


    From these towers it was rather easy to spot enemies. Which was exactly why they had systematically taken out all spotters. Or at least enough to finally make it into the palace without being caught immediately. Bion and Irvenos climbed down the ladder and followed the ever nervous Therses into the shadows. He was still carrying Agapetos on his back, so he was unable to defend himself well.


    ¡°They¡¯ll notice our handiwork soon, so we¡¯ll have to sneak inside now.¡± Irvenos said as he wiped his sword on some bushes.


    ¡°Why are you playing along? What is there for you to gain inside the palace?¡±


    ¡°An opportunity will present itself.¡± He replied stoically.


    ¡°He will betray us!¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, I heard you the first six times. Now hold on to the old man and follow me. If we play this right we¡¯ll be getting in without complications.¡± Bion cracked his neck and then walked ahead.


    When they reached an unassuming door at the backside of a building he stopped and urged them to take position. Irvenos stood to his side and knocked on the door. At first there was no response, so they were about to force their way in, but then a voice penetrated the wood.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there? Nobody¡¯s supposed to be about. Curfew¡¯s been declared a while ago.¡±


    ¡°We know that, obviously, but we got some trouble here. There is this old drunkard we picked up on the road and he claims he is working for the kitchen?¡± Bion explained in an impatient tone. He really sounded like this was a huge bother to them.


    The door was opened just a tiny gap and an eye peeked at them. When the man realized that he was talking to fully armed soldiers he immediately threw the door wide open and changed his entire demeanor.


    ¡°S-Sirs, we aren¡¯t missin¡¯ nobody. The kitchen staff¡¯s all present on the upper floors, they are.¡± The man looked like a humanoid weasel and his darting eyes found no peace. From his behavior one could surmise that he was also part of the staff.


    ¡°You don¡¯t recognize this man?¡± Bion pulled Therses over so he could show off Agapetos.


    ¡°N-Never seen ¡®im in my life!¡± He responded anxiously.


    ¡°Riiight. You don¡¯t mind if we check up on your staff quarters for a spell?¡± Bion asked with a dark smile.


    The man looked up at tall Irvenos and was met by the countless scars and a single gleaming eye. He immediately backed away and let them enter. The moment the door closed behind them¡­


    ¡°Thank you for your cooperation.¡±


    ¡­Bion knocked the man out with a straight right hook.


    ¡°Was that really necessary?¡± Therses looked at the pale face of their victim and adjusted the snoring old man hanging over his shoulder. He watched Bion drag the knocked out man behind some chests and then cover him in rags.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have any time to join a theater troupe. You got that corrupt guard look down to a mastery though.¡± He congratulated Irvenos who worriedly touched his own face to check if he really looked like some evil character. The scarves he still wore under his helmet and armor were certainly not helping.


    ¡°We made it into this house. Now what?¡±


    ¡°These are the servant quarters and there is an eatery next door. Which means this is where they go from and to the palace.¡± He waved them over to the opposite door and then opened it carefully. More hallways followed.


    ¡°I never thought about that.¡± Therses muttered.


    ¡°Thought the servants all live in the palace, eh?¡± He predicted. ¡°These side-buildings look far less glamorous, but it¡¯s where most of the important stuff goes down. Servants living in the same place as aristocrats is unacceptable.¡±


    ¡°Right. One of my contractors owned a mansion, but the servants had their own little shed. Not sure who was bein¡¯ spared the other¡¯s presence there.¡± Irvenos chuckled and looked around the tight hallway. They kept moving


    At the end of the short passage they left through a door that led into a backyard. It was surrounded by several other buildings and became tighter each corner they took. At the very end they reached a smaller gate inside a long wall. This was a servant entrance into the palace grounds.


    ¡°So far, so uncharacteristically easy.¡± The disguised medico fiddled around in his pocket and tried out several keys from a ring until one finally turned. ¡°Whoa, that¡¯s a lot of helmets.¡± He whispered with dulled eyes.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°They gathered in the yard. Basically a small army.¡± Bion opened the gate just a bit more and showed them.


    ¡°That¡¯s a cryin¡¯ shame.¡± Irvenos one eye looked grim as well.


    ¡°Will we be able to get past them?¡±


    ¡°Only if you¡¯re ready to crawl through some dirt.¡± Bion pointed at the garden area, which was rather muddy. ¡°The captain and I can probably pass off as a patrol, but that¡¯s not gonna fool the officers for long.¡±


    ¡°The low presence outside was because of their main forces on the inside.¡± Therses bit his lip.


    ¡°We¡¯ll just have to try anywa-¡±


    KRA-KOOOOM!


    ¡°Dionysus¡¯ screeching lyre!¡± Bion cursed and held his ears closed.


    ¡°W-W-What was that?!¡±


    ¡°¡­sounded like somethin¡¯ collapsed.¡± Irvenos spoke quietly through the ringing in their ears.


    The army inside the yard was turning frantic and there was shouting everywhere. They almost dispersed in a panic, but were then barked back into discipline.


    ¡°Whatever that was, I bet it means nothing good.¡± Bion shrugged and then entered the palace grounds. ¡°Now¡¯s our chance to slip in, though.¡±


    As the soldiers took positions and moved away in groups, the yard was slowly turning emptier. If they slipped through now they could make it. At least that was their hope. The moment they turned around the garden area to move towards the side entrance they were met by two soldiers who were carrying horns.


    ¡°What are you doing? Leander¡¯s traitors are coming. Get back to your posts!¡± One of them shouted.


    ¡°Sorry ¡®bout that, we were just moving these prisoners¡­¡±


    ¡°Prisoners? What are you talking abo-?¡± The words got stuck in his throat as Irvenos pierced it with his sword.


    Therses was shocked, but had enough sense to slam the horn out of the other man¡¯s hand. Bion followed it up with another strike of his xiphos and the second soldier went down.


    ¡°That was a bit hasty.¡± Bion scolded the sailor.


    ¡°¡¯Tis unavoidable. There¡¯ll be no time for talking and tricks any longer.¡± The one-eyed captain pointed at the approaching helmets from the staircase. If they had gotten involved in an argument with these two they would have been caught by the next ones.


    ¡°Pleh. Brace yourself, fisherboy. You better keep my master away from most of those spears.¡±


    ¡°Most?¡± Therses sighed and followed the two brazen killers in front of him.


    <hr>


    The battle had begun. Leander rode into the Akropolis with his sword held high and then shouted orders at his men. The phalanx of men advanced forward steadily, shields raised and spears in position. They were a walking wall that closed the gaps between the buildings and made it hard for archers to shoot them down on ground level.


    Right behind the phalanx came the few archers and slingers on Leander¡¯s side. They shot down the enemy¡¯s far ranged troops with their arrows, rocks and clay projectiles. To their luck the angles from which to shoot on the rooftops were awkward, while the slings had a far better reach than most bows.


    These veterans were experienced in war and had some of the best intuition and aim. Combat in cities was not as common as one might believe, but these men had fought in many siege s and defenses alongside Leander, so they knew where to stand and where to aim.


    The opposing ground forces were slowly backing away. Despite their superiority in numbers, the tight roads and alleys of the Akropolis did not allow for them to spread out completely. To carelessly clash in the open would create heavy losses on both sides.


    ¡°Keep pushing onward!¡± Leander kept shouting and then gave the order. ¡°Javelins!¡±


    Just as the enemy soldiers began their charge they were skewered by dozens of thrown spears. Javelins were destructive and deadly, more so than any tiny arrow. A man with a strong arm even managed to pierce most shields in one throw.


    The first clash of soldiers happened right in front of the palace plaza. Spears met shields and swords clashed with swords. Blood wet their armors and shields in a cacophony of war cries.


    Leander knew that he had to contain the battle to this one place or they would be surrounded in no time. He looked back at the second wagon which was filled with spare arrows, rocks and three more metal capsules filled with the magic ore. Their resources were limited, but they could win this.


    At the last moment he dodged a stray arrow that was aimed for his heart by jumping off his steed. The horse neighed fearfully, but he managed to calm it with a single clap on its side. Then he moved forward, fitting his helmet tighter, and joined the fray!


    <hr>


    The temple of Athena was far off from the skirmishes. A few dozen soldiers had been sent to lock the priestesses inside and prevent anyone from moving about. When the fighting began a couple of them were moving out to get involved, but the rest adhered to their orders. Armed men in the temple of Athena were not just rare, it was frowned upon. Under normal circumstances whoever ordered this atrocity would have been faced with Akacia¡¯s wrath.


    Instead one of the unfortunate guards was taking the fire for his master.


    ¡°I understand that you are upset Lady-¡±


    ¡°UPSET? Do not dare tell me what I am feeling at his moment.¡± She was seething. If glares could have inflicted physical pain, the man would feel like he had been skinned alive. Telling by his facial expression his current experience was not far off however. ¡°Your asses have trampled into this holy temple ¨C destroying our sacred flowerbed mind you ¨C and forced my girls to fear for their lives inside their own rooms! And the greatest ox of them all tried to ram his overcompensating horns into my quarters to tell me what?¡±


    ¡°Y-You¡­ have to come to the palace with me¡­ P-Please!¡± He shrieked when he saw her reaction.


    ¡°You truly believe that I would leave your dirty donkeys to run amok in my temple? Without my supervision? Your buffoons sully the purity of this place with your mere presence! If ¨C no, when - Lady Athena finds out about this travesty, there will not be any walls or any amount of ignorance thick enough to protect your feeble minds!¡±


    ¡°Milady, I¡¯m just following orders. Archon Achaeus said-¡±


    ¡°Do you honestly believe I care for what he wants? If he has a request of the grand priestess he will crawl over here and flail before the temple steps like the overgrown maggot he is.¡± As she pounded the young man¡¯s will to live out of his soul with her verbal fists, something caught her eye.


    At the entrance behind the man one could see the opulent pillars and statues. Two more soldiers stood there with their backs turned to them, clearly relieved not to be in their comrade¡¯s position. In their attempts to ignore the yelling they were far less vigilant than expected. That¡¯s why they didn¡¯t notice the stray arrow that hit the steps closely.


    ¡°The temple has political immunity. Do you even comprehend what that word means?¡± Akacia hissed.


    ¡°Yes, grand priestess!¡±


    ¡°It means that your dirty lackeys will take their mud covered boots out of our halls and leave!¡±


    At the entrance another arrow managed to lodge itself into a pillar. Whoever was shooting seemed to have incomprehensible aim. A few more kept hitting all over the place. Eventually even the guards seemed to notice the strewn about shafts.


    ¡°I swear upon my family name that we will make a large offering after this crisis is over. Would that satisfy the great Athena¡¯s whims?¡±


    ¡°Excuse you? Do you honestly assert that Lady Athena¡¯s forgiveness can be bought?¡±


    ¡°Er¡­ yes?¡± He was not ready for the following tirade.


    Of course Akacia could demolish a puny appeal to greed and fold soldiers like this without a second thought. So she kept observing the oddness behind him without missing a beat.


    From the distance she could have sworn to hear frustrated arguing. The guards also heard it and looked into the left direction. In just that moment a stray arrow hit the wooden support of a statue that was still under construction. Not that any more work would be necessary from this point forward. Construction just ended with a loud bang.


    The two soldiers were buried with screams and stayed down.


    The soldier in front of her had winced when the loud noise reached him and almost seemed to expect to be hit by divine retribution. He turned his head back, but in that moment Akacia grabbed him by the helmet strap and pulled him back painfully.


    ¡°I am not done with you! You have some gall to ignore the grand priestess.¡± An arrow sailed past the shocked soldier¡¯s head and barely missed Akacia¡¯s gown as well.


    They both froze up and then turned around.


    ¡°That was your last arrow Zosimos¡­¡±


    ¡°I am quite aware!¡±


    A bickering pair appeared behind the rubble. The tanned man with the bow was throwing aside his empty quiver and walked towards them.


    ¡°W-Who are you? This is a sacred temple!¡± The soldier stammered.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Akacia hissed.


    The tanned man did not stop his march and then just smacked the soldier with the bow! In his surprise the unfortunate man just fainted and fell over.


    ¡°There, direct hit!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not how you use bows.¡± Eugenia pointed out.


    ¡°Lady Artemis would be satisfied. As long as it connects it still counts!¡±


    The duo sighed at the same time, probably because they were as tense as the statue they had just destroyed. Somehow they had made it through the battles all over the Akropolis and ended up in this place.


    ¡°I should have known that was not the last time we would cross paths.¡± Akacia was naturally not happy to meet her former prot¨¦g¨¦ again so soon.


    ¡°Lady Akacia, are you alright? What about the others?¡± The girl was genuinely worried, that much she could tell.


    But that had always been the issue. Eugenia would put her nose into matters that it didn¡¯t belong. She caused trouble wherever she went just by being someone who didn¡¯t understand other people. Akacia had known from the moment that she arrived at her doorstep that this girl was not normal. She was chosen by Athena, but she lacked the charisma or determination to fulfill that role. She would always cling to the grand priestess for support, not caring how much trouble it was to treat everyone under her guidance equally.


    Akacia¡¯s eyes reflected the past, but the present was just as problematic.


    ¡°Nothing more than a scare for the girls. We were handling the situation just fine. At least those buffoons did not deign to destroy our temple physically.¡± The tanned archer followed her gaze to the crumbled statue, while the blind girl just lowered her head awkwardly.


    ¡°Oh grand priestess! Allow me to assure you that I will repay this destruction. I may not look it, but I am a rather successful merchant.¡± The man that Eugenia had called ''Zosimos'' assured her with a steady merchant smile.


    ¡°That unfinished piece alone cost us five hundred owls.¡± She said curtly.


    ¡°Did I hear footsteps? You two should hide away! I will take care of the stragglers!¡± At lightning speed he changed his demeanor and hastily turned around.


    ¡°What is his real name?¡± Akacia asked.


    ¡°Themistokles. He works at the merchant guild.¡± Eugenia responded immediately.


    ¡°Really now? Now you actually decide to call me by my real name?¡± He complained and put a hand to his face.


    The crunching of boots made them all alert and suddenly Zosimos words turned out to be true. He waved them away and then dragged the unconscious soldier behind the garden wall. The priestesses rushed off towards a small chamber that was meant for storing water for baths. Cleansing the body was a daily routine for priestesses. Considering how much Eugenia reeked of sweat, Akacia was deliberating to push her straight into the water.


    The door closed and an eerie silence arrived as it could only in such a dark and damp room. To counter this Akacia lit a candle. Eugenia sneezed when the smoke hit her sensitive nose.


    ¡°You should have left Athens.¡± The grand priestess said bluntly.


    ¡°I am sorry for wasting your escape route.¡± She smiled apologetically.


    ¡°You brought war upon this place. Not on the order of our goddess, but your own. I am disappointed.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ I¡­¡± The frank words seemed to hit home how grave her choice was.


    ¡°And yet I am used to being disappointed by you. This will not change in the foreseeable future. Now tell me your purpose here. You did not come just to check up on our wellbeing.¡± She rested her elbow in her hand and braced herself for anything.


    ¡°I want to end this battle before it turns into a civil war.¡±


    ¡°Lofty goals.¡± She did not move a single facial muscle.


    ¡°Lady Akacia, you know Archon Achaeus, don¡¯t you?¡± She was listening for a reaction. Akacia could read her face so easily still. When no response came she seemed unsure, but still moved on. ¡°He is not the kind of man who gives up, is he? Even if he lost this battle, he will come for retaliation. Even if he dies in this battle, he has people who will follow in his footsteps.¡±


    ¡°Even you have realized this much then.¡± Akacia nodded slowly.


    ¡°There has to be some way to stop him. Not with spears, but with words.¡± She pressed out.


    ¡°Whose words?¡± She already knew, but she could not accept it.


    ¡°Lady Athena¡¯s.¡±


    Two priestesses were standing at the crossroads of an unseen path. Indeed with the absence of the guiding light, each step was taken in complete blindness.

 Chapter 39: Leander and Achaeus

    The battle in front of the palace had grown fiercer by the moment. The two Archons'' forces clashed incessantly, but there was no visible change in the battlefield. The soldiers could not push back Leander¡¯s forces, no matter how much they tried to overrun them with numbers!


    The general of the Athenian troops was sweating because of the heat of the sun and the distress in his heart. When he looked upon his enemies he felt something new, an innate fear. The veterans and young men alike, they had a fire in their eyes. Their frothing lips were always releasing a war cry. They fought as if they were possessed by the Erinyes!


    What manner of vengeance drove them to this madness? A warrior¡¯s rush, consumed by the red fog of Ares. The general¡¯s orderly lines were crumbling under the sword of Leander¡¯s self-righteous spirit. Indeed, the man himself was in the middle of the fight, impaling soldiers left and right.


    ¡°I order everyone to focus on the traitorous Archon!¡± The general shouted to his men with an extended arm. ¡°He can¡¯t take on all of you!¡±


    They had the advantage. Not only did they have far more troops, the men who were waiting in front of the palace were rested, while Leander¡¯s troops only grew more exhausted as the battle raged on. And if they cut off the head of the snake, this fruitless rebellion would collapse in on itself in an instant.


    Leander noticed the large group coming for him. Ten men, rushing through the straggling veterans and then cutting their way to the center of the plaza. The exhausted Athenian soldiers around them made way and held off the raging horde to create a path. The Archon readied his spear. He was not about to retreat.


    ¡°Come!¡± He shouted at those who rushed for his head.


    The first three held forward their spears and shields to push him away from his comrades. Their tactic was to surround him and then impale him. A testament to the fact that getting close to Leander meant death.


    Well, they were half right.


    ¡°Hraah!¡± Leander threw his spear and pierced the first man¡¯s head. The other two tried to stab at him the moment he moved, but he deflected one spear with his short sword and then dodged the other one by pulling it along. The spearman was surprised by the force with which he was pulled, but that surprise ended quickly as he was already cut down by Leander¡¯s blade. The Archon wasted no time and twisted around the spear he had already been holding to hit the third man¡¯s shield.


    They moved apart, but unlike the soldiers, Leander had no room to escape. The other executioners were already behind him. His arm was grazed by a spear and his shoulder was acting up. It flared in immense pain as he blocked another hit. With gritted teeth he spun the spear in a circle and flicked away incoming spear tips. Then he moved the weapon into his right hand and stabbed forward with all his muscles tensed to the utmost.


    ¡°Gragrl!¡± The first to be impaled opened his eyes widely, but the man behind him was even more surprised. The spear had penetrated through the back and reached him as well!


    ¡°This- This bastard!¡± The remaining six showed a mix of fear and rage at seeing their fallen comrades. ¡°He¡¯s just one man!¡±


    Leander coughed as he was hit by a shield against his chest armor and then barely managed to deflect incoming stabs. No matter how fierce he fought, their coordinated attacks were too much. Sweat ran into his eyes and burned his vision and he could hardly breathe¡­


    ¡°Hey ya cowards, how bouta real fight?!¡± The shout preceded an incoming axe that split one of the soldier¡¯s scalps clean in half.


    ¡°Nikos!¡± Leander gasped for air and cut an enemy¡¯s tendon, then proceeded to behead him.


    ¡°Sorry, the boys are still tryin¡¯ ta catch up. But ya got me axe!¡± He laughed madly and then cut off the spear tip in front of him. Axes were a natural counter to the long spears of the Athenian military. Veterans like Nikos knew this, but he was just a real lover of axe combat, regardless of tactical advantage.


    They fought back to back to repel the headhunters and managed to prevail.


    ¡°Javelins!¡± Leander heard the shout behind him and spun around to protect Nikos with his shield. One of the thrown spears pierced the shield and grazed the Archon¡¯s side, but he managed to survive.


    Nikos on the other hand was pierced in the leg.


    ¡°Haah¡­ we need to retreat. Just back to the front line.¡± Leander pulled Nikos back so he would not rush into the next group of enemies on his own.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way back!¡± Nikos retorted and tore the spear out of his leg.


    ¡°What?¡± Leander looked back and realized that they had been cut off. While they had been fighting for their lives, the enemy had already pushed back Leander¡¯s troops. They were at the edge of the plaza, not breaking phalanx formation. The only reason the two of them were not skewered yet was that the enemy general did not want to risk shooting his own men.


    ¡°Hahaha, ¡®tis a proper fight! I¡¯ve been cravin¡¯ this heat.¡± Nikos shouted and hit his axe against a shield he picked up. The rush of his blood had intoxicated him as so many others.


    ¡°We have to hold the line for just a bit longer.¡± Leander spat out some blood and looked at the enemy general. He was making a triumphant expression, standing between his personal bodyguards and with plenty of reinforcements to spare.


    Somewhere beyond the palace gates Achaeus was surely watching this spectacle.


    Leander gripped his sword tightly.


    ¡°Which way¡¯s your sword pointin¡¯ now?¡± Nikos asked with a bloody smile. Reinforcements were already marching towards them.


    ¡°Always at the next enemy.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought.¡±


    They rushed forward into the incoming shouting soldiers. As long as they kept slashing away, the veterans behind them would have more time to regain their footing and reclaim the plaza. If they just held out a little longer, the plan would finally bear fruit.


    The axe kept cleaving skulls, while Leander¡¯s spearplay tore holes into his enemies. Every time Nikos jumped onto an enemy to bash them to death, Leander was right behind him to protect his back. When Leander picked up a new spear, Nikos would distract the enemies with a berserker-like scream that shook them in their boots.


    Finally, as they were covered in blood and gashes, the two warriors fell to their knees. And just as they looked up to the swords aiming to cut them down, allies rushed forward and broke into the enemy¡¯s formation. The forces that had pushed them back had been crushed!


    ¡°Filthy traitors.¡± Achaeus¡¯ general was seething and moved his sword in a circle. His reinforcements were now surrounding the rebellious troops. To save Leander they had dared to move too far into the center, so their lines were broken. This was just what the General had been waiting for. Hefty losses were just part of strategic warfare!


    ¡°Archon, can you stand?¡± One of the younger men helped him up and gave him a shoulder to lean on.


    ¡°I am fine. Call the men back, we cannot engage in a direct confrontation like thi-¡±


    ¡°FIRE! There is a fire!¡± Soldiers on both sides pointed back towards the large pillar of smoke.


    ¡°Leander, you madman! Will you burn down the entire Akropolis to get your way?! What evil will you stoop to before you are satisfied?¡± The general shouted and panicked.


    The Akropolis was tightly build, with not much room between buildings. From what Leander could tell the fire came from the town hall. Naturally he had not ordered to set anything on fire, because the consequences would be enormous. This was destruction incarnate and it might have swallowed the entire Akropolis soon.


    ¡°We need to extinguish the fire before it is too late!¡±


    ¡°No¡­ we will keep fighting.¡± Leander decided and was met with shocked faces. ¡°If we retreat now all is lost! Let the town hall burn! Let it all burn until our enemies are ashes!¡±


    ¡°You- You monster!¡± The enemy general shouted and then moved forward alongside his men. They had to crush Leander¡¯s forces as swiftly as possible now, so that they could prevent the fire from spreading.


    ¡°That¡¯s madness alright.¡± Nikos slapped Leander on his back. The swelling smoke clouds behind them made the sun fluctuate in weird patterns. ¡°Nothin¡¯ we e''er did was sane anyways!¡±


    The soldiers clashed more fiercely than ever before. Achaeus troops had already lost seventy-eight men, but they were not slowing down. Leander¡¯s troops were pushed back.


    ¡°Kill them! Slay them! Save the Akropolis!¡± The general kept shouting and rode his warhorse into the breach.


    Leander pushed one of his men aside at the last second so he would not get trampled. Then he blocked the incoming swing of the rider¡¯s spear. The height difference made it almost impossible to block the strikes and Leander was thrown back. The spears coming down on him were blocked by three veterans. Two of them died instantly.


    ¡°No!¡± He rose up, but was kicked down by the horse.


    ¡°Protect Leander!¡± His old comrades kept throwing themselves between the Athenian soldiers and Leander. His eyes widened in despair as they kept taking blows for him.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± He picked up a javelin and rammed it into the incoming horse¡¯s flank. It neighed painfully and kicked after him, but then a shouting bundle of muscle rammed the general off his horse.


    ¡°Got ya goldie!¡± Nikos laughed as he punched the General in his gold-tinged armor. What happened next was almost indescribable. As Nikos brought down his bloody axe and split the chest plate open, he was suddenly hit by several arrows. He growled in pain, but the shower continued and took down the horse as well. It fell on top of both of them and luckily shielded Leander from the hail.


    ¡°They¡¯re shooting at their own men!¡± One of the veterans called out to Leander and then was hit by an arrow through a gap in his shield.


    The Archon looked over the horse¡¯s carcass and realized that Achaeus had sent more troops. They were all armed with bows and kept firing into the crowd.


    ¡°Ptah¡­ Are you telling me this is an affordable loss?¡± Leander spat out and wiped blood from his forehead, finally stepping over the horse. ¡°Nikos! Are you alive?¡± He pulled the musclebound veteran out from under the pile.


    ¡°Shit¡­ they made me a plowin¡¯ cyclops¡­¡± Nikos managed to get up, but a large chunk of his left face was missing. His eye was useless now.


    ¡°Shields! Get back into formation and block the rain!¡± Leander shouted back to the chaotic groups of soldiers engaging in fights as they were skewered. ¡°Achaeus has at least double these troops inside the palace. He thinks if he crushes us here it¡¯s over.¡±


    ¡°Heh heh heh, not bloody likely!¡± Nikos pulled his axe out of the dead general and leaned it on his shoulder. He didn¡¯t even flinch as the arrows flew past him.


    ¡°I need the capsule.¡± Leander looked back and saw the wagon standing in the middle of the plaza. The horse that had been dragging it had gone mad due to the smell of fire and the noise of war until the wagon came loose.


    ¡°Blowin¡¯ up the front door?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about time.¡± He nodded and jumped over several corpses.


    On the other end of things a new officer was in charge and he looked devastated by the damage his archers did to both sides. The order had come directly from the Archon, so he dared not resist.


    ¡°Captain¡­ The outlooks¡­ have been compromised¡­¡± An injured soldier walked out of one of the alleys at the side.


    ¡°What are you saying, man?!¡±


    ¡°They got us¡­ we didn¡¯t see them¡­ coming¡­¡± He collapsed forward and stopped moving.


    The next moment two large explosions shook the walls surrounding the palace grounds. Achaeus forces were stunned as they heard the rumbling of boots and shouting behind them.


    From the west and the east, warriors kept streaming into the palace grounds. They killed the guards in front of the gate and opened it wide.


    ¡°A pincer formation?!¡± The captain was losing his mind, but not for long as spears already came to impale him and his men from behind.


    Now Leander¡¯s forces had surrounded the Athenian soldiers instead!


    ¡°They¡¯ve been fighting with half their men this entire time!¡± The next officer realized. This hopeless battle in the plaza had just bought the reinforcements time to circumvent their blockades across the Akropolis to fall into their back. Because the spotters in the towers had been dead already, nobody could warn them ahead of time.


    ¡°I expected them to realize it sooner.¡± Leander said with heavy breaths as he rushed for the wagon.


    ¡°Someone took out the spotters before we could even get there.¡± The leader of the reinforcements explained as he rushed over to support them.


    The tide of battle changed rapidly. Now that Leander¡¯s men surrounded their enemies they had the upper hand and thanks to the chaos in the palace grounds, reinforcements from Achaeus would not come fast enough. They had effectively been cut off. This was a massacre.


    ¡°STOP!¡± Leander shouted with all his might atop the wagon. His lungs carried enough force to reach even the most distant soldiers. The fighting stopped as all sides couldn¡¯t help but listen to that man¡¯s voice. ¡°This battle is over! I have no desire to slaughter my fellow Athenians for a second longer!¡±


    The beaten and injured men looked up to him in shock.


    ¡°Inside that palace sits the man who ordered your sacrifices! If this were up to him, the battle would continue until the last drop of Athenian blood has been spilt. I know that we will lose many brave men. I know that you will lose twice as many for every of my comrades you take. This bloodshed is dishonorable and unworthy of our people! Proud Atticans killing their fellow men is never just.¡±


    His voice carried far, but was met by only disbelief on both sides.


    ¡°I ask of you: Lay down your weapons! All those that follow Achaeus, cease your hostility and retreat into the city. Your lives still have worth to the people out there. To the families you provide for and the lands you call home. Achaeus does not see your lives as valuable, he only sees worth in your death.¡±


    He spoke like a madman. To beg his enemies to lay down weapons in the middle of a skirmish was unheard of. He could not honestly believe in such a ruse. Because it was too mad to be a ruse, it was all the more effective.


    He had promised Eugenia that he would try to keep the casualties as low as possible, but he truly hated to see any more death. It seemed that he was already failing as a soldier. Even his own men were disappointed. An opportunity to crush their opponents would not come this easily again. They wanted revenge for those who had already fallen. All this negative fog of blood had gathered and overwhelmed him.


    He had faltered¡­


    Blood splattered across his chest.


    An arrow had been released by a single soldier and penetrated deeply. The wound was spreading all the way to his lungs. The large man collapsed on top of the wagon¡­ at Leander¡¯s feet.


    ¡°Nikos!¡± He went to his knees and strongly grabbed his friend¡¯s arm. In the corner of his vision he could see the stray archer being pushed down and disarmed.


    ¡°Gh- he¡¯s got me good.¡± His scarred face twisted as he grabbed the arrow and broke off its hilt.


    Leander could tell from experience that the wound was fatal.


    ¡°Ya¡¯ve gone soft on me, general.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that¡­ I¡¯m not a general anymore.¡± Leander said with a pain twisted face and kept holding up Nikos¡¯ back.


    ¡°I don¡¯ give a crap what¡¯s got ya so down. As long as ya carry this sword¡­¡± He slammed the blood covered hilt of Leander¡¯s sword back into his hand. ¡°¡­you¡¯ll always be my general.¡± Then he threw his axe forward and killed the man who had climbed up behind Leander.


    ¡°What god do you follow?¡± Leander asked a question he had never uttered to a comrade.


    ¡°Pah¡­ I don¡¯t follow gods¡­ only men.¡± He smiled proudly and then his hand slid down limply.


    Leander looked down, his face grim, but his grip strong. When he rose to his feet he sliced through the next man trying to kill him. Every enemy who was still loyal to Achaeus had gathered around the wagon. He could see that the largest part of the enemies had laid down their swords and was now being pushed away by the glares of the veterans.


    ¡°Whoever raises their sword now is a true enemy. There will be no mercy, even to those who beg for it. Have you made your decision?¡± He calmly asked the men surrounding him.


    ¡°For the Archon! For Athens!¡± They shouted and came for him. Of course Leander¡¯s warriors were right behind them, but as long as they could take down their leader they would satisfy their Archon.


    ¡°So be it.¡±


    The fighting continued. Stubborn soldiers were cut down until only allies and deserters were left and they could advance into the palace grounds. Finally they had reached Achaeus last bulwark. The black haired Archon was standing on his balcony, looking down on the enemy troops. Of course inside and outside the palace far more soldiers were waiting already. The gate and all entrances were closed.


    ¡°You have destroyed insurmountable walls twice already, Leander.¡±


    ¡°And the gate to the palace will be next if you do not open it for me.¡± He declared with wrath in his eyes.


    ¡°This is the seat of power. If you force yourself onto it, you will truly be a traitor that will go down in history as the greatest villain.¡± The Archon shouted down. All the aristocrats were behind him in the throne room.


    ¡°I do not care about history. All that matters is the present.¡± He raised his sword and three men with metal capsules ran forward.


    ¡°So that is your secret weapon. The alleged ¡®thunder¡¯.¡± Achaeus tensed up and grabbed the spear of the guard to his right. Then he threw it forward and hit the capsule out of one of the runners¡¯ hands.


    ¡°Get away from there!¡± Leander rolled away. It had already been too late and the hole inside the capsule let water stream onto the ore. An explosion shook the yard and took several men from both factions down.


    ¡°Destroy them before they reach the gate!¡± Achaeus ordered and the archers on the balconies fired.


    And thus the fighting in the lower levels escalated.


    <hr>


    ¡°Gaaah!¡± The soldier succumbed to the sword and fell down lifelessly in front of Therses¡¯ feet. He grimaced as the empty eyes stared up at him.


    ¡°That was the last of them in this hallway.¡± Bion declared, but then Irvenos pushed him and the other two into a gap meant for a lookout. He put up one finger in front of his scarves to signal silence.


    A few seconds later they could hear the voices of panicked men that rushed down the stairwell. The longer they stayed in the palace the more troops were going downwards. Whoever was attacking the palace had truly made a mess of things.


    After it turned somewhat quieter they decided to rest for a moment. Bion had received a rather ugly cut to the shoulder and Irvenos had started out in a far worse condition already. They just needed a breather, or so they said.


    Therses was exhausted from carrying the old man on his back for so long, but he was not harmed yet. Somehow he had stayed out of trouble or perhaps the two in front of him had protected him that well. It was frustrating.


    ¡°Say, how can you- how can anyone¡­¡± He held his head with both hands and gritted his teeth. ¡°How can you take a life this lightly?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re in our way.¡± Bion said while cleaning his blade on his stolen coat.


    ¡°Is that all you need? These men were soldiers with families. Friends. They were no different from you or Agapetos or my parents.¡± He could not take much more of this. Their empty eyes were following him this entire time.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I told you to carry my master.¡± Bion replied with a low voice.


    Therses eyes widened. From the start Bion had always pushed him away from a fight. It seemed like he had only been looking down on him, because he was foolish or weak. But was there meaning to his actions? The reason he chose to hand someone as untrustworthy as Irvenos a weapon? His face was impossible to read.


    ¡°There was a day where I couldn¡¯t have killed any poor sod. But the sea isn¡¯t a peaceful place. The first time ya take a life is the hardest.¡± Irvenos closed his one good eye.


    ¡°And then you feel nothing.¡± Bion concluded.


    ¡°That can¡¯t be true.¡± He rejected those words as if they were an attack on his soul.


    ¡°¡­right. Some men can only kill when it¡¯s personal.¡± Bion went through his shoulder length hair and sighed. ¡°Those helmets are soldiers. They live to kill their enemies. Right now that would be us. The least we can do is give them the courtesy of doing the same.¡±


    ¡°If only we could just avoid them.¡± Therses knew that was not possible. But the trail of corpses behind them would lead their enemies here soon enough. They only had one path left.


    ¡°From what I remember throne room¡¯s right around the staircase. Large opaque door, not easy to miss.¡± The scarred captain inhaled deeply and then stood up. ¡°The killin¡¯ will end when ya get to the bigshots, right? One way or another.¡±


    Was he trying to encourage him? The young fisherman gave him an angry look. There was no way he would just trust this man now. Once they made it to the Archon and the aristocrats they would have to see what he was truly made off. Until then he would not turn his back to him.


    ¡°One more time.¡± He leaned back to grab Agapetos arms, but was touching air.


    ¡°By the undulating grapevine¡­¡± Agapetos had awoken! And he was holding his head as if he had a bad hangover. For an old man like him to receive such a hard blow, it was probably a miracle he got up at all. ¡°¡­where are we?¡±


    ¡°You were taking an insufferably long nap.¡± Bion said with a shrug and put his sword away. ¡°I hope you are ready to make some new connections with the upper crust.¡±


    ¡°This is the palace.¡± The old medico realized and then took a glance at his assistant and Irvenos. Surprisingly he seemed to figure everything out really quick. ¡°You would not happen to have a plan, perhaps? Otherwise I would have to call you a fool again for dragging me into the lion¡¯s den.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t call it a plan, but we got a destination.¡± He shrugged in response.


    ¡°Therses, my boy.¡± He turned toward the young man. His demeanor made clear that he was seeking answers from someone less flippant.


    Therses nodded and then told him everything he knew. It wasn¡¯t much, but they did hold a trump card. Agapetos was listening intently until he was satisfied.


    ¡°Then I will do as I must.¡± The medico said solemnly and walked out of the gap.


    ¡°Agapetos, wait, you are fine with this situation?¡± Therses hastily caught up to him and gave him a questioning look.


    ¡°They are injured. And he would never bring me into such a hopeless place if there had been any other choice.¡± The old man replied with his eyes forced ahead.


    Therses could see now that no matter how much he scolded his assistant, he deeply believed in him. He hadn¡¯t even questioned Irvenos¡¯ presence at all. If he could accept these odds, then maybe it really was the right way.


    He touched his chest to feel the pile of scrolls inside his clothes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t storm off all on ya own now.¡± Irvenos and Bion followed and casually pulled up their swords. This was still enemy territory.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind if he took the lead for once.¡± Bion said carefree behind them.


    They all tensed up when they reached the door. There were two guards in a rather alarmed state. The fighting noises from downstairs were getting louder. It would be hard to get the drop on them like this¡­


    BOOM!


    The entire hallway shook for a moment. It was like the foundation of the palace itself had been shaken! That was the opportunity they needed and with a swift tackle and stab one of the guards was taken out by Irvenos. Bion managed to block the spear of the other man, but was struggling to keep him off. His leg was shaking more than it should have.


    ¡°Out of our way!¡± Therses shouted and swung his knife at the soldier who naturally managed to react to it due to the loud announcement. The shout had already fulfilled its purpose that way. Bion rammed his leg into the back of the soldier¡¯s knee and then disarmed him in the same motion as he fell. Irvenos sharply impaled him from behind and then pulled his sword out with his boot.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Quickly, before reinforcements arrive.¡± He pushed open the large door with his shoulder and they altogether burst into the spacious throne room.


    There they were greeted by dozens of shocked and afraid faces of aristocrats and several really angered who were all drawing their weapons at them. In an elegant motion Irvenos shut the door to hide the bloody puddle and then sheathed his sword, hands raised above.


    ¡°Enemies! Take them out!¡± One of the soldiers ordered and they closed in with spears pointed ahead.


    ¡°Lord Achaeus!¡± The bellowing voice came not from the soldiers or the aristocrats, but rather from one of the four intruders. Agapetos stepped forward, leaving behind his comrades and faced the aristocrats, completely ignoring the spears aimed at his chest. ¡°I have come here to talk.¡±


    ¡°Who is he?¡± The aristocrats began to whisper in confusion and the guards eyed him suspiciously.


    ¡°I am Agapetos of Eretria, world renowned medico and scholar of the medical arts!¡± He declared proudly.


    ¡°Have you ever heard of him?¡±


    ¡°Not at all.¡±


    ¡°What kind of scholar is he?¡±


    ¡°Did he say Eretria?¡±


    The murmuring and hushed conversations among the present nobility were not very encouraging for Agapetos¡¯ ego. But his clear eyes were focused now. Nothing of his usual submissiveness could be found.


    ¡°Good subordinates are hard to come by in this new army.¡± With heavy steps a presence pushed away all the chatter and the confused guards and made way for the man of the hour. Achaeus entered the throne room from the balcony where he had been shouting orders until now. ¡°I gave the order to rid us of these pests and yet I am forced to look upon rats in the mighty palace itself.¡±


    The two men were standing only a spear¡¯s length from each other, but their glares were far from even. Agapetos had found unspoken courage, but the sheer determination and aura of this Archon threatened to stomp him completely.


    ¡°So you have made it all the way to me, using the confusion of the war that your little priestess has started. Did you not bring her along with you?¡± He didn¡¯t seem very fazed by the situation.


    ¡°Eugenia has done her part already, we would never take her to the lion¡¯s den.¡±


    ¡°Was that her name? No matter, she failed to save you regardless. You carelessly came to receive your final sentence and put her efforts to waste.¡± He mocked and then smirked.


    ¡°Your executioner has failed once already.¡±


    ¡°So it seems. As did my men outside this room. I feel nothing but disappointment towards them.¡±


    ¡°You unjustly tried to rid yourself of us. Even so, I have come to talk!¡± He repeated.


    ¡°I have nothing to talk about with an Eretrian spy.¡± He balled his fist in the air and the guards closed in.


    ¡°You may not wish to hear our words, but the distinguished noble houses of Attica deserve to hear the truth, do you not agree?¡± With that he finally broke eye-contact and turned towards the crowd. Their reaction was understandably one of confusion. The medico¡¯s face was covered in sweat beads and he was struggling to stay still as the spear tips closed in, but he had to show them his sincerity.


    ¡°Your venomous words are merely a deception to buy time for your traitorous master downstairs.¡± Achaeus got impatient and turned loud enough for the crowd to hear his words now.


    ¡°Wait!¡± The voice of a particular noble stopped the impending execution. Bion had just about been ready to pull his master away, but then he stood back again.


    ¡°Kleitos, this is a matter of security.¡± Achaeus tried to swipe the interference aside, but the man with an odd piece of glass in front of his eyes did not let himself get silenced.


    ¡°We have barely gotten any answers out of you. This man may be Eretrian, but he has the countenance of a civilized man. We should hear him out, especially when he speaks of a truth that you do not like.¡± Eopia¡¯s father was standing center of many noble circles and the men and women around him nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Hrm.¡± Achaeus could see that this would not be easy to resolve without hurting his position. That was what Agapetos and the rest had bargained for. ¡°This is a waste of our time. We are in the middle of a siege, so-¡±


    ¡°A fight you have incited unjustly! The reason you are engaged in battle with Archon Leander is that his friend was poisoned. The blame for that heinous act falls on none other than Captain Irvenos.¡± He pointed at the scarf covered man behind them. Irvenos looked ahead unmoved.


    ¡°Who is a puppet of Eretria. You do admit your guilt then!¡± Achaeus declared confidently. His eyes met with Irvenos¡¯ and for a moment there seemed to be an exchange of unspoken words. The captain lowered his gaze and did not speak a word.


    ¡°I knew we could not count on him.¡± Therses said anxiously and then moved forward. Bion stopped him with one arm and shook his head.


    ¡°Eretria, my dear homeland, does not rely on such pathetic methods and schemes. Through our veins flows the proud blood of all Ionians! The nobility of our people does not allow for us to err in our ways. And we had always thought the same applied to the prideful Atticans.¡±


    The aristocrats murmured in hesitant agreement. The Ionian Alliance had always been closely tied to Attica, far more than to the other ancestral tribes. It was not at all rare for Eretrian nobles to be married to families from Athens, so some of the more held back men present were now showing a little bit of patriotism.


    ¡°Grand words for a dying city on a small island that is scrambling for goods. You have long since sold your pride for materials to rebuild your city and navy. Black market ships that are avoiding taxation. I know of it all.¡± The Archon was hammering down against the brittle shield that had been put up by the Eretrians.


    ¡°I will admit to it. Our leaders are desperate. We have relied on outside help to reignite the fire of our economy.¡± Agapetos did the unexpected and leaned into the accusations! ¡°And how have we come to this pitiful state, unbefitting of our ancestry? It was all due to Athens¡¯ machinations!¡±


    ¡°What?!¡±


    ¡°You dare!¡±


    ¡°What does he mean by that?¡±


    The aristocrats were in an uproar again. Not because they were disillusioned, but rather because they felt insulted. Agapetos was playing a dangerous game.


    ¡°You are pushing your luck.¡± Achaeus said darkly.


    ¡°Yes, my words were imprecise. I apologize.¡± He stretched aside his arms and bowed his head. ¡°There is only one man who is speaking in Athens¡¯ name, but holds all the strings. Lord Achaeus is the one who controls all the actors in this tale.¡±


    ¡°Agapetos, was it? Could you tell us what machinations you speak of? I demand clarification.¡± Kleitos was not yet convinced, but he seemed the most opposed to Achaeus.


    ¡°We have all been played for fools. I am ashamed to admit that I had never the faintest inkling of the truth until the moment we were inside his trap. The reason my dear Eretria is in such a horrific state? It is due to a recent war.¡± Everyone present knew of the recent conflict between Eretria and its sister towns. ¡°And we are not the only ones. There have been many small battles and wars all across the area in recent years. We are in an age of never-ending strife. But across all these conflicts one thing has been consistent.¡±


    Achaeus fingers twitched ever so slightly.


    ¡°Athens has been coming to each city¡¯s aid.¡±


    ¡°Is that true?¡± Kleitos seemed unsure of why this was the case, he did not yet realize the truth.


    The Archon watched his men outside scramble to give new orders. He was under pressure from two sides already, so the longer this debate lasted, the worse his position would get.


    ¡°Why would he deign to keep silent you may wonder? It is all because of his ruthless schemes! To gain limitless power in our world he has betrayed the Ionian Alliance countless times. He turned brother against brother and father against child. The conflicts did not come to be of natural reasons, but rather due to his meddling. For each city in dire straits he sent a battalion of Athenian soldiers as support. To defend, to siege and to help rebuild.¡± Agapetos explanations were rather detailed for a man who had not seen the greater picture until just a few hours ago.


    ¡°He¡¯s speaking the truth, my son is a captain in the division sent to Thebes. They have been doing great work to support those classless upstarts.¡± One man said contemptuously.


    ¡°Archon, what is the meaning of this? You spent our precious treasury on interventions?¡±


    ¡°But if he started the conflicts in the first place¡­¡±


    ¡°I see now.¡± Kleitos was one of the first to comprehend. ¡°You were not wasting our resources. You have established an essential Athenian presence in the Ionian Alliance.¡± He adjusted the magnifying glass and twisted his lips.


    ¡°Indeed, you of nobility! Lord Achaeus intends to do the unthinkable. He will use the might of Athens to pressure all these worn down cities into submission. His plan aims for nothing less, but unification of the Ionian Alliance under the Attican banner!¡± Agapetos finally got to the core of it.


    ¡°What treachery¡­¡±


    ¡°Could it really be true?¡±


    ¡°My son is stationed in one of these cities!¡±


    The murmuring and shrieks of indignation were getting louder.


    ¡°And what for? To create a new kingdom? Is it simply insatiable lust for power?¡± Kleitos asked Achaeus directly.


    The dark-haired Archon still had his back turned to them. The glowing evening sunlight was creating a red fringe around his contours. No, it was not just from the sun. It was the light of flames. In the distance the smoldering fires had consumed the town hall. That was what had caught Achaeus¡¯ gaze for so long.


    ¡°What proof do you have of what you speak?¡± For the first time in the entirety of the tumultuous day, a dry and hoarse voice joined the room. Despite being exceptionally quiet, everyone could hear it clearly. The unmoving man, not much more than an Egyptian mummy, had finally spoken. As the holder of the title ¡®the impartial¡¯, Archon Topos was not one to interfere in feuds and squabbles. However, as the representative of nobility and aristocrats, he could not ignore a slight against their traditions.


    ¡°Right here!¡± Therses raised his voice and pulled out the documents. They were all neatly folded and numerous. The thick pile of parchments was covered in coal and ink and ranged from ancient to rather recent. He handed the papers to Agapetos who took them in his sweaty hand.


    ¡°This is Lord Achaeus personal correspondence with his subordinates and other nobles across the lands. His instructions are written here and his seal appears clear as the wings of Caduceus.¡± He said triumphantly and then sent Therses to bring them to Topos. The guards let him pass.


    The old leathery hand of the Archon stretched forward and his ancient eyes moved across the parchments. His expression remained unchanging as always, but he nodded. The seal was real.


    ¡°Hahaha.¡± In this atmosphere of the changing tides, a small relieved chuckle sent shivers down the Eretrians¡¯ spines. ¡°I am grateful, truly I am.¡±


    ¡°Have you gone mad? This is over!¡± Therses asked Achaeus as he faced them with a smirk.


    ¡°Madness is the furthest from it. I am full of delight. At first I thought your appearance was the sign of a great evil interfering with my destiny, but how wrong I was! You were sent for another reason - to lead me to glory!¡± He moved past his guards and stood right in front of Therses and Topos.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you destroy the evidence of your crimes.¡± Therses growled and readied his fishing knife.


    ¡°Destroy it? You are amusing, boy. Why would I destroy these important documents?¡± He looked at Topos who slowly handed them over to his colleague.


    ¡°Stop right there!¡±


    ¡°Ahhh, the map is among them. I feel truly blessed by her.¡± He sighed in relief and then pushed the letters back into the young fisherman¡¯s hands. ¡°The fires of my opponents could not consume this precious map. Do you know what this is, boy?¡± He asked ecstatically.


    But Therses was not in any mood to play along.


    ¡°The map of Persia! The lands beyond Media and Lydia, yet uncharted by our scouts, now largely unveiled by such a magnificent map. My men have been painstakingly creating copies, but they are all inferior to this work. For a coward who would defect to a simpleton like Leander, the Rhodian has done me the greatest service. I was wise to listen to Typhos'' recommendation.¡± In his joy he seemed to be talking to himself.


    ¡°Stop rambling! We have you cornered now. Archon, you have seen the evidence. He has betrayed all your proud traditions!¡± Therses turned back to the old man.


    From a distance Agapetos watched this with a paling face. Achaeus actions only pointed toward one conclusion.


    ¡°You may keep those letters, old friend. I have nothing to hide.¡± Achaeus had finally calmed down and slipped the map into his light armor.


    Topos read them with almost still eyes.


    ¡°I know every single one of these letters. It was my explicit principle to never write anything devious. As any man may read, my intentions were pure. The aid I provided was given in the trust that a good deed shall be repaid one day. Nothing more, nothing less.¡±


    ¡°No way.¡± Therses was devastated. He had read the letters! He knew that they implied the dark machinations and pressure put upon the Alliance.


    Implied?


    He felt his heart sink. No direct word had ever told of his true intentions. Only now did he realize that this correspondence had probably been working with a code. The superficial words were unsettling, but nothing said could incriminate Achaeus. Not a single word!


    ¡°Which of you retrieved these from my quarters?¡± The Archon asked curiously.


    ¡°It was me¡­¡± Therses said while biting his lower lip.


    ¡°Very well, boy. You shall be spared. The rest of your fellow spies will be hung tomorrow, after I vanquished the traitor.¡± He declared graciously and patted Therses¡¯ shoulder.


    ¡°Achaeus, you cannot be serious! These accusations are severe and there is still evidence. Do you feel no responsibility to clear your name in front of us?¡± Kleitos put up a final resistance. It was so apparent that Achaeus was guilty and yet they were stopped by a technicality.


    ¡°I tire of your constant badgering Kleitos. As I said, these accusations are foolishness. A tale spun by spies to undermine us. Eretria must be truly desperate to rely on such parlor tricks.¡±


    ¡°I wonder who¡¯s really desperate now.¡± A hoarse voice pierced the air. It came from the group of Eretrians, but it was not Agapetos¡¯.


    Achaeus stopped in his tracks and glared towards the scarf covered man. His expression was tense.


    ¡°If ya need a witness to confirm their claims, I¡¯d be willin¡¯ to throw my worthless life into this damned sea of deception. Poseidon can pick up whatever''s left.¡± The captain broke his silence. He finally said the words he should not.


    ¡°Curb your tongue, pirate!¡± Achaeus was losing his calm and growled at Irvenos.


    ¡°Tsk. So that¡¯s how you see me? I ain¡¯t too good for a scapegoat, but the pirate life¡¯s behind me now.¡± He said sardonically and then pulled something from his innermost folds.


    ¡°Silence. Have you forgotten about your oath?¡± The deadly glare intensified.


    ¡°Never once. Ya blackmailed me long enough. My past life, that of my crew¡­ I¡¯m done lettin¡¯ you use it against me!¡± Irvenos threw down a dark black ring. ¡°This is the secret symbol used to mark all of Achaeus messages. Ya wonder how I got my hands on it? Simple, that. I¡¯m his henchman. More like a dog on a leash, really. I¡¯d rather be a gull soaring over the ocean though.¡±


    Achaeus stood perfectly still as the ring rolled in circles on the floor.


    ¡°Are you speaking the truth? But you have come as a representative of Eretria. You poisoned a high ranking official.¡± The aristocrats were yet in doubt.


    ¡°He ordered me to infiltrate the city of rowers. I was supposed to stir a conflict against them and take the fall. Lupus was bait to get Leander on our side and then raze Eretria to the ground. They were bein¡¯ too crafty for their own good, tryin¡¯ to rebuild without Athens¡¯ helpful hands. ¡®course we needed their slaves and herbs to supply our little campaign.¡±


    ¡°Not another word.¡± Achaeus grabbed his sword.


    ¡°He threatened to kill my crew and let their corpses rot without a proper burial! Said he¡¯d tell them that their foolish captain was nothin¡¯ but a lousy pirate, so that they¡¯d despair at their faults. Their souls couldn¡¯t¡¯ve found peace in the Underworld. That¡¯s the kinda man Achaeus is.¡± He spoke with pure spite as the sword came to behead him.


    Clang.


    But the blade was stopped by another. Bion had blocked the fatal blow with his own sword. His dull eyes had sharpened for a single moment. The Archon was far more powerful than he appeared, but Bion managed to barely push his sword to the side to change the arc of the slash.


    ¡°Why¡¯d you do that?¡± Irvenos asked perplexed.


    ¡°Could ask you the same. What¡¯s with the change of heart?¡± Bion responded coolly.


    ¡°Heh. Beats me.¡± Irvenos replied with a forlorn expression. His mouth was always hidden, but Bion could tell he was smiling.


    ¡°This ring is no fabrication.¡± Kleitos had picked it up. ¡°These exact rings were used in our business deals ten years ago. Nobody outside of the inner circle would know about them.¡± He raised it above his head. ¡°This alongside the letters is proof of his words. Achaeus poisoned a man that served the Archons for his plot. It could only have been one scheme of many.¡±


    ¡°That is preposterous!¡± Achaeus slashed his sword around and pushed Bion back. ¡°You would believe the word of some worthless pirate scum over mine?!¡±


    ¡°The evidence has spoken.¡± Topos said deeply.


    ¡°Even you, Topos? You too shall turn against me?¡± For once there was true pain in Achaeus¡¯ eyes.


    ¡°You have defiled our traditions Achaeus, son of Lyderos.¡± Speaking his father¡¯s name showed the severity of Topos¡¯ decision.


    Achaeus lowered his blade and head alike. Almost all the aristocrats in the throne room were looking at him with contempt or fear. He would find no supporters in their midst. Not anymore. Topos was their spokesman and the oldest man alive. He had known their fathers and grandfathers even as they were still young children. To speak against his wisdom was like disregarding history itself.


    ¡°So be it.¡± Finally, the man who was the cause of the conflict sheathed his sword and resigned himself.


    Resigned himself to do what was necessary.


    ¡°Put them away.¡± He said in an icy voice. The guards, albeit uncomfortable with the command, followed through and cornered the aristocrats.


    ¡°To defile even the most sacred authority in the palace, what a cur.¡± Topos showed his silent rage.


    ¡°You left me no choice. I will lock you up in a pleasant place, so you can spend away those final days of yours peacefully. I owe you my gratitude for the kindness you showed me on that day when I was merely a lad.¡± Achaeus pushed back his slick black hair and then turned his back to the surrounded aristocrats.


    ¡°You won¡¯t get away with this!¡± Kleitos shouted enraged. ¡°A mere Archon cannot rise above those who vote him into position! Have you lost your mind completely?!¡±


    ¡°I am slightly glad at this turn of events, if only for one reason.¡± Achaeus said with a long suffering sigh. Then he turned around and cut off Kleitos¡¯ right hand in one swing.


    ¡°GAAAH!¡± The proud man screamed and cried on the floor as blood ran from the stump. The others were left in shock and fear. Agapetos rushed to his side and stopped the bleeding by tying down his arm with a piece of rope. The two medicos were needed dearly.


    ¡°Your shrieking does not sound much different from your usual yapping, but it is somewhat more palatable.¡± The Archon seemed in a better mood already. ¡°I did not want to turn against any of you. If you declare your fealty to me, I shall be magnanimous and welcome you into my circle. Anyone who wishes to see my dream fulfilled is a comrade.¡±


    ¡°Do you hear yourself talk?¡± Therses spat out.


    ¡°You are not my enemies¡­¡± Achaeus began anew.


    That was the moment when the eastern door burst open and the deathly screams of two guards echoed inside the throne room. Kneeling on top of the corpse, holding onto the spear deeply stabbed into the armored chest of the soldier, was none other than Leander.


    ¡°¡­he is.¡± The Archon of discord returned the gaze of his enemy, unfaltering.


    ¡°Achaeus!¡± Leander pressed the name out between his dry lips. His armor was covered in gashes and his clothes were falling apart in places. He had lost his helmet along the way and received a deep cut across his cheek. He looked battered, beaten and bloody. But he did not stop his march towards the goal. The enemy.


    With a wet sound he tore the spear out of his dead opponent and then staggered forward. His eyes seemed to dilute as a red line went through his crusted beard, but he still managed to focus on the one who caused this entire disaster.


    ¡°You seem to be possessed by something.¡±


    ¡°It is Nemesis.¡± He evoked the name of the goddess of retribution herself.


    ¡°Should not that sword be pointed at your own throat then? For the hubris lies with you.¡± Achaeus was surrounded by his loyal men, so he had not much to fear. ¡°I see another woman taking your reigns. Is it not that priestess who has set you astray?¡±


    ¡°Eugenia¡­ has nothing to do with this.¡± He said between ragged breaths. He leaned on his spear while sizing up his many opponents. Apparently he had made it here alone as no reinforcements streamed through the wide open door.


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°She only told me the truth.¡± He wiped some sweat and blood away from his eyes and regained his controlled breathing. ¡°A truth I averted my eyes from long enough. Eugenia is not the cause of my determination, she is the one who awakened it once more. Too long have I sat idly by and watched your actions go unpunished.¡±


    ¡°Your act was brilliant. I had truly believed you were a clueless jester. Rather you seem to be a complacent coward.¡± He taunted.


    ¡°I will not deny it. Your plans, they seemed Olympian. Too grand to be true. I wished to believe that you would lose your ambition as everything became too big to chew.¡±


    ¡°To leave something up to luck is a sign of weakness.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. I just¡­ did not want to fight anymore. These wars you sparked have left me drained of my very essence.¡± He looked down at his boots. ¡°Or so I thought. Today I saw the valiant hearts of my comrades once more. Those brave men you wished to send to their death against the Persians.¡±


    ¡°Is that all? You are opposing my just plan - my destiny - for something so insignificant?¡± Achaeus now showed genuine contempt and anger.


    ¡°Your destiny? Whatever you might believe it to be, it ends here.¡± Leander raised the spear to his side.


    The soldiers around Achaeus pulled up their shields to protect him. The spear was ready to stab forward.


    Thunk.


    It was stabbed into the gaps in the floor in front of Achaeus.


    ¡°What?¡± Therses looked on in shock as the weapon had missed its target by so much.


    ¡°He can¡¯t be-!¡± Agapetos¡¯ eyes widened.


    ¡°Achaeus of Eleusis! I challenge you to a duel.¡±


    His declaration cracked in the air and doubled the tension. A challenge like this was fairly unusual, but it was even rarer during a war. Even if this was merely a battle between two small factions, challenging the head of the troops to a one on one fight was an incredibly old tradition.


    ¡°H-He¡­ won¡¯t do it.¡± The weak and jittery, yet hate filled voice of Kleitos spread through the silence. ¡°This man has already lost all his honor. He has no r-reason¡­ to accept such a challenge.¡± He was white and blue from blood loss and laid on the ground where Agapetos and Bion tended to him, but even in this pathetic state he still judged Achaeus.


    ¡°Hah. I dislike to be in agreement with him, but he is not entirely wrong. Do you believe this will bring you victory, Leander?¡± The Archon crossed his arms and looked down on the spear.


    ¡°If we keep this fight going many more will die. No matter which force comes out of it victorious, your reinforcements will still arrive.¡±


    Now Achaeus squinted his eyes. He had no idea what Leander was after.


    ¡°If I defeat you in honorable combat I want you to call back all your troops and surrender.¡± Leander demanded.


    ¡°You are making demands on top of begging me for a duel?¡± He was not amused anymore. ¡°Tell me: What do I have to gain here?¡±


    Leander took a few quick breathes. It seemed his vision was blurring out occasionally.


    ¡°If you win¡­ my men will surrender¡­ and serve you in your campaign against the Persians.¡±


    ¡°Can you truly promise me this?¡± He had his doubts.


    ¡°I swear on my family name. They will honor my last wish. I cannot give you more than my word, just as I can only take yours.¡± He said something unexpected.


    ¡°Brother, no!¡± The man they called Thracus, who had been knocked down by Achaeus before had awoken and held his hand out for his brother.


    Leander gave him a pained smile, but did not retract his words. He could not take that hand anymore.


    ¡°You would trust your enemy to honor an agreement? Even if it is spoken in front of all these esteemed houses, that is quite foolish.¡± He mocked once again, but then he grabbed the spear in front of him and pulled it out of the floor. With a skilled throw he gave it back to Leander. ¡°Fine, I accept!¡±


    ¡°Milord?!¡± One of his personal guards was visibly horrified by this turn of events.


    ¡°If this will show my honorable intentions, then I have nothing to lose. My destiny has led me to this point. I will make good use of your veterans Leander.¡±


    ¡°We will see about that.¡± The other Archon gave him a serious look and then put down his spear. ¡°It is I who declared the challenge, so it is your right to choose the weapon.¡±


    In a traditional duel it was customary for both opponents to have the same weapon. It could be anything from mere fists to spears or bows. There were no rules on how to use them, though. They both knew it would be a fight to the death, so there was no point in a drawn out fistfight.


    ¡°Challenging Leander the hero to a spear battle is suicide.¡± Achaeus finally decided and threw the spear previously handed to him aside. ¡°I pick my sword.¡± With that said he put on his impressive helmet and unsheathed his blade.


    ¡°Then I shall do the same.¡± Leander grabbed the sword that he had surely torn out of one of his enemies¡¯ hands. It was a worn and brittle bronze sword, not at all as impressive as Achaeus pristine iron sword.


    Now that their weapons had been chosen they were circling each other in an invisible arena. The guards had pushed the crowd back and left most of the throne room free for the fight. It didn¡¯t appear like either of them would be relying much on the environment anyway.


    ¡°How is your leg doing?¡± Leander asked while keeping an eye on his opponent¡¯s movements.


    ¡°That old injury won¡¯t be acting up now. I have been loosening it all day. But I am rather disappointed to fight you in such a pathetic state.¡± He replied while analyzing all of Leander¡¯s injuries.


    ¡°It will be enough.¡± It had to be enough.


    ¡°Always¡­ underestimating me!¡± With that Achaeus pushed forward and swung to Leander¡¯s left. The former hero managed to block the attack, but grimaced a little. Then he returned the favor by swinging wildly against Achaeus sword arm.


    They desperately danced around the central circle of the throne room and kept clashing. Their blades were thin and short, so each clash brought them incredibly close. Leander head-butted Achaeus with all his might, so strongly in fact that the latter could still feel it through his helmet. Irritated and slightly shaken, Achaeus rammed his elbow against Leander¡¯s wrist and thus lowered his sword. He then tried to impale him in the chest, but missed by a hair¡¯s breadth.


    Leander slashed upwards against the stretched out arm, but only managed to fling the iron sword into the air. Despite the heavy vibrations, Achaeus managed to keep his grip on the weapon and stepped back swiftly.


    In an attempt to regain a stronger stance, Achaeus took a few wild swings to keep up the distance. Leander had to carefully step back, but used the opportunity to get into a stance of his own. His eyes were sharp as he waited for his opponent to stop flailing. Just as the opening appeared he struck down diagonally and managed to scrape Achaeus upper arm. Regrettably it was not his sword arm.


    ¡°You won¡¯t ¨C hurgh ¨C aim for my leg?¡± Achaeus grunted between blows.


    Leander had no breath left to respond as he was on the defensive. Clearly he would not resort to going for the known weakness of the Archon, but he could also barely hold on to his weapon as the vibrating metal kept making his hands numb. Achaeus swung at his left side, so Leander had to block it. Just as he readjusted his sword, he was surprised by another swing at his shoulder.


    The devious Achaeus was aiming for his injured shoulder from the start. He had been present when that arrow had dug deep into it at the gates. He must have realized that it could never have healed in such a short time. The exertion during the skirmishes downstairs had only opened the wound again. Blood was soaking the leather on his shoulder, which was like a red sign asking to be hit.


    The fight intensified as Leander had to rely on more and more desperate dodge maneuvers. His blocks became weaker and his two-handed strikes were almost negligible. His only saving grace was that these were one-handed swords, so Achaeus force was limited.


    ¡°Urgh!¡± The iron sword screeched across the chest plate of the cuirass.


    ¡°Curse you!¡± Achaeus spat out blood after receiving a backhand to the cheekbone.


    They landed more blows with each passing second. It was a testament to their exhaustion and fleeting focus. Leander was beaten and bruised already, but Achaeus with all his strength was still not the youngest. He would also not be able to keep pace like this.


    It all came down to the finishing blow.


    Achaeus shouted on top of his lungs and then started a relentless barrage. It was so heavy that he managed to tear apart a chair and a table as Leander dodged. Each swing was a killing blow if it connected. One of them grazed the bronze blade and put a deep notch into it.


    With gritted teeth Leander increased the speed of his own swings and managed to deflect the slower blows evenly. Then he swung in a straightforward horizontal arc. Achaeus, confident in his reflexes, went for the defensive stance - but the sword never hit him.


    Instead Leander caught it with his weaker left arm.


    ¡°Wha-?!¡± Achaeus was in shock as the changed weapon hand delivered a blow straight to his head. The helmet got dented in and blood spurted from the spot. The injured Archon staggered back and fell to one knee. Now was the perfect time for a finishing blow!


    But Leander too stopped his attack and sank to one knee as well. His left arm was pulsating in horrific pain and he could barely stay conscious. To overstrain his shoulder meant to give up on his entire left side. He could not hold the sword any longer and it fell down with a metallic noise.


    ¡°All this skill and will¡­ wasted on a man with no testicles to use them¡­¡± Achaeus spat out blood and pulled off the helmet with force. It revealed a small laceration at his temple. It was impressive that he could even still think straight through the apparent pain. Although it seemed to fuel his rage immensely.


    ¡°How can someone with so much strength¡­ force others to carry the burden for him¡­?¡± Leander muttered between pained gasps.


    ¡°I wanted you to be my greatest asset¡­ but I knew you¡¯d never be obedient¡­!¡±


    ¡°I wanted to leave¡­ everything to you¡­ because you can see so much more, but in truth¡­ you are so high above us that you fail to notice anything below.¡±


    They managed to rise from their knees by sheer willpower. The aristocrats and guards were watching them. By extension all of Athens was watching this fight. And from there the entire world would keep watching their actions. Just the edges of these two swords would cut a new future into history.


    ¡°I wanted to tell you this for a long time, Leander, you bastard.¡± Achaeus closed his right eye where the blood was running into it.


    ¡°I also¡­ have something to confess¡­¡± Leander let his left arm dangle and just set one foot ahead to draw back his right arm. His stance was purely made to counter the next attack.


    The men shared a single long gaze.


    ¡°¡°I¡¯ve always hated you!¡±¡±


    They shouted simultaneously and clashed for the last time.


    It was like a divine flash blinded everyone and then it was over. One sword sailed through the air broken apart and the other stabbed into flesh. Red was drawn through the cuirass and left a gaping wound that seemed to explode into blood. Merely a trick of the eye of course, but the wound was deep.


    They both collapsed forward, but only one kept standing, holding the other up. The broken bronze blade landed left and right to them.


    ¡°Destiny¡¯s threads cannot be cut.¡± Achaeus whispered into Leander¡¯s ear.


    Leander slid down across his enemy and left a trail of blood on his chest plate.


    ¡°Noooo!!¡± Thracus rushed forward, but was pushed back by the soldiers.


    ¡°Damned fool¡­¡± The triumphant Archon was looking into the red sunset with his one good eye and the expression covering his face was empty. There was no joy in this victory. It was just¡­ another¡­ step¡­


    Achaeus fell to his knees and grabbed the tip of the bronze sword that had been lodged into his ribs. It wasn¡¯t very deep, but he still felt the fiery sting.


    ¡°It¡¯s over.¡± Bion declared neutrally from Kleitos'' side. The battle had ended one way or another.


    Silence engulfed the throne room as Achaeus rested.


    Ping~


    A high sound carried itself across the palace. It was soon joined by dozens of other ¨C louder - chimes. Bells. Why were there bells ringing through the silence?


    The silence. Why was there such silence? The war cries and banging of shields and weapons had been extinguished some time ago. It was replaced by this short ringing and chiming. Eventually the sound of louder tolling could be heard.


    Then these sounds were joined by song. The words were familiar and yet foreign. A song of praise and warning. These nymph like voices could only belong to young women.


    Achaeus forced himself on his feet and walked across the puddle of blood. He managed to drag himself to the balcony and leaned over the balustrade.


    There he saw them.


    A long line of white-clad women, solemnly walking across the battlefield. Their singing had stopped the fierce battle and made all soldiers either back away in awe or kneel down where they stood. This procession was from another world. A world without bloodshed. Purity.


    The prayers were sung by the front row of priestesses, but there was one even ahead of them. The dress was so large that its hem had to be carried by two other girls. The veil hung so deeply that it reached her hips. The pure whiteness almost blinded onlookers. A pattern was stitched into the formal ritual dress that could only be associated with one deity.


    Achaeus'' one open eye was captivated. Finally she had come. He had called for her to come to the palace for so long.


    ¡°Akacia, you finally chose to obey.¡± His pain was washed away. For now he would finally be acknowledged, his destiny would be made manifest.


    Maybe it was his exhaustion, but he could have sworn that he saw Akacia again, right behind the one clad in the ritual robes. In fact it could only be her that was holding the candle and taking the second row.


    But then who was the one in front? Who, if not the grand priestess?


    ¡°O¡¯ lords of Athens. I have come as the messenger of the great and wise Athena!¡±


    So spoke the chosen priestess with a youthful voice.


    Arriving in the very nick of time, the priestess faced the Archon on the precipice of destiny. The words of a goddess were a heavy thing as he would soon find out.

 Interlude: Diverging Paths

    Seventeen years ago, not long before the birth of Eugenia and not long after the death of King Heroides, the world was still a different place. The distant island of Sarpedon was a legend that only the occasional madmen would venture towards and Athens was experiencing an era of prosperity after the ceasefire with their eternal rivals of Sparta.


    In these days there was still a chance to change destiny¡¯s course.


    In the harbor of Piraeus a small fleet had returned and was welcomed by cheering citizens and soldiers. These were the five ships sent out to vanquish the pirate threat that had terrorized the Aegean Sea for almost a decade now. Originally nine triremes had been sent out to do the deed, but two had fallen into the pirates¡¯ greedy hands and another two had been sunk in combat. Even those who returned were showing a heavy toll. Sails were torn and the crew covered in wounds.


    Yet when they finally returned to land, all the brave sailors and warriors were displaying their pride as they were cheered on by the masses. They had been victorious! Peace was returned to the trade routes and Athens had proven its naval superiority again.


    Sitting atop a wagon with his stiff leg resting on a sack, one slick haired man watched the glorious return intently. Placed around him in discreet distance were his personal guards, protectors of the Archons.


    ¡°So that is the hero of the pirate war, a lad who¡¯s barely grown a beard yet.¡± The black haired man said with a tilted head.


    ¡°That is the prodigy spear master, Leander.¡± A bald man standing to his left nodded emphatically.


    ¡°Tell me Lupus, what does a hero look like?¡± He asked casually.


    ¡°Pardon, sir?¡± The ever slick assistant seemed to be unsure of what his master was getting at.


    ¡°You heard the stories. Saw the murals and vases. Listened to the poets sing their little rhymes. What makes a man look like a hero in your opinion?¡± He cleaned out his nails with a small knife.


    ¡°Perhaps a strong body and noble eyes?¡± Lupus humored him.


    ¡°Strength, hm? Very useful, that. A toned body is important, but even a farmer has muscles to spare from toiling away at the fields all his life.¡± He stopped his cleaning and looked back at the distant hero¡¯s face. ¡°The eyes on the other hand¡­ what kind of hero has those eyes?¡±


    ¡°Y-You can see them, sir?¡± Lupus strained his own eyes, but Leander was just too far away to even make out his face.


    ¡°There is no pride in those eyes, not even a sliver of satisfaction. They are as deep as the hole of Tartaros and as empty as a Gorgon¡¯s heart.¡± He adjusted his stiff right leg and then stood up. ¡°That man does not enjoy being a hero.¡±


    ¡°If you say it, then it must be true.¡± Lupus flattered his master as usual, but it was clear that he did not much care.


    ¡°I cannot fathom a lad like that. All that strength and fame should come to better use, don¡¯t you think Lupus?¡±


    ¡°Most certainly.¡±


    ¡°The man to his side, who is he?¡± He questioned after staring for a while.


    ¡°That is Captain Trifos. He is Leander¡¯s right hand man, second in command and rumored to be just as valiant as the hero himself.¡±


    ¡°His eyes seem right.¡± They could not have been more different. It was like Nyx and Hemera. Two goddesses ever so close, yet they could only pass each other as night passed day.


    ¡°I cannot see.¡± Lupus repeated. His eyes weren¡¯t even that bad.


    Without looking the Archon pushed a large amphora of expensive wine into the bald man¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Ohh!¡± Lupus eyes widened. He seemed to hold back the drool from his watering mouth.


    ¡°I want you to meet with that ¡®hero¡¯ and make his acquaintance. Have a nice drink with him. You know how to suck up to someone.¡± He smirked and then pushed the young assistant down the wagon.


    ¡°W-What shall I do once I finish talking to him?¡±


    ¡°That is up to him. All I want from you is to give me reports on what you find out. Be of service to him and keep an eye out for the signs. I believe this hero will become useful to me one day.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Lord Achaeus.¡± He bowed and then walked off while holding the wine like it was a precious gift.


    Achaeus watched the welcoming ceremony for a while longer, before turning his back on the whole thing. Despite his ambivalent expression he was filled with curiosity. There would be a war involving Lamia soon, so it would be a good time to see just how far this Leander would go.


    <hr>


    Twelve long years passed since that day. The world had slowly changed. Conflicts had been flaring up in the surrounding lands and Athens was ever on the move to support her allies. These were trying times, but for the Archons it was just an average work day at a time.


    Since the town hall had been built a few years ago, so centrally in the Akropolis, the Archons had been moving between the palace and that building fairly routinely. Achaeus preferred to take a particular detour towards his work.


    He leaned against a tree and watched the temple of Athena in all its towering glory. There were larger temples in Thebes and nothing could rival the Temple of Demeter, but they were intent on expanding this temple eventually, to show off the glory of their patron goddess. The coin that was flowing into this project was absurd in his opinion, but it would satisfy those of strong faith among the aristocrats.


    Still, the gardens were a beautiful sight. As the sun kissed the grass and flowers he felt his mind drifting away. The tranquility of it all could make the burden disappear for just a moment.


    ¡°You are here once again, Archon.¡± A sharp voice made him snap out of his trance. ¡°You come here every day. One might wonder if you have improper intentions.¡± The woman who had managed to sneak up on him was none other than the grand priestess herself.


    ¡°Lady Akacia, my fondest greetings.¡± Achaeus replied stiffly.


    ¡°Is it sating to stare at our temple so longingly every day? You are aware that the gates are open to you?¡± She said teasingly.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°Mhm, I¡¯m fully aware.¡± He cleared his throat.


    ¡°I have never seen you pray. Neither have you made any offerings to Lady Athena. Ergo you must have some other interest in this place.¡± She surmised with exaggerated hand motions.


    They both looked at the garden where two priestesses were chewing out a young apprentice. The girl was loudly apologizing over and over as she was being scolded. She could not have been much older than twelve summers, yet she was reprimanded without mercy.


    ¡°Oh? If you do not come for our Lady, perhaps you are here for the girls instead? To aim your lecherous eyes at a priestess is a serious offense.¡± She crossed her arms and smirked darkly.


    ¡°You are mistaken.¡± He corrected her with a twitching lower lip. This treatment was humiliating. ¡°I have no interest in younger women.¡±


    ¡°So it¡¯s only a matter of age! At your age I expect a rising interest in young blood. How many men have come to us to bless their union with someone that I can hardly call more than a child? I am used to it, truly.¡±


    ¡°I do not wish to repeat myself.¡± He seemed pressured, she was relentless today.


    ¡°Too bad, really. I would have gladly handed that clumsy rube of a girl to the first man who asked for her hand.¡± She said with a sardonic look towards the young apprentice who was still bowing even after the other priestesses left.


    ¡°Is it customary to marry off incompetent girls?¡± He wondered with a raised brow.


    ¡°Whether that is a custom or not, I shan¡¯t do it with that one. I could never face Kynthia once I pass on if I sell off her daughter to some sleazy older man.¡±


    ¡°Sleazy?¡± he grumbled under his breath.


    They watched the girl tend to the flowers with teary eyes. She had been holding it in while being reprimanded, but now she let out her grief. The flowers would listen to anyone after all.


    ¡°You never answered my question.¡± Akacia restarted the conversation after a sigh towards the direction of her prot¨¦g¨¦.


    ¡°Which was?¡±


    ¡°Why do you never step into the temple? You must have questions for Lady Athena. There is nobody who does not seek a little bit of certainty.¡± She wrapped the cloth around her hand with which she had been cleaning a small ornament and then slid it into her chiton.


    ¡°I am sorry to disappoint you then.¡± Achaeus put a hand on his side and then looked at the shining fringe around the contours of the temple during the sunrise. ¡°I have all the certainty I ever need.¡±


    Akacia looked at his profile, but then turned back to share the view with him. There was the slightest of smiles on her lips.


    ¡°Suit yourself. That will be less work for me.¡±


    <hr>


    It was late night inside the town hall where only the most unsavory of schemes could take shape and only hushed voices would penetrate the candlelit air.


    ¡°Lord Achaeus, our spy in Nineveh has been discovered. He was forced to take his life.¡±


    ¡°This is a heavy blow. He was the closest to the king¡¯s court. How could those Persian animals have uncovered him?¡± Achaeus rammed his fist against the table.


    ¡°We had a defector in our midst.¡±


    The Archon was suppressing a curse and held his pounding head. The heat of his rage was clouding his judgement.


    ¡°Tell our informant in the servant quarters to cover his tracks. We can¡¯t afford to lose even one more man.¡± He ordered and sent the messenger off.


    ¡°The last message we received was not encouraging. The empire is not as brittle as we had hoped.¡± One of Achaeus generals was looking at the shoddy maps that had been drawn painstakingly by the few informants they had in the empire. They were far from detailed. Some outright contradicted each other and put Media far to the east or west.


    ¡°We have Lydia¡¯s support and Media has sworn to not come to their aid. This campaign is starting to take shape. We need more men. More resources. More power.¡±


    ¡°The war in Eretria has ended recently. They have been victorious, but their city has been crippled. There aren¡¯t many left on your list.¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡± He did not appreciate such blatant attempts to cheer him up.


    ¡°Leander is returning from his journey. Are you certain about your decision?¡± The general seemed unconvinced.


    ¡°Has he not proven himself enough?¡± He swiped aside the bad maps and then sat down in his large chair. ¡°That man is popular with the people and a face that represents Athens¡¯ heroic presence. He can be a free spirit, so we have to shackle him to a position of responsibility. Becoming an Archon will bind him to our plans.¡±


    ¡°But what if he opposes the plan?¡±


    ¡°Then I will rid myself of him as I did with all my other opponents.¡± Achaeus said coldly.


    ¡°To elect the bastard of a house that has fallen from grace is unheard of. Yet as you say, he has sway with the people. The other houses might not agree out of principle, though.¡±


    ¡°I will make certain he gets the support he needs. Topos is as unmoving as a statue, but Xylon¡¯s days are numbered. We need fresh blood.¡± He sighed deeply.


    ¡°You have always been fascinated with that hero.¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Achaeus suddenly glared at him.


    ¡°M-Milord? I merely meant to say that you have been following Lord Leander¡¯s career with a close eye.¡±


    ¡°I keep my eye on anyone who affects my plan.¡± He stressed every syllable.


    ¡°Naturally.¡± The general hastily took the quickest out and focused on the letters again.


    Achaeus walked towards the window and threw the wooden cover open. Cold night air streamed inside and made the candles flicker. The pain in his leg flared up for a moment as the temperature sank.


    ¡°A hero¡¯s sword could be exactly what we need to cut off the eastern serpent¡¯s head.¡± He muttered to himself.


    The empire would fall soon. He only needed a few more years, just a little longer until he could eradicate the evil that was threatening the world. If his sword could not reach them¡­ then he would rely on as many sacrifices as he had to. After all it was destiny for him to be victorious. Only the means had been unclear.


    ¡°You are watching me, are you not?¡± He asked the stars.


    For a moment he could have sworn that he saw the shimmer of silvery eyes.


    <hr>


    ¡°Achaeus, a word please?¡±


    He was called back by the new Archon, Leander.


    ¡°Make it quick, I have some matters to attend to.¡± He stroked his short beard and followed the younger Archon inside the meeting room. ¡°Well?¡±


    ¡°I heard that you sent troops to Eretria to protect our ships.¡±


    ¡°Of course. I cannot allow pirates to have their way with our trade routes. You of all people should be aware that pirates should be dealt with using an iron fist.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am aware. Those reports, though, they worry me. There should not be such a large pirate presence anymore. And why are you stationing the troops in Eretria rather than putting them on the ships as protection?¡± Leander flipped through the pile of letters that he undoubtedly received every day.


    Achaeus eyed him from the side and then made a show of his long sigh.


    ¡°Leander, you are trained for war. You have to learn to let go of your old prey already. Leave this matter to me and focus on the new trade routes in the west, please? I heard promising things from the money lender. That Typhos fellow.¡±


    ¡°It will take a few years, but we could double our partners.¡± Leander nodded. ¡°But about Eretria-¡±


    ¡°I am serious, drop it please. I have everything under control. You might be the hero of the pirate war, but that does not obligate you to hunt down every stray vagabond.¡± He laughed thinly and then smacked Leander on the back. ¡°Listen to your elder, there will be opportunities for you to return to the fight. Athens will always need your blade, but more so your spirit.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ maybe you are right. I wish that I could be as collected as you.¡± He smiled wryly. ¡°Just for once I would appreciate some peace.¡±


    ¡°That is what we are fighting for! A world where our city rules the horizon and nothing can threaten it ever again.¡± Achaeus said with ambition in his voice.


    ¡°If Lady Athena wills it.¡± Leander did not seem convinced. There was this brittleness in his posture. He had turned weary over the years. But when he heard of those pirates, just for a moment his eyes had shown a flash of hunger.


    Achaeus felt the heat flare up in his chest. There was no dousing this need they had. A need to clasp the world in their hands and be in control.


    ¡°For peace in our lifetime.¡± Leander had poured them some wine and held one mug towards his colleague.


    ¡°To the eradication of evil.¡± Achaeus replied determinedly and they both took large swigs of the grape blood.


    Their paths had already been paved.

 Chapter 40: Eugenia and deception

    The cursed island was wrapped in a dry summer heat. The scorching sunlight rarely ever gave the isle pause, but today it was especially devastating. Thankfully the temple ruins provided a minimal amount of shade, perhaps the only reason that the priestess did not go up in flames.


    While she kept fanning herself with plum tree leaves, she could only marvel at the resilience of the snake woman who dared to sunbath during the zenith of Helios¡¯ ride across their part of the sky. Medusa was lying on her side and leaning her head on one arm. Her scales had heated up enough to allow one to grill meat on them, but she seemed to find this position comfortable. She had taken a nap until just a moment ago.


    ¡°Lady Medusa, are you awake?¡± Eugenia asked sluggishly.


    ¡°Mh.¡± Her response was just as drowsy.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you hot?¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡±


    Conversation was bothersome on a day like this, but Eugenia felt her consciousness slipping away. If she focused on words she might have avoided falling to the wiles of Hypnos.


    ¡°Can I ask you a question?¡±


    ¡°You already did.¡± Medusa replied with one eye open and rested her chin on her arms.


    ¡°Do you ever lie?¡±


    Medusa pushed aside her lazy dozing snake hair and looked up at the priestess. She wondered if heat stroke had made her ask such an odd question, but the girl seemed to be in control of her mind yet.


    ¡°Is this another method to reprimand me? Will you lecture me on the morality of speaking the truth?¡± She asked non-enthused.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to scold you.¡± She shook her head softly. There was something off about today. Medusa could tell that the girl had another of her philosophical episodes. It was never easy to tell whether the priestess just spoke out of boredom or something else. ¡°I just want to know more about you, I think.¡±


    Medusa frowned a little and let her head sink back on her arms. She had subconsciously perked her ears up. So foolish.


    ¡°¡­deception is no prerogative of humans. While it is more common in your heroes, a monster may also deceive. Even the lowliest animal predator will use methods to trick its prey as the fox blends in with the brush in autumn.¡± She replied dismissively.


    ¡°So even you have told lies?¡± Eugenia kept poking. What exactly was on her mind? It was like she was digging for something.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Medusa admitted without remorse.


    ¡°I see.¡± Eugenia gave her a forlorn smile and then turned silent.


    That was offensive to the Gorgon. To be asked such an accusatory question and be satisfied so easily.


    ¡°Is it worth wondering about? The gods, too, deceive the people, do they not?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know much about that¡­¡± She trailed off.


    ¡°What do they teach you in those temples of yours? Deception is the greatest weapon. Your beloved goddess has nearly turned it into a virtue.¡± She smirked sarcastically.


    ¡°The great and wise Athena knows the truth of everything. When she uses untruths it is for the sake of advancing humanity¡¯s drive towards wisdom. One day we will find the truth ourselves and thank her.¡± Eugenia said stiffly.


    ¡°That woman always demanded a standard of her own. A purity above purity.¡± The Gorgon snorted and then rolled on her back to let the front side of her scales receive some sunlight. ¡°Should a priestess not denounce lies?¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡± Eugenia agreed weakly.


    ¡°Oh? Is that doubt I perceive? Could it be? You too relied on these treacherous lies before?¡± Now she was just poking fun at her, but the priestess responded incredibly seriously.


    ¡°I lied before.¡± She wrapped her hands together and lowered her head in the shade. Her long hair was falling over her shoulders and mingled on her chest.


    ¡°Right.¡± Medusa squinted her eyes a little as she looked at the glowing sun.


    ¡°Sometimes people came to the temple to ask for advice from Lady Athena. Other times they wanted to know why something bad happened to them. I could feel the pain in their hearts. The grief in their soul. I realized that people only come to me when they are suffering. But even if I pray to Lady Athena, she will not always give an answer to them. The gods have their own duties and weight to bear. They can¡¯t help everyone.¡±


    ¡°That again.¡± Medusa muttered quietly. This girl thought that humans should bear their own burdens, even though they were clearly incapable of it.


    ¡°When these things happen I don¡¯t know what to do. I was taught that a priestess lives to serve the gods, but also to aid the people who come for help. What aid can someone powerless provide? When I thought about that¡­ I lied. I told them that their family would be fine, that Lady Athena was surely watching, even though I did not know if she was. Sometimes they asked what they should do and I gave them advice. But they truly believed that a priestess only speaks in the name of her goddess. They took my word as gospel.¡± She clutched her legs and exhaled sadly. ¡°I am a liar.¡±


    ¡°¡­such gentle lies.¡± Medusa said in a faint voice. Deception was for one¡¯s own gain. There was someone who won and someone who lost. That was the nature of these things. Yet the priestess was so upset over lies that did no great harm.


    ¡°Lying is wrong. I understood that. But there are moments when I believe a lie can help people. When someone deceives another to survive it¡¯s not good, but I can¡¯t fault them either.¡± She finally raised her head again and said what she truly thought. ¡°I only despise one type of lie.¡±


    ¡°Which is?¡±


    ¡°Lying to oneself.¡±


    The Gorgon fell silent and listened to the distant waves at the shore. The girl¡¯s words were splashing against a metaphorical cliff as well.


    Who was more true to herself than a monster?


    Who could not bear such a comfortable lie?


    <hr>


    ¡°Out of the question.¡±


    ¡°You are the only one who can do it!¡±


    ¡°Yet I shan¡¯t. Do you know what you are asking of me there, foolish girl?¡±


    Akacia glared the girl down reproachfully and leaned her arm against the cold temple wall. The words that had been spoken so guileless had made her feel faint. Eugenia stood before her with a desperate expression, but she must have already known that the grand priestess could not be swayed when she approached her with this plan.


    ¡°Right now everyone is fighting to prevent a horrible war. If we don¡¯t intervene then-¡±


    ¡°That was their own choice. I never thought Leander to be so rash.¡± She clicked her tongue. ¡°Have my teachings failed? Have I not managed to carve even the quintessential rules into your mind?¡±


    ¡°No, I understand why this asks a lot of-¡±


    ¡°Quiet already. I am the grand priestess in the temple of Athena. Even if I may not perceive it as such sometimes, I am the absolute authority in this sisterhood. I have to lead with my example. Your blasphemous request would destroy the very foundation of our faith.¡± Her words were picked with intent and harsh reality. The naivet¨¦ of this child had to be smashed to pieces at this very moment or the path ahead would crumble for her.


    Eugenia lowered her head and balled her fists weakly. The frustration in her was obviously growing. Perhaps this was the first time Akacia had ever seen her this way. There were only traces of the meek and afraid child left. Now there was only a heavy sense of regret.


    Her suggestion was no better than sacrilege against Athena herself. There could be no room for negotiation.


    ¡°You have been led astray by a monster that imprisoned you for nearly a year. You have been hurt by the vile machinations of evil men. These false lessons have taught you something that can only lead to disaster.¡± With somewhat softer eyes Akacia watched her former apprentice in the barely lit small room.


    ¡°I think I have changed, that is true.¡± Eugenia was still not raising her head. ¡°I can¡¯t stand by anymore. I can¡¯t just hide behind your back and cry.¡±


    For a moment it seemed to Akacia as if she saw the reflection of another in Eugenia¡¯s flickering contours. Such a familiar presence.


    ¡°What I experienced outside the temple wasn¡¯t always beautiful. I was scared and hurt and powerless. It wasn¡¯t all bad either. I met someone that I truly care for. I want to hear her voice again, even if just one more time.¡± Her words were tinged with fondness that she usually did not express. ¡°But I also met other people. Those who only want to live their lives true to themselves and seek the best for their friends and families. If Lord Achaeus triumphs today their efforts will have been in vain. I am not sure what Lady Athena thinks of all this, but the teachings I believed in would not agree with the suffering that was caused already.¡±


    She spoke of the teachings, but what verse in what song was ever this compassionate? Akacia knew well how the mistress spoke and what her silvery eyes were locked upon. She could not divine the thoughts of a goddess, but she felt that at the very least she had gained a humble insight on what she would sanction and what she would denounce.


    The truth was-


    ¡°I cannot do it.¡±


    -that Eugenia¡¯s heart had never been aligned with the mistress.


    The young priestess seemed close to tears as she was hit by rejection yet again. Surely a person could not abandon their weakness so easily.


    ¡°We have to stay neutral in all earthly affairs. Until our mistress demands that we interfere there can be no judgement. If her voice does not reach us, we are deaf. If she does not appear to us, we are blind. I understand your pain all too well. Please understand mine too.¡± For once she felt a need to sympathize, if even a little. Before it was too late.


    ¡°You knew what was happening, did you not?¡± Eugenia suddenly cut through the sympathy with such sharp words.


    ¡°I knew that Achaeus was planning something grand. The unrest in the Akropolis was obvious even to the lowliest servant.¡± She admitted.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t try to ask Lady Athena for advice?¡±


    ¡°There was no need. Now that the moment has come, she is deaf to our calls. She has been gone for weeks. Your request only came to be due to this misfortune.¡± She reminded her of the absence that created all this tension inside the temple. ¡°If you wish to summon her so dearly you should pray to her yourself. After all you are more likely to garner her attention than m-¡± Her vitriolic remark got stuck in her throat. There was an idea.


    ¡°Lady Akacia?¡± Eugenia had naturally noticed her odd behavior and raised her head questioningly.


    There was one path that had not been explored yet. Something so daring that it bordered on blasphemy as well, but she would not care at this point, would she? To encourage her to commit this crime would be nearly the same as doing it herself. They would be playing with fire at the tip of their fingers.


    ¡°Nevermind.¡± She withdrew.


    ¡°You thought of something, didn¡¯t you?¡± Eugenia had become too keen.


    ¡°I have not.¡± She turned away and folded her hands so tight that it hurt.


    There were two people inside the grand priestess. One was the ever faithful servant to the Olympian goddess of wisdom. The other was merely a woman.


    A woman who had once had a dear friend.


    Her hands were shaking. With some effort she pulled the memento out of her garbs and traced the engraved letters with her thumb. If she closed her eyes she could still see her smile. For her sake she had sworn to watch over this foolish girl. If she went to distant shores and got caught up in dastardly schemes, Akacia could do little to interfere. That had been her salvation in the face of such tragedy.


    But if she threw this girl into the maws of the lion herself, then she truly would have broken her promise to¡­


    ¡°I always wondered why you never asked me about mother.¡± Eugenia changed her tone and also turned her back to the grand priestess. Now standing back to back, there was a mysterious air about the two of them. ¡°I know that you were friends, because mother talked about you. Of course I don¡¯t remember much, because I was so young. When I came to Athens to study I was so, well, awestruck by you. Your confidence and strength made me want to appeal to you, but my weakness always dragged you down. There were times when I would do something foolish just to gain your attention for a little time.¡±


    Akacia listened to those confessions silently. Her fingers were pressed into the pendant.


    ¡°Someone who knew mother and was so perfect, it was like I met the only person that I could truly confide in. But I never did. I only listened to your words and nodded my head when asked. I abused your kindness and patience to feel better. That wasn¡¯t a fair show of love¡­¡±


    ¡°Tsk.¡± Akacia clicked her tongue again and put a hand through her hair. She should not subject herself to this, but nothing in her pushed to stop the girl.


    ¡°I wondered why you didn¡¯t ask about mother. Why you would never speak of her to me. Did we not love the same person?¡±


    ¡°My love for Kynthia is not something you can defile.¡± Akacia said coldly. ¡°I never asked, because I did not want to know. The Kynthia I knew is still with me. Your memories of her are not mine and can never change me.¡±


    Why was her chest filled with such sadness now? It made her feel weak. Seeing this child had only ever evoked negative feelings. It only hurt. Why did it always have to hurt?


    Kynthia had always put her duty above anything else. She was a colossal rock inside the ocean¡¯s waves, unrelenting and strong. They had just been two young girls studying to become servants of Athena. All this respect and warmth she had felt for Kynthia had driven her to this role she now fulfilled. If it wasn¡¯t for her, Akacia would never have become the grand priestess.


    Duty forced them apart, but it also was the thing that had connected them. So why did the woman who had given her such an apologetic smile chosen to run away with a good for nothing fool like him? A mere craftsman could sway that steeled mind where she had never even made a single dent. They went off to some rural village and created their happiness, while Akacia was locked away in the temple to rise the ranks.


    And the fruit of that union she could never approve of was now standing back to back with her.


    ¡°You may not want to hear these words, but I want to share them with you all the same.¡± Eugenia softly spoke into the darkness. ¡°On mother¡¯s deathbed she told me something that I can never defy. I made a promise to her that day.¡±


    ¡°What¡­ did she say?¡± Akacia could not stop herself anymore. She had to know.


    ¡°She told me ¡®Never lose sight of yourself and your duties. When you find meaning in something you have to stick to it. Athena is with those that stay true to themselves and her teachings.¡¯¡± She recited the words that surely had been etched into her very soul.


    Akacia bit her lip and allowed a single tear to run down her face. Unseen and unheard, only one drop of weakness in these hallowed grounds.


    In the end, Kynthia had always been the same. Whether it was her Kynthia or that man¡¯s. The stubborn delusion she had carried so many years had all been for naught. It was like she had lost her all over again.


    ¡°Akacia.¡± The girl¡¯s voice seemed to overlap with another one from the distant past. ¡°I have found meaning in something. If mother was right, then even with what I am about to do, Lady Athena will be with me. I want to stay true to myself and the teachings I believed in. Even if it is only once.¡± She was ready to leave. After failing to convince the head priestess she still did not give up. The faith she spoke of was clearly real.


    ¡°This is a cruel test. The mistress has never been one to care for a woman¡¯s feelings.¡± Akacia forced the moistness out of her eyes and the weakness out of her voice. She turned towards her former prot¨¦g¨¦. ¡°There is a way to fulfill your ¡®duty¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Eugenia seemed shocked at her change of heart.


    ¡°But I will not be the one to take that burden from you. If you seek to change the world, it is by your own power.¡± It was as much a blessing as a curse she was about to bestow. Finally she could give that spite an outlet.


    ¡°W-Wait, you don¡¯t mean-?¡±


    ¡°You will take my place in that little plan of yours. All I will do is fulfill my duty to the end, to call upon Athena and follow the ritual to the smallest detail. Whether she responds or not is not up to me and none of my concern.¡± She said with a sardonic grin.


    Eugenia turned pale. It was amusing to see her nonplussed reaction to this little twist of the knife. That was for making her go through all this pain again.


    ¡°I-¡± The blind priestess¡¯ shaking lips parted for her response, but!


    ¡°FIRE! Fire has been set to the town hall!¡± Shouting from outside made them both jerk back.


    The door was pushed open and Themistokles entered with an urgent expression.


    ¡°Things are getting a bit heated out there.¡±


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    <hr>


    They ran outside the temple alongside most of the remaining guards and some afraid priestesses. The flames were towering above the ceiling of the town hall already. The dry material had fed the fire well. The crackling of the wood and the large stinking smoke clouds made Eugenia shiver. It was too reminiscent of that time she had almost been buried in the Greenhouse.


    ¡°This is terrible, the fire will spread in no time.¡± Zosimos was audibly terrified. So she wasn¡¯t the only one who had made bad experiences with fire.


    The soldiers who had kept the temple in check were running around like wild chickens and completely lacking order. Probably because their superior had been knocked out by a bow.


    ¡°We can¡¯t allow it to spread any further. The water from the well is the quickest option.¡± Akacia was springing into action, but then noticed something unusual. The wagon outside the temple grounds had been parked in an odd spot and it was filled with many wooden barrels. It hadn¡¯t been here before.


    ¡°That traitor Leander set fire to the Akropolis! Is there no evil he would not stoop to?!¡± The soldiers kept shouting around them, much to the group¡¯s chagrin.


    ¡°Enough already!¡± The head priestess grabbed one of the cursing soldiers and glared him down. ¡°Get your men to make some lines to the wells. Organize a bucket chain. We still have time while the fire has not consumed the entire building.¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes priestess!¡± He scurried away and called his companions to come along.


    ¡°Girls, stay at the temple for now. If you see the fire spread, take all the artifacts and belongings and flee into the city.¡± She gave instructions to the other priestesses who had formed a small crowd behind them.


    ¡°Leander wouldn¡¯t set fire to the town hall.¡± Eugenia muttered.


    ¡°I agree. That seems like a desperate move.¡± Zosimos grabbed the bow tighter and then walked towards the inferno. ¡°Those soldiers won¡¯t be enough to tame a fire like that. We need way more hands.¡±


    ¡°Where could we get more people so quickly?¡± The priestess perked her ears to listen for any nearby people. To her surprise she could hear something other than all-consuming flames and the distant sound of battle. Footsteps. In the dozens. ¡°Someone is coming!¡±


    ¡°Achaeus¡¯ troops.¡± Akacia pulled Eugenia back before she could run into the incoming soldiers. Alignment was hard to tell just by sound, but someone whose eyes worked could see their emblems.


    ¡°Did Leander lose?¡± Zosimos was mortified by the sight.


    ¡°They carry no weapons!¡± Eugenia shouted after noticing the absence of the familiar clanking of sword sheathes against armor.


    ¡°What?¡± After the blind girl¡¯s words they looked at the weary men ahead and indeed, they carried no spears or swords. When they arrived at the plaza in front of the town hall they were all taken in by the terrifying force of burning destruction.


    ¡°Are you deserters?¡± Akacia asked the closest soldiers.


    ¡°We surrendered.¡± He admitted despite his pride.


    ¡°Then you got your hands free to carry more water. Keep moving to what¡¯s left of the gate. We need to create more bucket chains.¡± Akacia ordered them with authority, something they could understand. The men nodded and rushed towards the entrance of the Akropolis.


    ¡°It¡¯s a long way down to the foot of the hill. Even with these men it won¡¯t be long enough of a chain. It needs to go into both directions so the buckets can circle. And the fire will still spread¡­¡± Zosimos was nervous beyond compare and walked back and forth.


    ¡°Who would set fire to this place?¡± Akacia covered her mouth and stared at the flames trying to escape the upper floors.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t it an accident?¡± Eugenia asked as she wiped her sweat.


    ¡°Living in this city has taught me that nothing is ever a coincidence.¡± She put her sleeve over her mouth and walked closer to the building, but kept enough distance not to be singed by a surprise burst of fire.


    ¡°We ¨C hrk ¨C don¡¯t have time to look after this place. If those men deserted we can be almost certain that Lord Leander made it through the enemy¡¯s defenses. The fighting will grow only more intense now!¡± Zosimos was coughing from the irritating smoke. His focus was still on the plan. ¡°You need to get away from here.¡± He grabbed Eugenia¡¯s arm and set out to leave.


    ¡°W-Wait!¡± She pulled against his loose grip with all her might and barely managed to stay in place. ¡°Someone is still in there!¡±


    ¡°How do you-?¡± He stopped himself when he realized who he was talking to. ¡°Can you hear where they are?¡±


    ¡°The main hall, no¡­ He is running towards the entrance.¡± Eugenia turned her head to the side.


    The wooden entrance was deceptively intact, but getting close to the wood revealed an intense heat which had been deeply absorbed into the material. Touching it would probably burn someone. To their shock a rather violent cracking signaled that the door was falling apart. It was not because of the dancing flames, but rather due to the heavy impacts of a large axe from the inside.


    The maltreated wood splintered and exploded off and then a heavy tackle undid the construction entirely. Out of the inferno tumbled a large man with another slung over his back. He coughed heavily and then pushed himself onto his knees.


    ¡°Epiphanes?!¡± Zosimos reaction was the loudest, but by far not the strongest.


    Akacia looked at the coughing old man with a pale expression.


    ¡°Are you alright? Did you get burned?¡± Eugenia rushed towards him and helped him sit up.


    ¡°Huurrgh, pwah.¡± He spat out something black and then shook his head. ¡°Made it just in time.¡±


    ¡°Why would you risk your life like that?¡± Eugenia questioned sternly, but could not hide her relief.


    ¡°I saw ¡®im lay down to let the flames take ¡®im...¡± He coughed again and pointed at the man lying next to him.


    ¡°Trifos!¡± Zosimos had turned the unconscious guard on his back and recognized his face. ¡°He¡¯s still breathing.¡± He looked him over and shuddered. ¡°Unlucky guy.¡±


    The guard captain was covered in severe burns. His clothes were black and stank like death. Some of the fabric had molten into his skin. He might have been breathing, but he was not for this world much longer.


    ¡°You brought that man¡­ here?¡± While they had been busy examining the two, Akacia had not moved a single muscle. She had just regained her voice it seemed and it was filled to the edge with anger.


    Epiphanes averted his old soot smudged face. The pain in his wrinkled expression was deep.


    ¡°Lady Akacia, please stay calm.¡± Eugenia stood in front of the old man to separate them.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    ¡°I told you that I never wanted to see you again!¡± She shouted at Epiphanes. ¡°I banished you from the Akropolis, I told you never to get close to me until the day you are taken by Thanatos!¡±


    ¡°Daughter¡­ I¡­¡± He raised his pathetic voice, but she did not give him a chance to reply.


    ¡°Is this part of your plan, you vexing girl? To drag this failure riddled with debt to my doorstep so I may change my mind? I knew I recognized that wagon. Those toys of his.¡± She was fury incarnate.


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t want- It¡¯s not that I wished to push it onto you! B-But your father was worried, so-¡± She was struggling to put up a defense before her superior.


    ¡°Mind your own business! You may never meddle in my affairs.¡± She slapped Eugenia right across the face.


    ¡°You¡¯re going too far, priestess!¡± Zosimos stepped up, but then was pushed back by the icy cold glare.


    ¡°You come to me to beg for my assistance, to commit blasphemy against our mistress and on top of that you defile my personal decrees. Your transgressions have gone too far.¡± She shoved Eugenia aside, left her on the ground and then turned her back to them.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Epiphanes apologized with deep regret. ¡°I shouldn''t''ve come with you.¡±


    ¡°No, we needed your help. It would not be right to leave you behind to fear for her safety.¡± Eugenia rubbed her red cheek and then took Zosimos hand to get back up.


    ¡°Without the grand priestess your plan is not looking good.¡± Zosimos rubbed his head and then looked at the approaching soldiers who were bringing buckets filled with clear water. ¡°But if this fire spreads everyone loses.¡±


    ¡°Collapse ¨C HURK ¨C we gotta have it c-collapse.¡± Epiphanes bend over from the cough fits, but then pointed at the caved in entrance. ¡°Placed my last Kalio in there. Need a bucket t¡¯set it off¡­¡±


    ¡°You planted more of the magic ore inside?¡± Zosimos was impressed. ¡°So someone needs to get back inside to make the building collapse.¡± He didn¡¯t have to say any more. It was clear that this would be a one-way trip.


    ¡°You can¡¯t move yet!¡± Eugenia pushed down the spasming shoulders of the other injured man. Against all odds the severely burned guard captain had opened his heavy eyes. His dirty face seemed to be going through some feverish nightmares. He had to be held down by all three of them.


    ¡°Need to see¡­ seeeee him!¡± He screamed and flailed as he spoke madly.


    ¡°Damn it, what¡¯s gotten into him?! How did he even make it here? We locked him inside the guild house, didn¡¯t we?¡± The tanned merchant grunted as he put his weight on the delusional man.


    ¡°Who do you need to see?¡± Eugenia asked softly.


    ¡°Le¡­an¡­DA!¡± He twitched a few more times and then lost all his energy.


    ¡°He is still going on about that?¡± Zosimos wiped his sweat and then jerked his shoulders up when a loud cracking signaled the collapse of the uppermost floor. Flames were spewing everywhere. Soldiers were screaming. ¡°Can you two hold him on your own?¡±


    ¡°I think so.¡± Epiphanes nodded.


    ¡°Wait, what are you going to do?¡± Eugenia turned towards her friend.


    ¡°Ya know my nickname. I always survive somehow, might as well put that talent to some use, right?¡± He forced a smile and then ran towards one of the afraid soldiers to grab the bucket out of his hands.


    ¡°Stop! Don¡¯t do it, Themistokles!¡± She shouted after him.


    ¡°It¡¯s as I said. If this fire spreads any chance of success is nil. Let¡¯s just call my debt covered by this.¡±


    ¡°I said stop!¡±


    ¡°I hope you¡¯ll be able to see your Lady of the Isle again.¡± He said with an apologetic expression and then rushed forward.


    ¡°You coward!¡± Eugenia shouted.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Zosimos was so taken aback that he actually stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°You will leave me with the burden of telling Eopia the bad news?¡± She furrowed her brows. ¡°Am I supposed to tell her that you foolishly died carrying a bucket of water?!¡±


    ¡°N-Now, you don¡¯t have to put it quite that way.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to sacrifice yourself to make up for something that I already forgave you for!¡± Her words were direct and serious. ¡°You can¡¯t run away like this.¡± She added with furrowed brows.


    ¡°¡­Artemis¡¯ light, you can be quite persuasive sometimes.¡± He grabbed the bucket in his arms and looked torn. ¡°Old man, how much water do we need to get that fancy explosion?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not certain lad¡­ Th¡¯ heat might be doin¡¯ us a favor.¡± He said, uncertain.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how much time we have left, but I will try to preserve this life you absolved so graciously.¡± Zosimos made an exaggerated pose and then moved towards the entrance. Before Eugenia could object again he grabbed the bow from his back and then dipped the arrows into the bucket. There was not a lot of water on them, even if they soaked for a while. ¡°May my goddess guide my arrows!¡±


    The first arrow hit the door frame.


    Zosimos coughed and then called over the other soldiers to help him. Even an experienced archer would have trouble hitting a target through all that smoke however.


    ¡°Priestess.¡± A weak voice called out to her.


    ¡°Trifos?¡±


    ¡°It was me¡­ I set the town hall¡­ ablaze.¡± He muttered and his eyes regained a small bit of light.


    ¡°Why did you do it?¡± She could not understand his actions anymore.


    ¡°Achaeus¡¯ legacy¡­¡± He put a hand to the crunching ground and pushed his torso up. It was inconceivable that he still had the strength to move and yet he did. ¡°It will be in ashes.¡±


    Eugenia heard the flames rage and knew that nothing inside the building would survive them. So Trifos intentions were¡­


    ¡°The fire shall give Leander¡­ his opening. Just like in¡­ Lamia.¡± He wiped away black saliva from his chin.


    ¡°Lamia?¡± Her heartbeat increased.


    ¡°Same stratagem. Victory was ours. Glorious¡­ day. He¡¯ll not retreat.¡± He was still delirious, but his voice was steadier.


    ¡°But I thought you were working for Achaeus?¡±


    ¡°I was.¡± He leaned forward. ¡°But Leander¡¯s speech¡­¡± He seemed to grab an invisible phantom in front of him and staggered after it. ¡°The fire has returned. The fire cleansed him!¡± He shouted to the reddening sky. ¡°My hero is reborn in it and I will be cleansed as well!¡±


    Eugenia listened to his unsteady steps and knew he was heading for the town hall. He passed the archers who were still trying their best to set off the ore inside with their aimless arrows.


    Zosimos noticed Trifos just in time to lower his bow, but he was surprised to see him pick up the bucket next to them. Before anyone could hold him down the guard captain stormed through the flames and rushed into the blackest smoke!


    ¡°He isn¡¯t-?¡± Zosimos took a step back and then hastily turned around. ¡°RUN!¡±


    They made just enough distance to avoid the flying debris and sharp wooden pieces flying through the air as the building collapsed in on itself after the loudest explosion yet. The weakened town hall did indeed collapse, but some of the larger pieces were falling over and taking the fire along. It was not a controlled collapse after all.


    ¡°Extinguish the smaller fires!¡± The bucket chains were in uproar and water was desperately splashed across the dozens of smaller fires. At the very least the biggest danger had been averted for now. Should the wind turn however, the surrounding buildings would surely be set ablaze by the collapsed debris as well.


    ¡°He sacrificed himself.¡± Eugenia whispered in disbelief.


    ¡°I thought he¡¯d been stuck and needed savin¡¯, but now I see, he was tryin¡¯ to die inside there all along.¡± Epiphanes said in a mellow voice.


    ¡°Why? Just why would he do this now?¡±


    ¡°Atonement.¡± The old scholar responded quietly.


    They stood there as the chaos around them continued unabated. If the fire could be contained, then they should keep moving, but something seemed to keep them here. With some trouble Eugenia pulled herself away from the crackling sounds of burning wood and faced back towards the temple where the wagon was parked.


    ¡°Did you bring everything along?¡± She asked the scholar weakly.


    ¡°Indeed. Everythin¡¯ I could scrounge up. Matter of fact, it¡¯s probably all we have in the city.¡± He put a hand to his stinging chest and suppressed another cough. ¡°You¡¯ll still go lass?¡±


    ¡°Lady Akacia told me that I should be the one to do it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°No, I mean, she would never have agreed to do something like this. It was wrong of me to ask this of her.¡± She admitted.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be going right through a battlefield. Maybe we should leave it to Leander after all.¡± Themistokles joined them as they walked to the wagon.


    ¡°But¡­¡± The blind priestess was wavering, just a little. Soldiers were completely different from anything she knew. Trifos final act had left an impression on her. Leander was fighting to stop Achaeus at all costs. Was it wrong to put the weight of it all unto his shoulders? There was no way a single person could save so many people. She couldn¡¯t.


    That¡¯s why she had to rely on her once more.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ride the wagon straight through. They¡¯ll be jumpin¡¯ outta the way for sure if they know what¡¯s good for ¡®em.¡± Epiphanes declared and jumped onto the rider¡¯s seat. The horse seemed to be displeased that its rest was already interrupted.


    ¡°This plan is madness!¡±


    ¡°You can stay here and wait for the conclusion, Zosimos.¡± Eugenia said as she pulled herself on top of the wagon. ¡°Eopia is most likely helping the efforts from the city to put out the fire. You should support her.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t do all of this alone.¡± He replied with spite.


    ¡°I am never alone.¡± She said with a heavy heart. There was the slightest shimmer of silver behind her.


    ¡°Bold words coming from a blasphemer. Apparently my teachings are not wholly erased just yet.¡± The voice cut through the tension like a sharpened sword. From behind Zosimos a woman left the temple and descended the steps.


    ¡°Not you again.¡± The merchant grumbled and turned towards the head priestess. ¡°We already got the message and we will be leaving your sight right away.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t escape your debt so easily vandalizer. Eight hundred owls.¡± She smirked darkly and pushed him aside. ¡°Do not make such a befuddled face, girl. I am furious with you for bringing that human waste of a man along, but I never refused to execute that plan of yours. And Athena shall strike me down if I let a misguided scholar save her city from mindless destruction between two equally foolish men, if a priestess could do a better job of it.¡±


    With those words she clapped and a dozen priestesses came out of the temple carrying all kinds of bells and chimes. They had put on their formal garbs. They surrounded the wagon like a hired mercenary group protecting the cargo.


    ¡°No dillydallying. You need to be dressed properly.¡± Akacia dragged Eugenia off the wagon she had half-climbed and then took her back to the temple. She was just looking like a confused puppy the entire time.


    Zosimos and Epiphanes were just sitting in the driver¡¯s seat and waited more or less patiently. After a few minutes they could hear screaming. Eugenia¡¯s voice made entirely unknown tones. They lowered their heads even deeper while ignoring the chuckling among the women around them.


    It took more time than expected, but eventually Akacia returned to the entrance with two extra priestesses at each side. They were holding up an incredibly long white cloth, which was connected to an outfit that was beyond ceremonial. There must have been queens who dressed less excessively. Below all those robes and accessories must have been a suffocating Eugenia.


    ¡°I always despised this thing.¡± Akacia said in an unusually good mood. Even she had put on something more impressive, but she still seemed like a mere acolyte compared to her prot¨¦g¨¦.


    Eugenia did not respond, but it was clear that she was stewing inside. The veil in front of her face hid all her reactions of course.


    ¡°We will ride up to the palace gates and then walk the rest of the way. Make some space inside that pathetic cart.¡±


    It turned quite crowded. The horse was neighing in disapproval.


    ¡°They have to let us pass. Divine business supersedes all other matters.¡±


    ¡°Is that really going to stop the fighting, though? I don¡¯t think Achaeus is that kind of devout man.¡± Themistokles rebutted from the front.


    ¡°That man has been calling for me to come to the palace over and over in the last few days.¡±


    ¡°For what purpose?¡±


    ¡°There is no certainty when it comes to his schemes, but I suspect he wanted to have control over every aspect in the city, including religion. I knew of his plans to start a war campaign soon, but we were busy with the issues at the temple.¡± She crossed her arms and explained the situation with Athena¡¯s absence. ¡°He requested that we call upon Athena for him.¡±


    ¡°He really never struck me as a strong believer.¡± Zosimos muttered.


    ¡°In all my years as grand priestess he has not stepped inside the temple once. It must be another scheme. A deception, perhaps.¡± She trailed off with a distant expression.


    ¡°As long as Lady Akacia is with us he will receive the procession.¡± Eugenia said muted below the veil.


    ¡°We will take his attention with our presence.¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°O¡¯ lords of Athens. I have come as the messenger of the great and wise Athena!¡± Eugenia proclaimed with all her lung capacity. Her heart wanted to burst from her small chest and the ground below her seemed to be spinning.


    They had marched onto a battlefield and with the chimes and bells they had quenched the noise of clashing swords and battlecries. How many bodies were unmoving already? She could only hear the heavy breathing and beating hearts of the living. It was her hope that most of them were still well.


    ¡°Cease this fighting and receive her message!¡± A demand, not a request. It was so unlike her usual tone that she felt nearly exhilarated by the act. If only she hadn¡¯t also felt like throwing up.


    ¡°Bring unto me the divine words, priestess.¡± That voice belonged to Achaeus of course. He was standing on a balcony above them. His words were a little ragged with exhaustion. Had he been fighting too?


    There was no time to consider the possibilities as Akacia subtly pushed her forward. They had to climb the stairwell all the way to the throne room. On the way they passed dozens of soldiers who made way for them. Blood covered enemies were all equally respectful of the priestesses. No matter what allegiance one had, the gods were above such matters. This was exactly what she had desired, but the weight on her shoulders seemed to increase with each step. Not just because of the heavy gown.


    The door to the throne room was levered open and a few corpses were dragged aside. Eugenia shivered when she heard the wet sound of blood.


    She realized that the throne room was as crowded as the battlefield outside. There were soldiers, but far more other people. Their breathing was unsteady, afraid. There were several men who seemed to be in serious pain, wounded. But the most imposing presence belonged to the Archon who had started everything. Without hearing him speak, she could tell that he was right in front of her.


    ¡°You have come around in the end, Akacia. As I knew you would.¡± Achaeus said triumphantly.


    ¡°I only follow my mistress'' will. You wished to speak to her and so we call her name.¡± The grand priestess was only taking second place behind Eugenia, yet she was the one with the greater presence. Although she kept her calm, there was a noticeable gasp for a moment as she had noticed something.


    ¡°You have come at the most opportune time indeed. I have just slain the traitor! Now it is time that all here realize the righteousness of my plans.¡± He spoke with boundless confidence.


    What did he mean by ¡®slain the traitor¡¯? Her heart had stopped when she heard those words. Her ears perked up to the limit and she heard the rustling of clothes as someone moved to the center of the room.


    ¡°Leander¡­ he still draws breath.¡± The man who spoke was all too familiar to her.


    ¡°Bion?¡± She couldn¡¯t help herself. The name just slipped out, but it was overpowered by the loud soldiers who surrounded the slave who was holding up the bleeding body of the other Archon.


    ¡°Tenacious to a fault.¡± Achaeus was not worried at all apparently.


    ¡°These wounds are grave. Not sure if I can fix him up.¡± Bion said as he resisted getting dragged back.


    ¡°Brother!¡± Another man among the crowd of nobles shouted desperately.


    It took everything Eugenia had not to rush to Leander¡¯s side right now. She could not move. She was not allowed to show her allegiance with him. Right now, no matter what she felt, she was simply a vessel. If she abandoned the plan right now, Achaeus would have won. All the soldiers out there would keep killing each other until the soil was soaked in red.


    ¡°Let him bleed out as I begin my path to destiny. As he teeters on the brink he may well see Athena one last time.¡± Achaeus waved his right hand and the guards let Bion go. Leander¡¯s wounds must have been too horrible to let him pose even the slightest risk anymore. Only then would someone like Achaeus be this merciful. ¡°Well then, grand priestess. Call upon your goddess.¡±


    ¡°But your injuries, milord.¡± One of his men tried to reason with him, but he didn¡¯t pay him any heed.


    ¡°I have strength to spare.¡± He was so elated that he seemed to have lost his right mind. Akacia didn¡¯t show any particular concern either.


    ¡°I will perform the ritual as it is tradition. Yet the one who will be the medium between the divine and you is her.¡± She pointed at Eugenia.


    She could feel his intense gaze on her. One of his eyes was closed as it was soaked in blood and his breathing was uneven, but he still was as imposing as a bear. In fact the entire throne room was focused on her. If Bion was here, then the others might also have been. How had they been caught up in this? If she didn¡¯t succeed they would all be in grave danger.


    ¡°What rank does this one hold, that you would step behind her?¡± The Archon was suspicious of them.


    ¡°This one is blessed by Lady Athena herself. She is a chosen one.¡± Akacia said without hesitation. She only spoke the truth and would continue to do so as she had sworn.


    ¡°Chosen.¡± He seemed slightly hostile now. If his one-eyed glare could have penetrated the veil, he would have recognized her face. Then it would have all been over.


    The other priestesses meanwhile had prepared the ceremony. They had spread candles and small stone cases with fires in a circles around Eugenia and Akacia and put up an offering altar. They then kneeled down in a circle around the chosen priestess and chanted in whispers. With the balcony doors wide open behind them the smoke was carried outside.


    ¡°I am Akacia of Athens, grand priestess of the great temple of Athena! I call upon the greatest and wisest goddess of Mount Olympus!¡±


    The fires flickered in a strange supernatural rhythm.


    ¡°Hear the voice of your humble servant. Share your wisdom with the people that you govern. Answer the questions of those that seek knowledge and we shall be forever in your debt. We offer you the clearest waters and the purest milk to reflect your perfection. Hear us! Guide us!¡±


    The chanting around them picked up in pace and with each spoken word the air seemed to crackle a little. The audience was becoming uneasy, but also mesmerized.


    ¡°Possess the vessel you marked in your eternal wisdom and use her lips to decree your will! Lady Athena!¡± She raised her hands far above.


    Eugenia did the same in complete sync.


    Then Akacia went to her knees and slammed her hands onto the long cloth hanging from Eugenia¡¯s garbs, which was spread on the ground. In an instant everything turned silent. Eugenia still stood still in the center with her arms raised to the skies beyond the ceiling. Somewhere in the distance were the peaks of Mount Olympus. From up there she must have looked infinitely miniscule.


    Silence grappled them and suffocated them. Nothing had happened yet.


    The call was not answered.


    Eugenia could feel no presence inside her or around her. Just as she had predicted, against her hopes, Athena did not listen. The plan had to proceed no matter what her heart told her though.


    ¡°Thou hast called upon me in this dire hour, Achaeus of Athens.¡± She raised her voice as far as she could without breaking it and gave off a booming presence like never before.


    The aristocrats all gasped and backed away as if they were not worthy of the divine presence. Therses and Agapetos were staring at her as if she was a different person. They were shaken with goosebumps.


    And Achaeus stood before this divine vessel and smiled.


    ¡°Thou art the Archon chosen by my city. Speaketh of thine desire to me and I shall listen. Judgement will be upon thou to the bitter end.¡±


    ¡°Athena.¡± He spoke to the larger than life presence without respect and instead like an equal. His arrogance knew no bounds. ¡°The time has come. The day we awaited has arrived and the campaign against the Empire will begin today!¡±


    Eugenia listened to those words with sweat running down her back and arms. To force herself to act as Athena was pushing her to her limits, but on top of that she had to figure out the context of every word as if she was the wise goddess herself. It was impossible not to falter. She had to contain her shallow breaths.


    ¡°I called upon you so that you could give us your blessing for the war. So that everyone may see that my quest is righteous by you!¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Therses'' jaw dropped.


    ¡°Unbelievable.¡± Zosimos who was hiding at the entrance was glaring around the corner.


    Eugenia was the most shocked of all.


    Achaeus asked for a blessing? He believed wholeheartedly that Athena would support his madness? How could this be? A man who had never shown a shred of faith and who disregarded the honored traditions without flinching had the gall to demand support from the highest authority? It boggled the mind.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hesitate.¡± Akacia subtly rammed her elbow into Eugenia¡¯s back to snap her out of her silence. Her voice was so quiet that only special hearing could perceive it.


    The pain was momentary, but it helped her realize that she had no time to think. No time to be confused. She was Athena¡¯s ears and mouthpiece!


    ¡°Thou asks for mine blessing?¡±


    The nobles were kneeling. Everything depended on this one decision. No matter how much they opposed Achaeus, there was not a single man or woman in this palace who would oppose the will of the goddess of wisdom herself. If he got what he wanted, the path towards war was clear. The veterans would be absorbed into the army, the nobles would supply the campaign with all their resources and the weakened Ionian Alliance would be powerless to object.


    Death was approaching¡­


    ¡°Thou shall receive nothing!¡±


    The word echoed inside the throne room and vibrated through the bodies of all present. Their meaning hit only a few seconds after their declaration and many could still not fathom them.


    Most devastated and confused of all was the arrogant Archon.


    ¡°My apologies, I must have misheard.¡± He said with forced countenance. ¡°My Lady¡­ What did you truly mean to say?¡± Like a merchant clutching his bag of gold coins, he seemed to cling to his delusions.


    ¡°Thou hast sullied mine name, Achaeus. Strife has consumed thou and weakness of the mind will be thy downfall. Had thou stepped before me at the beginning of thy schemes, I should have set thee straight. By choice thou hath defined thy own path and abandoned enlightenment. Demands art not thy prerogative.¡±


    Achaeus was dumbfounded, no, close to the brink of collapse. It was clear that he could not process this opposition. Not a single spoken word fit his narrative, his design. Something flared up in his eye.


    ¡°This has to be a deception.¡± He declared darkly and pulled up his chipped iron sword. ¡°You are not Athena!¡±


    ¡°Are you mad, Achaeus? How dare you draw your blade in front of a goddess?!¡± Therses shouted and was barely held back by the guards, who themselves were clearly devastated.


    ¡°That crazy fool.¡± Zosimos and Epiphanes gave each other signs to move in and stop him.


    ¡°SILENCE!¡± Eugenia¡¯s vibrating voice pushed them all back at once. Eugenia was channeling a strength deep within her. She imitated her manifestation of resilience and power. That voice had never left her mind since they were separated. Today she would borrow Medusa''s steel like will.


    But it was not just her voice.


    Colorful flames exploded from the small ritual fires and created incredible shapes. They seemed to form fiery owls and scorching trees. Red, blue, green they cycled through the colors that fires could never own. The red of dawn was putting an unearthly glow upon the entire scene, right behind the vessel¡¯s back. Her gown was steeped in red while the walls shimmered in all other shades and colors. The priestesses were even stunned themselves, but then began their prayers in earnest again.


    Now everyone in the throne room went to their knees and dropped their weapons in reverence. This supernatural display was proof that they were dealing with a goddess. And as Achaeus had raised his sword and enraged the all-seeing owl, they abandoned all of theirs to appease her.


    Achaeus took a step back in shock, but did not let go of his sword yet. The color changing flames reflected in his one open eye and drove his madness further and further away.


    ¡°A mere mortal doth not defy mine will! Naught will be achieved by thine impudence, but the devastation of thy life.¡± After the rage seemed to subside and the colors faded from the fire she continued. ¡°Judgment awaits thee. Delivered unto thou is the sentence of eternal imprisonment. Never shalt thou control the fates of man again!¡±


    As the last word left the vessel¡¯s lips, it collapsed. Akacia looked at the girl¡¯s hunched back and she sighed. Eugenia had lost all feeling in her legs and collapsed. She had overstepped her capabilities and the stress had finally struck her down. Exhausted and gasping for air she just leaned onto her hands.


    ¡°That- that can¡¯t be! Come back Athena! Explain to me-!¡± He marched forward. ¡°This does not make any sense. I- I have done as you told me!!¡± He screamed and raised his blade above Eugenia¡¯s head. ¡°Die deceiver!¡±


    ¡°Stop it!¡± He was violently pulled back by Therses who had not been held down by anyone for a while. The soldiers were too humbled to even move. The fisherman¡¯s son could not hold the raging Archon on his own however and that¡¯s when Themistokles and a few others joined in to hold him down. They took his sword away and pushed him against the ground.


    ¡°You foolish sheep! That false shepherdess is deceiving you! She is a blasphemer, a charlatan- sh-she has to be!¡± He struggled like a wild beast and shot accusations all around.


    ¡°You are fortunate that the goddess was so merciful. I would have sentenced you to death. Although rotting inside a dark and damp cell for the rest of your numbered days will have to be a fitting substitute.¡± Therses grinded his teeth and kicked Achaeus against the head to push his face against the dirty floor. Shards of metal were spread all over it from the fight and now dug into the dark-haired man¡¯s skin.


    ¡°Judgement has been spoken and we shall obey. This battle ends now.¡± Akacia declared solemnly and rose to her feet. She put one hand on Eugenia¡¯s shivering back.


    There was not a single soul who would defy them right now. Victory was theirs.


    ¡°PLEASE!¡±


    Everyone¡¯s attention was pulled back to the pinned down Archon. His begging voice was unexpected. Even Therses on his back loosened his foot in surprise.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do this¡­ please.¡± Achaeus pleaded with desperation.


    ¡°Begging for your freedom? You truly are pathetic.¡± Therses and Zosimos frowned in disgust.


    ¡°Please¡­ My destiny can¡¯t be ignored. I beg you deceiver¡­ Do not do this.¡± He stretched forward his bloody hand and held out for Eugenia¡¯s gown.


    ¡°Why do you think I am deceiving you?¡± Eugenia could not help it. There was something strongly pulling her towards the man. Charisma? No, something deeper. Something connected them.


    ¡°You are not the chosen one.¡± Achaeus said in pain. ¡°I am!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I was chosen by Athena! It was my destiny to destroy the Persians. I am her servant and her blade.¡±


    ¡°He is delirious, don¡¯t listen to him Eugenia.¡± Themistokles softly pushed her back.


    ¡°You are all blind! Unable to see the threat that comes from the east. Only I know the truth!¡± He spat and shouted and lost all dignity, but he kept resisting with all his might.


    ¡°We know that the Persians are powerful, but they are far away. We can repel any invasion long before they make it here.¡± Kleitos had managed to speak through the pain of his lost hand that Agapetos had treated. The bleeding stopped for now, but the noble¡¯s wet face showed that he was about to collapse.


    ¡°The threat does not come from military might.¡± Achaeus revealed and caught them all off-guard. ¡°I was there¡­ I saw it all¡­¡±


    ¡°What did you see?¡± Eugenia whispered. His pain was affecting her too.


    ¡°There was a man hundreds of years ago, by the name of Zoroastres. I don¡¯t know whether he is a myth or an abomination. But he founded a cult. They changed his name to Zarathustra and revered him as some sort of prophet. He disappeared into history, but there are people who still remember his teachings. His acolytes have been thriving in the cesspools east of Media and grown stronger in the Empire. Their other false gods are getting eradicated one by one for the twisted believe in this malefic faith.¡±


    They were tied to his lips as he spoke a dark prophecy.


    ¡°If we let them roam free much longer the abandoned world will be consumed by their heresy!¡±


    ¡°Why do you care what those false religions claim?¡± Akacia crossed her arms and averted her face. She knew of many such sects. Faith was a fickle thing. The Persians prayed to a variety of different gods, they had no unified faith.


    ¡°I was there¡­ I was there¡­¡± His shaking eye was turning dull, as if he was losing his sight to darkness. ¡°At the border of Ionia. My family was chosen as ambassadors to negotiate for new alliances.¡±


    Now several aristocrats and Akacia perked up their ears. That story was well known. They realized that his words were not mere delusion.


    ¡°We went to the border village to inspect the creation of wells and roads. But on that night¡­ The entire village was murdered in their sleep.¡± He grinded his teeth until a piece broke off. ¡°The zealots cut their throats and carved their unholy words into their bodies and then set everything on fire. The village burned to ashes in a single night and the crazed monsters left with their robes soaked in my family¡¯s blood.¡±


    Eugenia felt nauseous just listening to him. The suffering she felt from him was overwhelming.


    ¡°They call themselves ¡®The Children of Ahriman¡¯. Those who follow the false faith of Zoroastres have decided that the world is in need of balance. Hah! They purge all that is not pure and feed the innocent to their god of darkness, Ahriman! But that thing is no god. It must be an ancient Titan that escaped the Titanomachia¡­¡±


    ¡°You speak of things that are impossible.¡±


    ¡°Their evil feeds the Titan and their diseased faith spreads across the Persians. They have to be cut out by the very root!¡±


    ¡°You are only lashing out as your vengeance consumes you.¡± Akacia said with pity.


    ¡°No! I was there¡­ I saw it all¡­ I had been locked in the cellar and dug myself out of the rubble. That¡¯s how I survived¡­ and in the rain I saw lightning strike the earth. Lightning again and again struck the plain.¡± His eye was twisting as he recalled the miracle. ¡°And at the last moment before my consciousness faded I saw an owl¡­ and then the silhouette of my goddess. She pointed towards the east.¡± He pushed himself up with unexpected strength and threw Therses and Themistokles off. In the next moment he grabbed an abandoned spear and hit the other guards away.


    ¡°Stand down! You cannot win!¡±


    ¡°I was chosen by Athena that day! She told me to tear down the Persian Empire and cull the evil that festers inside it. You are all BLIND!¡± He was mad. His mouth was frothing. A savage beast with the mind of a tortured man. Even with superior numbers they did not dare approach him right away. ¡°I have the map- I-I got the forces of all Ionians. All this power amassed for the decisive strike. This is my birthright.¡± He pushed his hand into the skewered chest plate and dragged out the parchments he had taken from Therses.


    They were soaked in his own blood.


    And the map he was clinging to with all his might had a large hole in its center, right where Leander had pierced him.


    The sight of this blood-soaked torn map broke him.


    ¡°You were not chosen.¡± With the softest voice, Eugenia stepped in front of the armed men and lowered her veil. Her face was covered in tears. ¡°You were never chosen for a fate this cruel.¡±


    ¡°You¡­ it was you all along?¡± Achaeus diluted eye barely seemed to perceive her, yet he was still in shock nonetheless. ¡°I should have ended you while I had the chance.¡± He lowered his head.


    Eugenia¡¯s heart was hurting. In the end Achaeus had only been another victim. Was this cycle never going to end?


    ¡°You shed tears for your enemy, but you have not saved anyone. You only doomed us all.¡± Achaeus said gravely and walked forward. ¡°The gods may well live beyond this catastrophe, but all of Greece will suffer for it. How could Athena have chosen YOU?!¡± Suddenly, before any of the armed men could react, he lashed out with his sword and cut Eugenia.


    Blood dripped from the small cut across her chest. The white gown was soaking it up quickly. She did not even flinch, only continued to shed tears.


    Achaeus had been stopped. His body was held back by another. Like a walking corpse, a man who should already have faded from this world had risen one more time to push the lost Archon back.


    ¡°You fool¡­¡± Leander muttered with milky eyes. ¡°You were always too weak to carry a burden this great on your own.¡±


    Achaeus sank to his knees. Leander was leaning against him with his arm still holding his enemy back.


    ¡°You can rest now.¡± Leander said with his last breath and then sank to the ground again. Before his head could hit the ground Eugenia had grabbed it and let him take his final rest on her lap.


    She just listened to the silence he left behind.


    Achaeus was taken in and put into the dungeon. The medicos were hastily taking care of Eugenia¡¯s wound, but the cut had been shallow. The news of Achaeus'' defeat and judgement spread fast and his troops laid down their weapons. There had been witnesses from all parties and circles of life to confirm the validity of this story, especially the eyes of the Archon of balance, Topos.


    The clash of the Archons ended with a victory to the fallen hero Leander¡¯s side, but there was not much reason to celebrate. Even as the daylight faded and Artemis stalked the skies, the palace seemed ever so quiet.


    In the latest hour the conflict ended with a trail of blood and ashes. The priestess had taken the path of least destruction, but at what cost? She could not realize that her trial had not ended just yet.

 Interlude: Memories of emerald

    Frozen flowers bloomed on the charred skin and scales, like the fields of the mourning plains not too far below in the depth of the Underworld. A sheen of icy death enveloped the chained woman in a suffocating prison.


    No room to move.


    No hole to breathe.


    No skin to feel.


    No eyes to see.


    The maltreated body of the Gorgon was hung up between the boundary of the worlds in a show of nature¡¯s cruel force. The storm like gusts from below wished to toss her about, eventually causing her body to shatter against the endless walls of the pit. This freezing death encroached subtly, maliciously, covering the lowest end of the snake like tail and wandering up to her chest and face, clawing at her in its abusive embrace.


    Soon enough the flaming heat of the sun¡¯s remnants flared up again, melted the icy shadow and tore the blackened skin below with the cracking of flesh.


    The Gorgon¡¯s body was stuck in this endless cycle of torment for so many days that she had lost count. As her frozen eyes melted and painfully regenerated once again she was made aware of her surroundings by searing light that assailed her unprepared mind. Every scale, every finger¡¯s length of her body was in torturous pain. It was like nothing she had ever experienced and it would have broken any lesser being long ago.


    But death and rebirth in the flames and frost were not the only source of torment. Not even the forces of nature itself could break her will, so something else kept screwing its thorny presence into her weakened soul.


    Silvery eyes penetrated the world beyond the flames and enveloped the Gorgon¡¯s heart and mind. They prodded, stabbed, scraped and smashed into her feeble defenses, fully intent on breaking her. That woman¡¯s ferocious overwhelming will was cracking her like a crab¡¯s brittle shell.


    Athena¡¯s vigil had been relentless and a permanent companion. She was the warden and the torture master in all their facets. This boring gaze, this hatred that sweltered in the same intensity as the fire of the sun itself, what did it try to pry out of the broken vessel before it?


    The Gorgon had held up far better than the goddess had anticipated, never once breaking down, not begging for forgiveness or lamenting her fate. Something deep inside the monster had hardened to the punishment. Something else had softened its blow.


    Beyond the unrecognizable mass of flesh that was once a face, further yet behind the squishy mass of the inner skull, in the depth of her soul the memories swirled like a barrier. All the essence of that thing that called itself Medusa were spinning and dancing in defiance of it all. The suffering found its match only here.


    Divine eyes could break the shields of the mind, but they could not discern everything. She could see, but not select. She could read, but not turn the page. If she wanted to find what she sought out there would be many failed attempts. Over and over the surface of the memories was penetrated and left waves and echoes in the goddess¡¯ senses. Events of the past brushed over her mind that shone like a beacon inside the storm.


    Deeper, further in the past, somewhere it would wait for her. That memory. Their oldest connection. Before the curse, before the day the goddess and the Gorgon had become enemies. Something that had only ever held meaning for one of them, yet would define both their lives inextricably.


    The Gorgon was in a deep-seated state of pain and numbness, both physical and mental, so she could not have known of this invasion into her past. And even if she did, what would she have cared at this point? So little of herself was left that the fragments were like distant calls of her name in the endless sea¡­


    <hr>


    The rushing waters of an ancient river dug their way through the curves with deafening force. None of the animals in the nearby forest could be heard as the stream roared forward, up to the not so distant waterfall. Frothing white like a rabid fox. Cold and restless.


    And from that unstoppable current rose something. Someone. A woman. Her glistening body was pale and nude, her long flowing hair stuck to her immaculate skin like the intricate web of a spider. Even as she pulled herself out of the relentless river, she seemed not the least bit affected by the force that tore at her legs.


    Her sharp eyes glanced towards the edge of the forest as if seeking something out. Every casual step through the raging waters was making her body sway, but her head was completely still. The crunching of finely spread pebbles under her feet seemed to echo through the loud waves.


    When her toes finally reached solid ground she stopped and inhaled deeply, taking in the clear forest air. Her connection to the waters behind could not be cut so easily, so she still felt protected by her element. The oppressive glares from beyond the trees and brushes did seem to be aware of this as well. The tight bowstrings were still armed with arrows, but they would not be drawn. For now.


    ¡°I am Medusa, daughter of Phorcys and Ceto. I request passage through these woods.¡± Her booming voice echoed through the dark foliage and reached the guards of the sleepy forest with ease. The thunderous river had quietened down by pure magic and left an eerie silence behind.


    The guardians kept the woman in their sights and made quiet exchanges. Perhaps they had heard of the sea deities she called her parents, maybe they did not. What they could tell with absolute certainty now was that divine blood had entered their territory. The sound of hooves grinding through hardened dirt made her move her eyes to the corner of her vision. She did not even honor the approaching person by turning her head.


    ¡°You are not welcome here, child of the sea.¡± A hardened silver maned centaur spoke with a gruff voice. One of his eyes was white from a deep reaching scar. He must have been the oldest of the present guardians.


    ¡°Your welcome is unnecessary. I do not require hospitality, only passage.¡± Medusa retorted, unimpressed.


    ¡°What matters would someone like you have on Mount Helicon?¡± He grinded his hind hooves against the river pebbles, creating a dissonant noise.


    ¡°I am merely passing through. My destination is the temple of Apollo.¡±


    ¡°You wish to speak to Lord Apollo?¡± His voice was dripping with doubt and he shook his long bearded head like a stallion would when upset.


    ¡°I have no business with your little hermit. They say there flows a magic spring from the grounds of that so called ¡®great temple¡¯, which grants inspiration for poetry and song. That¡¯s all I care for.¡± She finally turned her head to the side to give him a deprecating look.


    ¡°Your tongue is sharp and split like a snake¡¯s. Those who mock The Twelve will be granted no passage here.¡± He picked the bow from his back and held it threateningly. In response all the shadows were suddenly sporting gleaming arrows as well.


    ¡°I heard of stubborn mules often enough, but it seems a horse is no better than its long-eared brother.¡± She was not perturbed by the hostility and simply raised one hand. The river behind her suddenly sprung up like a monstrous beast and bared its sharp white fangs to the group of hostile centaurs. ¡°Even the wildest stallion cannot resist the flow of the great river. For as long as your kind needs to fill their lungs with air you stand no chance against me. Let me pass or else.¡± Gone was her polite request and quickly replaced with a commanding tone.


    The threats had been exchanged and only one loosened hand on a bowstring was needed to unleash death on this hallowed ground. The agitated men were not going to back down despite their inferior position and the naked woman had no qualms with drowning those in her way.


    ¡°Please wait, brave guardians!¡±


    They all turned their heads towards the feminine voice calling from beyond the dark woods. It echoed within and revealed a light green clearing full of lush grass and radiant flowers. Within that shining space stood another woman, her body covered by hair like vines. She glowed in a tinge of green and blue that seemed to reflect the flowers around her.


    ¡°A nymph?¡± Medusa said under her breath as she watched the fragile creature hold up her hands to stop their conflict.


    ¡°This is none of your concern, child. Leave the protection of the forest to us.¡± The old leader of the centaurs nearly whinnied when he saw her approach.


    ¡°She said she wishes to visit our magic spring, so let me guide her there!¡± The nymph requested.


    ¡°What?¡± The centaur seemed displeased by the mere suggestion.


    ¡°Neither Lord Apollo nor anyone else wishes for bloodshed in these peaceful woods. The spring is open to any who yearn to visit it, be they god, human or other.¡± She insisted and stepped out of her magical clearing which promptly vanished from sight. ¡°Please let me watch over her and then guide her back outside so we may part peacefully.¡±


    Medusa crossed her arms and watched their heated exchange. The torrential water beast behind her was slowly sinking away as it lost the bloodlust it had been summoned from.


    ¡°Your kindness is a weakness, child.¡± The old centaur grumbled. ¡°But if you were to offer her your hospitality we may step aside.¡± He saw the nymph¡¯s eyes light up and immediately added ¡°Remember, however, that she is your responsibility. One false step and you will answer to our Lord!¡±


    And with those heavy words the guardians galloped away, somehow not making any noise inside the thick underbrush they vanished into. No human would have been able to track these proud warriors or notice their ever watchful eyes.


    As they were left alone now, the nymph hesitantly walked closer to the river and stopped near Medusa. The two women could not have been more different, the exception being their incredible beauty. Where Medusa stood tall and confident, the nymph was somewhat childlike and nervous.


    ¡°Well? Lead the way.¡± Medusa spoke curtly and waved towards the forest.


    ¡°Yes!¡± The nymph straightened her back and quickly moved ahead of her. Her steps were as light as the air that brushed over the leaves. In comparison Medusa¡¯s feet squashed the plants and sank into the muddy ground quite noisily. It was slightly aggravating to her, but it could not be helped, she was a sea deity, not a woodland spirit.


    They moved quietly, not able to overcome the suffocating silence between them. The young nymph seemed focused on searching for the right path, while Medusa tried to make sense of the odd smells surrounding her. Until now she had traveled via the river inland, but the comfort of the waters was quickly vanishing behind. Now she was in unknown territory with only the underground reservoirs giving her a sense for the land¡¯s pulsing veins.


    The nymph suddenly knelt down and raised her shapely butt before the one she was meant to guide. Medusa raised a brow and crossed her arms below her bosom. This unannounced interruption did nothing to improve her mood.


    ¡°Ahem.¡± She cleared her throat to get the fumbling girl¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Hm? Oh, sorry sorry!¡± She hastily jumped up and looked back at Medusa. In her arms she held a dilapidated birds¡¯ nest. There were eggs nestled inside, but half of them had been cracked open by the likely fall. ¡°These poor children were just too pitiful. Let me bring them home quickly.¡± With unnatural ease she walked up the tree and put the bird¡¯s nest into place, much more secure than it had been before the fall. The broken eggs were inside her hand and she threw them towards expectant forest animals who quickly slobbered up the tasty treat.


    Afterwards the nymph jumped back onto the leaf covered earth and nodded towards their destination. This little stop repeated a few times in different constellations. It was like the girl could not stop herself from meddling with the forest life. For the sea deity it was unnatural to be this concerned with vegetation and the wiles of the forest. Deep down in the darkest depth every life was struggling for survival. Up here it was all but an organized cycle.


    To Medusa¡¯s displeasure this delayed their journey unduly. When the nymph stopped once more to loosen the trap around a young fox¡¯s hind leg she lost her patience.


    ¡°I am your charge for this journey, not these beasts. Did you forget your task, absentminded child?¡± She pushed her arm against the tree and cornered the girl holding the fox like her dearest offspring.


    ¡°My apologies.¡± The nymph looked a little glum as she hugged the frightened fox. ¡°This forest and its children are my responsibility too. When they suffer I feel the same.¡± It was no justification for her acts, merely the truth behind them.


    ¡°You are a nymph, not a servant of these critters. Act like it.¡± She tapped the girl¡¯s forehead forcefully and then raised her chin to urge her to move on.


    The girl put down the fox and brushed off its injured leg. In an instant the earthen furred animal was standing steady and ran off. The miraculous recovery was a simple parting gift. Then she closed her eyes, listened to the beating heart of the forest and pointed in a direction.


    ¡°The spring of Hippocrene is over there.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡±


    They walked towards the rushing sound of water and instantly Medusa felt the overwhelming aroma of the sparkling spring in her veins. This was a feeling sublimely different from the turgid force of the ocean or the relentless rush of a river. It nearly sang inside her head!


    ¡°Here we are.¡± The nymph pulled aside a large branch and then held out her hand towards the glistening spring. A smile sprouted on her face when she noticed Medusa¡¯s shining eyes. ¡°I rest in here from time to time to let the blessings wash away my worries.¡±


    ¡°This is more than I could have hoped for.¡± Medusa put her foot towards the glowing waters that reflected the incandescent sun and instantly her muddy feet were cleansed. ¡°Let us partake in it together.¡± She felt full of cheer and slid into the waters without hesitation.


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°Hahaha.¡± The nymph seemed delighted as well and let her hair float across the serene water.


    ¡°Tell me your name, forest child.¡± She demanded with her back leaned against the sun heated stones.


    ¡°I am Chariklo. The forests of Mount Helicon are my domain, but I am still new to this duty.¡± She introduced herself coyly.


    ¡°You do act like a newborn fawn.¡± She nodded tranquilly. The singing waters relaxed her tired mind with pleasant melodies. ¡°Which god do you serve?¡±


    ¡°I do not know.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡± She opened one of her eyes and looked at her with curiosity.


    ¡°This is the territory of Lord Apollo, but I have never met him. After I was born I became part of this forest.¡± She recalled vaguely. ¡°Then I met her.¡± Her cheeks flushed ever so slightly.


    ¡°A goddess?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Her name is Athena. She is the kindest person in the entire world.¡± Chariklo spoke with reverence, but also something else. Something deeper.


    Medusa was all too familiar with the name. She knew all the Olympians, though she had only met a few. The one called Athena was particularly famous, although not quite for her kind personality and agreeable nature. A goddess of so-called wisdom, but mostly one of war. Such a tender child could perhaps not tell the depth of that woman¡¯s true nature.


    ¡°Then why do you not serve her?¡± It was just a mindless suggestion, but unbeknownst to Medusa, it was the crux of the girl¡¯s woes.


    ¡°I wish nothing more!¡± She raised her hands and splashed water across the air. She slowly lowered her hands and her green eyes turned a darker shade of emerald. ¡°But there is nothing I can give her. These forests are all I know. She is so wise and quick-witted and funny and¡­¡± She put her face into her hands and sighed.


    ¡°At least your infatuation is on par with a goddess.¡± Medusa smirked.


    ¡°Ohh¡­ please do not mock me.¡± She muttered full of shame.


    ¡°I cannot comprehend why any mortal would wish to serve the gods, much less how someone could fancy one of them. Your position is not equal, so how could she ever respond to your feelings?¡±


    Of course she had no stake in this and her understanding of love was that of a passionless scholar at most. But when she entered these springs and felt their magic¡­ inspiration took many forms. For just the duration of this bath she let her mind wander. As the pleasant sound of bubbling liquid played with her ears she felt compelled to listen to the nymph¡¯s deepest wants.


    Everyone had something they wanted, something they pursued with their hearts, rather than their minds. Those wants and desires were what defined every person in this world ruled by the greedy gods. Emotional gods. Flawed gods. The difference between a deity and a mortal may just have been how well the flawed could hold their essence together.


    ¡°I understand that. I do know it so well. What I feel for Athena will never be reflected in her eyes, none of my thoughts will reach her mind. Seasons pass and return, but I can only think of her smile. I already realized that I am masterless not because I am lost.¡± Her hair, like lush vines, was falling into the depth of the spring which kept melting the nymph with its magical properties. The poet¡¯s lament was a known affliction and it took root in her quickly.


    ¡°Foolish.¡±


    ¡°I am sorry?¡±


    ¡°I have no mind for things such as love for another. My progenitors threw me into the ocean¡¯s brisk currents without a thought. My siblings raid each other¡¯s territories in endless war games. Even your precious Olympians would strike me down given the chance.¡± Medusa had closed her eyes and let the memories pass her by. Each picture was a lesson. ¡°Foolishness is within all of us. It makes us act out irrationally, it gives way to cowardice and failure. I vowed never to become the fool, to only stand strong and proud with my choices.¡±


    Chariklo¡¯s gaze was stuck to the beautiful woman like she was watching her very first sunrise. The roots were shaking. A storm had come to pull out even the very trees. She swallowed when Medusa opened her eyes.


    ¡°Remember this: Indecision is no better than becoming the fool. A jester to time and a plaything to the wills of others. Inaction is solely for the spectators who have no influence on the world. If there is something you desire within reach of your hands then grasp it firmly!¡±


    ¡°But what of the consequences?¡± The nymph whispered.


    ¡°Take them with you as lessons. Failure is a reminder of inadequacy, but also a teacher for betterment. Scars are mistakes against which your body persevered. If you never choose, your soul will merely die a slow scarless death. Take the risk and you will either gain something or learn something.¡± She stopped her impassioned word flow and put a hand to her raised knee. This was the most she had spoken in nearly a decade. The most emotion she had put into conveying her mind¡¯s melody. These springs were truly as impressive as the legends told.


    The two women bathed in silence for a long time afterwards. Medusa did not consider her speech encouragement, but rather a blunt criticism of what she had seen in this foolish world. Whether the forest child could make sense of her worldview or not was of little importance now.


    ¡°You are somewhat like her. You both have a way with words.¡± Chariklo said with a mysterious smile curling up her lips.


    Medusa pretended not to have heard such an insulting claim. She continued embracing the deep heartbeat of the blessed spring long after the nymph left her behind. The last glimpse of the spirited girl¡¯s eyes had given her a good idea of where her contemplations would lead her.


    Still, to leave her ¡®responsibility¡¯ unattended in her forest was demonstrating her youthful single-mindedness. It brought even a stoic being like Medusa some long needed mirth.


    The water reflected her own face and the smile that she had never grown to understand. A distant expression that barely resembled her anymore. The silvery eyes rippled through time and space and distorted her visage.


    The burned flesh of a corpse. The inevitable future of her choices. The scars of lessons not yet learned¡­


    <hr>


    Her lungs took breath once more.


    Defying death, escaping Thanatos grinding butcher¡¯s blade, the Gorgon returned to the torture of her body. Her broken mind and soul had barely mended, but they could only appear fortunate compared to her brutalized flesh. The unbroken chains that kept her suspended showed nary a crack, unlike every fiber of her muscles. The bloody skin had no time to become slippery enough to allow her body to fall through their grip, as the freezing cold of Tartaros glued her to them soon again.


    The smile of rebellion from so many days ago had vanished. The Gorgon was a husk, no more alive than the flames that greedily licked the walls of the hole between worlds. They burned so bright, but they had no life of their own. Only consuming the world around them would keep them spreading. In the same way this pitiful prisoner was only alive due to the will of another. She consumed those memories and had lived them a hundred, no, a thousand times. Eventually even those dearest memories would be burned away.


    But there was something else¡­ she had not intended to remember that meeting in the springs so long ago¡­ Those memories were hers, but they were not the ones she clung to. Something had dug into her soul and pulled them out.


    In an unconscious effort the Gorgon¡¯s white eyes regenerated and regained their tacit sight. Silver met silver in a clash of souls and once again the walls were broken.


    The eyes of that woman had seen what she had seen. Their eyes were the same. The same. The same the same the same¡­


    Her body convulsed and she spat out hot seething blood from her very core. As if her intestines were melting, filled with the lifeblood of the fire spewing mountains, she kept coughing up everything. What shook her pained body soon revealed something revolting to her. A link between them.


    If their eyes aligned, so would their minds. If their minds aligned, so would the pain. Her watcher and tormentor was taking the pain without flinching, without a single shred of doubt in her silvery eyes. It was vexing how unequal they were. In that one moment the Gorgon desired only to take from that being as much as it took from her. If only a smidgen of her suffering could be returned she would consider it a victory of the ages. The last spark of rebellion in a proud creature rammed its fangs into the walls between them and tore them down.


    Unexpected, inexplicable, irredeemable.


    The words suffocated her soul as it did the unthinkable and reverted the flow of memories.


    What was once a crushing stream now became a vortex and¡­


    <hr>


    The setting sun was blinding. Red fringes across the horizon seared into her retinas and left marks in her vision. This red was spreading further and further until it cloaked her entire world. This pain was so endless that it threatened to break her mind alongside her beating heart. Was it anger? No, not such a vibrant color. The muted red was seeping out of an invisible wound in her very world.


    Her numb ears heard the rustling of the trees around her. The whispers of spirits in agony. This orchard had once been a wellspring of life, but now it lost its colors and was swallowed by the endless red. Was there anyone that could resist such painful lament?


    She lowered her head, twisting it away from the scenery that faded from her memory. Nothing mattered anymore.


    Emeralds sparkled within the deep red. Two shining gems that could not be corrupted. The eyes of one who could not be tamed by even her. Naturally not even this painful sunset would dye them red.


    ¡°Can you hear them?¡± The woman spoke from below. ¡°The sparrows are chirping of the coming spring.¡±


    She kept her eyes focused on the pale face that was resting on her lap. No matter what she said or tried to distract her with, she could only look at her.


    ¡°I care not.¡± The words coming from her mouth were pained, bitter. The complete opposite of the soft spoken woman on the ground.


    ¡°Do not say that. They are precious.¡± The woman muttered with a strained smile. ¡°They think of their unborn children¡¯s future.¡±


    It was no different from being impaled by a dagger. Her gut was cut open and her mind urged her to shut off all feeling in her limbs. But she could not show weakness, not now.


    ¡°I always wanted to be a good mother. I knew how that made you feel, but I could not help it. My selfish heart goes against my orders too. If I could stop its beating to spare yours the pain I would have done it long ago¡­¡±


    ¡°No more.¡± She clutched the woman¡¯s head between her hands to steady her and stabilize her in this moment, this very world. Her fingers vibrated imperceptibly as she was unable to completely suppress the shaking. ¡°I do not wish to hear you say such things before me.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­ it is a bit unfair. For that, too, I am sorry. Serving you was the only wish I should have ever harbored. Your happiness was all I longed for.¡± The deep emerald eyes were focused only on her face. Nothing else in the world, only her. And then¡­ ¡°Until there was another.¡±


    The world shook around them. Earthquakes tore apart the orchard, flames spewed from the heavens and the sparrows chirped their last as they got torn apart by evil winds.


    The vision disappeared as quickly as it had come. The world was still whole. Only in her mind was it close to its doom.


    ¡°Athena, do you hate me?¡± She asked with feigned courage.


    ¡°I told you so long ago, my dearest.¡± She caressed the cold cheek of the woman on her lap. A shaking, fragile, unbearably weak motion that should have ended in a heartbeat, but was kept up by her steeled mind alone. ¡°You could never anger me. Never will I hate you, never spurn you. Do not take my words so lightly.¡±


    ¡°I am glad. Your lessons are always with me, I swear.¡± The woman spoke with a renewed smile.


    ¡°Then why would you-!¡± For the first time she had lost control and was about to say something she could not take back. Her hardened mind could not contain her weeping soul.


    ¡°Oh Athena¡­ I know. I know better than anyone.¡± That smile had turned so very ashamed. ¡°But he was my son. I failed him as I have failed you. I also loved him as I love you.¡±


    In the depth of her heart she knew that it was a lie. A gentle lie, an untruth only for her sake. This loving white lie was the last gift for her. A parting gift. The love in those eyes was real, it was undeterred, everlasting.


    Only was it surpassed by another.


    The fading heartbeat that pulsed inside the beautiful woman was still persisting for a little longer. Every stroke of Athena¡¯s hand kept it in this world. One more. Another.


    ¡°I¡­ know what you told me. I know what you want to say. I left the mountain despite your warnings and I feel shame for my actions. Charon will carry me to the place I deserve¡­ Hades will judge me. I made my peace with that.¡± She meant every word and that was the worst part. ¡°If only I am allowed to see him one more time. That is all I ask of them.¡±


    ¡°You will. I will make certain of that.¡± She assured her with shaking breath.


    ¡°I do not¡­ deserve your love.¡± Finally, glistening like translucent gems, the woman shed her tears. ¡°I left Mount Helicon because I could not live with it¡­ my son¡¯s passing was¡­ my fault.¡±


    How could she deny her words? It was easy, logical, the very truth that she had carefully selected. But that was not what she needed. It was not what would give her peace.


    The death of Teiresias was inevitable, completely predestined. The fall of Thebes was his downfall, as his fate was one with the city itself. That was the part of their pact that was left unspoken. Nobody could have stopped it, not even her. And yet this mother could not help but mourn her child and blame herself.


    ¡°He was poisoned¡­ by the waters far from home.¡± She continued between sobs. ¡°I pushed him away. He was all alone!¡±


    Athena held on to the grief and accepted it voicelessly. Wave after wave would hit her chin and erode her, but she was like a statue in one of her temples. Persistent, towering and above mortal concerns. That was her role.


    ¡°I vowed to stay on the mountain for your sake¡­ And I should not regret it. My shame is so deep¡­ because I do. I regret it so much¡­¡± She could not contain her tears, so they flowed unto Athena¡¯s legs.


    There was no response. She dared not speak a word. Nothing she could say would help now.


    ¡°Just like you said¡­ leaving the mountain cut the ties between it and myself. I knew it would be true, because you taught me.¡± She turned her head to the side and looked at the olive trees that were still brimming with life and orderly, so different from the mountainous forests. ¡°I finally got to see a little more of the world. This place is beautiful. These trees remind me of¡­ you.¡±


    ¡°This orchard is yours.¡± Athena spoke solemnly.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Every tree, every leaf, every olive that they bear, they will be like your spirit. Their green is the green of your eyes. Their fruits are like the tears you shed for the sake of your son. May they nourish many children across the centuries.¡±


    One of her hands reluctantly let go of the woman and swiped through the air. Vibrations shook the earth, gently, not at all like the earthquakes from the vision. Soon enough the trees grew stronger, taller and more fertile. The orchard grew and grew until it stretched as far as the plain around them. Soon it could be seen even from the distant port of Piraeus behind them. The red sun was cradled by the arms of healthy trees and gently put to sleep.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± The words were filled with genuine adoration one last time.


    ¡°It is not enough. Nothing will ever be.¡± Athena spoke as her weak heart shattered. The breathing below her had slowed down until it was nearly imperceptible. The soul began to lose its tethers.


    ¡°Do not cry. Tears do not befit your regal face.¡± Chariklo said softly.


    ¡°Tears¡­?¡± She could not comprehend. The drops of liquid grief that had run down her cheeks could not be real. Her existence was incongruent with such a thing. Was it all just an illusion of the dying mind?


    ¡°Athena, whatever may happen, never blame yourself. You were always right. If everyone listened to you things would be for the best¡­ but mortal hearts cannot bear the burden you carry. We are too frail, far too selfish. Please forgive us. They may blame you, but I know that you are the one who¡­ blames herself the most.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    Against all reason and logic the nymph raised her deathly stiff arm and put her hand to Athena¡¯s clenched cheek.


    ¡°I am not like Pallas. I chose this. I chose to hurt you. No mortal thing will last forever, but I will carry it to eternity¡­ my sins¡­ and my love for you.¡±


    The green light faded away. The fickle hand of fate drew away.


    Athena clasped the cold hand and did not let go. How could she let go? How could she have allowed fate to spin this tale? All of her wisdom was for nothing! An eternity of thoughts and careful planning - meaningless! Emotions had shaken her to the core, had made her allow this mistake.


    It was all meaningless if she could not even keep a single soul at her side.


    The red of the world was soon usurped by pure silver. Cold and unfeeling, an armor around the world.


    Leave this place.


    <hr>


    The Gorgon¡¯s mind reverberated in the corridors of memories not hers. The last words had pushed her out, forced her to retreat and smashed her into her own body. For a moment she had nearly shattered along her mortal coil.


    When her sacking body was shaken by the cold wind she regained consciousness again. The freezing temperatures gave the hole an empty aura.


    That was not the only cause for that sense of emptiness. The Gorgon¡¯s warden¡­ had left.


    Silvery eyes, so steely and hateful, not to be seen. The punishment would not end. Not until the last bit of life was drained from the monster at its core.


    But just for a moment, in this endlessly perplexing moment, the Gorgon had won. The struggle was at an end and only pain was left for the both of them. But this time Medusa could not smile triumphantly. The thing that kept her tethered to this world was still out there and that gave her the strength to resist, if but a moment longer.


    Eugenia was still out there.


    That was the truth she could depend on. That was all she needed. Even should she soon fade away, that knowledge sated her regrets.


    Then what of the silvery eyes? What were they really looking for?


    Did it even exist?

 Chapter 41: Eugenia and acceptance

    Her dreams were dark and shallow. The shapes seemed to be fluctuating at a constant rate and allowed no solid form to be birthed. Every hour or so she would suddenly tense up and awaken with a gasp. This had repeated since the day of the battle for the Akropolis. And it would repeat indefinitely if she could not soon escape this place.


    Eugenia rested her head against the woolen blanket and put a hand over her face. She could not tell what time it was, but by the sounds coming through the gaps in the window she was aware that it must have been day. The shouting of merchants was never leading her astray.


    Her throat was parched, so she took the stale water bowl from the table next to her and gulped down as much as she could bear. It sated her thirst for now, but she still felt exhausted. Her legs slid down the edge of the bed and she stretched with a yawn.


    Sleepy or not, she had to get up eventually. It was shameful to laze around in her room while the whole city was bustling with life. She had spent so much time on a nearly empty island that she had gotten too used to all the downtime. Her time in Eretria and that fateful day here in Athens had been hectic, but now things had calmed down to a bearable degree. Perhaps that was more of her own choice rather than the true circumstances.


    With sluggish movements she dressed herself in the clothes that were prepared for her and left the well-furnished room. Compared to the temple quarters this was pure luxury. At the stairwell she listened for any other activity and located a few people downstairs in the study. She lightly walked down the steps and made it towards the source of the noise.


    ¡°You are always on business trips! What if you miss the wedding?¡±


    ¡°I assure you that will not hap-¡±


    ¡°Hah! You always give me a new excuse. This important man wanted to talk to you, that spoiled lady invited you to watch a race or your good old friend begged you to go hunting with him.¡± Eopia spoke with deep rooted spite. ¡°This is important for the future of our house, so why can you not let them down for my sake just once?¡±


    ¡°Daughter, you are forgetting yourself. I am the head of this house and I have obligations that compel me. The diplomatic situation is beyond tense since Achaeus'' schemes have come to light. If I do not show my face in Thebes there will be consequences.¡± He leaned on the table with an exhausted expression. His hand was placed on the large glass shard.


    ¡°Then they should send someone else, you are clearly not in good health. Does your arm not still hurt?¡± The fiery girl was standing tall and slammed her hands on the table.


    ¡°It is not the arm.¡± Kleitos rubbed the stump that had been cauterized right after the crises was contained. He had been lucky that he didn¡¯t die of blood loss, all thanks to Agapetos'' and Bion¡¯s quick treatment. ¡°My hand hurts.¡± He said mysteriously.


    Eopia naturally only became more worried after hearing that.


    ¡°Please, stay a few more weeks at least. You are needed in Athens too.¡±


    ¡°You will not relent until I agree, will you? Your mother¡¯s stubbornness is showing.¡± He sighed and gave in.


    ¡°I learned all of this from your hardheaded dealings.¡± The proud daughter replied with a wink. ¡°Eugenia! You finally woke up.¡± She somehow spotted the half-hidden priestess at the staircase and waved her over.


    ¡°Good morning Lady Eopia, Lord Kleitos.¡± She bowed her head before the influential aristocrat.


    ¡°Not this again, I told you not to act so stiff and polite all the time. You are our guest!¡± She pulled Eugenia over and rubbed her head as if she was a child hiding behind her mother¡¯s skirt. ¡°Do you have a special wish for breakfast? Should I call the cook?¡±


    ¡°N-No thank you very much. I have no appetite.¡± She denied politely.


    ¡°You really are not a morning person. Although it is probably close to noon anyway.¡± Eopia looked out the window and then turned back. Her long ponytail was dancing around with the same energy she always had an abundance of. ¡°I know just what will get your stiffness nice and soothed. We are going to leave for a while father.¡± She waved her old man goodbye and tugged Eugenia¡¯s hand into her own.


    ¡°Just a moment. Priestess, you were invited to the castle by Archon Topos once more. It is your decision to make, but it is perhaps in your best interest not to ignore him forever.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for relaying the message. I will think about it.¡± Eugenia felt a bit guilty now.


    ¡°No more boring talk. We are heading out.¡± Eopia sighed and pulled the priestess along.


    ¡°Do not cause any trouble, you hear me dear?¡± His warning was as weak as ever. Eugenia had long since realized that the lord had a weakness for his daughter that she shamelessly exploited. From the stories that Zosimos had told her she had a very different initial impression of the man.


    ¡°He gets lonely easily, so we should probably return before evening.¡± Eopia said to her and led the way through Athens¡¯ busy streets.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± She asked curiously. Now that they had left the stuffy mansion, she felt a little lighter already. The fresh air (aside from the occasional smell of stables) was improving her mood.


    ¡°The bathhouse. I am a regular so the owner gives me preferential treatment.¡±


    Eugenia wondered if there were any upstanding citizens in this entire city.


    <hr>


    ¡°Haaa~ahaaaa! That¡¯s just right.¡± Eopia stretched her back and waved her arms around as the steam went up her long legs and warmed her limbs.


    Eugenia was clad in a towel (which she was told was made of the finest hemp) and submerged her body up to the waist. The hot water was very pleasant.


    ¡°It is time to go all in.¡± Eopia pulled off her towel and splashed right into the water that was just deep enough for her upper torso to get wet. ¡°You should discard that towel too or it will be too soaked to dry yourself.¡± She added mischievously.


    ¡°R-Right.¡± She slowly untied the towel and folded it a few times before putting it on the stone bench next to the bath.


    ¡°You really did it!¡±


    ¡°Y-You told me to.¡±


    ¡°Actually you get a fresh towel for drying yourself.¡± She said with a raised finger and smirked.


    Eugenia pushed her face below the surface and blew some bubbles. When she resurfaced Eopia had already leaned against the stone wall and enjoyed the comfortable heat.


    ¡°You are rather shy, hm?¡±


    ¡°Not anymore.¡± Eugenia replied sulkily. She could feel Eopia¡¯s eyes on her body, but did her best not to let it bother her anymore.


    ¡°Are you ashamed of your scars?¡± The rich girl whose body was surely without a single blemish showed deep concern for her now. If it had been any other woman this might have appeared patronizing, but she knew that Eopia was showing real sympathy.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind. It¡¯s not something I can see anyway.¡± She rolled up her long hair so it wouldn¡¯t float all over the water.


    ¡°Let me see in your stead then.¡± Eopia said seriously and softly grabbed Eugenia¡¯s twitching hand. She pulled her around and seemed to inspect her rather tactlessly. ¡°Here.¡± She touched the small red scar on the priestess¡¯ chest. It was still fresh. ¡°And here.¡± She pushed aside her bangs and touched a tiny scar that had sprung from her upper forehead. ¡°And this one¡­¡±


    Eugenia let out a weak sound when her side was touched below the water. Eopia was gentle, but being touched so tenderly was exactly what made her shiver.


    ¡°What kind of abominable monster would scar a pretty girl this way?¡± Eopia''s finger was following the large scar that went almost all along the right side of Eugenia¡¯s waist.


    Eugenia did not respond. The pain in her side still flared up occasionally. Was it truly there, though? Maybe it was no different from Kleitos¡¯ hand pain. The pain of a memory. A knife that cut through her body and then separated her from Medusa. Even so, this pain was nothing compared to the Gorgon¡¯s punishment.


    But memories did not just bring pain.


    ¡°You think I am pretty?¡± Eugenia asked in a lighter tone.


    ¡°I think so. But I have no eye for that kind of thing to be perfectly honest. I could rate any man though.¡± She chuckled when she saw her dubious expression. ¡°If you desire a more accurate answer you should ask a nobleman. Preferably one that is not already your friend or tries to court you, trust me on this.¡±


    ¡°I think not.¡± She laughed dryly alongside Eopia, who was clearly deeply amused.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have a complex about it due to your blindness?¡± She asked just in case.


    ¡°It never bothered me before.¡± She shook her head.


    ¡°Not even a tiny bit?¡± She kept poking.


    ¡°¡­maybe just a little.¡± She had not felt that way until a certain moonlit night on a faraway island. Since then she sometimes wondered how she could make herself more appealing. She shook her head in embarrassment and splashed water all around.


    ¡°Fine, fine, I will stop prying!¡± Eopia laughed as she was splashed.


    ¡°At least I do know that you are beautiful.¡± Eugenia suddenly felt a weird mood come over her and she grinned.


    ¡°How did you conclude this?¡± She wasn¡¯t taking her seriously for obvious reasons, but she was not prepared for what was to come.


    ¡°Zosimos would go to great lengths to describe your every feature for days on end.¡± Eugenia gave a long suffering theatrical sigh.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°He especially put attention to your birthmark below the right shoulder blade shaped like a butterfly. Your chestnut hair as gleaming as the olive tree in summer-¡±


    ¡°Stop it~¡± She splashed Eugenia with a large wave of water to shut her up.


    <hr>


    They left the bath somewhat exhausted and sweatier than when they entered. The towels provided were really refreshing. After dressing themselves they were led into a lounge of some sort where food was served.


    ¡°Eating after a hot bath is not good for the stomach.¡± The bathhouse owner said with twisted eyebrows. He was more on the corpulent side himself and always looked a bit stressed.


    ¡°Are you chiding your beloved regular when she is willing to pay extra, Pelos?¡± The definition of a rich aristocrat daughter was waving her finger and then pushed another olive into her mouth.


    ¡°Just to be clear, by renting the entire bath to you I make losses too.¡± He said with a shrug.


    ¡°I can see why this place is called ¡®The Surly Nymph¡¯.¡± She teased.


    ¡°Ugh. My wife came up with the name.¡± He grimaced.


    ¡°You should be happy that she has a sense of humor.¡±


    ¡°You have no idea.¡±


    Eugenia listened to their peaceful conversation and truly began to relax. This was a pleasant feeling that she had missed. The baked bread soaked in oil and filled with goat cheese seemed all the more delicious.


    ¡°I knew your appetite would come back after a nice bath.¡± Eopia was overjoyed and smug.


    ¡°Don¡¯t come crying to me if your belly aches. I have no soothing herbs left.¡± Pelos threw up his hands and walked behind the bar. There were assorted wines around, but he was not pouring them any. Eopia was considerate in the weirdest of ways.


    ¡°So Eugenia, how long will you stay in Athens?¡±


    The sudden question made the poor priestess almost choke on her food and she hit her chest desperately. Luckily the food loosened and she could breathe once more. She definitely heard Eopia snort a little.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. Zosi- Themistokles is still searching.¡± She replied truthfully.


    ¡°He seems to be determined to go through every option in the entire harbor.¡± Eopia exhaled and leaned her chin on one hand. ¡°You are the type to hide your feelings too much, so I will tell you again: You can stay with us as long as you need. Thanks to you father is still free to be grumpy wherever he goes instead of rotting in a cell. And Leander¡­¡± She averted her eyes and choked up for a second. ¡°He would have done the same.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Rather than apologize as she was always so quick to do, she felt that she had to express her gratitude. That noticeably raised Eopia¡¯s spirits.


    ¡°If that thickheaded buffoon takes much longer you might even still be around for our wedding.¡± She grinned.


    ¡°I am not sure it will take that long.¡± A few stress induced sweat drops were pearling down her face. She at least hoped it wouldn¡¯t take half a year!


    ¡°Most likely not. Pelos! You know you are invited as well, yes?¡± She called out to the owner.


    ¡°You keep telling me. My wife is looking forward to it. Even though I¡¯m not sure I should come myself. After everything that happened here¡­¡±


    ¡°Themistokles never holds grudges. His attention span is far too shaky.¡± She shook her head with a sardonic smile. ¡°And you were troubled by that whole deal as well.¡±


    ¡°Replacing a single window is no trouble at all. I have a friend who has connections.¡±


    Eugenia could only wonder what that exchange was about.


    <hr>


    ¡°You really want to go? Father was just relaying the message, you have no obligation to listen to them.¡± Eopia held her hands while facing her. She didn¡¯t want to let go.


    ¡°I have kept them waiting for two weeks. Lady Akacia will call me childish again.¡± She smiled sheepishly.


    ¡°That woman is a dragon in a peacock¡¯s skin.¡± Eopia pursed her lips dismissively.


    ¡°She is a wonderful person.¡± Eugenia replied with deep respect.


    ¡°I am sure every priestess she trains is obligated to say that.¡± She chuckled and then let go of her hands. ¡°I will be going to the guild house now. Maybe I can even catch a glimpse of my oh-so-busy fianc¨¦. See you tonight!¡± She spun in place and then energetically waved her goodbye.


    Sometimes that woman could be like a whirlwind. Eugenia was quite fond of her already. Zosimos was just as lucky as he always claimed.


    The gate to the Akropolis was under construction, so everyone who passed through was stopped by a couple of annoyed guards who forced the hammering to stop just long enough to guide the arrivals through. There was no telling how long the reconstruction would take, but they took the opportunity to reinforce the entire thing strongly. The project of making the Akropolis truly invincible was considered seriously now.


    She passed the sad remains of the town hall. The fire had consumed nearly all of it, but there was a lot of rubble nonetheless. The surrounding buildings also had received some damage according to what she was told. The smell of burnt wood never truly left the place. She shuddered a little when she thought of how they must have dug out the corpses.


    The gate to the palace grounds was replaced by a new brittle one that was more for appearances sake. It was unthinkable that the palace was defenseless. She was allowed to enter immediately when they recognized her. Of course they offered to guide her, but she refused politely. She had already memorized the way to the throne room by now. Not like she could forget that stressful climb even if she wanted to.


    The palace was positively abuzz at this hour and she constantly had to stop to greet some important person that she didn¡¯t even know by name. It was weird to be known by all these strangers. It made her really uncomfortable.


    Inside the throne room she was apparently interrupting some heated discussion, but unsurprisingly Topos sat in his chair without joining in. He was not the type to raise his voice in debates, but rather delivered the final decision. When he noticed her he made a subtle gesture to the group and excused himself. The old Archon used a cane to support himself, but his pace was not as slow as one might believe.


    ¡°Follow me.¡± He said in his rough parchment like voice.


    He led her to a side-room that was lit by a small window and otherwise completely dark. At least she could only feel the sunshine from such a small rectangle that she assumed so. Light conditions never mattered much to her.


    Topos sat down on his armchair and then made a hand gesture for her to do the same. He didn¡¯t seem to assume that she was unable to perceive it. It was surprising, considering he was one of the few people who knew she was blind. Whenever people found out they tended to act overly loud and overcompensated far too much.


    She sat down demurely opposite to him and then waited for him to speak up. Even though she had dealt with a few of his kind already, Topos really had the aura of an old-fashioned aristocrat. The fact that he was currently the only de facto Archon of the city also gave him even more importance.


    ¡°Have you rested well, child?¡± He asked with great lethargy.


    ¡°Yes, I have been treated generously by Lady Eopia¡¯s family.¡± She played with her fingers and tried not to face him directly.


    ¡°Hrm. You are modest for your age. It is your accomplishment that has rendered Achaeus powerless and restored balance to this city. Where human means failed, you called upon the divine.¡±


    ¡°It was Lady Athena¡¯s will that solved this crisis.¡± She replied humbly.


    ¡°Akacia, gods bless her stubborn soul, was unable to contact Athena for a long time. If she could not manage such a feat, then I have trouble finding someone who could.¡± His words were slow, but there was a certain sharpness in them. The ancient man was surely implying something.


    ¡°I was lucky.¡±


    ¡°Luck is quite the heroic trait.¡± He made a weird raspy sound. It took Eugenia a few moment to realize that it had been a mild chortle. Somehow he reminded her of a turtle now.


    What he said seemed all too familiar though. Another ancient person had told her something similar. She suspected Topos was toying with her, but she could not sense any malicious intent.


    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for Lord Leander¡¯s courage I could never have made it that far.¡± She felt horrible to receive any praise for her deception. There were people more deserving of being honored.


    ¡°Yes, Leander was special. Even so, I was opposed to him becoming Archon.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Why?¡±


    ¡°His lineage is watered down. His house was in ruins. To give the position to a bastard sullies our great traditions.¡± He explained without contempt or anger. These were just his honest views. ¡°Achaeus defended him greatly and garnered support behind my back. Fate has brought those two together and also pitted them against each other.¡± And yet his tone conveyed that he was always passive in his observations. How much did he really know?


    ¡°If I may ask, what will you do about the other cities?¡±


    ¡°We are going to call back our troops from all allied cities. Achaeus had already called for reinforcements from Thebes and other nearby towns. In the near future our army will be reunited and then we will have to see what all this influence will be invested into.¡±


    ¡°You¡­ You won¡¯t start another war, will you?¡± She tensed up.


    ¡°That is not in my power to decide. After the new elections we will create a new balance. Sparta has been gathering strength during our ceasefire, so a show of force will be in our interest.¡± His dry tone made the near future sound like ancient history. For him, who was so very old, the pattern must have seemed repetitive already.


    ¡°Uhm. C-Could you tell me if¡­ well.¡± She stumbled over her own words as she tried to ask for something that she shouldn¡¯t have.


    ¡°You wish to know who the next Archon candidates will be.¡± He surmised. She nodded. ¡°Due to his involvement and testimony the Rhodian has gained some recognition. Achaeus had shortsightedly granted him the privilege of participation and Leander had good words for him. With Kleitos support he should have a rather generous head start.¡± He did not hide his displeasure in the slightest.


    It was understandable that the Attican elite looked down upon an outsider, she could not fault them for that. She secretly rooted for Zosimos of course. The condition that he had to become Archon to marry Eopia was probably not binding anymore, but he had worked so hard to come here. With someone as young and different as him the rule in the city might finally change. The merchants would certainly be pleased.


    ¡°As for the other, there are several candidates, none to be put above the other. We are in a lamentable state where the houses are even considering to let Leander¡¯s adoptive brother participate in the selection.¡± He let out a tired sigh.


    ¡°It will all work out.¡± Eugenia said encouragingly which simply earned her a raised brow.


    ¡°Do you have any other inquiries child?¡±


    ¡°Er, did you call me here to answer my questions?¡± She asked surprised.


    He nodded. It seemed that she had completely misunderstood his reasons. How shameful.


    ¡°If it were only that.¡± He then suddenly cracked his shoulders and leaned forward on his cane. ¡°There is one more matter.¡±


    She swallowed and backed deeper into her chair.


    ¡°You have caught my old eye, child. There is something your frail presence cannot hide from me.¡±


    ¡°S-Sorry?¡± She was alerted now. His words were too confounding.


    ¡°Truly, her silvery eyes are reflected upon your visage. The rumors that you are her chosen are indubitably reflecting reality.¡± How did a man who appeared nearly blind and at death¡¯s door suddenly seem so incredibly imposing?


    ¡°I was blessed by Lady Athena as a child.¡± She admitted quickly to get his gaze off her.


    ¡°This is a twist of fate, indeed. Athena¡¯s child is marked by the presence of that snake.¡±


    ¡°What¡­ did you say?¡± Now everything changed in Eugenia''s head.


    ¡°The silvery eyes shine on you ¨C and the Gorgon¡¯s fangs are pierced into your back. Your soul should be torn apart soon.¡± His words were still as matter of factly as before, but she could not even believe they were spoken by the same man.


    ¡°H-How do you-? You know about Medusa?!¡± Her heart was pounding due to stress. She frantically tried to remember if she had told anyone about her that could have given the information to him. The only one who should have known was Lady Akacia, but she would never tell someone this secret. It would implicate her as well.


    ¡°I know the Gorgon, albeit not personally.¡± He confirmed and sank back into his armchair. His old bones creaked a bit when he moved. ¡°Your connection must be deep, therefore I will reveal this to you.¡± And with that she could hear the rustling of undressing. The old man was opening his mantle and pulling aside his tunic!


    ¡°What? W-Wait, please don¡¯t.¡± She waved her hands in panic. Even if she could not see him, she didn¡¯t want to know he undressed in front of her! Was this living mummy actually a secret deviant?


    ¡°Touch it.¡± He said seriously.


    ¡°Ahhh!¡± She squirmed as he grabbed her hand and pushed it against his chest. The old, dry, wrinkly skin was pushing against her fingers. It was horrible.


    But it was unnaturally dry. Hard even. And slightly slick?


    ¡°I apologize, you could only realize through contact.¡± He said weakly and then let go of her hand.


    ¡°Scales?¡± She was in doubt, but after rubbing them some more she realized they were fused to his body. There was a certain pattern to them and they ended close to his chest. ¡°You- You aren¡¯t human?¡±


    ¡°Not entirely. These paltry scales are all that is left of my lineage. Of my inheritance.¡± His weary words showed his true age. ¡°I am the last descendant of King Crecops I.¡±


    ¡°The first king?!¡± Her eyes widened. King Crecops was a legend in Attica. He was the first king of Athens and known as a serpent-man. An autochthon who was pure and taught the people many cultural wisdoms. His descendants were long since thought to be extinct.


    ¡°Our line was diluted among humans and surely there must be more distant relatives of mine out there, living the lives of average mortals. It seems I am the last of the blessed. This blood coursing through my body has kept me alive far beyond a natural lifespan. In truth I have been born two hundred years ago, if my old memory does not betray me.¡± He revealed with a thoughtful expression.


    Eugenia was simply awestruck and could hardly respond.


    ¡°I have searched for others of my kind; snake people across the world were abundant once. Most of them are linked to the divine, like Poseidon¡¯s daughters and the Gorgon. I know little of her beyond the legends, but I have an innate awareness of her presence.¡± He slowly got dressed again while talking. ¡°To know that a kindred being is in a feud with the goddess of my city is regrettable.¡±


    ¡°I think so too.¡± She had not expected to find someone who understood her pain here of all places.


    ¡°I cannot give you comfort, child. This was only the selfish desire of a decaying man. I could not reveal my true self to anyone for a long¡­ long¡­ time.¡± His head was lowered and he spoke so slowly that it seemed he would go to sleep at any moment.


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Thank you for telling me.¡± She replied softly.


    He felt guilty for only receiving relief himself, but this encounter taught her once more that there was more going on in this world than she could possibly imagine. Nobody was as they seemed. There were still people who did not hate Medusa out there. That thought was more than enough to lift her spirits.


    <hr>


    After finishing her conversation with Topos she excused herself and walked through the palace. While she was here already she intended to pay Agapetos and Bion a visit. The two medicos were staying as guests and ambassadors of Eretria for now. After Athens¡¯ involvement in the attacks on the Eretrian ships was uncovered they were treated with great honors to save relations with the city of rowers.


    For all intents and purposes they must have been busier than ever before, but when she went to their quarters a servant told her that Agapetos was meeting scholars and medicos from other groups to have some enlightening discourse. In other words he was enjoying himself to the fullest.


    Bion on the other hand was apparently taking care of the injured in the barracks outside the palace. She wasn¡¯t sure whether she was allowed to go there. It was a place of rest and recovery. She was also a little queasy about the moans of pain and the stench of burned flesh.


    For now she wondered if she should just go back to Eopia¡¯s place, but when she walked the halls in search for the staircase she passed a door which was slightly ajar. Her ears quickly picked up the voice of the one she sought, but he was not alone. It might have been too rude to intrude on them.


    ¡°How are you doing?¡± The apprentice asked with his usual monotone voice.


    ¡°Fancy as an exotic dancer. Will be climbin¡¯ the mast in no time.¡± Irvenos replied with mirth.


    ¡°Yeah right. I would tell you to stay in bed for at least double this time, but like anyone ever listens to me.¡±


    Eugenia could basically hear him shrug nonchalantly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve slept off worse.¡±


    ¡°Sure. I wouldn¡¯t have let you take up a sword if I had known that most of your ribs were broken. Can¡¯t even imagine how you managed to talk with the injured throat either.¡± Bion listed the ailments like he was going through a shopping list.


    ¡°Much use I¡¯ve been, aye? Best I¡¯d have stayed behind and let myself get burned to a crispy snack for the dogs.¡±


    ¡°They would have gotten a stomachache.¡±


    ¡°Yer a real nice guy, ya know that?¡± Irvenos replied with a hoarse laugh. Apparently his injured throat was not responsible for that raspy voice.


    ¡°Burnt meat is unhealthy for dogs. ¡° Bion replied matter of factly.


    ¡°That so?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Anyway, no moving about and no drinking.¡±


    ¡°Or else?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t be responsible for the chronic damage.¡± Again a shrug.


    ¡°Real shame. When can I get outta this bindin¡¯ stuff?¡± He adjusted stiffly.


    ¡°When it stops turning red from that kind of movement.¡±


    ¡°Rrgh¡­¡±


    ¡°Told you so.¡± Bion smirked.


    ¡°Can ya really waste your time makin¡¯ fun of a poor ex-cap¡¯n? Doesn¡¯t your master need you?¡±


    ¡°He has been giving lectures to the high society since last week. Doesn¡¯t need the help of a mere apprentice.¡±


    ¡°Is that all?¡± Irvenos needled him naturally.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a few hours already, so he should be done with that. Now he is probably exchanging stories with his scholar friends or talking to other medicos.¡± He had taken a while to come up with that response.


    ¡°You¡¯re worried.¡± Irvenos probably smirked below those assorted scarves.


    ¡°Worrying is not my thing. Too much of a bother.¡± He replied deadpan.


    ¡°Agapetos; he a good master?¡±


    ¡°Is that a trick question?¡±


    ¡°Hehe. Just sayin¡¯. Took in a master slayer, didn¡¯t he?¡± He pointed out.


    ¡°True.¡±


    ¡°Will ya ever tell me how it happened?¡±


    ¡°Does it matter?¡± Bion dodged the question unexpectedly.


    ¡°The first time is always the hardest. I can¡¯t tell how ya got to the place you¡¯re now. For me it was unavoidable with the life I chose. But slaves like you don¡¯t got much choice.¡± His words sounded inquisitive at first, but now it seemed to be pure sympathy.


    ¡°It¡¯s a boring story. There wasn¡¯t any heroic reason and no retaliation for horrible abuse. My first master was a decent man, mostly.¡±


    ¡°Mostly?¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± He stayed quiet for a while and then finally spoke up with a somber tone. ¡°He wasn¡¯t abusive with his property, but he hated animals. Every time he visited the farm, he got angry because of the smell and the noises. If it was just the livestock that would¡¯ve been one thing, but we had a habit of feeding the stray cats from the nearby harbor town.¡±


    ¡°Cats, eh?¡± Irvenos was a good listener. He didn¡¯t inquire much.


    ¡°Master hated them the most. Called them useless and eyesores. When he saw one near the farm he would take his whip and try to hit them. Little hairballs kept running of course.¡± He spoke like he was reading an old story. ¡°Not all of them were so lucky. He told the farmhands to capture those cats by luring them with food. Then he would take them to the shed and¡­ well they wouldn¡¯t leave again.¡±


    Irvenos released an understanding grunt.


    ¡°I did not like it. They fed us the meat so it wouldn¡¯t go to waste. It was probably better than the gruel we usually got.¡± He snorted. ¡°But I liked those cats more alive. One time I was ordered to bring them to the shed myself. That place looked no better than a slaughter stable. Their eyes were glowing in the dark¡­ Master came in and pulled out the whip first. Said he would ¡®tenderize¡¯ them for us first.¡± His eyes turned duller as he kept talking.


    ¡°So you did it.¡±


    ¡°I did. Took the meat hook and opened him up. He didn¡¯t even scream. Too surprised. The cats stayed silent too, could probably sense the death of their tormentor. I blanked out to be honest. Afterwards I must have released them, but all I remember is running from the farm and stepping through the dirt path.¡±


    ¡°You escaped unscathed?¡±


    ¡°Kept both my eyes at least.¡± He said snidely.


    ¡°They¡¯ve probably put up a bounty?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. It was pretty dicey for a long time. I came to Eretria because I was starving and tired of running. The old man just passed me by accident. There was really no greater reason to it. He saw me banged up and treated my wounds. Probably happy for the practice he could get on a helpless kid.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a real cynic.¡±


    ¡°Likewise. Well, he let me stay, because I had nimble hands and knew how to cook.¡±


    ¡°Ah. I see.¡± Irvenos politely avoided the topic. So he had already gotten a taste of Bion¡¯s cuisine.


    ¡°¡¯course he also has a thing for young boys, so that helped.¡±


    Eugenia almost choked on her own tongue, while Irvenos laughed.


    ¡°It¡¯s rude to listen in on people.¡± Bion raised his voice and then kicked the door open with one leg.


    ¡°Ah, uh, well, sorry!¡± Eugenia nervously apologized. Bion was too sharp.


    ¡°You can come in. Not like Irvenos is going to do anything to you in that state.¡± The medico was sitting on a reversed chair and waved her inside.


    ¡°I¡¯d never do nothin¡¯ to her if I was all good either. Not without permission!¡± Irvenos squinted his one good eye and raised up on his bed.


    ¡°A-Are you feeling better?¡±


    ¡°Brilliant as¡¯a matter o¡¯ fact. I wanted to visit my crew, but this stick in the mud refused to let me.¡± He kicked Bion¡¯s chair with one of his rather long legs.


    ¡°They will be happy to visit all the taverns in Athens while you are tied to the bed.¡± Bion said with a yawn. ¡°This is great timing Eugenia. Can you look after this scarred cyclops for a bit?¡±


    ¡°Me?¡± She blinked subconsciously.


    ¡°If he does something stupid tie him down with these ropes.¡± He threw her some long sailor¡¯s ropes. There was no telling where he got it or how serious he was.


    ¡°Where¡¯re ya off to?¡± Irvenos asked the medico-turned-prison-guard.


    ¡°Master has been having his fun with those apprentices for a while. It¡¯s time for a break from his hard work.¡± He said with a dry smile and pushed the chair aside so Eugenia could take his place.


    ¡°Buncha young men thirsty for knowledge, aye?¡±


    Bion didn¡¯t reply. His face was unreadable.


    ¡°That master o¡¯ yours is good at talkin¡¯ so he¡¯ll be parched as well.¡± He seemed to enjoy himself.


    ¡°He already has an apprentice. Get your priorities straight old man.¡± Bion rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. ¡°We will talk later, alright Eugenia?¡±


    ¡°Yes, see you soon.¡± She said with a tilted head and heard him close the door.


    ¡°That boy¡¯s like a jealous tomcat.¡± Irvenos chuckled.


    ¡°Bion?¡± She thought about that description and it fit surprisingly well. Bion was the epitome of a harbor cat. Just strolling around, sleeping when he felt like it and always complaining. A free spirit. ¡°He is really loyal too.¡± She added to defend his honor.


    ¡°It¡¯s rare to get saved by a good man. Or even a half-decent one. That¡¯s th¡¯ way to get loyalty for a lifetime.¡± He explained jovially.


    ¡°Do you think Bion¡­ maybe he feels deeply for Agapetos?¡± She was rather embarrassed asking about such things.


    ¡°Been listenin¡¯ to the scholars and poets too much? This ain¡¯t Thebes.¡± He said with a serious tone.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t m-mean-!¡±


    ¡°Jestin¡¯, I¡¯m jesting. Is nothin¡¯ wrong with fancying who ya fancy.¡± The captain leaned back with his arms crossed behind his back. Eugenia exhaled in relief. ¡°If ya don¡¯t tell that sharp kitty about it, you can leave any time. I don¡¯t need a guardian priestess. Wrong goddess anyways.¡±


    ¡°Hehe.¡± Eugenia couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. Irvenos was more easy-going than he appeared. ¡°Do you pray to Poseidon then?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t avoid a few prayers when shit hits the waves. Excuse my sailor¡¯s tongue.¡± He coughed. ¡°My boys get real devout before and after a journey. I don¡¯t think ol¡¯ fuming horsebeard cares much for puny humans tho.¡±


    That was a nickname she had never heard for the god of the ocean before.


    ¡°Not leavin¡¯?¡±


    ¡°I have to look after you. Bion trusts me.¡± She said playfully.


    ¡°Then I¡¯m glad you¡¯re blind.¡± Irvenos pulled up a secret stash from below his bed. By the sound of the liquid splashing around it was probably wine. ¡°Don¡¯t ask me and I won¡¯t have to tell ya.¡±


    ¡°Agreed.¡± She smiled.


    ¡°Urgh¡­ bein¡¯ confined to this bed is no better than a coffin¡¯.¡± The courageous captain dared to move his legs over the edge of the bed and pulled himself up. He tried his best to suppress the pained grunts, but Eugenia¡¯s ears could not be fooled.


    Rather than stop him though, she lent him her shoulder. He seemed taken aback, but then moved forward. He was quite a bit taller than her, but surprisingly light. They made their way to the large window. The warm air from outside was comfortable and there was still some sunlight streaming inside.


    ¡°That¡¯s a nice spot. Thanks lass.¡± He put his legs over the windowsill and actually sat down!


    ¡°W-Wait, this is the third floor.¡± Her pulse was racing even though it wasn¡¯t her sitting at the edge of this height.


    ¡°What of it?¡± Irvenos asked and leaned against the frame as he chugged on the earthen wine bottle. ¡°You won¡¯t sit with me?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not.¡± Her throat was so tense she couldn¡¯t even swallow. She had never been too afraid of heights, but having an injured man teeter on the edge like that was stressing her out immensely. So she purposely sat down behind him, back turned to the outside.


    ¡°Suit yerself.¡± He wiped the wine from his chin and sighed satisfied. ¡°Still feignin¡¯ abstinence?¡± The wine was held in front of Eugenia¡¯s nose, but she determinedly pushed it aside.


    ¡°I don¡¯t drink.¡±


    ¡°¡¯course ya don¡¯t.¡±


    It was a fragile peace that had developed between them. A fragile balance too, considering Irvenos was getting kind of drunk quickly.


    ¡°If ya pushed me off right now, that would be fine too.¡± Irvenos suddenly said morbidly.


    ¡°You are drunk.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t make it less true!¡± He replied wittily.


    ¡°I don¡¯t push people to their deaths.¡± Eugenia stated defiantly.


    ¡°Well, me on the other hand, I pushed lotsa people o¡¯er the plank.¡± He muttered. ¡°It¡¯s ironic¡­ it is. Leander¡¯s the one who ended my life as a pirate. Now it¡¯s on me that his life ended altogether.¡±


    ¡°You were a pirate?¡± She listened up.


    ¡°Got most o¡¯these scars from that time. Made it all the way to Captain back then too. My shup- ship, ¡®twas the Lamia¡¯s Lament. Actually belonged to my master, greatest pirate I¡¯ve ever met.¡± He seemed really talkative all of a sudden. Perhaps the wine was stronger than expected. Or exactly as strong as he wanted.


    ¡°Did he die during the pirate war?¡±


    ¡°No way, he¡¯s a legend! Let go of the pirate life before Leander could get to ¡®im. Cap¡¯n Pelagios went clean. Became one o¡¯ the best sailorsss¡­ in the entire Aegean Sea. He was the best before that too, but nobody knew.¡± He laughed hoarsely.


    ¡°Pelagios.¡± Eugenia felt her heart sink to her stomach.


    ¡°Wonder where the old coot¡¯s now? Prolly sailin¡¯ in search for a place to settle down. He always talked ¡®bout how the crew deserved a real life as landlubber. Stupid dreamer.¡± He chugged more wine while reminiscing.


    Eugenia stayed quiet. She hadn¡¯t known Pelagios very well. If Irvenos¡¯ tales were true he must have been quite special. Typhos would not have settled for anything less after all. There was no average sailor that could guide ships through the storm barrier. What had happened to him during that battle? She wasn¡¯t sure who escaped Medusa¡¯s revenge. But those who made it back to Attica¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s better if I don¡¯t know.¡± Irvenos seemed to reply to Eugenia¡¯s inner thoughts somehow, but it was probably a coincidence. ¡°We cut ties and split up so we wouldn¡¯t all be caught by the hero. Turnin¡¯ coat right before the attack on da fort, made ya appreciate how close we were to gettin¡¯ cut down.¡±


    ¡°Leander was a real hero.¡± She agreed. Although she had heard little, she did know of Leander¡¯s hero title before this crisis started.


    ¡°And I got ¡®im killed. Achaeus got me good.¡±


    ¡°Why did you work for him?¡±


    ¡°Ya wouldn¡¯t believe if I said coin?¡± He sighed. ¡°Guess not. He knew too many secrets. Our pirate past, that we¡¯ve got debts to pay¡­ and my personal secret too.¡± He put a hand over his face and gritted his teeth.


    ¡°But Therses told me that you chose to defy Achaeus in the end. That must have been hard.¡± She replied softly.


    ¡°Too much sweetness¡¯ll make people sick, ya hear? I didn¡¯t ask for all that sympathy.¡± He was so self-derisive.


    ¡°Your crew will be safe now. And your secret won¡¯t be revealed either. Bion is good at keeping those.¡± She cheered him up with a smile which he naturally couldn¡¯t see.


    ¡°When in blazes did ya figure me out?¡± Irvenos wondered and adjusted the fringing scarves.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know myself. I just had a feeling.¡± Eugenia said truthfully.


    The scarred captain let himself fall behind and their backs pressed against each other. He was not heavy enough to crush her. He seemed to enjoy putting more weight on her though.


    ¡°Can¡¯t fool some special chosen priestess, aye? Got more special powers aside from your special hearin¡¯?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not special.¡± She retorted cutely.


    ¡°Take it from me, a woman shouldn¡¯t be caught up in this kinda shit. That makes ya special all on its own.¡± ¡®He¡¯ took off ¡®his¡¯ scarves and let the breeze touch the exposed face for the first time in a long, long while. ¡°That feels nice.¡±


    ¡°Do you really have to hide your face?¡± She wondered.


    ¡°The scars are doin¡¯ wonders, sure, but my cheekbones ain¡¯t right. I was figured out sometimes when I didn¡¯t hide ¡®em. My throat¡¯s been sore since I was born I think, so that worked out tidy.¡±


    ¡°Do those old stale clothes hide your figure that well?¡±


    ¡°Almost forgot ya can¡¯t see me. What¡¯s that crap about stale, though? I like this outfit!¡± Irvenos seemed rather defensive of ¡®his¡¯ wardrobe. Old noble clothes had a certain panache.


    ¡°Hahaha.¡± She didn¡¯t take it back. ¡°But isn¡¯t it sad to hide who you truly are from your crew?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve grown used to this life. To be honest, I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m really hidin¡¯ anymore.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Man or woman¡­ does it really matter now?¡± Irvenos certainly was very drunk.


    ¡°Would you not rather be a woman?¡±


    ¡°I lived as a man and I like it that way. It¡¯s like there¡¯s two of me in this damaged body. Sometimes¡­ I¡¯d like to be more like the other me. Mostly not.¡±


    Two sides to the same person. Was one of them truly ¡®correct¡¯? Irvenos had chosen a heavy road. To keep up with the men, how much more did she have to exhaust herself? How many times did she have to be manlier than the other men just to prove herself? Eugenia had never even considered what she would have been like as the opposite sex. Probably still blind.


    ¡°You have grown to accept that other side.¡± She felt like this was something important. Something she needed to remember.


    ¡°My body¡¯s like this, but my life¡¯s like that. Only the gods can choose what¡¯s ¡®right¡¯, wouldn¡¯t ya say so, priestess?¡±


    Man or woman, chosen or not, monster or¡­


    It struck her now who she had been thinking of. Irvenos double life was very familiar. Her heart grew heavy again. What was truly important was that Irvenos never lied to herself.


    ¡°The saying goes, women are bad luck at sea. Not leadin¡¯ with a great example there. Thought of quittin¡¯ the sailor¡¯s life after this. Should have died in that burnin¡¯ town hall. But that meddling lad had to drag me back.¡±


    ¡°I will thank Bion for that later.¡±


    ¡°Pah.¡± Irvenos leaned back more forcefully and emptied his wine. The scarves were already back in position.


    <hr>


    It had gotten late when Bion finally returned to check up on them. He seemed much more relaxed now. Of course he had to make a smart comment when seeing Irvenos snoring away while stinking of booze. Eugenia said she saw nothing and earned herself a light smack on the head.


    After locking the door, the two separated amicably and Eugenia returned home. Not that she really felt like she was going home. It was just the place that she stayed at right now. If she kept living here, maybe one day she would gain that elusive sense of belonging.


    When she entered she was greeted by a chipper exchange of teasing between two overly flirty lovers. Zosimos had finally come home.


    ¡°Listen here Eugenia, he finally found a vessel for you!¡± Eopia hugged her arm and pulled her towards the dinner table.


    ¡°Truly?¡± Her face lit up.


    ¡°I can¡¯t promise that I¡¯ll be able to get it ready right away, but I found a boat with the right specifications. The owner was willing to sell, but said he wouldn¡¯t give it to some dirty Rhodian.¡± He made a bemused face.


    ¡°There are all kinds of scum in this city.¡± Eopia said with a dark glint in her eyes.


    ¡°W-Well, I referred him to your father as a guarantor and he gave in. Give me two days and I¡¯ll have her ready. Tomorrow if someone with more boat experience helps out.¡± He clapped his hands and acted overly cheerful.


    ¡°I could ask Therses for a favor.¡± Eugenia put a finger to her chin in deep thought.


    ¡°Aha, that guy. Seems pretty infatuated with ya, so he won¡¯t be saying no.¡± Zosimos nodded supportively.


    ¡°Is that true?¡± Eopia had sniffed out some juicy gossip and was ready to pounce.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that!¡± The priestess pleaded for a quick death.


    <hr>


    The next day Eugenia rose as soon as the sun touched the horizon. The drowsiness of the last weeks had disappeared completely. Knowing that she would leave the city soon suddenly filled her with an urgency that she didn¡¯t even understand herself. There was no time to sleep in and wile away her waking hours.


    She wolfed down the breakfast prepared by the servants and was ready to leave when Eopia had barely made it out of bed.


    ¡°What has you in such a hurry?¡± The currently not-so-noble looking daughter asked with a yawn.


    ¡°I have to keep a promise.¡± She replied curtly and tied her sandals. ¡°Please tell Zosimos that I will be coming by the harbor later to test the ship!¡±


    ¡°Sure¡­ if he manages to acquire it until then.¡± She rubbed her eyes and saw her off in confusion.


    Eugenia traversed the busy streets with a goal in mind and thus made it to the outskirts of the city relatively fast. There she met up with Hegord.


    ¡°My, you actually remembered a promise to this old dotard?¡± He hid his embarrassment behind a loud attitude.


    ¡°I always want to pay back what I owe.¡± She swiped a basket with her hands and got rid of the hay. Then she sat down in front of him. ¡°I will tell you the truth. The whole truth. All I ask is that you don¡¯t tell anyone about it.¡±


    ¡°Hoho! Lookin¡¯ at this old face should tell you, I¡¯m no gossiping housewife. Not that ya can tell.¡± His hearty laugh was infectious. He rubbed his long beard expectantly.


    Eugenia retold the events since that long past day when Typhos had appeared at her doorstep in Dankana. She didn¡¯t know everything that happened before or in-between, but by now she had put together many of the pieces until she had a fairly realistic image of the life of this young scholar that tried to become king.


    In the end she managed to talk for two hours straight. Hegord had not interrupted her much, only asking for clarifications occasionally. He seemed moved, but also not all too surprised. She had suspected that he would already know most of these details. Perhaps he knew Typhos better than she ever did.


    ¡°The Gorgon, mighty impressive woman. My condolences for the pain ya had to go through.¡± He leaned on his cane with a humbled expression.


    ¡°I never truly grasped what he had felt in his heart.¡± She said sadly.


    ¡°I hope that we can remember the lad for more than his downfall. And I reckon it¡¯s greedy to hope so, but I ask that you can forgive him for it too.¡±


    Eugenia nodded hesitantly. She had already told him something similar when she first arrived, but now that they had the full context it seemed more like a promise.


    ¡°Achaeus, he gave people nothing but suffering. He¡¯s the kind of man who creates men like Typhos. I¡¯m glad ya¡¯ll took him down.¡± His old eyes were filled with a hint of contempt, although Eugenia could not pick up on it.


    ¡°He¡­ was doing it for his own reasons. Just like Typhos.¡±


    ¡°Mayhaps I am an old fool who is growing bias as long as his beard, but I believe Typhos never involved anyone unless it was necessary. That Archon sowed discord ¡®cause it was easy.¡±


    ¡°The easy path¡­¡± She felt sort of numb already. Hatred, forgiveness, happiness and sadness, she felt those emotions were too heavy now. She just had to keep moving forward until her goal was reached. The trial was finally over and her way home had been opened up.


    Finally all her obligations were dealt with. Everything was as it should be.


    ¡°They locked him away, hm? I¡¯d have hung him up in public, made a real show of it. Fed him to lions for good measure.¡±


    ¡°Would that make someone happy? Would it soothe their pain?¡± She shook her head.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t mind this old fool¡¯s ramblings. Times have changed and I¡¯m always limpin¡¯ behind.¡± He cleared his throat. ¡°Thank you for your time. This was a story worth every effort I¡¯d invested.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not over yet.¡± She added with a wry smile.


    ¡°The rest is not for my ears.¡± He said with a knowing smirk. ¡°Safe travels lass. May you find the way home.¡±


    Eugenia left with mixed feelings. The trial was over and nothing held her in this city any longer. That was a fact, right? Then what was this lingering sense of regret? She simply couldn¡¯t leave without knowing¡­


    <hr>


    ¡°It is advised that you do not get too close to the prisoner. We will be waiting right outside the door, so please call for us should there be any trouble.¡± The guard was instructing her calmly. He just went through the motions. There were quite a few visitors to this particular cell and they did usually want privacy.


    When she entered the room she realized that it was quite a bit smaller than she would have thought. For a former Archon to be kept in a cell no greater than that of a common cutthroat must have been an intentional insult.


    She stepped in front of the wooden bars that were thicker than both of her arms combined and stopped in her tracks. The breeze from the small barred window was sucked towards the cracks in the door and told her quite well about the interior of the cell. The vibrations and friction made it clear where Achaeus was seated. He was leaning against the wall right below the window. His pose was defeated and depressed.


    ¡°Another gawker here to laugh at the jester?¡± He growled in a low voice. Even without vision she could tell that he looked horrible. His hair and beard must have been greasy and disheveled. His eyes fallen in. His skin grey. The only strength he could spare was for his biting tone.


    ¡°I won¡¯t laugh.¡± Eugenia replied through the bars. Indeed she felt nothing was humorous about this situation.


    ¡°My, if it isn¡¯t the chosen one! Coming down to the bowels of Hades to deliver her righteous light upon the forsaken, the discarded¡­ the failure.¡± His head sunk lower and he made a fist.


    She had come to meet him, but now that she was met with his stinging words and his self-destruction, she was not sure what had possessed her to come here. What could she possibly say to this man and what could he ever answer her?


    ¡°Will you question me like the others did or will you simply listen to the noise coming from my festering wounds? Does purulence delight the divine vessel?¡± His left eye was infected, but he was surely not referring to his physical ails.


    ¡°Are you made of nothing but bitterness?¡± She asked more repulsed than she had intended.


    ¡°There is also rage. Don¡¯t test me, priestess.¡± His threats were empty, but heartfelt.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why I came.¡± She wanted to leave. Just leave this behind now. But¡­ ¡°Did you really see Athena?¡±


    Achaeus stared at her in confusion. He was searching for the accusation or derision, but he only found an honest question. It was taking the fire out of his soul faster than any punishment could.


    ¡°My vision could not have fooled me. The scenery of the burning village is seared into my eyeballs. It was her! She was flying tall above the ashes and pointed eastward. Her unforgiving silver eyes were pointed at the enemy. This hatred. This rejection. Inhuman eyes filled with fate.¡± He recollected as if in trance.


    ¡°If you served her, why did you never try to convene with her? Why did you attempt to carry this fate all on your own?¡± She simply didn¡¯t understand the crooked path that had led to this.


    ¡°It began with me alone inside a mountain of ash. Athena pointed the way. She did not save me, she did not pull me on my feet. She only pointed where I had to go. Do you comprehend? It was not her who would save Athens, the world. It was me. It is¡­ humanity that has to save itself.¡±


    ¡°But you didn¡¯t save anyone! Your methods only hurt more people the same way you were hurt!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know that! I could have done it! If it wasn¡¯t for you!¡± He shakenly rose to his feet and staggered towards the bars. He grabbed them with all his might and pressed himself forward so that they were only separated by a few fingers lengths. ¡°You know nothing, yet you fooled them all. You deceived and betrayed the world and now its destruction is blood on your hands!¡±


    ¡°I- I didn¡¯t ¨C T-That¡¯s not true-!¡±


    ¡°Why did I dirty my hands?! What were all the sacrifices for? How could I have killed so many and destroyed so much and then be stopped before I could save a single person in return?!¡± He shouted with a face so twisted that it seemed human no longer. ¡°Why did you have to destroy my destiny¡­ my salvation¡­?¡± He sank to his knees and collapsed against the wooden bars.


    Eugenia was shaken to the core. She truly had taken everything from him. Stripped him of the purpose that he had created and build on the backs of thousands. All had been sacrificed, Typhos future, the Eretrians¡¯ sovereignty, the slaves under Simon and even her own parents. They all were sacrificed for this grand plan. Were their sacrifices in vain? Was this all her fault?


    ¡°¡­that is not for you to decide.¡± Even as her mind was jumbled and forlorn, her mouth moved on its own. Something inside her refused this despair!


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°They did not sacrifice their lives for your sake. Not a single person was fighting for your destiny. You paved your road on the lives of people that had their own destinies. Every single one made their own choices. Even if you were the one who set these horrible events in motion, they owned their lives and their choices until the very end! My parents didn¡¯t die because of your schemes, they died protecting the village that they loved. Simon deserted because of the slaves he loved. The citizens of Lamia protected the city they loved. All of them had their own circumstances and wills. If I accept that they died because of you, then I will accept that your destiny controlled theirs.¡±


    Achaeus kneeled in front of the furious priestess and continued to listen in shock.


    ¡°You accomplished nothing and you hurt many, but that is the way of the world. Everyone makes good and bad decisions. You face the consequences just as I will too.¡±


    ¡°This is cruel¡­¡± He banged his head against the bars until he drew blood. ¡°Why did you let me live? Why did you choose to make me live with this failure?!¡±


    ¡°Because I didn¡¯t want you to run away.¡± She replied while breathing heavily.


    ¡°Run from what? The Underworld has no salvation left for me. I welcome Tartaros all the same.¡±


    ¡°You want to atone for earthly sins with repentance in the Underworld. That is wrong.¡± She slammed her hands against the wood. ¡°Live to see what the world will do without you! See what the people left behind will create. You egotistically decided that the world is lost and that your actions created nothing but suffering.¡±


    ¡°Is that not so?!¡± He looked up with blood running down his face and along his eyes, as if he shed bloody tears.


    ¡°Because of all this suffering I met Medusa!¡± She shouted.


    He heard her words, but he did not comprehend.


    ¡°Every decision begets another. And every result creates a new choice. I don¡¯t know what this happy world without you would have been like, but I would not have met any of the people that I know now. There would not have been any reason for me to have traveled so far and experienced so much. If you hadn¡¯t caused conflict it surely would have begun in some other way. As long as Ares and Athena are with us war is inevitable. The Persians may come one day as you said, but I don¡¯t want to believe that someone had already decided the outcome. What is the meaning of fate if we could know it ahead of time?¡±


    ¡°But Athena-¡±


    ¡°The gods may know what they do, but isn¡¯t that why they don¡¯t interfere unless it concerns them directly? When will we gain independence so that we may not cling to them like children? Typhos asked those questions. He saw something that most didn¡¯t, even if grief corrupted his views!¡±


    She had vented at the former Archon, she had released all this frustration and anger that had been directed at herself. Achaeus was nothing more than a wall to lash out at. She had never come to him to understand him more, rather she wanted to understand herself.


    ¡°I feel pity for you, Achaeus.¡± She said with exhaustion from shouting so much. ¡°Athena did not choose you, but you were hurting because of her. I understand that now.¡±


    ¡°Damn it.¡± He punched the ground and sank into himself.


    ¡°I will leave Athens soon, perhaps forever. We may never meet again. No matter what happens from now on, just know that you do not control my decisions. Nobody will.¡± With those words she was ready to leave it all behind.


    ¡°Leander¡­¡± Achaeus¡¯ frail voice stopped her one last time. ¡°What happened to Leander?¡±


    ¡°He passed on. His funeral was two weeks ago.¡± She replied faintly.


    ¡°Did¡­ did they honor him?¡±


    ¡°The entire city grieved for him. They minted a gold coin with his family crest. Hopefully Charon will be pleased.¡± She had shed many tears on that day, but now she felt acceptance.


    ¡°Gods know I hated him.¡± Achaeus pressed his back against the bars and was blinded by the streaming sunlight that was perfectly aligned with his cell for just a moment. ¡°But I envied him even more.¡±


    Eugenia left the broken man to his idle thoughts with the knowledge that they would never meet again.


    <hr>


    The way to the harbor was long, but it gave her plenty of time to think. She felt no more of the pressing weight on her stomach and the steps she took seemed lighter. It was clear to her now that this was what she had to do. The trial was finally over.


    The pier was empty, for most of the ships had set sail or were anchoring on the opposite end. There were many chests and barrels piled up to the dozens here, but she felt almost¡­ alone.


    Except for the sound of chewing above her.


    ¡°Lord Hermes.¡± She recognized him by the fluttering of his winged sandals. Or perhaps deep down she just knew he would be here.


    ¡°These apples are delicious. Trade is flourishing across the world now.¡± He said delighted and licked his sticky fingers after swallowing the apple - stem and all. Then he jovially waved his hand to greet her. ¡°My favorite priestess, how good to see you again. It has been a few cycles.¡±


    ¡°Is it okay to declare me your favorite priestess? I do not even pray to you.¡± She replied dryly.


    ¡°Aha, the truth of the matter is that there are not many priestesses who pray to one such as me. The bulk are stingy old men and children full of shrewd ideas.¡± He cupped his chin and crossed his legs. She couldn¡¯t hear any clothes on him¡­ though he was wearing his invisibility cap.


    ¡°So I win by default?¡± Eugenia smiled.


    ¡°You have gotten more adroit with your words. I fear soon I shan¡¯t get away without damage. You really do resemble her.¡± He was nothing if not amused by her attitude and slowly floated down the cargo.


    ¡°Did you come to confirm my progress?¡± She asked with a raised brow.


    ¡°Far from it, I would not have the time to spare!¡± He claimed with a wounded heart. ¡°I am a messenger and that is my one and only motivation to visit a beautiful girl in her time of need.¡±


    ¡°Your flattery won¡¯t get to me anymore. I was told the truth about my appearance.¡± She said triumphantly.


    ¡°Does beauty not lie in the eye of the beholder?¡± He asked smoothly.


    ¡°H-Huh?¡±


    ¡°And for one such as I, the fleeting appearance of the body could never match the beauty of the soul.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ truly?¡±


    ¡°Of course there is a certain allure to the flower growing in someone else¡¯s garden too~¡± He added with a mischievous snicker.


    ¡°You jerk.¡± She pinched his nose.


    ¡°I relent!¡±


    ¡°Why are you really here? The trial is over. I finished my business, so I can return to Sarpedon now.¡± She let go of him, if only because she doubted that he even felt her pinches.


    ¡°How cruel, I was not deceiving you. I am here to deliver a message to you, or perhaps the opposite.¡± He rubbed his head as if he was still figuring it out himself. Eugenia just had to chalk it up to his quirky nature. ¡°But there is one matter I am more certain on.¡± Suddenly his clever eyes became deeper. ¡°The trial has not ended.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡± She almost hoped that she misheard.


    ¡°You followed my advice, but this little crisis was entirely optional. The experience should have served you well-¡±


    ¡°What do you mean it was optional!?¡± She almost lost her countenance.


    ¡°Ahem. I apologize for my obtuse wording. Naturally this was all necessary.¡± He changed his tune like a poet did the grip on a lyre.


    Her head felt numb again.


    ¡°My message can wait at least until you set sail. Whether I will deliver it or not depends entirely on how the trial ends. In other words, the decision is yours.¡± He took her hand gently and then pointed it towards the ocean. ¡°She is waiting for you.¡±


    For a moment she thought he referred to Medusa.


    But in her heart of hearts she knew.


    Athena was waiting.


    At the horizon, the trial¡¯s end.

 Chapter 42: Eugenia and a goodbye

    Eugenia had thought that coming to Athens to get a boat was her goal. The only way to return to Sarpedon was to come along with the Eretrians and get a vessel. She could not ignore the plight of her friends and thus got caught up in the machinations of someone connected to her past. Hermes had informed her of a trial, but he never said what it was. Indeed, it was just her optimism that made her assume she could have returned so easily.


    With such troubled thoughts she moved along the harbor and eventually walked into someone familiar.


    ¡°Lady Eugenia!¡± Therses looked up from the rope he had been tying and greeted her with deep reverence. The young man had been busy too, but now he was here to support Zosimos who she could hear talking loudly to another man in the back.


    ¡°There is no need to be so formal, Therses.¡± She felt rather unsettled by the way he seemed to look up to her.


    ¡°But a chosen priestess deserves all of my respect.¡± He replied seriously. What he had witnessed at the palace had truly moved him. This is why Eugenia hated to be seen as special.


    ¡°I see.¡± She replied with a downcast expression.


    ¡°W-well, you are still a friend though, so it would be proper courtesy to treat you as such.¡± He scratched his cheek and let go of the rope. ¡°Good to see you again, Eugenia.¡±


    ¡°Likewise! What are you doing there?¡±


    ¡°I was just retying the rope for the boat. Atticans have an odd technique to it, although I think this merchant just had no idea what he was doing.¡± After seeing her dubious expression he hastily added: ¡°But the boat is of the greatest quality. Your merchant friend has a good eye for that at least.¡±


    She listened to Zosimos making a bunch of slick assurances and nodded. He was a man who could build a rudimentary boat on a small island and sail it through a deadly storm. No matter how much luck was on his side, there must have been some skill involved as well.


    ¡°The negotiations should be done in a bit. We will have to get the cargo ready after the coin is exchanged.¡±


    ¡°Cargo?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how far your destination is, but without ample supplies the journey will be cut short.¡± Therses said seriously. ¡°Father taught you this much, didn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± She nodded frantically. It¡¯s not that she had forgotten the sailing lessons, but her mind was just too preoccupied right now.


    ¡°Say.¡± He spoke up hesitantly. ¡°I know that you must return to your home. See the person that matters most to you again. I understand that very well, because I want to go back home one day too. Mother and father must be worried sick right now.¡± He rubbed his neck awkwardly. ¡°But after you settled your affairs, would it be too much to ask that you return to Athens?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Eugenia furrowed her brows. ¡°Why do you say that?¡±


    ¡°I have been talking to the aristocrats as an ambassador for Eretria. Can you imagine? The son of a fisherman in the palace? Haha, it was nerve-wracking.¡± He exaggerated, as he seemed quite accepting of his role. ¡°My education has paid off, to some degree at least. Well, all the talk inside the palace was quite enlightening. Athens is something special. And, uhm, you are too.¡±


    ¡°Therses¡­¡±


    ¡°Please hear me out. After you summoned Lady Athena the people are talking of you in the highest tones. Some are even requesting that you become the next grand priestess!¡±


    ¡°No way.¡± She turned her head away.


    ¡°I knew you would react that way, but why not? If it is about your family, they could move to Athens with you! You could live a good life and help countless people.¡± He gestured strongly towards the Akropolis far in the distance.


    ¡°Lady Akacia would not agree.¡± She said defensively.


    ¡°Are you so certain of that? Have you asked her opinion on the matter? I don¡¯t believe you would. You are too humble.¡± His insistence was swiping aside her weak excuses. ¡°You have changed many lives for the better through your devotion to our Lady. Mine too. I¡¯m thankful. I don¡¯t want you to live below what you deserve just because you never dared to aim higher.¡±


    A future so utopic was before her feet. But the young man¡¯s efforts were misguided. What he saw was merely the fa?ade. Eugenia felt more guilt than ever spill over her soul.


    Upon seeing her conflicted expression he backed off a little and added: ¡°I beg of you, at least talk to the grand priestess one more time. It¡¯s not a decision for the near future, but one day maybe.¡±


    It was hard to deny such an earnest request and she knew that this was brought upon her by her own actions. So close to the meeting with Athena.


    ¡°I will talk to her.¡± She agreed woefully.


    ¡°Thank you! Just by that you already did this city a great favor.¡± He honestly appreciated her words. ¡°So do you know when you want to sail out?¡±


    ¡°N-Not yet, but it should be as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°You sure are in a hurry.¡± Suddenly their conversation was interrupted by the weary faced merchant that had been haggling all the way through it.


    ¡°How did the negotiations go?¡± Therses turned towards Themistokles with anticipation.


    ¡°He sold it.¡± He said with raised hands as if he gave up.


    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± The young man clapped his hands. ¡°In that case you could leave as soon as tomorrow.¡± He turned back to Eugenia and gave her an estimate.


    ¡°Tomorrow.¡± She bit her lower lip.


    ¡°I am sure we can make her sea ready in half a day.¡± Themistokles declared.


    ¡°What?! But the cargo and the inspections-¡± Therses was shocked by the merchant¡¯s claim.


    ¡°About that, would you kindly go to my master¡¯s mansion and get Eugenia¡¯s belongings? She travels light, so it should be easy for you.¡± He smacked Therses on the back and pushed him forward at the same time. ¡°I will hire some busy hands to load the rest onto her.¡± He pointed his thumb over his shoulder.


    Therses returned his even gaze with doubt, but then nodded. He excused himself and left for the city.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do all that for me.¡± She felt indebted now.


    ¡°Of course I must. That¡¯s the least I can do and believe me, this cutthroat over there was not making it easy for me either. I spent a small fortune on this beauty. I could have bought a pentekonter with that money.¡± He pointed his hand at the medium sized boat. It was closer to a small ship perhaps. Eugenia wasn¡¯t certain. ¡°She is worth every owl though. Sturdy to last through Poseidon¡¯s vagary, but also small enough to be controlled easily.¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much.¡± She folded her hands and smiled guiltily.


    Zosimos looked at her with sympathy. ¡°You will not let me accompany you?¡±


    ¡°Zosimos, no.¡± She shook her head at the expected question. ¡°Going through that barrier once was dangerous enough. Twice or even thrice¡­ I can¡¯t ask anyone to go through that for my selfish wish.¡±


    ¡°I figured as much. It almost feels like you care more about my life than I do myself.¡± He shrugged humorously. ¡°I would have liked to apologize to that Lady as well. Not that she would appreciate it, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± She agreed with a weak smile.


    ¡°I know your circumstances are special, but you still can¡¯t sail on your own. Your ears are gifted, no doubt, but there are things that only your eyes can show you. Without the stars and landmarks you will be unable to reach that isle.¡± He was dead serious now. ¡°You knew this, but you still won¡¯t let anyone risk the journey. What is your plan?¡±


    ¡°A plan.¡± She put her arms behind her back and kicked a small stone into the gushing waves.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have one.¡± She admitted.


    ¡°Artemis¡¯ light!¡± He put a hand to his forehead.


    ¡°There is one thing I know. The moment I set sail I will surely reach the place I need to.¡±


    ¡°Is that also a divine prophecy?¡± He put a hand to his side and sighed.


    ¡°Something like that.¡± She knew that Athena awaited her. If that was the case they would manage to meet without fail. There was also something Hermes had told her that still made her believe in a chance.


    ¡°You will be able to fool the others with that kind of talk at least. I hope you will make it past the sharks.¡±


    ¡°There are really sharks in this ocean?¡±


    ¡°More than you can count. They bite straight through olive wood too!¡± His hand motions were grand and terrifying. ¡°Can¡¯t imagine a shark would want to eat somethin¡¯ this scrawny tho.¡± He laughed and let his dialect slip back in by accident.


    They seemed to have come to an agreement, despite Zosimos¡¯ concerns. He had no power to stop her now. Perhaps he didn¡¯t want to anyway. He knelt down next to the wooden pole and ran his finger through the knot.


    ¡°If you got any business in Athens left you got only today. So if you want to leave later we can meet up at the statue of Poseidon. I will bring the ship there.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± She nodded and thought about what she still had to do.


    ¡°Who in the blazes tied this knot?¡± Zosimos complained as he struggled with the rope. ¡°Did he want to settle down with this boat?! Even the shackles of Hades aren¡¯t this tenacious!¡±


    Eugenia discreetly left him to his work while suppressing a chuckle.


    <hr>


    After fulfilling her promise to Hegord and following Topos¡¯ summoning she really had nothing left to do in this flourishing city. Except for the promise she had just made to Therses. It was troubling, but she would have to bother Lady Akacia one more time.


    The temple of Athena was rather abuzz today. Since the great judgement two weeks ago the people had grown more pious than ever. It was said that in times of miracles and legends, the people would grow bolder and greedier. Knowing that the goddess had descended for one occasion made them think their chances to contact her had also increased. There was no one who would miss out on their possible advice from the wise mistress herself. Such words of wisdom would only be rivaled by the Pythia, the Oracle of Delphi herself.


    And yet, the one who was surely approached the most for this ritual seemed utterly disinterested.


    Akacia was sitting inside the temple¡¯s lush garden and enjoyed her rest on one of the marble benches. Her poise was that of a powerful woman indeed. Could someone so diligent really be skipping out on her work? It made Eugenia doubt her ears. As she approached her with quiet steps she was not sure if the priestesses at the entrance had not been messing with her.


    ¡°Even on my day of rest I am faced with trials and tribulations.¡± Akacia said under her breath. She had definitely noticed Eugenia somehow.


    ¡°Lady Akacia, I have come to talk to you.¡± There was nothing for it, she would just have to push onwards.


    ¡°Was it truly too much to hope that we would not meet again? Now I must appear foolish for making such a definitive claim before.¡± She uncrossed her legs and stretched from her stiff pose.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°That is all you will ever be. With good reason I might add.¡± The grand priestess cracked her neck and then gazed at her former student with an unreadable expression. ¡°You wish to talk? Then speak.¡±


    ¡°But your meditation-?¡±


    ¡°Has already been ruined. To be quite honest, I cannot find inner peace these days even if I were to be knocked out with a club. The noise from all those honored guests is aggravating.¡± There was a hint of exhaustion in her voice.


    It was just as Eugenia had expected. Her mentor was under a constant barrage of requests. This day of rest was probably the first time she could catch her breath since the fight for the Akropolis. Under those circumstances she was even more of a nuisance than originally thought.


    ¡°Have you been sweet talked by those old men?¡± Akacia took the opportunity to get to the point as the blind priestess hesitated.


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°So they did not manage to get a hold of you yet? I was told you were summoned to the palace by Topos.¡± She raised a brow, but then continued unperturbed. ¡°I am not deaf. They are salivating at the thought of replacing me with someone younger and dare I say, more successful.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t look so terrified. I am not blaming you for their ambitiousness. You came here to talk to me, but that unwilling face tells me all I need to know about your perspective.¡± She put a hand to her neck to caress a thin chain.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be the next grand priestess.¡± Eugenia declared. Even if Akacia knew, she had to say it herself or it would haunt her forever.


    ¡°That is the smartest thing you have ever said to me.¡± She grinned on the surface. ¡°I would have discouraged you from it even if you did wish for it. Yet if our mistress made the decision I would bow out with pleasure.¡± Her words had a hint of accusation in them. There was a hidden question.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Did the mistress wish for this?


    Neither of them could answer that. Athena had not appeared once in these two weeks. The silence continued. The silvery eyes were still turned away. For how much longer? Eugenia had a vague idea. Until she confirmed it herself, she would not dare speak a word, though.


    ¡°Why do you not want this position?¡± The stern priestess asked an unexpected question.


    ¡°I am not worthy.¡± Eugenia replied with a lowered face.


    ¡°Because you lied? Because you took our Lady¡¯s name in vain? Because you support a blaspheming monster?¡± She listed her crimes with little care.


    ¡°That is¡­ all true.¡±


    ¡°Excuses.¡± Akacia sighed.


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°You may be able to fool yourself, but I am not cursed with such naivet¨¦. These are perfectly acceptable reasons and they might hold truth, but the thing that tears you away is your own desire.¡± She explained matter of factly.


    ¡°My desire?¡±


    ¡°Deep down you know.¡±


    There was truth in those words. Eugenia no longer could be as na?ve as she once was either.


    ¡°I will accept the reasons you gave me. Honestly, they are more than enough. For a chosen child you are sorely lacking in every aspect, I realize this now. You have never even once spoken to Athena, have you?¡±


    Eugenia¡¯s milky eyes widened and her mouth was slightly agape. There was a rush of denial swelling up in her chest, but it soon ebbed. Akacia was correct.


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°Foolish child. That performance was so lacking that even a priestess of Aphrodite could have seen through it.¡± She snorted. ¡°The mistress does not speak like a poet from Lesbos.¡±


    Eugenia blushed so fiercely that it almost seemed like all the blood in her body was focused on the head.


    ¡°She is direct and succinct and by no means the showy type. The few times I spoke to her I was shivering in fear, but I never thought of her as a flowery speaker.¡± Akacia was surely a bit too entertained by this whole situation. ¡°No wonder Achaeus did see through you so easily.¡±


    ¡°P-Please stop.¡± Eugenia covered her face behind her hands and trembled.


    ¡°But it took courage to go through with such a horrendous act.¡± She seemed to have some mercy left in her. ¡°I may never be able to approve of your actions, but I will say this: That was the first time you have not disappointed me. You reminded me of Kynthia when she would get boisterous and loud during a song.¡±


    ¡°Like¡­ mother?¡± Those words hit deeply.


    ¡°You will leave this place once again?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I would love to say that this is the last time we meet, but such hopes are misplaced. I have no doubt that you will come to bother me again one day.¡± Akacia sounded only a little annoyed this time. She loosened her hair bun and then threw her surprisingly long hair back. ¡°The Fates know if there will ever be another opportunity to part permanently. Whether that day will truly come I cannot say, but my guidance to you ends today.¡±


    ¡°But-!¡± Why? Why did those words make her feel so faint and lost?


    ¡°I promised myself that I would watch over you in Kynthia¡¯s stead. It was troublesome indeed. I will admit that I have not always done a good job of it.¡± She stood up and reached around her neck. The flowing hair shuffled. ¡°You are a woman now. A full-fledged person that can make her own choices. Which means I have become unnecessary to you.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t say something so sad.¡± Eugenia teared up.


    ¡°Shedding tears for someone who has never showed you any sympathy? This is exactly what makes you so troublesome. Don¡¯t make me regret my judgement already.¡± She frowned a bit and then reached out her hand. Something was hanging from it. Dangling serenely between them.


    ¡°A pendant?¡± Eugenia could tell that it was something similar to a ring tied to a chain, but she could not say what it looked like.


    ¡°This was a¡­ gift.¡± The older priestess cleared her throat. ¡°From your mother to me. Now I will give it to you, the rightful owner.¡±


    ¡°This is from mother?¡± Her shaking hands grabbed the ring carefully. There was something carved into it. ¡°Eagle.¡±


    ¡°Your mother was originally from a family of Zeus worshippers. This ring was passed down the generations, even after they turned to Athena. She gave it to me because of a stupid bet.¡± Akacia had trouble keeping her face straight. ¡°It was never meant for my hands. This is your family heirloom.¡±


    ¡°You had it all these years?¡± Eugenia held the warm ring and suppressed her tears. It was a ring once worn by her mother. But this warmth it emanated now¡­


    ¡°I clung to it like a selfish brat. In my foolishness I saw it as the memory of the true Kynthia. This mistake must end now.¡±


    ¡°This heat comes from you.¡± Eugenia mumbled as she clutched the warm ring.


    ¡°What are you muttering to yourself for?¡±


    ¡°I will not take this!¡± She forcefully pushed it back into Akacia¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± The priestess was stupefied.


    ¡°She gave it to you, because you meant so much to her. This ring is proof that you were connected. I don¡¯t need something like that, because her blood flows through my veins. I am always connected to mother.¡± She touched her chest and felt her beating heart.


    ¡°Will you ever let me have my way?¡± Akacia whispered weakly. Her hand was closed around the ring. Against her own will it was not letting go anymore.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if we will meet again as you say, but if we do I hope you will still be the same.¡± She bowed her head deeply. ¡°Thank you for looking after me, grand priestess!¡±


    Even the most devout woman was tempted to curse in the temple once or twice. Right now Akacia voiced a silent curse to herself for showing her weakness and closed her eyes. If she dared to look at this girl now she would not be able to tell what could happen. The darkness before her eyes right now, it was no different from blindness.


    Just this once their eyes saw the same thing.


    ¡°Goodbye.¡±


    <hr>


    Walking all the way through Athens was rather exhausting and Eugenia¡¯s feet started to feel sore in the hard sandals. A few hours had passed, so she wondered if the others were already finished with the preparations. She had only made a quick stop at Eopia¡¯s home to eat something. Nobody had been there except for the servants. Her belongings were also gone.


    The statue of Poseidon was large and hard to miss so she didn¡¯t have to ask around much to find it. The muscular god holding a trident even larger than himself was a common sight around harbors. Athens had a complex history with Poseidon who once could have been their patron god and lost to Athena, but even so, sailors were clear about who their allegiance fell to.


    Close to the monument was an assortment of ships that were going to set off. Everyone wanted to get in their last offering or prayer by the moody god. It was forbidden to burn animal offerings in front of statues, due to the mess it made, but she could definitely smell burnt meat.


    One of the ships must have been her ride. It didn¡¯t take long for her to find her group. Therses called out to her and she was surprised to hear so many others with him.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you are really going to leave now.¡± Eopia was an emotional bundle of hugs and barely wanted to let her go. ¡°Are there any carrier birds where you are going? You should try to write me sometimes!¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m not sure.¡± She only knew one messenger who would make it through that storm, but asking him to do her errands was far too preposterous.


    ¡°Calm down, sweetheart. She can hardly breathe.¡± Zosimos was secretly grinning to himself.


    ¡°If only you could have stayed for the wedding.¡± Eopia wiped away a dramatic tear and let Eugenia go from her clutches.


    After rubbing her throat the young priestess regained her senses and coughed. ¡°Remember to make an offering to Hera after the ceremony.¡±


    ¡°Hm? Why not to Hestia?¡±


    ¡°Lady Hestia will receive the offering of your household as usual. The great and stern Hera will be giving you strength as a wife and assure a safe childbirth.¡± She explained.


    Eopia nodded in acknowledgment, while Zosimos in the back almost seemed to choke on his own tongue.


    ¡°I will make sure to remember that. Pray for us as well to be extra sure!¡± She giggled. ¡°Of course we will pray for your safety too.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    They hugged once more and then parted. Eugenia was led to the ship and heard its loud creaking on the waves. It was slightly unsettling.


    ¡°A real beauty.¡± Therses said with a trained eye. ¡°We could never afford something like that back in the village.¡±


    ¡°It may not make it anywhere but the bottom of the ocean.¡± Bion chimed in.


    ¡°Don¡¯t put a curse on this ship you dilettante.¡± Therses squinted his eyes in disapproval.


    ¡°I would never.¡± Bion raised his hands placatory and averted his dull eyes.


    ¡°Thank you for your help.¡± Eugenia turned to him gratefully.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t leave it all to that fisherboy. He¡¯s not even grown a real beard yet.¡± Bion remarked.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen your beard either, slave boy.¡± Therses retorted composed.


    ¡°Probably because I shave. It¡¯s too itchy otherwise.¡± Bion shrugged.


    ¡°Hah.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what¡¯s that on your face?¡± Bion suddenly asked.


    ¡°What?¡± Therses touched his cheeks and wiped them harshly.


    ¡°Oh. It was just your peach fuzz.¡±


    Unsurprisingly the fisherman¡¯s son showed off his hook and the medico his instinctive evasive maneuver. Compared to how they had acted back on the ship, Eugenia could tell that they were really getting along now.


    ¡°Boys, show some dignity.¡± Agapetos pulled them apart like a stern father, but his expression was far from reprimanding. ¡°My deepest condolences for the lacking sendoff, my dear. If it was up to me we would be celebrating with some music and finest Eretrian wine. Your support for Eretria will never be forgotten and if I may say so, you are a shining example to all aspiring priestesses across the civilized world.¡±


    ¡°You are laying it on too thick master.¡± Bion commented from the sidelines. Therses jabbed his arm.


    ¡°For this old man to experience such an adventure in his autumn years was truly enlightening. Athens has grown a great interest in my Medicoriam as well! Maybe one day soon there will be many like it across the great cities. This could never have happened if Lord Achaeus had gotten his way. So not just for Eretria, but also for me and my apprentice: We are eternally in your debt.¡± He posed elegantly.


    ¡°If you two had not been there to treat my wounds I would not have been able to get anywhere. We are even now.¡± Eugenia said and posed solemnly to match his tone. It just made her look like a bird trying to puff out its feathers to appear bigger.


    Agapetos nodded and stepped back.


    ¡°Are you sure you can make it on a ship? You aren¡¯t going to spew your insides all over deck?¡± Bion laid and arm around her shoulder and whispered conspiratorially.


    ¡°I-It¡¯s not so bad when I can feel the air on my face.¡± She wanted him to forget about her pathetic appearance from back then already.


    ¡°If you end up dehydrated drink some wine. It will get your through the worst of it. Even if you don¡¯t like to drink.¡± He smirked.


    ¡°You really are an oaf.¡± Eugenia pouted.


    ¡°Says the blind girl trying to sail the deadly sea alone.¡± He let go of her and shrugged ironically.


    ¡°She is right about your stupidity.¡± Therses pushed him aside. ¡°The chosen priestess of Athena does not have to fear mortal danger. Our Lady is with her.¡± His confidence was astounding.


    ¡°Dionysus is also in every drop of wine, but nobody seems to be safe from breaking their limbs when drunk under his presence.¡± The slave assistant had no inhibitions as usual.


    ¡°I will wish you safe travels even if that fool thinks he knows better.¡± Therses grabbed her hand timidly and then let go again. He was clearly worked up. ¡°Thank you for saving my father, the village and me.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t me who saved them.¡± She replied quietly.


    ¡°You are humble. I hope that my studies will allow me to understand the world as you do eventually. When I return home there will be many stories to tell. Your story will be remembered even outside of Athens!¡±


    Eugenia could only feel her stomach hurt when hearing that. She had never intended to be spoken off in some faraway places. Now even outside the temples¡­


    ¡°S-See you again one day!¡± The young man was flustered and backed away.


    She stood still for a while and counted all the friends she had made along the way. These people had given her strength and grief many a time. She couldn¡¯t say where the trial would bring her, but she knew that she would miss them all dearly.


    ¡°Goodbyes are always the worst.¡± Themistokles said loudly and pushed Eugenia onto the ship. He was standing on the swaying deck too and directed her to every part she needed to know. The ropes, the sail and the rudders as well as the compartment below.


    When he was done he put one leg off the boat and kept his other on it.


    ¡°It¡¯s goodbye then.¡± He repeated and looked away.


    ¡°Zosimos!¡±


    To his and everyone else¡¯s surprise she strongly embraced him from behind. It was a tight hold that seemed to rival the clutch Heracles had on the Nemean lion. The merchant was clearly in trouble to hold his balance in his awkward position, but even more to hold in his emotions.


    ¡°You have to promise me that you will take care of your new family.¡±


    ¡°I promise.¡± He said with a wry smile.


    ¡°Keep acting like a fool to make everyone laugh.¡±


    ¡°Hey¡­¡±


    ¡°Thank you for being there for me.¡±


    ¡°¡­of course.¡±


    The others watched with differing emotions. Therses seemed quite annoyed, while Bion grinned. After all Themistokles was the only one who got hugged by her rather than the reverse.


    Quite the lengthy hug even.


    ¡°How sweet.¡± Eopia creeped up from behind with a sugary smile. It was a really wide smile. Unbroken for even a second.


    ¡°It¡¯s not what it looks like!¡± Zosimos was sweating profusely and shivering in his boots.


    ¡°What does it look like? Is there something to feel guilty about, dear?¡± She pulled him onto land by the ear as Eugenia let him go with a satisfied smirk.


    ¡°Of course not!¡± He was in trouble now.


    It was a bittersweet goodbye, but she knew that they all had bright futures ahead of them. Even those that were not here right now, like the recovering Irvenos or the crazy scholar Epiphanes.


    For the first time since she left Sarpedon she felt like she didn¡¯t want to return right away. The sway of the bonds she had made here was powerful. But she knew what awaited her now.


    ¡°I will miss you all! Thank you for everything!¡±


    She waved with both her arms while the ship was carried away by the breeze in its sail. It was a mysterious wind that seemed to almost guide her. Where would it carry the boat?


    When she could no longer hear the loud shouting from the harbor she was certain that the city was now a distant thing. Just in that moment another presence materialized on top of the sail.


    ¡°You left upon your own will.¡± Hermes said in a thoughtful pose.


    ¡°Will you accompany me to her?¡±


    ¡°My sister¡¯s matters are hers alone. I am merely waiting for the result of your trial to determine what my own duty will come to. Until then I shall be one with the wind.¡± He said with a wink and then vanished again.


    She wondered if he really was part of the breeze that moved her sail. It was something clearly inside his power. But for now the wind was moving her to a place that Hermes had no control over.


    Eugenia could feel it. The hairs on her arms and neck were standing up. This presence was only growing stronger and wider. Eventually her boat stopped in the middle of the sea and the waves themselves seemed to die. Absolute stillness enveloped her.


    From the sky above she descended, clad in her recognizable helmet and holding her spear. Silvery eyes penetrated even the blind girl¡¯s empty gaze.


    Athena had arrived.


    <hr>


    From the depth of the ocean it was expelled. A dark streak in the bursting waves falling in on themselves. The deepest depth where the worlds intersected was as far away as the ceiling of the sky now. This was the midpoint. The unity of the worlds.


    And the thing had been expelled.


    No depth too great, no distance too large. Now at the punishment¡¯s end, the remains were carried by the dark ocean itself. Spat out at the cursed island. Back to isolation. Back to exile.


    The thing, a creature, dragged across the blackened sand. Toward the center. Into the ruins.


    The thing, more corpse than anything.


    It was the Gorgon.


    It was barely clinging to the embers of life.


    Burnt like a fish over the fire, frozen like a delicate flower on the mountaintop. There was little left. Nothing to spare, nothing to thrive. In the endless pain the Gorgon had lost her senses, but the pain persisted. Pain beyond pain and suffering beyond consciousness.


    The pile of meat and bones was curled up inside the muddy center. Cold tears were splashing across its distorted face. Tears? Nay, rain. The island was swept with rain. Combed by the prattling waters of an endless storm. It had raged since the monster had left its exile and still found no end.


    The skin that was not skin could not feel. Why did it sense the cold? Why did it shiver in the ceaseless rain?


    Empty. Forlorn. Nothingness.


    The ruins of a temple resembled the skeleton of a mighty beast. Sights once familiar now distorted. Her unseeing eyes perceived them. There were many remains, but none alive. It should join them soon.


    Something was carried on the streams of rain. A fraction of something. Edges burnt like her flesh, fringed and soaked with water. A piece of fabric. The incessant rain had not washed it away until this moment? How could it be? How could it be?


    How could it be?


    To surface now from the mud of a ruined building, this had to be a sign. Ashes had mixed with the rain and turned it into something like salty tar. The destroyed tongue still tasted earth.


    A pile of flesh that could not resemble a hand still grabbed the fabric. It clutched it like it was the dearest thing.


    Such a frail piece of something once beautiful. It reminded the Gorgon of what mattered. In this exile, this lonesome existence, she had found it. This tiny sliver of a world extinguished.


    ¡°E¡­ge¡­a¡­¡± Her throat was twisted inside out, yet it formed sounds.


    The rain threatened to drown her, but she was a being without need for air.


    She clutched the piece of the burned chiton to her chest and curled up in the rain. The grievous wounds did not regenerate. Not yet. This scar might have been eternal, but she would not want to forget about it. This was a reminder what it was for.


    Even in the Gorgon¡¯s infinite solitude, something had given her hope.


    And even now that she was certain they would never meet again, she was relieved to know that they met.


    A wounded snake found her peace, never aware of the trial that took place far away.

 Chapter 43: Athena and Eugenia

    Pallas Athene, goddess of wisdom and war, holder of the Aegis, patron goddess of Athens and the supporter of heroes. A divine virgin birthed from the head of the father of the Olympians, Zeus. She was as cunning as she was unshakable. Before her presence and might, no rebellious mortal would prevail, and none should attempt it. Wherever her silvery eyes gazed the truth was revealed in full.


    This goddess descended from the clouds above the still ocean and materialized into her impressive form. Just as the waters below belonged to Poseidon, the knowledge of the entire world was hers. She knew so much, yet she shared very little. Appearing before this small meaningless priestess was something of an honor.


    Eugenia of Lamia was no stranger to the divine anymore and had even conversed with a god. Yet to be confronted with this one whose presence was simply crushing could not be compared. As blind as she was, she could still ¡®see¡¯ the truth of the matter. The figure in front of her deserved respect, nay, worship!


    Instinct alone forced her onto her knees on top of the still boat. They were in Attican waters, but they were also in a different realm entirely. Had Athena come to her or did she drag Eugenia away? Either seemed possible now. Everything inside her screamed ¡®This is the journey¡¯s end!¡¯


    ¡°Blessed child.¡± Her voice was firm and seemed to echo across the waters.


    ¡°Great and wise Athena, I kneel before you in reverence.¡± And so she did.


    ¡°Raise yourself.¡±


    ¡°A-As you wish.¡± She stood on shaking legs as she awaited judgement. Eugenia was so small compared to her towering figure.


    ¡°You set sail for the cursed island.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I have come to stop you.¡±


    Eugenia balled her hands to fists and tensed up.


    ¡°However, my words are not an order. I have come to stop you - by convincing you to be better.¡±


    ¡°W-h-a-t?¡± Eugenia¡¯s mouth was open in shock.


    ¡°Today I shall answer every question that your heart desires. By sharing the truth I shall make you understand. To seek knowledge and learn the correct course of action is the core of my doctrine, so for my chosen these terms matter to the utmost.¡± The bottom of her spear hit the boat¡¯s tip and she stood before her expectantly, like every statue in the grand temple. Her eyes were boring through the priestess.


    Why did she give Eugenia a choice? She could not fathom why the goddess would be so gracious after everything this foolish girl had done. All the blasphemy and lies.


    Somehow her heart was calm, though. This is what she wanted. Answers.


    ¡°Is Medusa alright?¡± It was the first and most pressing question on her mind.


    ¡°The Gorgon yet persists in this world.¡± Athena replied matter of factly.


    That was such a relief that Eugenia wished to sigh, but she knew better than to be this relaxed in front of her mistress. And the words Athena had chosen were still far from reassuring. Just in what state could Medusa be right now?


    ¡°Please tell me, why did you punish Medusa?¡± She asked quietly.


    ¡°Because it broke the rules we instilled into it. To leave the cursed island was an infraction that could not be ignored. Its defiance has earned it this fate.¡±


    ¡°No, no, no¡­ It was my fault! Medusa, she ¨C she¡­ she did it to save me.¡± She insisted strongly.


    ¡°This is known. Therefore its punishment only lasted sixty days.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°If it had decided to leave on its own terms, it would be destroyed.¡± The silvery eyes were cold and pierced the priestess¡¯ wavering heart. ¡°The Gorgon¡¯s plea to Poseidon was heard and he decided to allow it this one breach. The rules were broken nonetheless and so I dealt it the punishment it deserved.¡±


    Medusa had begged Poseidon to let her leave? She swallowed her pride, she knew she would be punished¡­ and she still did it. This was frustrating. It was cruel. But it was the law and she had known it. No matter how unjust this agreement appeared to Eugenia, she was always na?ve. She knew that her perspective was foolish. If Medusa was before her right now she would only shrug it off and tell her that she was not so weak as to fear punishment.


    ¡°Why do you want me to turn away from Sarpedon?¡± Eugenia asked with heavy spirits, still thinking of Medusa¡¯s pain.


    ¡°Your talents are wasted on the Gorgon.¡±


    Now Eugenia truly felt a stabbing heat inside her chest. This was too horrible to ignore.


    ¡°I have failed you!¡± She retorted. ¡°Again and again I have failed you! When I was a child I let my village get destroyed and my parents die.¡±


    ¡°I gifted you hearing when you lacked sight. I gave you a warning when you needed strength.¡± Athena¡¯s solemn words pushed the girl back. ¡°Your failure was inevitable. I miscalculated.¡±


    ¡°Y-You what?¡± She could hardly believe her sensitive ears.


    ¡°I saw you as a failure, indeed. At the time I had given up on your case, labeled it a dead end. The factors were wrong, but truly, the entire equation was misplaced.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t follow.¡±


    ¡°The essence is this: I do not assign blame to you for this outcome.¡± With that Eugenia was freed of her mistakes of that long ago night as far as the goddess was concerned.


    It could not have been so easy. This was a failure that had shaped her entire life, a burden she had carried without question. And all it took to end the misery was a simple acquittal by the one she owed everything to? Did Athena not feel any remorse towards this outcome at all? Was it just¡­ Eugenia? She breathed shallowly and lowered her head. Sometimes guilt could not be erased even by the one who was wronged. If this was so insignificant that it could be excused, then it would lose all meaning.


    ¡°Mother, she was the most devout woman I have ever known. Even more so than Lady Akacia. You blessed me because she was that great. But she died, because I was useless. The loss you experienced back then must have been unforgivable.¡± She muttered with shaking lips.


    ¡°Losing a priestess is oft regrettable.¡±


    ¡°R-Regre-?¡± The word got stuck in her throat because it was so weak.


    ¡°I must correct you. I did not bless you for your mother¡¯s service. My decision was unbiased and random. The only criteria was a suitable child born with blindness.¡±


    ¡°How can that be? Clearly¡­ surely, it must have been because she was so devoted! Mother loved you more than anyone in the world.¡± It must have been so. Her mother was-


    ¡°There was one thing she loved above me.¡± The goddess replied stoically.


    Her mother was-


    ¡°You.¡± Athena declared.


    Special.


    She wanted to cry, but no tears would come. Perhaps she had cried too much recently. Maybe deep in her heart she had already known. Her mother had cared so greatly for their goddess, but Athena was perfectly neutral. Such things would never sway her. The only ones who would make such a connection were humans.


    ¡°I am a failure.¡± She insisted. ¡°My service was meaningless, I never managed to help anyone. I could not call upon you, because of my guilt. There is nothing I could do but keep pretending that everything was fine. I wasted away in the temple, was taught by Lady Akacia, but even then I could not converse with you. How can one who does not dare face you be your chosen?¡±


    ¡°Communication is only one talent of many. Something drives your actions and chases you into the arms of danger. A quality that I have seen often indeed.¡± The goddess of wisdom responded. ¡°It is not a thirst for knowledge; that is merely a stepping stone. What moves you is the will to shape the world around you.¡±


    ¡°Shape it?¡±


    ¡°To transform the world in one¡¯s image is the will of humanity crystalized. The gods know their place and the world to be theirs. Humans seek to influence the world through their limited means, so they can change their place. Your decisions along the way proved that you are not simply passive. You have shed the shell of the failure that could not use her gift.¡±


    ¡°You are- you are wrong!¡± She said with twisted lips. This was outrageous. To defy a goddess was certain doom, but her words hurt too much. ¡°There is nothing I did on my own. Not a single thing was solved by my hand.¡± She raised her shaking hands to show how weak they were. ¡°When I was left behind by the expedition Medusa let me live, because of you. When I was in Eretria I used your name to gain their trust. When I encountered the Satyr Kygnos I was left unscathed because of your presence. Even to the very end I used your name - your strength - to lie to Athens and overturn what human might could not.¡±


    ¡°That is the truth.¡± Athena agreed.


    ¡°So-!¡±


    ¡°This raises no contradiction to my words.¡±


    ¡°Nothing I did was based on my own power and not even on your blessing. Then how am I not a failure? How am I not a parasite that fed on your name to get what she wanted?!¡±


    ¡°That is the quality I need.¡± She put her foot down on the boat and for the first time it vibrated in this world of stillness. ¡°My chosen are not those who can change the world on their own. It is those that know to use my wisdom and my name to the greatest effect.¡±


    Her calm words, so deep, created a ripple in the priestess¡¯ mind. For once she felt that she truly understood who the goddess in front of her was. It had always been there, plain for all to see. It was not that she ever hid her intentions.


    ¡°Your will to use me to change the world and move it forward into a greater direction is the one quality I seek.¡± The light reflected off her helmet and seemed to unite a beam of heat onto the faltering girl in front of her. ¡°Your interest in the Gorgon shackles you and will continue to inhibit your full potential. I offer you to become my chosen priestess once again, not simply in name. You will become useful as you had always wished.¡±


    A current of electricity seemed to run through Eugenia¡¯s neck as those words rang in her ears. Athena knew her. Could she read her mind? Her soul? Those words were too accurate like a spear tip aimed for the heart. After all this time, she would finally be someone that people could rely on!


    But the shock also served to free her clouded mind. The more Athena spoke, the more Eugenia understood. She needed to know more.


    ¡°W-Wait! I have more questions.¡±


    Athena waited patiently.


    ¡°While you were punishing Medusa, your city was in crisis. You ignored their pleas and calls to continue your watch over her.¡± It was hard not to sound accusing. ¡°I then¡­ used your name to prevent war. At first I thought that this was the way you would have resolved things. To me that was the consequence of your teachings. That was probably just my delusion. Now I think that you would not have interfered either way.¡±


    It was not so much a question as it was a need for confirmation. Athena contemplated her words for an appropriate amount of time.


    ¡°War is unavoidable. Whether it happens today or in a decade or a century.¡± That was the viewpoint of a war goddess.


    ¡°Then you would have let Achaeus go through with his campaign against the Persians? You would have let him lead Athens and the Ionian alliance against this mighty empire?¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡±


    ¡°Then that means that he ¨C what - that he could have succeeded?¡± Her milky eyes widened.


    ¡°That is likely. The Neo-Assyrian Empire is weakened.¡±


    Her look of confusion was apparent.


    ¡°Those you call Persians are not a united people. Much like the Ionians and the Dorians, they are split among many kingdoms. One of the greatest kingdoms, an empire spanning much of the world, is the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Its greed has swallowed many ancient nations, even the Pharaohs of Egypt.¡±


    Eugenia realized how little she truly knew of the uncivilized world outside the domain of Greece. She had never heard of so many different peoples. When they spoke of Persians, every child would only think of the far east and a unified empire of evil. The dry explanation coming from Athena did seem indifferent and similarly incomprehensible.


    ¡°And such rapid expansionism is its downfall. As the decades pass it crumbles in on itself and will collapse. With the armies of these lands it is possible to force the collapse of the entire empire prematurely.¡±


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°That can¡¯t be. He could have won?¡± She had stopped Achaeus in his mad plans, but now it was revealed that they hadn¡¯t been mad at all. Persia could have been brought to its knees.


    ¡°You called that man Achaeus, did you? His obsession would have been enough to claw down a giant, but his putrid hatred would have created dire consequences.¡± Athena must have realized that she made the girl doubt herself dearly.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°His belief to eradicate his enemies, born from the wrongs done to his family, would have led him to commit atrocities among the Persians the likes of which have never been seen before. Such gruesomeness elicits a reaction. A crumbling empire will turn into a dozen vengeful beasts that will devour their tormentor. What was burned to ashes will rebirth a dragon much stronger than the one slain.¡±


    A victory like that was shallow. A new Persian empire would rise and grow even fiercer and wider than the one that existed now. Athens would raid Assyria and bring the greatest empire to its knees, only to be crushed by its angry retaliation. She couldn¡¯t help but shiver at such thoughts.


    ¡°He said that he was your chosen one.¡±


    ¡°It is the nature of man to build their beliefs on the name of the gods.¡±


    ¡°That is what I was doing too.¡± She realized.


    ¡°Indeed.¡±


    ¡°Then the reason I am your chosen and he is not is simply that he failed?¡±


    ¡°All things end in this manner. The victor decides the fate of the world.¡±


    Like Cronus overthrowing Uranus. Like the Olympians felling the Titans.


    ¡°Ha...haha.¡± She couldn¡¯t help but laugh self-derisively at the foolishness of it all.


    ¡°I was there on the day of his rebirth. The cult that had slain his family worships false deities who are no threat to us.¡±


    ¡°He saw you. He saw you and thought that you were telling him to destroy Persia.¡± The laughter got stuck in her throat and she only felt misery.


    Humans who used the gods to impose their will and humans who believed they were the tool of the gods¡¯ will: Who was more selfish?


    ¡°You let it happen. No matter the outcome, you will continue to observe?¡±


    ¡°That is my role. You begin to comprehend.¡± She stretched her arms to the side and a strong wind went past them. ¡°I have continued to observe this world since the day I was given life. The actions of the gods, monsters and humans alike. None is a mystery to me. I watch as they keep moving and get into conflicts, destroy, rebuild, reforge.¡±


    ¡°If you see it all and know what will happen, why do you not stop it? Why allow all this bloodshed? Does it amuse you?!¡±


    ¡°I am not my brother. Ares revels in blood and battle. That is his choice and also his role in this world, which he finds great pleasure in. War is not something to entertain me.¡±


    ¡°What could you possibly gain from it then?¡± She shook her head.


    ¡°Conflict breeds improvement.¡±


    ¡°Improvement?¡±


    ¡°For every battle and every war, humankind will attempt to further themselves to destroy their enemies. Stronger weapons, grander strategies, an eternal arms race. Improved construction for the sake of defense, better ships for the sake of maneuverability and better preserved food for long campaigns. With each conflict humans improve.¡±


    ¡°But you taught us to learn and strive for wisdom in times of peace as well!¡±


    ¡°That is my wisdom given to humanity for the sake of spurring their advancement. Yet it is in your nature to despise idleness. As long as you have enemies, wisdom only exists to grow beyond them. That is human nature. I do not judge it, I nourish your kind in the ways it understands.¡±


    ¡°Not all humans think that way.¡±


    ¡°Those that gain power do.¡±


    It was a candid rebuttal, crushing to the core. One who knew so much more could guess every counter argument and denial ahead of time. Nothing Eugenia could conceive would ever sway a goddess who knew better. Then did she have to accept this reality? Who would want to accept it?


    In the end she was just some meaningless girl among thousands. Nothing she did would truly change the world. Unless she did as Athena suggested. If she could use the power of her mistress to change the world in a way she thought best¡­


    ¡°I can¡¯t do this.¡± She revealed.


    ¡°Speak your mind, loud and clear, so that I may not misunderstand.¡±


    ¡°That way of treating the world is too callous. It is the prerogative of the gods, but I could never accept that burden. If the world is the way you say, then this is something I will never change. You are wiser than me and will watch over us foolish humans. That alone gives me some relief.¡± She exhaled painfully.


    ¡°Do not belittle yourself, Eugenia of Dankana. Eugenia of Lamia. Eugenia of Athens. Under my guidance you could be so much more.¡± Her words became more pressing. More determined.


    Before the girl could even react she felt a large hand on her head. It was firm and powerful, she could tell. Electricity seemed to run between the palm and her hair and her entire body was shaken by the impact of something.


    ¡°You shall be my limbs and I will be your eyes.¡±


    Everything changed. The eternal darkness that had kept her in its grasp since the day she was born suddenly dispersed and left behind a blinding light.


    ¡°Ahhg¡­ haah¡­ ga?¡± Her open mouth made noises as the sensory overload seemed to fry her mind.


    And then as the blinding light faded, she saw something. Blue. An enormous stretch of an azure blue. She had never seen a color like this before, she didn¡¯t even know what it was, but somehow the name just flashed inside her mind. This was a blue that spanned the entire world.


    She understood without knowing why - this was the sky.


    Eugenia looked down and witnessed another shade of blue. Darker, cerulean blue, which was so deep and thick that one could not see through it. That was the color of the ocean around her boat.


    Her view expanded without her input. She looked forward and saw something in the distance. The coastline of a grand city. It must have been Athens which she had just left. A mix of tan stone buildings, the burnt amber tones of wooden construction and flags in cobalt blue and vermillion red. At the borders of the city were emerald green forests with the lushest meadows and brushes.


    Further beyond she saw the vineyards with large buckets of stomped grapes, an enticing purple. Farms with brown and white goats, dark-pelted bulls and grey-furred dogs.


    The world seemed to expand before her eyes. How could her vision reach this far? Beyond the mountain, through the clouds, where she saw a city of gold and marble, glowing like the sun itself! Mount Olympus turned smaller already and her eyes moved east, toward the islands. Lesbos, land of the poets, then the Lydian kingdom. Further away still was Babylonia and the Persian Empire.


    Yellow and brown deserts, snowy white mountaintops, bleak tundras, pink cherry-trees, blackening skies, animals she had never heard of, humans of unfamiliar appearance. The information was threatening to burst her skull.


    ¡°Enough, please enough already!¡± She shouted in pain.


    With the sound of a breaking twig everything returned to where she started.


    A vessel smaller than a ship, but bigger than any fishing boat. It was not swaying at all on the still, glass-like ocean. Everything seemed to be spinning for a moment, before her vision adjusted again and she finally saw someone.


    It was a young woman, perhaps of nearly eighteen summers. Her clothes were practical, made for travel. Her skin was tanned, but there were signs that she was paler below the rim of her neck. Her curly long hair seemed to be hanging over her back and shoulders. She needed a haircut.


    And as their eyes met, the splitting headache ended.


    They had been white. Empty and white.


    Darkness returned in a moment and she sank to her knees. Athena¡¯s hand left her head and she let the priestess rest. The shallow breathing calmed down eventually and she touched her face and hair.


    ¡°I saw¡­ everything. I really saw. My eyes could see and there were so many colors.¡± She recollected dizzily. She could not remember their names anymore, but she remembered every color so vividly.


    ¡°I shared my vision with you.¡±


    ¡°It was overwhelming. Do you always see the entire world?¡± It was an awe inspiring experience.


    ¡°There are places even I may not observe.¡± She showed a shocking moment of humbleness.


    Now it became painfully clear just how limited everyone was compared to the gods. Even as her godly vision had passed the world she had barely managed to take notice of humans. They were no more than a blur.


    ¡°As my priestess you will regain your vision. I shall grant you sight and influence to understand this world and shape it.¡±


    Eugenia could barely believe her ears. Did she truly mean it? If Eugenia served her she would be cured of her blindness? Her heart was beating faster in excitement. No matter how used one grew to their disability, given the chance to change it there was no question. She would finally be able to read without tracing the indents of carved words. She could see the colors that she sewed into a chiton. She would be able to see the stars on the sky¡¯s ceiling!


    Her hand twitched.


    Eugenia would be able to see everything she wanted.


    It was like an invisible finger traced across it¡­


    She could be useful to everyone.


    There were things that nobody could see.


    ¡°There is only one way to find your place in this world. Choose me.¡±


    An ultimatum. The final choice.


    ¡°Your hand was colder than hers.¡± Eugenia muttered and rubbed her head where they had made contact.


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°I respect you deeply Lady Athena and I want to thank you for everything you have done for me. Without you I would never have become the person I am now.¡± She folded her hands together and finally felt at peace.


    Hermes was a clever one. In the end there had been more to his trial than he would let on. She had not understood it until the very last moment, but now her eyes were opened.


    Athena¡¯s aura changed. Someone of her caliber understood what those words entailed. She grabbed her spear tightly.


    ¡°Your worldview and mine are not compatible. The past me would have loved to serve you and change the world for the better. Even now there is something inside me that tears at me to go along with it.¡± She forced a smile. ¡°You said that you would help me find a place that I could belong. That place already exists.¡±


    ¡°Do not be rash.¡± Athena showed an unexpected sign of distress.


    ¡°I choose Medusa.¡±


    It was not much of a choice, was it? She had already made it ages ago. Just as she did that distant day on a tiny island.


    ¡°You cannot be so foolish.¡± Athena was displeased to say the least.


    ¡°I know that you hold nothing but dismay for her. To choose to be by her side makes me incompatible with my current duties. Mother told me to find what I believe in and follow that duty to the very end. But becoming your priestess and serving you were things that were expected of me, never my true choice.¡± She knelt down again and raised her arms.


    Athena looked down upon her like she was a horrible insult.


    ¡°Great and wise Athena. I can no longer be your priestess or your chosen one. Therefore I resign.¡±


    ¡°Your decision is most unwise.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps. I will not change it though. I am not worth your efforts, so you should not be disappointed. To be sure that I do not owe you anything and am no longer your chosen, I will offer you my hearing too.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± The word seemed to come from somewhere around them. It was not Athena. Maybe the wind was playing tricks on her ears already.


    ¡°You will renounce even my blessing?¡± The silvery eyes seemed to burn her alive.


    ¡°It is yours to take, just as you gave it. For a common girl without any connection to you to be blessed may be an insult. Thus I offer my hearing to you as my final gesture of devotion.¡± She explained with feigned courage.


    Athena was still as a statue. In all her glory and intelligence she could not have predicted this outcome. She understood the human named Eugenia. She saw her desires, her hopes and dreams, her love for the world and most of all her doubts and fears. What was offered to her far exceeded anything she could ever hope for on that tiny cursed island far away. Therefore the wisest and most logical choice had been obvious.


    There was still some surprise in the willfulness of humans.


    ¡°Leave.¡±


    That was the only word she uttered.


    Before Eugenia could even say another word, a tremendous breeze pushed open the sail and threw the boat into a rapid stream. Eugenia fell on her back and was shaken about as the wind seemed to tear her away from the still world they had been confined to a moment ago.


    The former priestess forced herself up and held onto the mast. She turned back towards the goddess, but her hearing was drowned out by the rushing winds.


    ¡°La--- thena---!¡± She shouted into the raging winds, but her voice was swallowed. She was not allowed to say anything more.


    As the boat rapidly disappeared on the ocean, the goddess of wisdom and war still floated in the air, unmoving.


    She had lost.


    Her lips twisted in anger and the formerly still water below her started to swirl into a maelstrom of death.


    <hr>


    Hours later the terrible stream finally ended and left the boat stranded in the middle of the sea. Eugenia felt faint from all the shaking and the desperate clinging to the boat so she would not fall off.


    Nauseous and a little disoriented she lied down and spread her limbs.


    Now she had done it. She had antagonized her benefactor and sailed into an unknown place. As foolish as she felt, she was also relieved.


    ¡°Can you hear me?¡± A man''s voice echoed inside her pounding head.


    ¡°Lord Hermes?¡± She guessed.


    ¡°I dare say you are not deaf then.¡± The playful messenger sat across the rail and watched her with a tilted head.


    ¡°Seems so.¡± Her ears were as sensitive as before.


    ¡°It was risky to make such concessions. How would you have heard my soothing voice if she took you up on the offer?¡±


    ¡°I am sure you could have found a way.¡± She muttered and stabilized her breathing so she wouldn¡¯t throw up.


    ¡°None that would be proper.¡± He joked and then put his arms on his crossed legs. ¡°What a choice to make, it is nearly unfair.¡± He added with one eye closed.


    ¡°Did you not hope I would make it?¡±


    ¡°The result of the trial was entirely up to you, I assure you.¡± He flicked aside the invisibility cap and looked at the pristine ocean around these far away islands.


    ¡°I see.¡± She could only muster so little resistance right now.


    ¡°But as you have made your choice, it allows me to finally make good on my own words. I have a delivery to make.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Accompany me, if you will. It will be beneficial to both of us.¡±


    ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°Haha, you did not expect that you could sail to Sarpedon on your own, hm?¡± He grinned widely. ¡°I shall be the wind in your sails again, but this time I will guide you to the place you need to reach.¡±


    Eugenia turned her head on the side.


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± The curious god asked leaning forward to follow her face.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± She denied him quietly.


    ¡°Oh?¡± He put a hand to his chin and thought about it. ¡°Are you ashamed of asking me for help after just rejecting Athena''s offer?¡± He guessed.


    ¡°N-Not at all.¡± Eugenia turned red and put her face down onto the wooden planks, showing him her back.


    Hermes¡¯ grin only turned wider.


    <hr>


    The journey took a few days longer than expected thanks to a detour, but they eventually met the barrier of storms. Waters far away from Athens, in a cursed area that none should ever venture. Blackened clouds everywhere and lightning hit the tallest waves.


    This deadly wall would sink even sturdier ships and experienced sailors.


    The wind was on Eugenia¡¯s side, but the waves and whirling waters were not. With the power of her ears and the knowledge obtained from the fishermen of Eretria she managed to navigate through the horrific barrier. It seemed to last for hours and her arms became stiff and hurt all over, but she breached Poseidon¡¯s wrath and pushed into calmer waters.


    Even exhausted, she could tell that the island was right ahead. She wiped away the seawater and wrung out her soaked clothes. She had advanced this far after all.


    She had finally returned.


    Beyond the oceans, after the barrier and even further than the beach there stood a figure in the ruins, observing this intruder reach the shore.


    Eugenia stood at the tip of the ship and jumped off it the moment it hit sand. Unsteady, but determined, she turned her landing into a dash and rushed forward. There was no time to tie the boat down, there was no need to unload the cargo right now. What was behind her did not matter at all, only the things ahead had any value.


    Her hurting feet took her up the steps and across the yard until she could finally hear the wind brush against scales and the shocked gasp of a woman. She could feel that familiar gaze on her skin and her heart nearly burst.


    ¡°¡°YOU FOOL!¡±¡± They shouted simultaneously as they crashed into each other.


    Eugenia embraced the Gorgon with all her might, sensing that her entire body was covered in hardened scales, which made it less than comfortable, but that wouldn¡¯t stop her.


    ¡°I¡¯m back.¡± She said with moist eyes.


    Medusa had been stiff the entire time and let her hands float in the air as she was hugged against her will. But slowly, surely, she put her arms around the shivering and sniffling girl.


    ¡°You really are a fool.¡± She said softly.


    The trial had ended with a reunion. Two souls torn apart were reunited with the strength of unfading will. The consequences were irrelevant in this infinite moment.

 Chapter 44: Medusa and a reunion

    ¡°Your skin has become very rough.¡± Eugenia noted during their overly long embrace. She could feel the hard resistance of scales against her face and arms.


    ¡°I am still recovering- did you just call me a fool?¡± Medusa reacted belatedly.


    ¡°Naturally!¡± Eugenia kept hugging her with all her miniscule strength. ¡°I told you not to save me, but you still did. Your body is like this, because of me.¡±


    ¡°It was my choice to make and my punishment to bear.¡± Medusa retorted and pushed the girl off with one hand.


    ¡°There you go again hiding your true feelings, Medusa.¡± Eugenia was trying to brush the hand off her head, but might as well have attempted to carry the world on her back like Atlas.


    ¡°Where has that aggravating politeness vanished off to?¡±


    ¡°You are Medusa and I am Eugenia. We are supposed to call each other by name. You promised.¡±


    ¡°Hrm.¡± Medusa finally let go of the girl¡¯s forehead and covered her own. ¡°Now I too think that I was a fool for making hasty concessions.¡±


    Eugenia shifted expressions a few times as she let the reality of the cursed island seep through her. She really had returned, right? This was the place she had lived in for almost a year. Something felt different about it. The air was moist and earthen. The wind seemed uncontrolled, wild.


    ¡°You called me a fool as well.¡± She muttered.


    ¡°Of course.¡± The Gorgon faced away and clicked her tongue. ¡°Why did you return?¡±


    ¡°Because you said you needed me.¡±


    Medusa made a tortured expression, but then hid it behind her usual stoic face. Although her skin was covered in scales and her body seemed inhumanly shaped, there were still some of her previous mannerisms left. That gave Eugenia hope.


    ¡°A foolish reason. You should not mind the deluded words of a monster. You had a chance to return to your kin and live the life that you were meant to.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe that I am meant to live any life.¡± Eugenia stayed steadfast and took a step towards her. ¡°You said that I should think for myself and make choices for my own gain.¡±


    ¡°That is-¡±


    ¡°I may have lied. I didn¡¯t return because you needed me.¡± Eugenia said with a hint of shame. ¡°I came back, because I¡­ needed you.¡±


    It was hard to say any more between them. Each of them was as stubborn as the other. Though Medusa regretted letting the girl return, she could not expel her. Despite knowing she would be a burden, Eugenia could not allow herself to be cast aside again. An unspoken truth connected them beyond the suffering and trials.


    ¡°To have a priestess willingly return to this cursed land that even the gods revile, to have her desire the company of a monster that her mistress despises. If this is not destiny, then the Moirai are utterly incompetent.¡± Those weaving women that tied the strings of fate had a strange sense of humor.


    ¡°Medusa, I actually-¡±


    Ba-thump!


    Medusa¡¯s vision blurred out for a moment and her heart seemed to crush itself. Her form seemed to lose even more of its contours and her eyes grew to slits. Her breathing turned ragged and sweat poured from her every pore and gap. Almost collapsing, but then returning to her senses, she found herself held up by the girl.


    ¡°-at¡¯s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?¡± Eugenia asked with panic in her voice.


    ¡°Just¡­ the regeneration¡­ taking its toll.¡± She despised to show such weakness before a human and yet she was also glad not to have fallen to the cold ground again.


    ¡°Your body is that far gone?¡± It was harrowing to have the strongest being she had ever known be this frail.


    ¡°Do not pity me.¡± Medusa growled and pushed herself back up onto her long snake tail. ¡°I will return to proper strength soon.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure-?¡± The girl stretched her hand towards the pale faced Gorgon, but yelped in pain as one of the snakes snapped after her fingers. ¡°Ouch.¡±


    ¡°Stop that.¡± She chided the writhing snake hair.


    ¡°They bit me!¡± It came as much of a surprise to her. She had thought that in the time they spent together the snakes had grown to accept her. They had never been this antagonistic towards anything but enemies.


    ¡°These guys are still unruly.¡± In response to her hissing the snakes curled up and seemed to pout. ¡°They were only born recently.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Eugenia gasped. ¡°They died?¡±


    Medusa nodded and brushed the snakes out of her face. She seemed more bothered by them than she would let on.


    ¡°They could not survive the punishment.¡±


    ¡°How cruel.¡±


    ¡°Their lives were long. There are no snakes in the forest or plains who have breathed as much as them.¡± She had no sentimental feelings for her snake hair. The only inconvenience were the new rambunctious replacements.


    ¡°Then these are their children?¡± The young woman stepped closer again, carefully and stayed out of biting range.


    ¡°Perhaps one might view it that way?¡± She raised a brow. It was not something she had bothered to contemplate before. ¡°It is closer to rebirth.¡±


    ¡°Then I will help you raise them.¡±


    ¡°Raise? What nonsense did your mind conjure up now?¡± She could already sense great migraines ahead.


    ¡°Their previous lives were lost because of me, so now I will raise their children like my own. You and I will be their mothers.¡± She said with a bright expression.


    ¡°These ¡®children¡¯ are part of me.¡± Medusa pointed out and crossed her arms.


    ¡°We are part of the world and the world is part of the gods. We still give everyone a name and a family.¡±


    ¡°I refuse. There will be no naming.¡± She retreated slowly.


    ¡°Let me count them!¡±


    ¡°Why is it that you never listen to a word I say?¡±


    <hr>


    After a short but meaningless struggle they had come to the conclusion that there were twelve snakes. Eugenia promised to come up with names for each of them, although Medusa secretly swore never to call them by any name.


    This little detour had loosened them up a bit and allowed the tense atmosphere to disperse. There were certainly still many things left unspoken, but for now Eugenia needed to move her luggage unto the island. Medusa was still strong enough to carry the entire boat if she wished, but the young woman refused any help. She diligently carried all the boxes, chests and miscellaneous gear towards the ruined temple. At the end of her labor she appeared to be close to collapse herself.


    ¡°Everything is destroyed.¡± She realized after drinking from her water skin and listening to the wind go through the gaps.


    ¡°¡¯Twas always no more than a ruin.¡± Medusa leaned against one of the few standing pillars.


    ¡°There was still some structure to it. Now everything seems to have crumbled. How could this be?¡±


    ¡°¡­there was a vicious storm. Greater than any before. After the expedition¡¯s attack most of the temple was weakened.¡±


    The Greenhouse had been destroyed by the Kalio, but there were also the pillars and walls Medusa had crushed herself. Lightning had struck the ceiling and a flood would have finished the foundations. In such a short time, a temple that had been crumbling for over a hundred years had become a complete ruin.


    Outside the destroyed structure the claws of nature were slowly taking back what it was owed. Growth of plants would take the ruins and change them into something completely different. All signs of worship and human ingenuity would be a distant dream. This had been the island¡¯s fate all along as the Gorgon well knew. The process had simply been sped up artificially.


    ¡°Is that why you never tried to repair anything?¡± Eugenia asked wistfully.


    She now understood that for a being whose lifespan was unknowable, there was little difference between a day, a year or a century. All this just drove home the fact that everything in this world was fleeting, barring the gods.


    ¡°A temple created for that woman¡¯s worship deserves to fall to dust.¡± Medusa refuted her theory bluntly. In the end all her actions returned to spite.


    ¡°It must have been so painful.¡±


    ¡°What exactly?¡±


    ¡°You suffered so much¡­¡± Eugenia teared up again.


    ¡°Still your tears.¡± Medusa felt a disturbing tenseness in her chest when seeing the girl shed tears for her. Her tail unceremoniously pushed against Eugenia¡¯s face. ¡°Physical pain cannot break me. I have sworn as much.¡±


    As the days had passed at the border between worlds and Medusa¡¯s body threatened to fail, she had kept herself together by a strong will and steeled mind. No amount of torture and punishment could break her, the mighty Gorgon. Not even the gods could make her falter with cruelty and pain. She had grown beyond that.


    ¡°You were all alone.¡± Eugenia whispered.


    Medusa flinched.


    It seemed she had underestimated the girl. She had long since understood the core of the issue. Although Medusa had denied it so many times before, said that solitude had no effect on her. Before Eugenia¡¯s return she had started to waste away. To know the fruit of companionship and then being left to starve, that was a punishment even Athena had not conjured up.


    ¡°I am back and I will stay.¡± Eugenia reassured her. ¡°I promised that I would help you understand yourself. So we can¡¯t part until I managed to help you with that.¡±


    ¡°Suit yourself.¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°There are only ashes.¡± Eugenia knelt inside the burned ruins of the Green House and touched the scorched earth. There was a pungent smell of burned wood and she could sense many charred branches amidst the corpses of trees.


    The young woman felt a sense of regret and took in the loss they had been dealt. The scars of the expedition would not fade away too soon. Since returning from Athens she had developed a certain appreciation for the beauty of architecture. Her father would have grieved if he saw this place.


    ¡°The rain spilt away most of it.¡±


    To the girl¡¯s surprise Medusa had followed her inside the crumbled building. The snake woman slithered through the blackened earth and stopped behind her.


    ¡°I see.¡± Her hands brushed across the ground and she felt the mud that had been mixed with the ashes.


    ¡°It will return to the soil and new life may grow.¡± Medusa added.


    ¡°I hope so.¡±


    ¡°That expression does not suit you.¡±


    ¡°W-What expression am I making?¡± She got flustered and tried to force her face to be serious and neutral, but failed spectacularly.


    ¡°One of a hopeless human.¡± Medusa smirked and then used one hand to raise a large part of a broken wall. Her inhuman strength allowed her to throw away rubble like it was parchment. With a loud earth-rumbling noise she had cleared the center of the building from all debris.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Give me your hands.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Before she could properly brace herself Medusa already took her hands and pulled her towards something. She was by no means rough with her. Eugenia let herself be dragged along and then knelt down in another spot where she touched the soft earth. And indeed it was soft. Not rough or covered with burned wood and soot like the rest.


    ¡°There is¡­ clean soil. Plants¡­¡± She was overcome with emotion as she touched the small buds of vegetation that were supposedly all destroyed. This was a part of the garden where she had planted those special seeds Zosimos gave her so long ago.


    ¡°Life is resilient. Though man may destroy the world, nature will return. The gods do have their good points too I suppose.¡± The Gorgon watched the saplings and crushed grass with less awe, but she could not deny to be a tiny bit relieved.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t give up on the garden.¡± Eugenia seemed to tear up again.


    ¡°By Typhon¡¯s fiery breath, would you dry your face for even a moment?¡± Medusa moaned. Even when she went to the trouble of cheering the girl up she still had to be so pitiful.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She wiped the moistness away and smiled. ¡°Thank you for showing me this.¡±


    ¡°I gave this place to you. It would reflect badly on me if I did not keep an eye on it.¡± She deflected swiftly.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    It was a place that connected them even when Eugenia was gone. As she had lied in the brunt of the storm and healed slowly, she had subconsciously crawled here. It was foolish, but now she did not feel much regret over it anymore.


    ¡°Whatever is growing here will certainly be blessed. Drink as much sunlight as you need and grow into something tasty.¡± The girl raised her face and let the streams of sunlight pour across her and the plants.


    Medusa chuckled involuntarily. Eugenia had to laugh embarrassedly.


    <hr>


    Among the cargo that Eugenia had brought along with her were many things she had not expected. During her travels she barely inspected any of it, so now she was taken aback by Zosimos foresight. He had probably intended most of this as a surprise.


    ¡°Tools?¡± Medusa leaned over one of the opened chests.


    ¡°There are so many. With this we could build almost anything.¡± She was impressed and also tugged her head back a safe distance from the hissing snakes.


    Compared to the broken or decaying tools from the sunken ships around the island these were still pristine and specialized. A variety of hammers for any job and countless saws and scissors too.


    While Medusa held up a large kiln like it was merely a pebble, Eugenia was rummaging through the rest of the cargo. She picked up a message that was carved into a wooden plate. He had thought of everything it seemed. Maybe that¡¯s why he truly took so long to organize a boat.


    ¡°Ah.¡± She finished tracing the words and smiled wryly.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°This is for you.¡± She pointed at a sealed iron enhanced chest.


    ¡°Offerings?¡± She raised a brow and eyed the mystery chest dubiously.


    ¡°From Zosimos.¡± She nodded.


    ¡°The merchant?¡± She squinted and suddenly had a bad taste in her mouth.


    ¡°He helped me while I was in Athens. These are all wares he bought for me.¡±


    ¡°That wretched man has some nerve to appear before you after what he did.¡± These offerings looked more and more like an insult now.


    ¡°He says that it is ¡®an apology for the Lady of the Isle¡¯.¡± She explained and searched for the key.


    ¡°Does he truly believe he can gain my forgiveness with such methods?¡± Medusa snorted.


    ¡°Found it! Okay let me just turn the lock¡­ there. Oh my.¡± She pushed the lid open and was immediately greeted by a strong smell. ¡°Wine?¡±


    Medusa looked over her shoulder and saw the dozens of amphorae. She tenderly grabbed one of them and put the opening to her nose after pulling the cork. It was an intoxicating aroma.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be swayed by offerings, so I guess I will put the chest away.¡± Eugenia said with a knowing expression.


    ¡°¡­this changes nothing.¡± She put the amphora back inside the chest and then took the entire thing under her arm. ¡°I will confiscate this so you will not be tempted to become a drunkard.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I don¡¯t drink.¡± She protested.


    ¡°Then you will have no misgivings if I lock this away as a precaution.¡± She smirked.


    ¡°You can just admit that you liked the gift.¡± Eugenia pouted.


    They kept unboxing and realized that there was a great variety among the contents. There was some very well preserved food, much like the quality of what the merchant had left behind the last time he was here. There was also some reading material, specifically written and carved in ways that Eugenia could work with.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Medusa held up a basket like contraption.


    ¡°That is a shellfish trap. You put it down in the water close to the beach and shellfish will be drawn to it. Then you just pick them out of it.¡± She explained excitedly.


    ¡°What curious ideas humans have. You create these things for the lethargic who shy from the hunt?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s the reason. It just makes fishing easier and allows you to leave to take care of more important things.¡± She rubbed the trap with a hungry expression. ¡°Shellfish is very good.¡±


    ¡°There is also this angling rod.¡± She playfully threw the line out and pulled it back in. Compared to the stick with a piece of string tied to it that Eugenia had used in the past this seemed like it was crafted by the gods themselves. ¡°I am surprised he did not add a bow as well.¡±


    ¡°There is not much game to hunt on this island.¡± The girl pointed out.


    ¡°You can always pick up one of the dozens lying around the destroyed camps anyway.¡± Medusa said darkly.


    Eugenia shivered at the thought. There must have been still quite a few corpses lying around¡­


    ¡°That man sent you back with the intention of giving you the tools to live here. He is certainly irresponsible.¡± She crossed her arms and mocked the merchant.


    ¡°Zosimos was against my return.¡± She shook her head.


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°He and Lady Akacia were the only ones that knew I would be coming back here. They both didn¡¯t agree.¡± She twirled her long hair around one finger and paused.


    ¡°They had some sense then, unlike you.¡±


    ¡°I think that they accepted my choice in the end. I can¡¯t look back with regret.¡± She rubbed the cargo with a mild smile.


    ¡°It seems you have made some valuable experiences while you were gone.¡± She put down the rod and looked at the girl¡¯s profile intently.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy. I wish I could have done more.¡± She was slightly melancholic, but the thoughts seemed to disperse as she picked up some fabric from the chest. Her face lit up.


    As she pulled out the white fabric and let it flutter in the dry island air as she spun in place and laughed. Medusa watched her fully mesmerized.


    ¡°Look Medusa! I asked him to get me some great material! With this I can make you a new chiton. One that will be much better than the previous one.¡± She smiled widely.


    ¡°R-Right.¡± Medusa turned her face away and suppressed her confusion. Her head had been muddled for a second. How odd.


    ¡°Hm, do you want me to create a wave pattern with blue or silver string?¡± She was already fixated on her next job.


    ¡°Do you even know the difference?¡± Medusa muttered.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Eugenia replied to her surprise. ¡°I have experienced color.¡± She said with a dream like expression. But she added no more. Medusa could only wonder what that meant. ¡°I still don¡¯t know the color of your skin or your eyes though. So if you would, could you tell me what color you would like best?¡± It was a shy request.


    In the past Medusa would have said that she did not care about such details. In fact when Eugenia had made the previous one she had not given the colors any heed. It was merely an inconvenience that she bore. When the previous chiton was destroyed in the scholar¡¯s fire she had felt only a tinge of regret. Then was it not better to voice a desire of her own this time?


    ¡°Brown.¡±


    ¡°Brown, hm? Then maybe not a wave pattern. A snake line across the hem would be suitable.¡± She cupped her chin and conceived all kinds of designs. Then she turned back and inquired. ¡°Which type of brown?¡±


    ¡°Do not make me describe it.¡± Medusa suddenly closed off and crossed her arms.


    ¡°What?¡± She was perplexed. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you mean, but could you pick it from these yarns?¡± She pulled out a couple of spooled strings.


    Medusa reluctantly looked at them and grabbed the brown ones. She held them up hesitantly and compared them next to the girl. She finally decided and pushed it into her hand.


    ¡°This is all meaningless. It will simply get damaged if I wear it the way I am now.¡± She had to spite the entire process to get over this annoying feeling.


    ¡°Even if that is so, I believe you will return to how you were before. Then I will have the clothes ready.¡± She smiled and took the yarn.


    ¡°You waste your efforts, but that is nothing new.¡± Medusa sighed. ¡°I will rest in the lair.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± She nodded and then sat down on some crushed wall remains. When Medusa had left she held up the string thoughtfully. ¡°Why did she choose this color?¡± She wondered, unable to see.


    The string fluttered in the air next to her same colored hair.


    <hr>


    Medusa had slept far longer than she intended. Her sense of time had been distorted again as her body was sapping away all energy to recover her wounds. Even after so many days she still could not recover. In her drowsy state she slithered out of her lair and was greeted by red evening light. Had she slept the entire day?


    When searching the ruins she realized that something was different. In the center someone had made a makeshift tent and put up a few pieces of linen. There was only one suspect, so she pushed the linen aside and found the snoring girl buried in sacks and leather blankets.


    She took a look around and managed to find signs of a campfire as well as the remains of some food. This meant that she had not just slept a day. It must have been several.


    As Medusa rubbed her hurting head she wondered what to tell Eugenia. It would simply not do to appear weak like this.


    Then she noticed something hanging from a line tied around a pillar and one of the statues. An elegant chiton, immaculately sewed. It was not often that the word ¡®beautiful¡¯ crossed her mind, but she could only praise this piece of art in such a way. The effort put into every detail was outstanding.


    Her fingers traced across the soft fabric and she took note of the stitched patterns and the golden brooch that would be put over the shoulder. She was to wear something like this?


    With her other hand she grabbed the scales on her chest. They were still covering up the burned flesh. For the first time since she had returned to her exile she felt regret for looking this way. She wanted to wear this. Even as her mind reminded her that she did not care for appearances, she still wanted to take this and put it on.


    ¡°I may be worse for wear than expected.¡± She mocked herself and let go of the clothes. ¡°Will you wake up already, you lazy girl?¡± Her tail smacked Eugenia¡¯s cheek and snapped her right out of her deep sleep.


    ¡°Wah!? W-W-What happened?! Who is attacking?¡± She forced herself up and scurried around like she was ready to bail.


    ¡°If someone were intent on cutting your throat during your slumber you would be dead already.¡± She shrugged.


    ¡°Medusa? You finally woke up.¡± She yawned.


    ¡°I do not need to hear this from someone who looks like that.¡± Her smile twitched. ¡°You were sleeping during the day at that.¡±


    ¡°The heat made me drowsy.¡± She admitted embarrassedly and futilely attempted to straighten her bed hair. The curls had little interest in giving in to her frantic pulling however. ¡°It¡¯s been three days, you know?¡± She suddenly pointed back at the Gorgon.


    ¡°So?¡± She didn¡¯t see any fault of her own there.


    ¡°You promised I would be allowed to s-sleep in your lair.¡± She fidgeted around.


    Medusa¡¯s face turned stoic again. Was it possible to erase her perfect memory if she returned to Athena¡¯s torture?


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to surprise you, so I stayed outside.¡± Eugenia mumbled.


    ¡°You might misremember¡­¡±


    ¡°Are you going to go back on your word?¡± Eugenia suddenly turned incredibly serious. That was definitely unfair.


    ¡°Never.¡± She had to defend her pride now. ¡°There is just one issue. In my current state I cannot differentiate between enemy and ally. I may attack you in my slumber.¡±


    ¡°Is that true?¡±


    ¡°I swear by The Twelve.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t follow the gods.¡±


    Eugenia frowned.


    Medusa¡¯s lips quivered.


    ¡°It is dangerous. At least wait until I recovered some more.¡± She insisted.


    ¡°If you say so.¡± Eugenia returned to a milder expression and sat down. ¡°I will hold you to that.¡±


    ¡°Pesky human.¡± Medusa grimaced playfully.


    ¡°Have you seen my masterpiece already?¡± The girl suddenly patted the chiton and waited expectantly.


    ¡°I can hardly tell the difference from the last.¡± She replied dismissively.


    ¡°That¡¯s good then.¡± Eugenia chuckled.


    ¡°You are only growing more incomprehensible over time.¡± She creased her brows.


    Nonetheless she didn¡¯t dislike spending time with such idle banter. She curled up her tail and sat down on it to give her company. The sun set soon, but the night breeze was no problem at all.


    ¡°¡­so I learned how to sail from his father. He was very strict and kept making fun of me.¡± Eugenia was in the middle of recollecting her time in the fishing village close to Eretria.


    ¡°He sounds like a sensible man.¡± Medusa leaned back and stared at the familiar stars.


    ¡°Of course you would say that.¡± Eugenia lowered her head. ¡°He was always worried about Therses, but wouldn¡¯t admit it.¡±


    ¡°It is in human nature to be dishonest.¡±


    ¡°Hehe, maybe so.¡±


    ¡°Tell me more. What happened next? You didn¡¯t meet that coward of a merchant yet.¡±


    ¡°It turned out that the village was under attack by unknown sailors. They sank our boat while we went out to fish¡­¡±


    Eugenia kept telling Medusa the story of how she had managed to return to Sarpedon, but she left out quite a few details. She seemed to have certain inhibitions. The night was passing by at a speed that would make Hermes jealous.


    Medusa listened to the tall tale of a city that was in the center of a conspiracy and the price that had to be paid to prevent a war. So far away from civilization this story seemed no more real than any legend. Yet to the Gorgon legends were all very real. She knew the heroes and the monsters that had clashed. She had met and despised the gods involved in all their schemes.


    But Eugenia¡¯s tale was different. It was so strangely human. Politics, desire to advance, war and spies. A physician and a slave boy, a cowardly merchant and his soon to be wife. A former pirate captain and the Archons that had the reigns to that woman¡¯s great city. All of this was what human stories sounded like.


    The girl in front of her was in the center of these events, yet she talked about them like an outsider. All of this had been a long trial for her that Medusa could not truly imagine. Of course there were familiar elements, like the meddling of the gods¡¯ messenger or the way Athena would not interfere until it was over.


    ¡°That woman abandoned her own city.¡± Medusa said gleefully.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Eugenia agreed.


    That was a surprise. Medusa had never expected to hear the girl speak ill of her mistress.


    ¡°Lady Athena did not put down her spear to stop Achaeus. She did not save or judge anyone. To her this was a human issue and she would watch over the result as she always does.¡± She stabbed her stick into the crackling cinder of the campfire to adjust the wood.


    ¡°Cold. Calculating.¡± Medusa understood completely.


    The girl nodded and let go of the stick.


    ¡°I must say I am shocked, though. To think a priestess would dare use her goddess¡¯ name in vain. Even speak for her. That must have upset that woman quite a bit.¡± Naturally she was showing malicious joy. ¡°Even telling her despised enemy this tale is no better than blasphemy.¡±


    It was mean of her to be so delighted at conflict between the priestess and her goddess, but she had no control over her emotions. The hatred for Athena that burned ever greater compelled her to cheer for this little bit of retribution.


    And anyway, as Eugenia was clearly still alive, she must have been forgiven. As long as their bet continued Athena was not going to do something so extreme. There was no chance that she would ever win, but in its own way this was already a small victory. She was still relieved to know Eugenia was safe.


    ¡°Medusa, I am not a priestess anymore.¡± Eugenia said as her white eyes reflected the fire.


    ¡°Hahaha.¡± For once Medusa burst out laughing. ¡°You may have been daring, but that will not get you excommunicated. The gods have forgiven worse, especially as that woman had no intention of interfering in the first place.¡± It was quite amusing to her that the priestess was worried over such trivialities.


    ¡°No. I renounced my allegiance to Athena. I am not a priestess anymore.¡± She responded matter of factly.


    The laugh got stuck in the Gorgon¡¯s throat. The realization of what had just been uttered did not want to set in right away. Her mind seemed to search for a way to flip the meaning on its head.


    ¡°I am just an average blind woman now.¡± Instead of regret those words seemed to bring her great relief.


    ¡°You are jesting.¡±


    Eugenia softly shook her head.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ impossible.¡± Her mind was on fire. The very notion of what had just been said was preposterous. She could not accept it if this was an attempt to mock her. Even if it was this girl, she would not allow such manipulation! ¡°Tell the truth!¡± She had pinned the girl down to the ground and was raised above her like a beast with glowing eyes. The fire behind her threw giant shadows everywhere.


    She saw that the girl did not flinch or fearfully change her story. She was not even flustered. The claws of the Gorgon were right next to her head and yet she only smiled gently.


    ¡°I met Lady Athena before coming here.¡± She spoke slowly as not to upset her.


    ¡°And you bowed to her as you always do!¡± She growled.


    ¡°She asked me to become her grand priestess.¡±


    This was all wrong. Eugenia continued telling these lies with complete conviction. But that made no sense. If that woman had ordered her to become her grand priestess then she could not be here!


    ¡°I know you hate Lady Athena very much. I can partially understand. I may not ever truly accept those feelings, but I know that you two will not reconcile.¡± She admitted. ¡°Lady Athena is amazing. She chooses her path dauntlessly and will never waver. That means she will not stop hating you either.¡±


    All of this was the truth. Medusa knew that much and to finally hear the girl admit it should have been a delight. Catharsis. Instead it upset her deeply!


    ¡°But you have to believe that she would not lie. You know that she does not.¡±


    ¡°So what?!¡± She hissed. The snakes writhed about utterly upset as well.


    ¡°Lady Athena gave me a choice. She asked me to be hers forever.¡±


    Choice. A choice like that? It all made sense. The bet. She was talking about the bet. But that couldn¡¯t be. It couldn¡¯t, it shouldn¡¯t and it wouldn¡¯t.


    Eugenia stretched her hand towards the cheek of the Gorgon, whose face was covered in dark scales and whose eyes would pierce any mortal. A monster that none could love or understand. This wretched thing that lived only by the eternal defiance of the gods was now subject to the touch of a frail ¡®priestess¡¯.


    Medusa could not move, as if petrified.


    ¡°I chose you.¡±


    Words like an arrow that could pierce any shield and a drop of water that could extinguish any flame. They hit the Gorgon with disproportional might. Her mind turned blank. For the first time since the horrific curse had taken a hold of her she felt something hot and wet run down her face.


    A single tear reflected the red and yellow light of the fire and dropped unto the girl¡¯s sympathetic face.


    Had this human not just returned to the Gorgon¡¯s side despite all struggles?


    Had this girl not abandoned everything that had given her life meaning?


    Had Eugenia not always been hers?


    On a mild night under the shining stars, finally, the Gorgon experienced a feeling so sublime. The former priestess knew not of the gift she had given, but this would be the turning point of their fates.

 Chapter 45: Medusa and comfort

    It was a foggy morning. The air had been soaked in moistness from the sea and a surprising cold wave had hit the island. Even for Eugenia who could not see the fog the atmosphere was grave. Did the events conjure this weather or did it cause them?


    With an earsplitting noise the statue next to her fell over and burst into hundreds of shards. It was just the last in a long line of destruction across the island. Those who had once been mighty warriors or overconfident sailors were now broken into tiny pieces.


    The one smashing them so violently was the Gorgon, the cause of their petrification herself.


    Eugenia had asked her to free the souls trapped inside the shell of stone. Since Typhos had told her what Medusa¡¯s curse did to these humans and also showed her the solution to ending their torment, she had not been able to put the thought out of her mind.


    ¡°I can¡¯t live in a place of so much suffering.¡± She had told Medusa honestly.


    At first Medusa did not reply. It was clear that she had no intention of freeing the ones that had come to slay her. In a way it was an unfair demand.


    ¡°They wronged you and I will not make excuses for that. Yet if you deny them to move on to the Underworld you will keep bearing the resentment and their curses will seep into the island.¡± She spoke carefully, not wishing to upset her friend.


    Medusa would not have gone along with such a request if it was for her own sake. Someone so cursed did not fear the corruption that came with human resentment and accumulating miasma. Now that she had someone to share this life with however¡­ she could see reason.


    At least that was what Eugenia hoped had moved her. If not, then this grueling path of destruction must have been a more base instinct. The loud hissing of snakes and the constant shattering of stone and marble would have made most humans beg to Zeus for salvation.


    While the fallen heroes were crumbling into dust, Eugenia took on another task that was equally disturbing. The island was in bad shape as is, but there were far more issues to consider. Since the expedition had left behind more than shipwrecks and destroyed camps.


    The former priestess kept shoveling earth over the edge of the hole she stood inside. It was large, wider than if she laid down and stretched as far as she could. This was the second day that she had been shoveling and nothing else. Her hands felt numb already and her entire body felt like it was clad in a layer of dirt.


    If Medusa would have aided her this work would have been finished in half a day. She shook her head. Giving in to her weakness was unacceptable. She had asked too much of her already.


    She moaned and stretched a little, then climbed over the edge of the hole. With thirsty lips she gulped down as much water as she could from a bucket. The cool water was a true blessing. It was a waste, but she also washed her face and neck to feel a little cleaner. Her fingernails were cracked so much that she could feel the tender meat breaking through.


    The break was over so she climbed back into the hole and shoveled. A few hours passed like this before she finally felt exhaustion creep up and weigh down her arms. If she had calculated correctly the hole should have been wide enough now. She stumbled as she left the hole and was caught by a strong arm.


    ¡°You made good progress.¡± Medusa said with analyzing eyes.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to flatter me.¡± She replied tiredly.


    ¡°It is a grand effort for worthless men.¡± She overlooked the grave site and then leaned over the side of the hill. Laid down in a long line were dozens of corpses. They were far from fresh as the smell made abundantly clear. Some already showed bone.


    ¡°It is sad to find your end so far from home.¡± Eugenia whispered. Nobody would ever come to retrieve these fallen mercenaries and sailors. If they kept lying around in the open the foulness of their corpses would cause issues as well, but she was more concerned for their spiritual well-being.


    ¡°They did not need to come here.¡± The Gorgon replied coldly and then lowered her guard a little when she saw Eugenia¡¯s expression. ¡°What will returning them to the soil achieve?¡±


    ¡°I have to perform the burial rites. Only then can they properly move on to the Underworld and meet Hades.¡± She explained and washed her hands.


    ¡°And you need these coins for that?¡± Medusa picked up a small chest filled with different bronze coins.


    ¡°Those are the only ones I could find. I think some of them are from faraway kingdoms.¡±


    ¡°I gave my entire collection to that bumbling merchant. It is astounding that you found any at all.¡±


    ¡°You were only interested in the shiny ones.¡± Eugenia giggled.


    ¡°I can tell that you just compared me to a magpie in your head and I resent it.¡±


    ¡°I would never.¡± She said with a smirk.


    The short moment of levity dispersed and they returned to the gruesome task ahead. Although the girl had said she would do this alone, Medusa had no intention of waiting. After destroying nearly every statue on the island she had decided that she would get rid of every spot that stained her island. Which meant she would get this ritual finished as soon as possible.


    ¡°Thank you for your help.¡± Eugenia bowed after Medusa had unceremoniously thrown all the corpses into the hole. Just putting them into the hole was not good enough though. She wrapped a cloth around her face to block out the stench and covered her hand in wet rags. Inside the grave she rolled over the corpses to line them up neatly.


    It was disgusting and frankly nauseating. She had never done this before, not even in the village. As a priestess she should have been used to this kind of work, but this was just more proof that she had been lacking in her job. Nobody ever came to her for funeral rites. More experienced priestesses from Lamia were called over instead.


    Now that she was not even a priestess anymore this might have been a futile endeavor altogether. Would anyone even hear her voice when she prayed for safe travels of these poor souls?


    She bit her lip and grabbed the coins from the chest that Medusa was holding over the edge. A single one was placed on each respective mouth¡­ or what was left of it. Charon¡¯s payment was small this time, but he was not lacking in coin anyway.


    This funeral reminded her of Leander¡¯s and she could feel a knot inside her chest. Unlike the large funerals in Athens with hundreds of spectators and great speeches, this was only a small gesture of human sympathy. A death with dignity.


    After preparing the dead as best as was possible they closed the hole. The loose earth was easy to shovel and four hands were swifter than two. The place was soon flattened and even. With measured steps Eugenia placed oval rounded rocks in a certain pattern around the burial site.


    She finally stepped back and started a fire.


    ¡°Sacrifices, hm?¡± Medusa looked at the slain rabbit next to the fire. There were quite a few of them on the isle by now. Hermes meddling had created a new population.


    ¡°The fire is a guiding light in the darkness ahead. It is also supposed to garner the attention of the gods.¡± Even though she wasn¡¯t a priestess, she had hope that this prayer would reach the right god. He had been kind enough to support her despite her decision to untie herself from Athena.


    ¡°It would be dark irony for their slayer to be present during the funeral.¡± Medusa said something surprisingly sensible and turned her back to it all. ¡°I will be waiting at the beach.¡±


    ¡°I will be there soon.¡± She nodded and began the ritual. ¡°Clever and swift Hermes, hear my call. Guide these lost souls to the Underworld¡­¡±


    <hr>


    The fire had burned down to the ground when Eugenia finally returned.


    Medusa lied at the beach and watched the waves roll back and forth. While she had waited sunlight had vanquished the fog. Helios was closing in on them already and would pass soon enough.


    ¡°Finished?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Eugenia nodded and then sank on her butt. Her legs were crossed and she sounded like she wanted to collapse entirely.


    ¡°That messenger boy will surely do his job.¡± She tried to sound encouraging.


    ¡°I believe so too.¡± The girl said quietly and rubbed her eyes.


    ¡°Your appearance reflects my feelings.¡± The Gorgon jested.


    ¡°Do your wounds still hurt?¡± That seemed to draw the girl back from her dozing state.


    ¡°Do not be foolish. This destruction has got my blood flowing, so I feel much better by the moment.¡± She shrugged.


    ¡°Your workouts are¡­ quite something.¡± She yawned and let her head sink forward. Her blind eyes closed slowly and her breathing turned rhythmic.


    ¡°Guileless posture.¡± Medusa raised a brow and watched the hunched over human sway forward and slightly back in circular motions. It almost looked like she would fall over, but then didn¡¯t. It was a ridiculous sleeping form, completely unlike hers. When Medusa slept she was still as a rock and did not change positions unless she wanted to warm her scales in a better spot.


    As entertaining as watching this balancing act was¡­ she could only imagine the whining if Eugenia ended up covered in sand. To avoid such an annoying outcome she did what was necessary.


    Her snake tail rolled out and with soft motions she pulled the former priestess over. Her head was rested on the curled up tail in a pose that was best for the girl¡¯s neck and back. To move something so tenderly after shattering solid rock was creating a dissonance in her heart.


    She had enjoyed cutting loose, there was no denying that. Whether those humans could move on or not had never mattered to her. What really had swayed her, whether she wanted to admit it or not, was Eugenia¡¯s wellbeing. She could not live on an island shrouded in death.


    The Gorgon inhaled slowly and let the sunlight kiss her face. The air was¡­ clear. It was like some foul mist had finally dispersed and left them behind. This heavy feeling had been unnoticed in all the time she had been exiled here. It was a weight that one could only notice when it was taken away.


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    She was happier this way. That was what her heart told her. Mere years ago she would not even be certain whether her heart was still beating, so it was good to know it still existed.


    Eugenia¡¯s head was warm, not unlike a baby¡¯s. A cold blooded creature like the Gorgon would feed on such warmth naturally. She corrected her mind. It was not feeding, but rather enjoyment. Closeness.


    ¡°You sleep so carefree.¡± She stared at the girl on her tail intently. ¡°Is it because you think yourself my ally? My comrade in exile?¡±


    Even now she could still hardly believe that Eugenia had returned. That she had chosen her over the divine virgin that to some was justice incarnate. No god or human would have made such a baffling choice. Had she influenced the girl with her pathetic words on that day they were separated? Impressed her with her short-sighted actions? A life saved had to be repaid?


    It worried her. The one who should be unassailable worried so deeply over a human girl. In the theater it would have been considered a comedy, something so distorted that it could only be mocked. Yet every comedy had a grain of truth in it. Apollo himself had inspired writers to create scripts that mocked even the gods sometimes. Life was full of absurdities like that.


    She could only smile.


    Pluck.


    With a tiny gust a single scale was loosened from her face and dropped unto the sleeping girl. It stuck to her forehead and reflected the light. Medusa touched her face in surprise and felt that the scales were loose.


    ¡°Mhwaaah¡­¡± Eugenia made a strange noise and tried to wipe the scale from her face, still in sleep. It seemed nearly glued to her, so she became irritated. Her face contorted funnily.


    ¡°You are helpless to remove even a single of my scales.¡± Medusa shook her head and leaned down. Her finger plucked the shed scale from the girl¡¯s head.


    ¡°Medusa?¡± She opened her milky eyes. The reaction was delayed as she could only rely on her other senses, but she eventually realized how close they were. ¡°W-what is going on?¡±


    ¡°You made a foolish face, so I intended to pull it straight.¡± Medusa deflected and pulled the girl¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°Ow! Let go.¡± She rolled over and hid her face on the long snake tail. ¡°Huh?¡± It only now dawned on her where she had been sleeping. It seemed to embarrass her a little, but surprisingly she stayed in place. Neither of them addressed it.


    Eugenia laid back down and rested her head on the meaty tail. It was less comfortable now that she was awake.


    ¡°You have something to say.¡± She could tell.


    ¡°They didn¡¯t snap after me this time.¡± She pointed her hand at the snake hair.


    ¡°I forbid them from attacking you. If they are not obedient they will soon share their predecessors¡¯ fate.¡±


    ¡°You are evil.¡±


    ¡°Has anyone made you believe otherwise?¡± She smirked. The girl had no reply for that.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want them to treat me nicely just because you ordered them to.¡± She said with a pout. Then she made an enlightened expression and pulled something from her garments. It was a slice of dried meat. These tasted not terribly good, but they were nourishing and easy to preserve.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°But they must be hungry!¡±


    ¡°Do not feed them. Do it once and they will want more until the end of time.¡±


    ¡°Where does the food go when they swallow it?¡± She wondered.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Like¡­ into your head?¡±


    ¡°Do. Not. Feed. Them.¡± She said with a dark smile.


    ¡°I heard you already.¡± Eugenia bit off the stretchy meat and chewed her complaints away. The mechanics of living hair were intriguing, but not worth getting bitten over. She was not even sure who would bite her first.


    After a while the sun seemed to burn Eugenia¡¯s skin so she got up and retreated into the shade of the temple. Medusa followed lethargically. Her blood had finally calmed down during their rest and now she felt sluggish.


    ¡°I need a bath. My entire body is sticky.¡± Eugenia said while trying to open her hair strands painfully.


    ¡°The basin is still intact.¡± She said and then closed her eyes to drift to sleep.


    <hr>


    After a dreamless nap Medusa awakened to the sound of humming. It was an aimless melody, but not charmless to the ear. She opened one eye to see where it came from and saw the girl sitting on a blanket, doing her hair with a boar bristle comb. She was still undressed and seemed unaware that she was watched.


    For a moment Medusa thought to have felt another presence, but it vanished from her perception before it could even take form. Must have been her imagination.


    ¡°Your hair seems to be unstuck now.¡± She commented and was rewarded with twitching shoulders and a hasty attempt of covering the pale skin. Although her arms and face were slightly tanned, the rest of Eugenia¡¯s body was still untouched by the sun¡¯s heat. The contrast was alluring.


    ¡°You surprised me.¡± The girl said quietly as she pulled a chiton over her shoulders.


    ¡°You would be surprised by an army marching right in front of you. Is that great hearing of yours just a tall lie?¡±


    ¡°When I am distracted I blend out all sound.¡± She retorted and then finished dressing. Her hair was still wet.


    ¡°Is that how you were ambushed so often?¡± The stories of Eugenia¡¯s adventures were far from entirely glorious.


    ¡°If you are finished mocking me¡­¡± Eugenia said exasperated, a tone she only had started using recently. ¡°Would you help me do my hair?¡±


    ¡°Oh? You ask this of the one who has none of her own?¡± She was honestly surprised by the request so she slipped in another quip.


    ¡°Right.¡± She seemed to realize the obvious now.


    ¡°They take whatever form they feel like, so I have little control over my ¡®hairstyle¡¯.¡± She shrugged.


    ¡°So they could imitate any style?¡± That piqued her interest.


    ¡°Certainly, but that will never happen.¡± Just as the last syllable left her mouth the snakes suddenly curled downwards and created a new shape.


    ¡°Braids!¡± Eugenia clapped cheerfully.


    ¡°Now they are just showing off.¡± Medusa said with a stoic face as the braids tied themselves around her shoulder blades.


    ¡°Then, can you also do shortened hair?¡± She ignored Medusa and addressed the snakes directly.


    As if on command the snakes curled up and tightened themselves around Medusa¡¯s head, winding around it several times. Now it appeared that she had short hair.


    ¡°They are only doing this to spite me.¡± She grumbled.


    ¡°This is great~¡± Eugenia laughed and the snakes seemed to rattle, despite decidedly not having any tails to do so.


    ¡°Rather than allying yourself with scoundrels, turn away so I can tie your hair.¡± She clapped and pulled the girl¡¯s attention away from her head.


    ¡°Nice.¡± She sat down and turned her back to the Gorgon.


    ¡°It has grown since you left.¡± Medusa noted and could not help but add a melancholy tone that she swallowed too late. Her claw like fingers retreated back and became more humanoid to the touch of the curling hair.


    ¡°I was always afraid to cut it.¡± Eugenia admitted.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because¡­ I could never tell what it looked like. At the temple the head priestess would do it for me."


    ¡°Long hair is not common among your kind.¡±


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°I am not completely ignorant to the human world.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± She folded her fingers as she enjoyed the feeling of hands going through her hair to straighten it. ¡°It is not, nh, that we are not allowed to wear it long. But it could get in the way of our work.¡±


    ¡°Did you burn your hair tips on a candle?¡±


    ¡°M-maybe.¡±


    Medusa chuckled and then looked at her work. The hair was now straight enough to be tied or rolled any way. It was a beautiful shade of brown, at least to her.


    ¡°Then what shall it look like on this average woman living in exile?¡± She asked patiently.


    ¡°I thought¡­ maybe I should cut it...¡± Eugenia trailed off.


    ¡°It would be easy.¡± Medusa could do so even without scissors.


    ¡°Er, Medusa.¡± She seemed have trouble speaking up.


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°What kind of, uh, hairstyle do you find appeal- I mean¡­ what would you prefer to wear yourself if the snakes did listen to you?¡± She asked awkwardly.


    ¡°Appearances have ceased to matter a long time ago.¡± She said heavily. ¡°Tis unimportant what shape hair takes when nobody is allowed to gaze upon you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s true.¡± She refuted those words strongly. ¡°Even if I could never see it, I would still know that it suits you.¡±


    ¡°Blind faith, is it?¡± She gave her a wry smile. ¡°That is not what you truly wanted to ask me, though.¡± She poked deeper, knowing exactly how flustered it would make the girl.


    ¡°¡­why must you be so perceptive?¡± She exhaled.


    ¡°Reading you is far easier than you believe.¡±


    ¡°Well then, what verses do you read in my hair?¡± She asked accepting her fate.


    ¡°You are no priestess anymore. Yet long hair will most definitely get hard to manage.¡±


    ¡°True.¡±


    ¡°There are arguments for both options. Yet if you only ask my opinion¡­¡± She grabbed the hair and put it to her lips. ¡°Long and free is the way.¡±


    Eugenia could not completely hide the redness creeping up her ears.


    ¡°Then I would like to tie it down behind my neck.¡± She whispered.


    ¡°Very well.¡± She grabbed the cord and tied it around the hair.


    <hr>


    A week passed and then another. It seemed that time was accelerating for the Gorgon. She had rarely felt a need to sleep the day away. Even during that nearly a year they had spent together before the scholar¡¯s expedition came, she had wanted her distance. Now however she didn¡¯t know anymore.


    ¡°Your skin is smooth and pretty again.¡± Eugenia said happily as she pulled off the last scales from Medusa¡¯s arm.


    ¡°I told you there was no doubt it would happen.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad.¡± She threw the last scale into the basket with the others.


    ¡°Has Lyssa possessed you to gather these up? Will you soon froth from the mouth and rage like Heracles did against his family?¡± It was somewhat disturbing to see her gather those.


    ¡°I am not possessed or mad.¡± She protested. ¡°If we just leave them lying around all over the temple it will be too messy.¡±


    Medusa turned her head towards the tragic ruins and then back to Eugenia.


    ¡°How could I not have realized this? The scales are falling from my eyes.¡±


    ¡°Jest all you want, but I plan on making this place more agreeable eventually.¡± She declared proudly.


    ¡°You are a busy bee.¡±


    ¡°You are welcome to help me.¡±


    ¡°I shall never raise a temple.¡±


    ¡°I just want to repair some of it. First the garden of the Greenhouse.¡± She had already made ample plans in the meantime. It was just like Eugenia not to sit quietly.


    ¡°Do not make me catch you again.¡± Her smirk was boring through the poor girl.


    ¡°I have learned my lesson. Although I would love to fly again.¡± She had a dreamy expression on her face. ¡°The last time everything was blurry and hurt, so I could not enjoy it.¡±


    Medusa¡¯s smirk turned into a concerned look and she felt hit before the head. The scar she had seen on Eugenia during her bath, the occasional anemia, it all added up. The wound was never truly gone. Compared to someone with divine regeneration like her each injury was a real scar.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Medusa? Whoa!¡± Eugenia was shocked when she was picked up like a feather and then carried in the Gorgon''s arms. ¡°Are we going to-?¡±


    Too late for questions. They were already taking off. The wind brushed across their skin and swirling air kept the girl¡¯s hair fluttering despite the hair tie. It was such a fast ascend that it could barely register immediately.


    They stopped so far up that the island seemed no greater than a boat.


    ¡°How does flight feel?¡±


    ¡°My tummy¡­ it¡¯s tingling.¡± She replied like a child.


    ¡°Then brace yourself for what comes next.¡± Medusa said daringly.


    ¡°Oh myyyyyyyyyy!¡°


    They rushed downwards at exhilarating speed and then circled across the borders of the island. The fluctuating motions seemed to confuse Eugenia at first, but she also screamed in joy. Medusa¡¯s full wingspan was wider than twice her body length and the feathers rustled in a crazy tune.


    ¡°Are you feeling unwell yet?¡±


    ¡°Not at all! This is amazing!¡± Perhaps it was due to her sense of hearing, but her body adapted to the strong pull of their rapid motions well.


    ¡°Hehe.¡± That only incited the Gorgon to go faster and do more daring maneuvers.


    After winding in a spiral motion and brushing against the leaves of a tree she came up with something quite extreme.


    ¡°Do you trust me?¡± Medusa asked into the girl¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She nodded.


    ¡°Then fall.¡± She let go.


    ¡°Eh?¡± She felt nothing holding her anymore and panicked. The next moment she already sailed down towards certain doom. ¡°Ahhhhhh!¡±


    Fearing for her life she struggled during her fall, but then she stiffened up and forced herself to calm down. She had promised that she would trust Medusa.


    ¡°It is not as fun when you do not scream.¡± She complained as she easily caught her close to the ground. Her speed exceeded that of Eugenia¡¯s fall by far.


    ¡°T-that was mean.¡± She said with a wildly pounding heart.


    ¡°Half of flight is simply controlled falling.¡± The Gorgon replied and set the girl down on a fallen pillar.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t feel any control!¡± She said with a spinning head and rolled over onto the ground.


    ¡°Hahahaha.¡± Medusa laughed heartily at this foolish sight.


    ¡°It was worth it.¡± She said as she held her head.


    ¡°Surely any human would clamor for an opportunity to experience flight.¡± She agreed mildly.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant.¡± Eugenia brushed through frizzly hair. The air had not been kind to it. ¡°It was worth the scare, because I could tell you enjoyed yourself.¡± She smiled sympathetically.


    Ba-thump.


    The pain inside Medusa¡¯s body flared up again and left her breathless. It was so agonizing. But her scales had retreated and her skin was as smooth as silk again. Even the internal damage had been repaired. There was nothing left to heal.


    ¡°Medusa?¡± Eugenia tilted her head and stretched out her hand.


    ¡°!¡± Medusa instinctively smacked the hand away with her tail.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Eugenia pulled back and rubbed her reddened skin.


    Confusion overtook the Gorgon¡¯s mind. Why had she just lashed out? It was only Eugenia¡¯s hand, not some deadly threat. Her instincts were running wild. Was she being attacked? No. Was there a threat she could not sense? Of course not. Right now there were only the two of them and a warm breeze. Then why did her pores open from stress and her heart rate pick up?


    ¡°I must rest.¡± She said curtly and slithered away. There was a lot to figure out and she only felt safe in her lair.


    <hr>


    Eugenia rubbed her smarting hand and listened to Medusa¡¯s swift retreat. It was not much of a comfort, but she at least knew that the snake woman had no ill will towards her.


    ¡°I hope she will feel better soon.¡± She said with a thickness in her voice before she hastily returned to her camp to work on something, anything. Just to keep her head clear.


    Unknown complications paved the way between the two as they built up their new life together. Soon they would realize the depth of this rabbit hole.

 Chapter 46: Medusa and the melody of the soul

    Chronos¡¯ power of unyielding advancing time surpassed the might of even the Olympians who were not able to prevent this endless march. It was no small feat to rebel against the very laws that kept this world in the state it was. Divinity could not slow time, but its effects. Even a being like the Gorgon was subject to time and its wear and tear. All mortals shared the same ultimate fate.


    Knowing this, Medusa should not have tried to resist the truth, but she was an obstinate one.


    ¡°It¡¯s time.¡± Eugenia said determinedly.


    ¡°¡­¡± Medusa did not budge from the door.


    ¡°Please let me inside.¡± She said while knocking against the entrance to the Gorgon¡¯s lair.


    Medusa held the door closed and pushed her back against it. What was this unbelievable sense of dread? She shouldn¡¯t have been scared of a human entering her safe space, but she was utterly wound up.


    ¡°You promised!¡±


    ¡°Cease your yapping already.¡± Medusa retorted and tried to push the door open. It wouldn¡¯t budge. That was odd, had she accidentally bend it out of its hinges? ¡°Ah.¡± Her eyes turned dull when she realized that her tail was coiled around the fringes, keeping it closed. She had been pulling against her own strength.


    ¡°What are you afraid of?¡±


    ¡°HO?¡± Medusa snapped and raised herself up angrily, but that only led to her hitting the ceiling and making her snakes hiss in indignation.


    ¡°Is it because I¡¯m human? Because it would hurt your pride?¡± The blind girl¡¯s voice was numbed through the door, but the words were still sharp. ¡°I thought you would always keep your word.¡± The disappointment was scathing.


    With a loud thunk the door was banged open and Medusa stood in the doorframe, arms crossed. Her face was a mask of cool and no signs of her inner turmoil were to be seen.


    ¡°You really opened it.¡±


    ¡°Why are you acting so surprised?¡± She glared.


    ¡°Will you let me inside too?¡±


    ¡°If it will put an end to your yelling I will allow it. But you may only make yourself familiar. I won¡¯t allow you to spend the night yet.¡±


    ¡°That sounds like an improvement to me~¡± Eugenia brushed past her without a care.


    Medusa followed her with a deep sigh.


    The stairs led deep down into the bowels of the old temple. Murals of ages past were fading alongside every wall. This lair was in fact an old cave that had existed even before the temple was built atop it.


    ¡°It¡¯s really damp down here.¡± Eugenia noted as she slowly walked down the steps while supporting herself on the tight walls. ¡°And hot.¡±


    ¡°Deep under the earth the world is warmer.¡± She confirmed.


    ¡°Must be because it is closer to the Underworld and Tartarus.¡±


    ¡°Does it make you wish to turn tail?¡±


    ¡°Not at all.¡±


    ¡°Tsk.¡±


    They soon reached the end of the long stairway and found themselves in a large room. It was bigger than any cellar in a conventional temple and the echoes inside created an odd resonance. Although Eugenia could not see it, there was a light glow in the air, reflected from the cracks to other caves. Beyond them grew fluorescent fungi. The lair itself was still almost completely dark though.


    ¡°Hard to breathe.¡± Eugenia clutched her throat and inhaled deeply.


    ¡°There is not much air flow down here. I did not think of that.¡± As someone who didn¡¯t require to breathe this was not an inconvenience.


    ¡°There is a stream coming from over here.¡± Eugenia leaned against a wall and pointed at the cracks. Then she coughed.


    ¡°Hm.¡± Medusa slithered over and then tore a hole into the wall. It gave in as easily as tree bark. A lot more fluorescent light fell into the lair now and the cave ahead was reflecting the light from a shallow water reservoir. So there was another one.


    ¡°Haaah¡­ haaa¡­ much better.¡± Eugenia breathed in lightly and seemed to relax.


    ¡°I was not aware that it connected to the surface.¡± Medusa glanced at the small crack that went all the way to the surface in a diagonal angle. That was probably also where the water came from. With the flow between the entrance and this opening air seemed to return to the lair.


    ¡°This is not quite what I expected.¡± The girl wandered in circles and inspected the room with her hands.


    ¡°Did you expect comfortable human lodgings?¡± The Gorgon mocked.


    ¡°It¡¯s so cluttered.¡± She complained.


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°Do you not have any sense for order?¡± Eugenia pointed her hands at the mess. ¡°I was shocked when you spoke of sleeping on a pile of coins and having coal inside your lair, but now it makes sense.¡±


    ¡°Why you¡­¡±


    ¡°These amphorae are empty.¡± She turned a clay container over.


    ¡°Old wine from before you left. I drank it all.¡±


    ¡°Then you should get rid of them or refill them. Why in the great and patient Hestia¡¯s name did you think it was wise to let vermin nest here?¡±


    ¡°They died a long time ago.¡±


    ¡°But you did not rid yourself of their nests? Also¡­ is that a painting? On the ground?!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Medusa averted her eyes guiltily.


    ¡°Whoever made this would cry seeing how you treat it.¡° She picked it up and leaned it upright against the wall.


    Medusa stared at the horribly awry looking work of art and sighed. She hadn¡¯t looked at this atrocity in a long, long time. It brought back painful memories.


    ¡°There should at least be some bedding. If you sleep like this it¡¯s no wonder your chiton got torn so much.¡± The girl was not done scolding her yet. ¡°I didn¡¯t think that you would be such a slob Medusa-¡±


    ¡°Careful.¡± In a moment the human was grabbed by the arms and pushed against a wall. ¡°This is my lair you intruded upon. You think yourself immune to my wrath, yet nothing is further from the truth. Do not grow too bold for your own good.¡± Her monstrous glare could penetrate even a blind woman¡¯s senses.


    ¡°You allowed me inside.¡± Eugenia responded without any fear. ¡°If my words can incite your rage then you must understand that they hold truth.¡±


    The small woman was pushed against a wall in the dark, but she might as well have been standing freely and proudly before her in Helios'' light. Eugenia was typically reasonable and tried to conform the Medusa¡¯s wishes, but this time she did not budge. Her face told the Gorgon that she would not be threatened by her.


    ¡°So be it.¡± She let her go with a disgruntled expression. ¡°Your standards do not apply to me however, remember that.¡±


    Eugenia rubbed her wrists where she had been forcefully grabbed and seemed to contemplate something.


    ¡°I have decided. This place needs a complete makeover.¡±


    ¡°I feared you would say that.¡± The Gorgon put a hand over her face.


    ¡°This is your home, so you should help me.¡± She smiled expectantly.


    <hr>


    It took almost the entire day, but they had eventually cleared out all the cluttered garbage and useless collections. The amphorae were washed out and then filled with fresh water. The vermin nests were burned outside and Eugenia did her best to clean the dried remains afterwards. The painting was hung up on the wall with a nail from the material chest Zosimos had given her.


    After everything was cleared they placed a bunch of woolen blankets and animal skins across the ground to make the place more comfortable. They did not hang up any torches as neither of them needed light. The only things that were kept from before were the chest filled with good wine and some of the more unique trinkets Medusa had kept.


    ¡°This is much better.¡± The former priestess knelt down in a very prayer like pose. ¡°I am glad I managed to scrub off the blood.¡± It had created a disconcerting smell, the dried blood on the ground and walls. ¡°Did it not bother you at all?¡±


    ¡°It was my own.¡± Medusa shrugged.


    ¡°¡­how did that happen?¡± She asked disturbed.


    ¡°None of your concern.¡±


    Flat denial.


    ¡°It must have kept the animals away at least.¡± She guessed.


    ¡°Most dare not close in on me by principle. Only humans are misguided enough to try.¡± She smirked.


    ¡°So soft.¡± Eugenia ignored her completely and laid down on the coats.


    ¡°Hey.¡± The Gorgon¡¯s eye twitched at this display of relaxation. ¡°I said you cannot spend the night here.¡±


    ¡°I will be out before the sun sets.¡± The girl muttered and then leaned sideways on her arm, promptly drifting to sleep.


    ¡®She is definitely going to stay.¡¯ Medusa thought to herself in exasperation. This willfulness was pushing her patience.


    Her tail curled up and she sat down gracefully, leaning her face on one hand. Her lair was barely recognizable anymore. It was like a storm had come through and rearranged it. Was it uncomfortable? Not entirely so. Whether she slept on a warm stone floor or animal skins mattered little. The ambience however was all wrong.


    What had once been a comfortable cluttered mess of memories and natural chaos had now been usurped by order. This was not the home of a monster anymore, but felt rather¡­ human.


    She glared at the painting on the wall and wondered what they were doing right now. And what would they say if they knew how this place looked now? She had always fought with Stheno over how to decorate the lair. As the oldest sister, Medusa had always managed to get her will. Stheno would surely laugh to see how easily Medusa had been pushed over now.


    ¡°Aggravating.¡± She clicked her tongue and decided to push the human out of her lair anyway. There were limits to how much she could get away with.


    When she rolled Eugenia over her eyes fell on something in the girl¡¯s hands. It was a paper thin slice of wood that had been tempered with. It was clearly worn from being opened and refolded countless times. The patterns cut into it were all too recognizable.


    Medusa felt her heart skip a beat in surprise.


    She hesitantly bend over and grabbed it out of the girl¡¯s hand. Unfolding the thing revealed the beautiful wing like pattern cut into it. She had almost forgotten about it. This thing had been in her lair this entire time. Eugenia must have picked it up during the clean-up, but didn¡¯t mention it.


    Medusa felt ashamed. This feeling went deep. The girl had found out about her weakness, how she had kept that memento despite her big show of destroying the others. Yet Eugenia had not spoken a word of mockery or indignation.


    That feeling of dread returned. Something foreign was clinging to her and she did not want to confront it. She really did feel threatened. Something about Eugenia was making her uneasy. How could that be? What did she have to do to understand this fear?


    With a fuzzy head she ascended the steps and left the girl behind to sleep on her own. Medusa took in the evening air and calmed herself. If it was this painful to be around the girl she might have been in trouble.


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    <hr>


    ¡°I said I am sorry for falling asleep.¡± Eugenia bowed her head and apologized for the umpteenth time since the sun had risen.


    ¡°And in return I declared that I was not angered.¡± The Gorgon crossed her arms and started to feel said anger grow.


    ¡°That can¡¯t be true. Why did you leave then?¡±


    ¡°Because I needed fresh air.¡± She twisted her nose up to make clear that the topic was finished.


    ¡°But-¡°


    ¡°Not another word of this or I will throw your food into Poseidon¡¯s kingdom.¡±


    Eugenia immediately shut up with great fervor. Her lips might as well have been sewed shut.


    ¡°Wonderful. Some well-earned silence.¡± She said with an evil smirk and ran her finger across the girl¡¯s neck. She shivered in response, but did not make any noise. ¡°If only you were always so obedient.¡± She stopped circling Eugenia and let her go. ¡°Now go about your merry way, so I can think.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± The girl stepped back and turned her ear towards the Gorgon.


    ¡°¡­you can talk.¡± She said with a sardonic expression.


    ¡°Jerk.¡± Was all she said before walking off.


    Now that was more like it. The more spite she received the more Medusa felt at ease. What an odd thing to desire. Then again, she had kept up her dismay for the gods for centuries. Was it not the most relatable feeling she could know?


    Now that the human had been kicked out of her lair she could return with her heart at ease, but there was a lingering scent. Her nose was just far too good. Not good enough to tell what exactly this smell was though. After taking it in for a while she came to the conclusion that it must have been from Eugenia. If she mentioned it next time, what kind of adorable excuse would she make? She would most certainly blush and say that she bathed beforehand.


    ¡°Indeed?¡± She saw her distorted reflection in the water from the cave that had been connected to the lair. The fondness on her face was¡­ nauseating.


    To disperse that feeling she decided to leave the lair again. Getting away from that scent and those thoughts would be best.


    Outside she was overlooking the ruined temple to look for any abnormalities. It was still destroyed beyond salvation, but she knew that the garden had been surrounded by a fence and the camp in the center had received a makeover with rebuilt stone walls. Right beside it was the pile of chests and boxes that belonged to Eugenia.


    Her nose picked up something new. This time it was not tinged in human scent, but something much sweeter. She slithered towards the chests and noticed that one had its lid slightly ajar. With curiosity she pulled it open and saw earthen jars. They appeared not unusual, but the smell coming from them was intoxicating.


    ¡°Do you want some honey?¡± Eugenia asked while poking her head out of the tent. She was licking her lips, revealing that she had been eating something herself.


    ¡°Honey?¡± She raised a brow.


    ¡°Have you never had it before?¡± She seemed genuinely shocked.


    ¡°Of course I tasted honey.¡± She squinted. ¡°Are you telling me that you humans break it apart into such tiny containers?¡±


    ¡°If you put it all into one large urn it will clot together.¡± The blind girl stepped to her side and opened one of them.


    ¡°What manner of trick is this?¡± Medusa inspected the honey dubiously. ¡°Where are the honeycombs?¡±


    ¡°Combs? We extract the honey from those. It¡¯s much tastier that way.¡± She explained and then raised a brow. ¡°Did you¡­ eat them whole?¡±


    Medusa stared at the thick golden liquid with wonder. She also felt dismay for the insinuation that she had been acting barbaric. Without replying she dipped her finger into the honey and put it to her mouth.


    ¡°Sweet.¡± She said and turned her frown upside down.


    ¡°I love honey. Some people coat their meat in it, but I believe it tastes best on apples and peaches.¡±


    ¡°Peaches?¡±


    ¡°Ah, it is a fruit from Persia. It is very expensive and rare.¡± She held up her finger delightedly.


    ¡°Such decadence.¡± She smirked.


    ¡°Honey dipped fruits and musical accompaniment are very high class. I only experienced it once at a symposium. Lady Akacia told us not to speak and just listen.¡± She reminisced nostalgically.


    ¡°I suppose good wine is a must as well?¡±


    ¡°N-not that I would have tried any.¡± She retorted flustered.


    ¡°Oh? So this ¡®symposium¡¯ is where you developed your rejection of the grape blood.¡± She could read the girl like a book. ¡°In what manner did you embarrass yourself?¡±


    ¡°Who said anything- I didn''t- well, you can''t know¡­¡± She fidgeted about, but Medusa¡¯s even gaze did not let up. ¡°It is not something I want to recall.¡± She admitted.


    ¡°For occupying my lair you may repay me now by telling that story.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want more honey instead?¡± She asked hopefully.


    ¡°I will partake in both.¡± She grabbed the jar and settled down.


    ¡°You are a monster.¡± She said with resignation and began her tale.


    An hour later Medusa had finished her second jar of honey and was chuckling like a tipsy drunk. Eugenia had finished her story and was pouting in the corner, but the Gorgon was not holding back.


    ¡°Did that man ever find you to reclaim his necklace?¡±


    ¡°I don''t think so.¡± She replied curtly.


    ¡°And that fellow priestess of yours, did she ever forgive you?¡± She could barely contain her laughter when she saw Eugenia¡¯s expression. ¡°You truly are a menace when Dionysus touches your lips!¡±


    ¡°I know my faults, so I won¡¯t drink anymore.¡± She pushed her face against her knees.


    ¡°Twas a memorable night, so you shan¡¯t be too upset. Better so than to be bored among sermonizing old dotards.¡±


    ¡°I think you don¡¯t understand how special symposiums are. Typically they are meant for men, but sometimes women are allowed to join. I made a fool of myself and Lady Akacia spewed fire.¡± Due to her damaged memory she was not quite sure whether that part was imagined or real. She would not put it past the grand priestess though.


    ¡°Is it not just feasting and merrymaking? I hear humans are slaves to such festivities.¡± The Gorgon licked her fingers and set aside the empty jar.


    ¡°It is so much more! Beautiful music is played the entire time and poets will recite their best works for everyone to hear. Lord Apollo himself is said to visit such occasions sometimes.¡±


    ¡°He did always have a weakness for sultry voices.¡± Medusa smiled contently and closed her eyes. ¡°What manner of music is popular with humans in this era I wonder?¡±


    ¡°¡­if you want...¡±


    ¡°Raise your voice. Not all share your gifted ears.¡± Medusa shook her head softly at her shy approach.


    ¡°D-do you want me to play you a melody?¡± Eugenia pressed out.


    ¡°Ah. I do recall that you made a bold claim some time ago.¡± She smirked. ¡°I have no harp in my possession, so unless you wish to sing for me¡­¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be a problem! I have a lyre.¡± She was all energized now. This ¨¦lan belied her embarrassment from before and she was swiftly digging through her luggage.


    ¡°Is there anything this merchant did not gift you? I must wonder how your boat even made it across the ocean.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t from Zosimos. I received it as a gift from someone else- Ah, there it is.¡± She held on to the lyre and walked out of the tent.


    ¡°Hm?¡± Medusa stared at the finely crafted gold coated lyre. It was a masterpiece, anyone could have told just at a single glance. Whoever gave presents like this was either unfathomably rich or a skilled craftsman.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t played in a while, but it should still be tuned. I didn¡¯t ever have to tune it actually.¡± She fumbled around with the strings and licked her lips nervously.


    Medusa felt something unusual from that instrument, she was certain of it. It was a presence barely at the edge of her recognition, but it was there nonetheless. Leering, hiding, waiting patiently. It triggered the same instincts in her that alarmed her of intruders to the island.


    ¡°What should I play? Zeus¡¯ Confrontation? The ploy for Troy?¡± She muttered and then pushed her hands across the strings. It released a note so sweet that it barely resembled the tone of a lyre.


    ¡°Eugenia, who gave that to you?¡± Medusa asked with sharp eyes.


    ¡°Eh?¡± The girl was caught off guard. It was rare for Medusa to address her by name.


    ¡°Nevermind. Show me that unrivaled skill of yours.¡± She said calmly, but made a hand sign that told the girl she should be attentive.


    ¡°I never said it was unrivaled.¡± She whispered and then sat down on a piece of debris next to the tree that had grown into the ruins. ¡°Here goes. This piece was dedicated to Atalanta, the great huntress of Artemis.¡±


    Her filigree fingers strummed the lyre once and then began to softly pull them in rhythm. At first the melody seemed simple and natural, perhaps comparable to the chirping of birds. Eventually it started to seep into the essence of the soil and the trees. Each note seemed to sink into the listener¡¯s mind and become an image of nature.


    ¡°Atalanta swift and strong,


    Raced suitors from kingdoms far,


    Warriors covered in many a scar,


    And always won.¡±


    Eugenia raised her voice to recite a poem that was sibling to the melody. Words spoken purely to enhance the tune, not to drown it out. She had claimed that she could not sing, but her voice played well with the melody.


    As the lyre softened the air and the atmosphere turned thick as the honey they had licked off their dry lips, the world seemed to become blurry. Medusa¡¯s eyes were indeed tied to those lovely lips that spoke beautiful words to the tune. Every note was increasing the allure and she soon found herself rising up.


    Eugenia heard her movements, but did not stop playing. Instead she also rose and walked from side to side.


    Medusa¡¯s tail turned into human legs and she began to circle the girl in dreamlike motions.


    ¡°Whoever could best


    The daughter of Artemis?


    There came a man by Aphrodite blessed,


    Witty Hippomenes.¡±


    The verses left her lips in trance and they closed in on each other in their subconscious dance. The music played in its own world and sucked them in to leave theirs behind. The sun rippled through the leaves off the tree, which seemed to dance along with them.


    Eugenia¡¯s fingers moved so swiftly that they seemed to be leaving her behind, but at the same time the tune carried a heavy melancholy note. Slow, yet fast. It resonated deeply with the Gorgon and former priestess alike. Music forged a bond between their hearts and they lost their senses soon.


    ¡°Hippomenes threw,


    Golden apples three,


    And as Aphrodite knew,


    Atalanta tasted defeat.¡±


    The words left Eugenia¡¯s luscious lips and created ripples in the softened air. There seemed to be a spark as Medusa touched her from behind and laid her arms around her. They danced together in a rhythmic swing.


    The islands animals had gathered around them and watched intently. Hares and crickets hopped in tune and birds chirped in the tree¡¯s crown. It was a surreal moment.


    ¡°Do not stop playing.¡± Medusa urged the girl sweetly. Her mouth was directly at her ear.


    Goosebumps ran down the girl¡¯s neck and arms and she continued to play passionately in a dazed state. No matter how dry her throat became from passion, she still finished the verse.


    ¡°Their marriage divine,


    Led to happiness in time,


    Yet thanks to their defiance,


    Both of them became lions.¡±


    The tale had been told and thus the melody would find its end alongside it, yet her hands would not stop. More, she wanted to enjoy this moment more! To revel in this beautiful state forever would have been too short. Medusa¡¯s chest pressed against her back and her arms wrapped around her so tightly, this was bliss. Her inhibitions seemed to fade and she only lived for the moment.


    Everyone watched their intimate dance, the animals, the plants and one more.


    ¡°I knew it.¡±


    In a moment the music was cut off as Medusa had tightly grabbed Eugenia¡¯s wrist. The lyre¡¯s sweet seduction ended and left the flames of passion doused entirely. The musician¡¯s drunken mind sobered up and the audience of animals dispersed.


    Eugenia gave in to the confusion in her heart and allowed Medusa to take the lyre out of her hands. She stumbled backwards and was caught carefully.


    ¡°We have an interloper.¡± Medusa stared at the lyre and grabbed it tightly, creating a dissonant tone. ¡°How did you get your hands on a Satyr¡¯s lyre?¡±


    ¡°It was a present¡­ from Kygnos.¡± She muttered.


    ¡°Preying on the ignorant again, are you Satyr?¡± Medusa forced the presence of the being to the forefront and the Satyr¡¯s goat like eyes were shut tightly in response. He was well aware that one wrong move would get him petrified.


    ¡°Kygnos is here?¡± Eugenia was absolutely lost.


    ¡°That goat put his essence into your little instrument here, so he could spy on us.¡± Medusa explained and made the lyre screech, which seemed to hurt the Satyr too. ¡°The mistake of an overly curious Satyr is to appear where he does not belong. Tying your essence to a tool is foolishness.¡±


    ¡°Kygnos¡­ wished no harm.¡± A pained voice echoed across the temple. The lyre transmitted his voice through vibrations on the strings.


    ¡°Your enchantment had a great effect on this human¡¯s mind. If you deny foul play, you may as well accept your destruction.¡± The Gorgon squeezed the lyre brutally.


    ¡°GYAAH! Please, forgive Kygnos! Kygnos will not use his spell on the marked woman again!¡±


    ¡°I will make certain of that.¡± She unwound the first string.


    ¡°Medusa, please stop!¡± Eugenia grabbed her arm and fruitlessly pulled on it.


    ¡°This creature has dared to invade my island and played you like the lyre you held. Punishment has to be delivered.¡±


    ¡°I understand that he did something wrong, b-but it was not so bad.¡±


    ¡°Listen.¡± Medusa pushed Eugenia away with one hand. ¡°This Satyr has been with you since he gave you this. He saw everything wherever you went. I knew I felt a foreign presence before when you bathed.¡±


    ¡°!¡± Eugenia¡¯s white eyes widened.


    ¡°And this little prank of his went too far. Trying to entice me, that is unforgivable.¡±


    ¡°Kygnos was only interested in your Eros! The true beauty of the Eros you two share has moved Kygnos.¡±


    ¡°What nonsense are you spewing from your lips? Do you consider these your last words?¡± She could not process his meaning right away, but Eugenia once again interfered.


    ¡°Kygnos, you should not spy on people.¡± She said with a hint of red on her cheeks. ¡°And I d-don¡¯t know what you were thinking, but to mess with my mind to make me think¡­ do things I didn¡¯t intend to, is unfair.¡±


    ¡°Kygnos has not inserted verses into your heart, marked woman of the silvery eyes. Kygnos melody plays in the voice of Eros and all who hear his call.¡±


    ¡°Enough prattling. I have no patience for your kind Satyr. If you do not wish to fall victim to my curse, you will best relent your control on this lyre.¡± It was her ultimatum.


    ¡°¡­Kygnos regrets his actions. To taste the sweetest wine and be denied as it drips unto ones tongue is a punishment crueler than death.¡±


    They could hardly follow his self-important claims, but Eugenia seemed to feel pity.


    ¡°Do you promise not to spy on us anymore?¡±


    ¡°Eugenia¡­¡± Medusa squinted, clearly annoyed.


    ¡°Kygnos swears by master Dionysus.¡±


    Even Medusa had to concede when she heard that. It was one thing to call a Satyr a liar, but they had principles too. Dionysus was their one true master and he was not kind to servants who took his name in vain. In other words, there was no oath more binding to a Satyr.


    ¡°Then we can let you go. Please also promise me only to return to the lyre if we call for you.¡±


    Medusa felt as if she had just witnessed an exchange between drunkards and felt an impulse to simply crush the lyre. Yet when she saw the pleading expression of the girl in front of her she could only sigh and hand her the instrument.


    ¡°What manner of foolishness could move you to call for this creature¡¯s presence?¡± She had to ask.


    ¡°Kygnos, can you play a melody on your own?¡±


    ¡°It will be done, marked woman.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great. Just so we are clear, I am no longer marked. Lady Athena is no longer with me... no I am with Medusa now.¡± She said seriously. The lyre stayed quiet, intimidated by the former priestess'' voice. ¡°Now, could you play us another melody? I am thinking of Pan¡¯s Reverie.¡±


    Without a response, the lyre began to play itself! The strings moved and created the tune magically. Satisfied, Eugenia leaned it against the tree. Then she turned towards Medusa and stretched out her hand.


    The Gorgon stared at it as if it was a declaration of war.


    ¡°I would like another dance. This time out of my own free will.¡±


    ¡°What if I decline?¡±


    ¡°Then you admit that a human bested you.¡± She teased with a mischievous expression.


    ¡°Not in this or the next millennium.¡± She took the hand tightly and grinned darkly in return.


    So began their true dance, as equals. It did not resemble their previous entanglement in the slightest. Where Medusa had been careful and tender before, to lure the Satyr into a false sense of security, she now expressed herself as wildly as her nature. Eugenia in contrast revealed that she was far from a good dancer, but had the whimsical drive to match her partner nonetheless.


    As they danced their worries and fatigue away, they seemed to find a risky balance. Eugenia always moved one step behind Medusa, but did not let her escape and Medusa spun away, never once escaping.


    As sweat poured from the girl and fatigue should have caught her, she was nothing but smiles.


    Here, finally, Medusa started to understand.


    The reason she had felt so threatened lied in that loving expression.


    It was not that she had forgotten herself and become weak, but rather, Eugenia had changed. What once had been simple admiration had become something deeper.


    Medusa smiled sadly as their dance continued.


    There was no reason to fear what was to come, but she could not stop the gap that was growing in her soul. Perhaps soon she would return to her old self and forget about this dance, but there was just as much of a chance that it could never be forgotten.


    If the pain was unavoidable, then she would at least enjoy this fleeting melody.


    The Gorgon and the blind woman continued a dance to tie a bond so tightly that it could suffocate.

 Chapter 47: Medusa and the sisters

    ¡°They are growing finely.¡±


    ¡°Medusa.¡± Eugenia turned her ear around as she noticed the Gorgon approach from the fixed entrance to the now open garden. There was a wooden fence erected around it to prevent the hares from eating the vegetables, but they had found gaps countless times before.


    ¡°I have never seen such odd growth.¡± She remarked looking at the green vine like growth with small leaves sprouting from it.


    ¡°The truth is, I don¡¯t know what this is either. Zosimos special seeds come from the far east. They might be a type of cucumber.¡±


    Medusa eyed the green growths which were gaining in length each day. Their shape was not incredibly appealing, but they would feed humans and animals well for their quantity.


    ¡°Do they taste well?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, mostly watery. I once ate one that was very sour.¡± She recollected lazily as she combed the earth. She was kneeling in the garden to uproot weeds that had already began to grow.


    Medusa made a note in her mind not to slip one of those from the garden. When eating was pure pleasure, one had every right to be picky.


    ¡°I wish we could grow an olive tree around here.¡± She put her chin into her hands and sighed sweetly.


    ¡°That woman¡¯s trees were all destroyed.¡± Medusa said with satisfaction.


    ¡°Did you fell them all?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Eugenia sighed again.


    ¡°Do you not have more than enough in your rations?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t preserve them for long, so I had to eat most of them already.¡± She replied listlessly.


    Medusa squinted and crossed her arms. The girl had been acting absentminded and odd for a while now. It was like she always had something on her mind, but was too wrought by melancholy to go past it.


    ¡°If you take issue with my actions you should not have returned.¡± She said mockingly.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand how other people feel at all, do you?¡± Eugenia pouted. ¡°Stheno was right about you¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°What did you just-?¡±


    ¡°I forgot to take care of the laundry!¡± She suddenly exclaimed and rushed off.


    ¡°You forgot one piece right here.¡± Medusa said in a deep voice and tugged on her own chiton.


    Eugenia anxiously stopped in her tracks and slowly turned back. The nervousness was written all over her face, but she forced some countenance into her steps. She slowly returned and moved her head left and right as if to avoid Medusa¡¯s gaze. She stopped in front of the Gorgon to receive the clothes, but¡­


    ¡°Did I ever mention my sister¡¯s name to you?¡± Medusa whispered as her tail already wrapped around Eugenia¡¯s back, completely cutting off her escape route.


    ¡°S-surely when you talked to Hermes.¡± Eugenia said with sweat running down her face.


    ¡°Oh? That might well be.¡± Her memory was perfect so she knew exactly what had been said and what hadn¡¯t. ¡°But we never spoke of what they thought of me.¡±


    ¡°I w-was just assuming-¡°


    ¡°Where and when?¡± Medusa¡¯s face was so close that Eugenia could feel her breath on her skin.


    ¡°Before I came here.¡± She admitted shivering like a hare in a sling trap.


    ¡°How odd that you did not deign to mention that in your stories.¡± The Gorgon¡¯s perceptive nature was terrifying.


    ¡°I promised not to tell you.¡±


    ¡°Haha. You will tell me everything.¡± It was not a request, but an order. ¡°The laundry can wait.¡±


    <hr>


    Some time ago on the endless sea.


    After confronting Athena, Eugenia was miraculously allowed to continue her journey. The boat kept moving through the waves, guided by a strong wind in its sails. Eventually that wind took form and sat atop the mast.


    ¡°You seem to be in ill spirits. After you finally obtained your freedom and stood your ground so valiantly.¡± The ever present and clever Hermes had been with her the entire time, albeit hidden in the breeze. He must have watched her exchange with Athena.


    Eugenia leaned on the side of the boat with a horrible expression.


    ¡°Do you regret it?¡± He asked softly.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She said as she wiped a single tear and sniffed.


    ¡°Do you feel relieved?¡±


    ¡°¡­yes.¡± She nodded.


    ¡°Then henceforward you shan¡¯t think of your grief and only focus on that small gladness you have earned. That is how a hero continues on in the most perilous journey.¡± He appeared right beside her and let his legs dangle over the side of the boat.


    ¡°I am no hero.¡± She said with a sunken face.


    ¡°Do you remember what I told you on that lovely island?¡±


    Eugenia nodded slowly.


    ¡°Sublime as heroes who slay monsters may be, every human is a hero if they fight for a goal. To me your journey to return to the Gorgon is no less impressive than the feats of Heracles.¡± He said poetically.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to cheer me up.¡± She said quietly. His exaggerated words had the opposite effect.


    ¡°Alas, I am not the most capable of companions, but I do love a happy ending.¡± The wind seemed to playfully stroke Eugenia¡¯s hair, like a father¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Why are you still with me? I already did the unforgivable¡­ the gods will hate me now.¡±


    ¡°The gods, the gods, well what gods are those? We are not truly of one mind on anything.¡± Hermes said with a smirk. ¡°My dearest sister has her own ideas and I follow mine. For instance, I am duty bound to finish all my deliveries. Being the poor messenger I was destined to ever stay.¡±


    ¡°You said you would deliver me¡­ didn¡¯t you mean to Lady Athena?¡± Now she was confused.


    ¡°Haha, not at all. My sister could have taken care of such a task herself. Remember, I told you that whether I finish my delivery entirely depends on your choices. And as you chose freedom, I have now a reason to finish my task.¡± He materialized his Caduceus staff and pointed into a specific direction. ¡°There is an island far to the east on which my clients await you. They have asked for an express delivery of one Eugenia of Lamia~¡±


    ¡°Huh? W-who wants to meet me so far away?¡± She was anxious already. ¡°It d-doesn''t matter anyway, I want to meet Medusa again!¡±


    ¡°Yes of course. It would be cruel of me to deny you that sweetest of reunions, yet there is good reason for you to meet these clients first.¡± He said with a witty expression. ¡°They have little time to stay on that island, so time is sparse. Will you accompany me?¡±


    ¡°Why do they want to meet me?¡±


    ¡°Because you have a common acquaintance.¡± He said mysteriously.


    ¡°Just tell me.¡± She said with a dry expression. After all the trials and riddles she was tired of his twisted words.


    ¡°Oh my¡­ They know your friend, the Gorgon.¡± He said with a bemused expression. Humans rarely used that tone with him, not that he minded.


    Eugenia folded her hands and thought about the situation. To return right away was her only desire, but if these mysterious people had something to do with Medusa and could command Hermes to do their bidding, they must have been very influential. Perhaps it was dangerous to ignore them, or worse, they might have been a threat to Medusa.


    ¡°Take me to them.¡± She decided with a heavy heart.


    ¡°It would be my pleasure.¡± He vanished into thin air. Literally.


    It took them a few days to get to the unassuming small island far from any common sea routes. It was sporting two large cliffs and a long and winding crevice between and nearly nothing else. An uninviting place that nobody could live in.


    ¡°We have arrived.¡± Hermes said from atop the sails. He had been mostly silent throughout the journey, allowing Eugenia to work through her inner turmoil. It seemed that he could be tactful after all.


    ¡°What a strange place.¡± Eugenia muttered as she fastened the ropes around a large protruding rock.


    ¡°They will stay here for not much longer. Twas all for the sake of meeting you in a safe place.¡± He explained and then jumped onto the front of the boat. ¡°From here on you will be on your own. Leave the boat watch to me.¡± If he stayed behind the boat would not float away on its own.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you coming with me?¡± She asked suspecting the worst.


    ¡°I have my reasons. There are things that even a poor messenger would prefer to keep to himself.¡± He dodged the question with a twitchy smile.


    So whoever waited here scared even a god. That boded well.


    Eugenia stepped on the shore and hesitantly clutched her clothes in the cutting wind. Her hair fluttered aimlessly as she advanced through the gap and made her way along the crevice. Weird noises seemed to echo all around her and made her wish she could turn back.


    ¡°¡­humaaaannn¡­¡± The word reverberated through the corners of the rocks and made her stiffen up.


    ¡°¡­fooooood¡­.¡± Another deep echo hit her from behind and she scaredly turned around.


    There was nobody there. The voices were just hitting the walls and flying all around. But such scary voices could only come from a true monster! She held on to the rocks and then stepped forward.


    ¡°There you are.¡± Someone said right in front of her face.


    ¡°AAAAAAHHH!¡± Eugenia shouted her lungs out and slapped the monster with all her might.


    <hr>


    ¡°Sorry for scaring you so dearly.¡± The girl with braids so long that she tied them around her waist seemed apologetic. Her face had a rather red imprint of Eugenia¡¯s hand now which took its sweet time to recede. ¡°I am Stheno and this is my sister, Euryale.¡± She introduced herself and the girl next to her cheerfully.


    ¡°Hello.¡± Euryale said in a quiet and emotionless voice. It was hard to get a real picture on her, because she barely even moved a muscle. If Stheno hadn¡¯t introduced her, Eugenia might never even have noticed the other girl existed. The occasional strong gust made the twin sister¡¯s ankle long hair flutter a bit though, so she was at least aware of that.


    ¡°M-my n-name-¡°


    ¡°You¡¯re that human girl, Eugenia.¡± Stheno interrupted her loudly. ¡°We know, we were told a lot about you by that small-minded impotent Hermes.¡±


    Eugenia¡¯s face was a mask. A mask of no emotion whatsoever. If she let up her stiff muscles for even a single moment she might have lost it.


    ¡°Where is that coward anyway? Is running all he is good for?¡± She looked around with big motions, expecting the gods¡¯ messenger to appear.


    ¡°He¡­ stayed on the boa-¡°


    ¡°Ah who cares about him?¡± She clapped her knees and leaned forward to inspect Eugenia closely. ¡°Hey, do you really not see anything?¡±


    ¡°I am blind.¡± She confirmed. But even if she was, she could definitely tell how closely she was being looked at. The hands touching her hair were also pretty hard to ignore!


    ¡°You are scaring her.¡± Euryale suddenly intervened and tripped Stheno¡¯s legs, making her fall flat into the rocks.


    ¡°Oh no!¡± Eugenia gasped, but the energetic girl immediately got up again without showing a hint of pain.


    ¡°What was that for Rya? I did not scare her at all. We are just getting to know each other, right?¡± She was asking Eugenia to support her, but she was way too intense.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind her.¡± Euryale said in her small voice and sat down on a flat rock in the most fragile pose Eugenia had ever sensed. It felt like a single breeze could shatter her like an earthen vase. ¡°Something you want ask?¡±


    Although her tone seemed sleepy and absentminded, Eugenia was far more cautious of the quiet twin. Something about her serene attitude felt very wrong.


    ¡°You two are Medusa¡¯s sisters, is that right?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Dusa is our older sister.¡± Stheno confirmed excitedly. ¡°That means she is talking about us! What did she tell you about me?¡± Already she began her interrogation again. This time both of them seemed to be very interested.


    ¡°Medusa¡­ she never really talked of you. I was there when she received your letter, but she wouldn¡¯t answer my questions.¡± She said apologetically.


    ¡°Ah, that does definitely sound like Dusa. She is such a thick-headed child.¡± The energetic twin sighed loudly. ¡°Can you believe this sister?¡± She put a hand on Euryale¡¯s shoulder, which seemed to magically invert and thus she fell over.


    ¡°Medusa is focused inwardly.¡° Euryale closed her eyes and ignored the painful gasp of her sister who had to get up again.


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    ¡°Sure, sure, but she never pays any attention to how others feel! What a pain she can be. She doesn¡¯t have a sense for the arts either.¡± She crossed her arms and frowned.


    Eugenia listened to their talk, but even if she could not imagine the intensely long separation between the sisters, they were still talking so familiarly of Medusa. As if they had just been together yesterday. What did this mean? Where they just that good at reading their sister or was Medusa simply unchanging? If they returned today, would anything have changed at all?


    ¡°Why did you call me here?¡± She asked with an unknown irritation in her heart.


    ¡°Oh yes, I almost forgot. We wanted to take a look at Medusa¡¯s little human pet-GNHA?!¡± A sandal had lodged itself into Stheno¡¯s bare foot, so she gasped.


    Euryale¡¯s dull eyes managed to pierce right through her sister. The message was unmistakable.


    ¡°W-what I meant is, we wished to know more about Medusa¡¯s new friend. We cannot just let anyone live with her.¡± She turned serious.


    ¡°Then you are testing me?¡± Eugenia asked with a shadow covering her face.


    ¡°Not really, no.¡± Stheno reassured her. ¡°That useless Hermes told us so many stories, so we just got curious. Dusa never answers our letters with anything concrete, so there is nothing we could do, but move you here.¡±


    ¡°...then you should know that because of me Medusa might be in a horrible state. She might even die.¡± Eugenia said with a lowered head.


    The twins exchanged a glance and then heaved a sigh in unison.


    ¡°Dusa is not the type to die from such a pathetic punishment.¡±


    ¡°She will come out as hardheaded as before.¡± Euryale agreed.


    ¡°Then you knew?!¡± She rose up emotionally.


    ¡°Hermes told us. Almost all the gods should know by now, it was a big deal.¡± The louder twin was taken aback by Eugenia¡¯s reaction.


    ¡°Why did you not come to help her then? Are you not as strong as her? You are Gorgons too!¡± Eugenia lashed out, but her expression was just one of torment.


    Stheno looked a bit guilty, but then stood up and pushed the girl down almost gently. She sat right next to her and spoke sympathetically.


    ¡°Defying the gods will never end well. Even if we had the power to go save Dusa, she would never have taken our hands.¡± She explained.


    ¡°That is so wrong¡­¡± Eugenia felt the stress of her confrontation with Athena weigh on her conscience every day. If confronting the gods was so horrible, then why did Medusa defy them in the first place? What was the purpose of all this suffering?


    ¡°We know that she took her punishment with a strong will and has returned to her exile. It might even have chipped her ego a little, but I am absolutely confident she will bounce back.¡± Stheno laid an arm around Eugenia to support her.


    ¡°You speak of her so fondly, but you left her all alone, didn¡¯t you?¡± Eugenia said with unwanted accusation. Her heart seemed to rebel against her mind today.


    ¡°We sure did!¡± Stheno said with a defiant expression and suddenly rose up, turning her back to them. ¡°The likes of the great Stheno cannot be confined to such a painfully boring backwater island!¡± She claimed with crossed arms.


    ¡°Wha-?¡± Eugenia felt her heart rage against such a selfish attitude.


    ¡°It is not that easy.¡± Euryale pointed out. ¡°That day Medusa-¡°


    ¡°It was my choice and I dragged Rya along. I don¡¯t care what Dusa or anyone else thinks of us. This freedom is what we were destined for!¡± Her harsh interruption seemed out of character, but Euryale did not chide her this time and just turned her head away. ¡°We were never cursed to stay, so this was obvious.¡± She said as if to reassure herself.


    The silence between them grew nearly unbearable afterwards.


    ¡°Well, well, ladies, you have a temper worse than Hephaestus¡¯ forge.¡± The jovial tone of a certain messenger interrupted their brooding.


    ¡°So the coward arrives.¡± Stheno turned towards him.


    ¡°Why is it that all of you Gorgon sisters have such sharp tongues? Someone will get themselves cut when involved with you.¡± The god of trade was silver tongued himself, but it was hardly shaped like a sword. ¡°I delivered her here, just as promised. If it was your intention to simply yell at my dear Eugenia you should have said so. This humble messenger would have thought twice about visiting this home then.¡± He leaned against the cliff with a sardonic smile.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t our home. You made us wait much longer than you said!¡± Stheno complained.


    ¡°Alas, that was entirely out of my hands. I told you, Eugenia would take as long as she needed. Perhaps she could have chosen a path that went into the opposite direction entirely. That is why I asked you to move on if you are tired of waiting.¡± He sat down next to Eugenia where Stheno had been just a while ago. He winked towards the former priestess.


    ¡°Unreliable.¡± Euryale spoke up.


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°You believe yourself to be so clever and your smugness is an affront to all the gods. Our divinity is not lesser than yours, yet you show no respect. To make us wait on this gods¡¯ forsaken rock while you enjoyed Athens is shameful.¡± To Eugenia¡¯s shock, the quiet twin could rattle down words quickly and intensely.


    ¡°I apologize if that is what you-¡°


    ¡°You have no decency. To arrive here naked again when we told you to honor the dress code. You have no manners whatsoever, is that it? Even Hephaestus was more of a man. At the very least he threw us out without a belittling smile.¡±


    Hermes retreated with a pale face. Euryale seemed to have just warmed up as she followed him and kept pushing her finger into his chest. They disappeared into the deep cracks of the cliffs and left the other two girls alone.


    ¡°Hahahaha.¡± Stheno suddenly laughed in amusement. ¡°I have not seen her go off on anyone in a while. A wondrous decimation of all foolish people in the world, that is what it is.¡±


    ¡°Does she hate Hermes that much?¡±


    ¡°I do not think she hates him at all. She has very special standards, though.¡± The twin shrugged and then put her hands on her waist. ¡°Sorry for being so mean spirited. Being stuck here has not been enjoyable.¡±


    ¡°You waited this long just to meet me¡­¡±


    ¡°Indeed. We might not get along, but Dusa is still our sister. Knowing who will be spending time with her is a matter of family. From the tall tales that impotent coward told us, you two are quite close. Unbelievable.¡± She said with a raised brow.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Eugenia let her shoulders sink a little. ¡°Medusa did so much for me, but I felt like there was something between us that kept us apart. Right before she carried me away, we agreed on some things¡­ but she might not remember. I might not even be the same person I was back then.¡±


    ¡°Humans are such curious things.¡± Stheno sat down and stretched her legs with a moan. ¡°I am sure Dusa is the same as she was when we left deep down, but there are a few things that shocked me too. Whatever you did to her, she is becoming softer.¡±


    ¡°Softer?¡±


    ¡°Mhm. To a human anyway. She was always quite soft in the head! Can you believe she would always abuse me and my art? She has no sense or rhythm and every time I tried to be nice she just had to act a like a total-¡° She realized she was mouthing off again and cleared her throat. ¡°So looking at you in person, there really isn¡¯t anything special about you, though. Too thin, not beautiful or ugly. Your voice is forgettable and I can¡¯t even tell whether you are emotional or too timid.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Those words had to be digested for a while.


    ¡°Your hair isn¡¯t even half as long as Euryale¡¯s either.¡± She chuckled.


    ¡°Why does my appearance matter so much?¡± She sulked. It¡¯s not like she didn¡¯t know these things already. Since she had seen herself through Athena¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°If her interest isn¡¯t physical then she must see something else in you. Not that I could tell.¡± Stheno smirked.


    ¡°I was her hostage¡­ then her life was in danger, because she had to protect me. La- Athena would have smited her if I didn¡¯t survive.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not how Hermes told it.¡± She said with a questioning gaze. ¡°Clashing like fire and water, yet inseparable as the night and day. That does sound like something Apollo would write. I knew I could not trust that coward¡¯s stories! I pressed them out of him until he squealed, but even with all that pain he still played around.¡± She clicked her tongue.


    ¡°I am back.¡± Euryale returned, pulling Hermes by the ear. The gods¡¯ messenger seemed to be utterly devoid of energy now. She let go of him and then sat down with an even expression.


    ¡°Lady Euryale is as relentless as ever.¡± Hermes sighed. ¡°I am not surprised my brother threw you from Mount Olympus.¡±


    ¡°That was not my fault.¡± Her dull eyes turned sharper. ¡°Stheno simply had to lust after the smith.¡±


    ¡°How is this my fault? I had Aphrodite¡¯s approval!¡± She retorted loudly.


    ¡°Sneaking into his bedstead in his wife¡¯s stead was a foolish idea.¡±


    ¡°W-well, maybe it was your fault after all for making ludicrous demands? We were secret guests!¡±


    ¡°It is Olympus, the least we could ask for was open lodging with a balcony and a golden spring.¡±


    ¡°We were not supposed to be seen! The king doesn''t allow any outsiders, did you forget already?¡±


    The sisters¡¯ argument had just begun and already Eugenia could feel a headache come to her. Was this their daily life? Somehow she understood now how Medusa had become so incredibly stoic.


    ¡°They are quite lively, hm?¡± Hermes whispered to her.


    Eugenia nodded hesitantly.


    ¡°They are traveling the world and bring trouble wherever their steps cross people. Young Stheno will claim it to be for her own satisfaction, to explore the world.¡± He spun around his winged cap on one finger and glanced at Eugenia. ¡°But in my humble opinion they are searching for a home.¡±


    ¡°Home?¡±


    ¡°Yes indeed. A place to call their own, where they may live as carefree as any of us can. That is what they owe to their oldest sister.¡± He acted like he was just making casual conversation, but his insight was quite eye-opening. ¡°Your role in all this is unclear to them. You are an unknown variable in this complex equation.¡±


    ¡°I am not¡­¡± She wanted to say ¡®important¡¯, but then she let his words sink in. The sisters¡¯ breakup had happened long ago and was shrouded in mystery, but despite it all, Medusa still was fond of her distant sisters. She hid behind her stoic mien, but Eugenia knew so. Meanwhile the twins seemed to be unconcerned with Medusa, but they still went out of their way just to investigate Eugenia.


    ¡°They can never return, therefore the new unknowns are out of their reach. Eventually, their part of the equation will become meaningless. With that knowledge ahead, they have no choice but to become what they tell the world.¡± The god of trickery knew all the deceptions of mortals and deities alike. Even those that fooled the self.


    ¡°Have you been badmouthing us behind our backs again, you impotent errand boy?¡± Stheno glared him down all of a sudden.


    ¡°I would never.¡± He denied without a hint of guilt.


    ¡°I-if I may ask¡­why do they call you¡­ that?¡± She blushed a little.


    ¡°Ah. On our first meeting I may have overstayed my welcome and made a few questionable advances.¡± He admitted with the patience of someone who was used to it. ¡°When I made clear that I was merely partaking in friendly banter, they turned on me with scorn. The Erinyes hold weaker grudges than them.¡±


    Eugenia scowled. Medusa had been right after all. Hermes really was unbelievable.


    ¡°The Gorgon¡¯s warnings were ever a companion, so I truly had no lustful intentions. Will you believe me?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Eugenia replied resolutely.


    Hermes seemed to be a little closer to Tartarus all of a sudden.


    <hr>


    Somehow their fight ended at a standstill and they returned to being their normal selves without any trouble. If Eugenia had a fight like that with anyone she may never have been able to approach them again, but clearly these sisters were in a league of their own.


    ¡°Listen here human!¡±


    ¡°Eugenia.¡± Euryale corrected her.


    ¡°There may be little you can do about our stubborn sister¡¯s thick skull. She will never listen or understand anything you wish for unless you tell her directly.¡±


    ¡°I just want to see her again.¡± Eugenia said with a sad expression.


    ¡°Is that really all you want?¡± Euryale¡¯s dull eyes were reflecting the girl¡¯s twisted face.


    ¡°Dusa is a monster, but that¡¯s not all she is. That¡¯s not all she ever was.¡± Stheno said with a glint in her eyes. ¡°Remember that when she becomes stubborn again. There will be a time you will wish to run away, but you cannot! Do you hear me?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t run.¡± Eugenia promised.


    ¡°Be frank with her and do not let her get away with pushing you aside!¡±


    ¡°I will try.¡± She lost some of her confidence already.


    ¡°If she says anything bad about us, lecture her.¡± Euryale added.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°And whatever you do, make sure she never sings.¡± Stheno seemed dead serious.


    ¡°A-alright.¡±


    ¡°Last but not least, you cannot tell Dusa about any of this. Never ever, got it?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because I said so! Don¡¯t test me human.¡± She glared and then turned away. ¡°Hermes.¡± The sisters called him down from the cliff he had been standing on to survey the sea.


    ¡°I listen.¡±


    ¡°One last delivery from us to Dusa. I have no idea where we will go next, maybe we won¡¯t even stay in Greece. So this will be it.¡± She dramatically pointed at Eugenia. ¡°Bring this human girt to Sarpedon safe and sound!¡±


    ¡°But-¡°


    ¡°No backtalk human. This is a matter of family and pride. Leaving this to an impotent runner like him is horrible, I know, but he is your best bet to make it.¡±


    ¡°Take this pittance.¡± Euryale threw a coin at Hermes¡¯ back, who caught it with shocking reflexes.


    ¡°Seeing the end of this tale would have been payment enough.¡± He said with a wide grin and then left for the boat.


    As he was gone the Gorgon sisters spread their large wings, ready to take off themselves. It must have been a beautiful sight and a rare moment where Eugenia wished she could have seen.


    ¡°I am looking forward to hearing great things from these lands! Good luck with Dusa!¡± Stheno drifted away in the wind and was gone in an instant.


    Euryale stayed behind for a moment and closed in on Eugenia, like a hawk did to its prey.


    ¡°Heed my advice: If you wish to get what you want you have to be uncompromising and assertive.¡± Her whispered words became deeply ingrained into Eugenia¡¯s head and before she realized it she was alone.


    A single feather sailed down from the skies and landed in her hair. She picked it up and held it in front of her face thoughtfully.


    <hr>


    Eugenia ended the short retelling of her meeting with the two other Gorgon sisters and inwardly apologized for spilling the truth.


    Medusa didn¡¯t immediately open her mouth. She slowly digested what she had been told while drinking some excellent wine. Whenever she got contemplative she seemed to grab for the grape blood. At this rate she would run out quickly.


    Then she lowered her half-closed eyes from the sky and looked towards the uncomfortable human girl.


    ¡°You are a pushover, huh?¡±


    ¡°Did you really have to say that now?¡± She put her face into her hands.


    ¡°I will remember not to share any secrets with you. Loose lips are an affront to me.¡± She smirked.


    ¡°You forced me.¡± She insisted.


    ¡°Hehe, if that is what you wish to call it.¡± Medusa was not perturbed at all. ¡°Those two are doing well. The god or beast that could get in their way has not been born yet.¡± She chugged the rest of her amphora and sighed in satisfaction.


    ¡°Why did they leave?¡± She asked the same question to the opposite side this time.


    ¡°Because I threw them out. They do not belong here.¡± Medusa said dismissively.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand any of you.¡± She shook her head.


    ¡°This is troubling for me too, if you are not aware. The reason you made it here was due to their support. Even that messenger boy had to meddle.¡± She leaned her head against the tree they were sitting under and closed her eyes. ¡°Nothing but fools around me.¡±


    ¡°Are you, uhm, happy that I came back?¡± Eugenia seemed to have gathered her courage and asked an assertive question. If only she could be as carefree as Bion or as direct as Euryale, she thought.


    ¡°Does it matter? You are here now, irregardless of what I think.¡± She said teasingly.


    ¡°It matters to me. It really¡­¡± She stopped herself and walled up. There was no point in trying to get a straight answer out of the Gorgon. ¡°Stheno really was right.¡±


    ¡°Tis possible.¡± Medusa seemed in a rather good mood and poured herself another cup of wine. The sweet aroma was carried across the yellow grass and towards the former priestess. ¡°I am thankful that you are a pushover. It is better to know that¡­¡± She turned quiet and then simply sipped her wine.


    Eugenia knew what she meant, but could not really focus. The sound of Medusa licking her lips and the constant swirling of wine in the cup really distracted her.


    ¡°You seem enthralled. Do you want to drink some wine?¡± She asked deviously.


    ¡°I don¡¯t!¡±


    ¡°You are no priestess anymore. This is a cursed island far away from anyone who could judge you and it is all the same to me. Is there still a reason to deny the grape blood?¡± She was tempting her with the cup that spread the aroma in the air.


    ¡°¡­¡± The girl¡¯s white eyes darted around and she fidgeted on the spot. The wine smelled really good. Sharing a drink with someone was a strong bonding ritual. If she only took the cup¡­


    ¡°I will allow it only today. Well?¡± She smirked alluringly and held out the cup.


    The blind woman was pushed to the limit of her self-control and finally stretched out her hand.


    But the cup wasn¡¯t there anymore.


    ¡°I never said that you could have my wine.¡± Medusa said with an evil chuckle and downed the entire cup.


    Eugenia was shaking in pure shame and her eyes turned moist.


    ¡°You¡­ jerk!¡±


    ¡°Hahahaha, you are still far too na?ve to measure up to my sisters.¡± She was entertained if nothing else. ¡°They would have taken what they wanted without hesitation.¡±


    ¡°You are cruel.¡± She suppressed her tears and just clamped up.


    ¡°Before you resort to drinking the sailor¡¯s alcohol around the wreckage, do reconsider. It is cheap and vile stuff that will give a lesser being strong headaches.¡± She explained as she rose up and slithered past the ashamed girl. Those words definitely came from experience. There must have been a reason why that wine was still around after all.


    ¡°You have no decent bone in your body, do you?¡± Eugenia complained. This cruel prodding was completely uncalled for. Had she not already been shamed enough?


    ¡°This is my last amphora already it seems.¡± Medusa said to drown out the girl¡¯s complaints. ¡°There won¡¯t be any wine left after this. What a shame. It seems my gracious offer will expire quietly.¡± Her words were pouring copious amounts of salt into an open wound. In her expression one might have been able to tell that she wondered how far she could push.


    ¡°¡­you are no better than a bully. I don¡¯t know why I even tried.¡± Eugenia whispered wearily with her back turned to her.


    Medusa looked ahead with a slightly annoyed expression. ¡°A coward to the end.¡± She muttered. ¡°So you want my wine that badly?¡± She forcefully emptied the contents of the amphora into her mouth.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care anymore.¡± Eugenia responded defiantly and got up. She would go to the garden and ignore Medusa for a while.


    That was when she was grabbed by the shoulder and turned around.


    In the matter of a heartbeat their lips connected tightly. At first Eugenia tensed up, but right away Medusa¡¯s tongue forced her lips open and poured sweet wine into her mouth. They stayed connected until the last drop was exchanged and she had gulped it all down.


    Medusa parted her lips from Eugenia¡¯s and left her completely in stupor.


    The girl touched her lips as if she was completely uncertain that they were part of her own body. She was out of breath and dazed.


    ¡°You¡­ to my mouth¡­ is this¡­?¡± Eugenia stammered.


    ¡°You wished to taste this forbidden flavor, so I gave it to you.¡± The Gorgon said provocatively and licked the last trace of spilt wine from her lips.


    ¡°K-kiss?¡± The girl was beyond forming coherent sentences.


    ¡°Pressing lips together has only as much meaning as you assign to it.¡± She said with a mysterious tone and then dropped the empty amphora onto the ground.


    The sound made Eugenia¡¯s hypersensitive senses jump.


    Without saying another word Medusa left the confused girl behind. Deep down she understood from that reaction that her guess was correct.


    It was troublesome to be so quick on the uptake. It might have been better to stay ignorant a while longer. Yet she would never play the fool. This was the only time she would give her a push forward. It might have been a mistake to go this far.


    A single ray of the sun blinded her for a moment.


    But they had tasted quite sweet.


    She touched her lips tenderly.


    A single assertive action could create the opportunity for lasting change. To tempt fate was to go beyond the status quo. Neither yet knew if they were ready for that battle against fate.

 Chapter 48: Medusa and a secret

    The ruins of the Greenhouse had given way to new life inside the small garden Eugenia had built. At most times of the day it would be covered in thick sunlight and only in the morning and evenings did it provide shade as the sun reached an angle that the broken walls could block out. So when she worked in this small green sanctuary she was sweating a lot and needed breaks.


    Today was an especially hot day for this cursed island, so she felt her skin burning up quickly. Instead of following common sense and taking a rest in the shade, she instead kept working all the more fervently. The heat from the sun chariot in the sky had little chance of competing with the heat in the former priestess¡¯ head.


    Flowers had begun to bloom at the corners of the garden. Although they had no edible components, Eugenia had no intention of ridding herself of them. It may have been straining the soil unduly, but she felt that destroying flowers that smelled so fine was a mistake. If she asked Medusa what color they were she may have had a chance to arrange their growth in aesthetically pleasing patterns.


    She swallowed. Her mouth was so dry. The heat seemed to have little to do with it however, as her dirty fingers kept moving to her lips. She felt dazed rather often these days. When she didn¡¯t keep her hands busy she sometimes caught herself just sitting around listening aimlessly to the island around her. And each undulation or writhing of snake scales made her heart jump.


    Eugenia had returned to this distant island, had settled and found her place, yet¡­ She somehow kept to herself as much as possible. Was this not foolish? There were only so many tasks a day that she could put forth as an excuse. The truth was abundantly clear even to herself.


    Medusa. That incomprehensible woman had attacked her. It was an uncompromising and aggressive move that she could not defend against. A fight so swiftly and resoundingly lost that it made Eugenia feel like one of the mercenaries from the previous expedition.


    ¡°How could you?¡± She asked the flowers with an unsteady posture, squatting on the loose earth. They did not respond. There was no wisdom to be found in plants after all.


    All of the actions she had taken had led her to this point, so she had to reap the results. To live up to the expectations of the people that had pushed her forward she would have to show her true conviction.


    Bion¡¯s lackadaisical tone was circling inside her head. Should she treat this situation as a joke, like he would? Euryale¡¯s final parting words still haunted her as well. To be assertive was the only path ahead of her, was that it? She had already tried her best to be exactly that. Ever since she returned she had taken a lot of liberties and been pressing the Gorgon even when she felt it was going too far. Even Kygnos the Satyr had encouraged her indirectly. His appeal to Eros seemed to be genuine at least.


    The only one who did not support her was her own heart. It was a weak and fragile thing, not worthy of being mentioned. It had hardened when met with adversity and sadness many a time now, but there were blind spots that could not be protected. There was this one thing that had never given her a chance to defend against it.


    Eugenia¡¯s face was flushed. The sun must have taken its toll, surely.


    As the first intelligent action of the day, she finally forced herself up and walked out of the garden. She closed the fence behind her and stepped into the shade. When finding a spot to relax she sensed two hares drinking from the Greenhouse¡¯s gully. Most of those thin water paths had been buried or filled with dirt, but there were still a few in the open. The rainwater from the storms Medusa spoke off was still stagnating inside.


    The lapping sounds additionally to the water trickling down their fur really made the girl realize how thirsty she had become already. Although she would not drink from these gullies she did feel tempted. Instead she decided to return to the camp and drink some of the reservoir¡¯s water.


    If she returned to her tent, would she run into Medusa? She was never quite sure when the Gorgon was up and about. Because she subconsciously avoided her it was getting harder to tell. It made her chest tighten when she thought of how Medusa must have felt in this situation. How cruel was it to just avoid her after they finally could spend time together?


    ¡°Like she cares.¡± She tried to reassure herself by dismissing it altogether. Medusa had never been one to be clingy or starved for attention. Eugenia hated to leave her alone, but she was certain that her non-human life partner had no intention of letting it get to her.


    She pursed her lips as she walked through the ruins, straight for the center close to the main yard. Was it too terribly selfish to feel disappointed that Medusa had not made any attempt to ask for her presence?


    Inside the tent she grabbed her water skin and gulped as much as possible with greedy lips. It seemed that this thirst didn¡¯t wish to be quenched even after she emptied it completely. Time to refill it then. She pushed her head through the tent¡¯s entrance and immediately stopped her movements. Her ears had picked up something.


    Swish¡­ swish¡­ fwip.


    Something was moving through the air in a certain rhythm. Whatever it was hung a good distance above her head. She raised her chin and tried to focus on that swinging sound. It was something on top of the arch of the crumbled gate. The thing was swinging from up there.


    Eugenia quietly walked below it and finally felt its presence right above her. It curled up a little on each rhythmic swing. Left to right. Right to left.


    The girl cupped her chin thoughtfully. There were many options going through her head, but the childish desire won out over all else. She grabbed the tail and pulled on it.


    From above she heard a cute yelp.


    ''Wait, seriously?'' Eugenia felt sweat pouring down her skin and this time it was not from the heat. That sound was definitely not what she had expected.


    ¡°Medusa?¡± She asked carefully as she let go of the rapidly retreating tail. There were not many possible subjects here, but that adorable voice made her take every possible option into account.


    ¡°Are you some manner of forest child that was never taught manners?¡± The annoyed words came from above. She had already pulled up her entire tail and curled it around the structure. ¡°Next time you pull on it I will come down alongside it.¡±


    That would certainly have been a crushing punishment.


    Eugenia smirked wryly as she opened and closed her hand. As expected as Medusa¡¯s reaction was, this should probably not have happened in the first place. The Gorgon was too perceptive and on guard to let someone catch her tail, right?


    ¡°What are you doing up there?¡± She called upwards.


    ¡°Am I now accountable to you? Must I explain myself for every action I take on my island?¡± She snapped back.


    This was more like the Medusa she knew. Always a pleasure to be with. Eugenia felt at ease just hearing all that spiteful commentary. It was a bit strange to hear her so defensive though. She must have been in a bad mood.


    ¡°I am sorry for pulling your tail.¡± She said only half-apologetic.


    ¡°It would be best for you if that were true.¡± She replied quietly and leaned her head on her hand.


    Eugenia put her hands on her waist and whistled once. An aggravated Medusa, a cute yelping Medusa and a mysterious Medusa all in one. This was shaping up to be a new record. When thinking of the situation seriously though, the Gorgon had most likely just been enjoying the view from high up. The twitching of her tail was possibly akin to a human¡¯s humming. Stheno had claimed her singing was atrocious, so humming seemed to be out of the question as well.


    ¡°¡­do you not have to return to your precious garden?¡± The Gorgon asked snippy.


    So her mood really was that bad. It could not have been just because of her tail. It was best not to incite her more.


    ¡°I wanted to refill my water skin.¡± She explained and held up the empty skin as proof.


    ¡°Then go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Is there something wrong?¡± She asked carefully.


    ¡°How would I know?¡± She replied tersely.


    Now Eugenia was lost for words. If she didn¡¯t know any better she would have assumed Medusa was sulking. What reason would she have to do so? No, she might have been looking at it the wrong way. Medusa¡¯s response had given her a hint.


    Nothing was wrong with her, but she seemed uncertain nonetheless. Because she didn¡¯t know if something was wrong¡­


    Eugenia covered her mouth with one hand and averted her face. This was her fault. Medusa was worried for her, but too proud to say anything. It could only have been that. She had to do something about this or the guilt would eat her from the inside out.


    ¡°Do you want to play a game?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    <hr>


    They had settled down on top of the wide steps to the temple where Eugenia had prepared a stone slab of some kind. It was about twice as big as a common meal plate. The gray slab was covered in carved patterns that Medusa could not make much sense of. It resembled that mathematics thing the girl had shown her before. There were even numbers at the corners.


    ¡°Is this more of that gambling pastime?¡± She asked with crossed arms. Although she had agreed to this she still felt like acting displeased. ¡°Have you not learned your lesson last time?¡±


    ¡°No no, this is not related to dice games.¡± She assured her and rummaged through a small chest.


    ¡°Then is it that test of skill? Do you wish to throw this slab?¡± She pulled it up with two fingers as it if weighed nothing. A contest of skill and strength would end much in the same way as the gambling did.


    ¡°These aren¡¯t the Olympics! I don¡¯t think any athlete would throw something uneven and heavy like that.¡± Eugenia seemed bemused by Medusa¡¯s inquiries.


    ¡°Weaklings.¡± She huffed and set the slab back down.


    ¡°I was surprised Zosimos found one of these. They are usually reserved for aristocrats.¡± The young woman took out several stone pieces from the chest and assembled them on the slab. ¡°This is a battlefield for these figurines.¡± She explained.


    ¡°A battle you say?¡± She dubiously eyed the small figurines that had been carved out of different rocks. They ranged from black to white and everything in-between. A few were glittering in a golden sheen and looked quite polished.


    ¡°Yes, a grand battle indeed.¡± Eugenia was getting excited. ¡°Be careful with the pyrite pieces please, they are not very durable.¡±


    ¡°Ho? Are you insinuating I am a barbaric monster that cannot control her strength?¡± Medusa smirked.


    ¡°I only have the one set.¡± Eugenia replied without taking the bait.


    ¡°Very well.¡± She put down the piece she had been spinning on her fingers and set it down on the ¡®battlefield¡¯. ¡°I do not see much valor in these carvings. Whyever would you make battle with a wheel or a staff?¡±


    ¡°They each represent someone.¡± Eugenia finally finished pulling out all the pieces and then spread them on the stone. ¡°This game is a battle of strategy based on the Titanomachy.¡±


    ¡°The war of the gods?¡± Medusa eyed the pieces again. To compare this lackluster display to the great war of gods and titans was a fruitless labor. Yet she did find some understanding for iconography now. ¡°The eagle represents Zeus.¡±


    ¡°It does. These pieces are the Olympians and those are the Titans.¡± She pointed at the two groups. ¡°Each faction has its own advantages and disadvantages, but it is all very well thought out to allow both sides an equal chance at victory.¡± She smiled, fully in her element.


    ¡°A battle of wits then. Would humans really dare to allow the Titans victory in such a battle?¡± Medusa lowered her head to see the pieces opposed to each other on eye level. Her interest had been piqued.


    ¡°It is only a game. We all know who truly won, so the great and mighty Zeus would not be offended.¡± Eugenia laughed nervously. Apparently it was not so widespread after all.


    ¡°Is that so? Then I will take claim to the Titans.¡± She grabbed the pieces represented by the crude rock which were carved in more violent shapes. Flames representing Hyperion and a helmet for Atlas, but none of them as immaculate as the Olympian pieces. After they set up all of the pieces there were still three left over. ¡°The Hecatoncheires I presume.¡± She pointed at the pieces represented by a big hand with many small hands carved into them.


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    ¡°Correct. They are neutral pieces that can be claimed by both sides under certain conditions.¡± Eugenia nodded and put them on the edge of the slab.


    ¡°Why is that? They did assist Zeus in subduing the Titans, traitors that they are.¡± Medusa glared at the figures.


    ¡°Uhm¡­ there are different versions of the tales where I come from. Some say that Briareus sided with Atlas.¡± Eugenia was a little nervous talking about history with someone who had actually learned of it from the people who had made it.


    ¡°They rebelled merely for being imprisoned. They should have known their place.¡± Medusa scoffed.


    ¡°Hahaha¡­ haah¡­¡± Sometimes it was hard being around this monster.


    ¡°I suppose humans will always muddle history to their liking.¡± She leaned back and sighed. ¡°So how do we manage these pieces?¡±


    ¡°The rules are actually quite straightforward! First we have to align our pieces in the way of¡­¡±


    It took Eugenia several hours to explain the rules.


    ¡°¡­and that¡¯s how you play.¡± She finished patiently.


    ¡°I regret asking.¡± Medusa¡¯s eyes seemed to have turned into slits already and she had lost most of her motivation. The snake hair had fallen asleep.


    ¡°Do you need me to repeat anything?¡±


    ¡°By Typhon¡¯s one hundred heads, no!¡± She shook her head vigorously. Her long fingers tapped the Titan pieces and pushed them into position. Her amazing memory helped her still remember the explanations from the very beginning.


    ¡°Great. I haven¡¯t played this game before, so this will be a valuable learning experience for both of us.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of valuables, what am I to win from this?¡±


    ¡°I already told you this isn¡¯t gambling.¡± Eugenia frowned a little.


    ¡°Then you mean to say the victor gains nothing? What is the purpose of such a game?¡± Medusa seemed disappointed.


    ¡°It is supposed to be fun.¡± She replied meekly.


    ¡°If nothing is at stake the enjoyment withers with it.¡± The Gorgon insisted. ¡°Tell me, what do I gain if I win?¡± She leaned forward and smiled predatorily.


    Eugenia opened her mouth slightly, apparently unsure of what to say. Medusa¡¯s piercing gaze entrapped her. As she absentmindedly caressed the pyrite pieces, she eventually closed her mouth and seemed to cease her heart.


    ¡°If you win I will tell you a secret.¡± She replied embarrassedly.


    ¡°That seems of little worth to me. Will this secret be somewhat entertaining at least?¡± Medusa relaxed and slacked back onto her tail.


    ¡°I think you will be surprised.¡± The girl said ominously and tapped the owl piece forward.


    ¡°Hmph. I will not be holding my breath.¡± She closed her eyes for a moment and breathed in to prepare her mind for the battle.


    ¡°¡­what do I get if I win?¡± Eugenia suddenly broke her concentration.


    ¡°Have you grown bolder yet?¡± The Gorgon smirked deviously.


    ¡°If you can gain something it is only fair that I may do the same in return.¡± She said seriously.


    Medusa twisted her lips and the snakes slowly awoke. They coiled around her ears and shoulders as if to spectate on their battle. She put a hand to her side and considered what she could give in case of a loss.


    ¡°Is there something you wish for?¡± She gave up and asked Eugenia directly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if there is anything I won¡¯t get either way.¡± She cupped her chin and thought about it as well.


    ¡°Well well, are we not spoiled?¡± That comment somehow rubbed her the wrong way.


    ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t have something I need.¡± She apologized.


    ¡°That will not do.¡± Now she really was annoyed. ¡°If you are victorious I will allow you to stay in my lair whenever you want.¡± She declared.


    ¡°Ah.¡± The girl looked flustered.


    It was strange that she had never persisted on sleeping in the lair ever since they shared stories and wine. Medusa was paying close attention to her reaction. This probing was giving her ample results.


    ¡°Is it not enough for you, human?¡± She poked again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like it when you call me that. Just use my name.¡± Eugenia rebuked her, but then gave up. ¡°Alright, I think that is a good reward.¡± She did not sound too convinced.


    ¡°Do not expect to receive it after this battle. I will be taking your secret without any trouble.¡± The Gorgon boasted as she grabbed her Atlas piece and moved it forward.


    What followed was indeed a battle of wits. Despite Medusa¡¯s taunting she was actually far from overrunning Eugenia¡¯s forces. As the girl had said, both of them were beginners, but the rules were not as complicated as the long explanation made it seem. There was no human riddle that could make the Gorgon of Sarpedon admit defeat. She was getting more concentrated and serious by the moment.


    Eugenia took her time on each turn and kept licking her dry lips under stress. It was her idea, but she was not at all confident that she could beat Medusa, that the Gorgon could read from her expression. She sometimes cutely gasped or groaned when a piece was cornered and then taken. Medusa started to enjoy this game mostly due to her honest reactions.


    Due to a surprising slip-up however, the Olympians unlocked Tartarus and freed the Hecatoncheires. The hundred armed giants were turning the tides of war rapidly and left Medusa with fewer and fewer stratagems to overturn her opponent¡¯s assaults. Oceanus, that good for nothing, declared his neutrality in the late game and left the Titans'' forces. It was shaping up to end in the same manner the real Titanomachy did.


    That eagle bearing serial cheater at the front lines kept poking everyone with his lightning bolts and the ever methodical book keeper of the Underworld seemed to be everywhere at once. Poseidon had been thrown off the board quite early as Medusa had viciously pushed her forces at him.


    Now she was only two pieces shy of defeat. She showed her fangs and had to slap away the snakes so they would stop trying to eat the figurines. It was stressful. It was vexing. She would not lose to Eugenia. The smugness the girl would display after just one little victory would be unbearable.


    ¡°Am I winning?¡± The girl asked innocently, which brought Medusa¡¯s blood to a boil.


    She had no other options left. It may have been cheating, but she had to keep her pride. She extended her tail backwards and¡­


    RRRUMBLE


    A pillar collapsed behind them and created a cloud of dust. The noise was so loud that neither of them could hear anything for a few moments. Eugenia almost fell off the stairs from surprise. Her heart almost sprang from her chest.


    After the dust had settled and been waved away by the girl¡¯s frantic hands she coughed a few times and then forcefully calmed herself.


    ¡°W-why did it suddenly collapse?¡± She was still out of it.


    ¡°These ruins are unstable, you should be aware by now.¡± Medusa replied dismissively.


    ¡°It feels really dangerous just sitting here now.¡± She stopped her trembling and cramped up.


    ¡°No need to be frightened. I will shield you from the destruction.¡± She said reassuringly.


    ¡°Thank you Medusa. I mean it.¡± She was giving her such a relieved expression that even the Gorgon felt a pang of guilt. ¡°Then I can earn my win with a light heart.¡± She moved her hand towards the rock slab and tried to take the Hestia piece, but it wasn¡¯t there. ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Are you still in shock?¡± Medusa asked naturally.


    ¡°I thought I still had Lady Hestia here¡­¡±


    ¡°Do not feign a failing memory now, you are barely a grown woman yet.¡± Medusa¡¯s tail twitched imperceptibly as she pretended to be clueless.


    ¡°Oh no¡­ this isn¡¯t good.¡± The panic on the girl¡¯s face was of a different nature now. Less life threatening and more crestfallen. ¡°I made the wrong move.¡±


    ¡°Not even the gods can predict every outcome.¡± Medusa was pushing onward without giving any heed to her guilt and forced Atlas to corner Zeus. The Hestia piece sat inconspicuously beside the board.


    A few turns later the battle was decided. After all, Eugenia¡¯s stratagem had failed with just a single missing piece. She had never been too flexible.


    ¡°I lost.¡± She pushed her face against the slab and gave way to the aura of defeat.


    ¡°Was there any doubt?¡± Medusa shrugged haughtily.


    ¡°I failed the gods.¡± Eugenia raised her hands, playfully begging for forgiveness.


    ¡°Atlas will appreciate the load taken from his back.¡± She cackled and then flicked over her own pieces as well. In the end she was not a follower of the Titans either. ¡°I believe you owe me something.¡±


    ¡°Eck.¡± Eugenia seemingly bit her tongue and fidgeted about. ¡°Give me some time to prepare!¡± She shouted and then rushed off.


    ¡°What about your game?¡± She took a few pieces between her fingers and followed the retreating girl with her eyes. Her expression was unreadable. ¡°So it truly is as I thought.¡±


    A game could be as good a cause as any to push someone over the edge. It seemed to be enough for Eugenia. What she was preparing for was hard to say, but what her secret was about, the Gorgon could garner by now.


    She pushed the figures into the chest and closed it tightly. Preparations would serve both of them well, she thought.


    <hr>


    It took a while for them to reconvene. Medusa had made no attempt to pressure the girl, but it was not as if she had been able to think of much else. The preparations on both sides had been completed.


    ¡°Does the sea wish to share in your secret as well?¡± She stood at the edge of the seaside cliff where Eugenia was sitting with her legs dangling over the edge.


    It was a good fishing spot, although the former priestess had done very little of that since her return. Food supplies and the shellfish traps had been serving as a good excuse to spare the fishing rod.


    Now the waves gently crashed against the cliff and gave background noise to their conversation. Whatever Eugenia felt for this spot, it must have been deep.


    ¡°Do you remember the first time we talked here?¡± She asked coyly.


    ¡°Indeed I do. ¡®Twas the first sign of many that you are hopeless.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I didn¡¯t even know you had to use bait to fish.¡± It didn¡¯t seem to bother Eugenia at all. Just like back then, her good-natured attitude allowed her to overcome the trappings that inhibited progress. Not many in her situation would have been so accepting of their mistakes.


    Why could such recent memories feel nostalgic? This was one of the confounding ailments she had received since meeting this girl. Nothing would make sense when she stuck around.


    ¡°If you are going to claim that your lacking fishing skills are your embarrassing secret I will throw you off that cliff.¡±


    ¡°You almost did once before.¡± Eugenia reminded her and kept up her cheerful expression. Threats still had little effect on her. ¡°You always say things you don¡¯t really mean.¡± She added with a more somber tone.


    ¡°You should not test me, lest you wish to compete with the octopi in a diving contest.¡± To imagine Eugenia pulling off the suction cups from her face was secretly bringing Medusa close to laughing out loud. She suppressed it just barely.


    ¡°If I were to be close to drowning, you would pull me back to the surface.¡± She said with conviction.


    ¡°Only if you washed out that faulty mind of yours with the ocean water first. You have a way of surviving impossible situations even without my help however.¡± She added and looked upon the calm sea. Only the distant storm barrier reminded of the dangers that Eugenia had faced.


    ¡°But you were always there with me.¡± The girl claimed with a hand on her heart. ¡°Even when you did not say anything, even when we were half a world apart.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Medusa looked upon the crashing waves with melancholy. She understood and yet did not.


    ¡°When I thought of returning to your side, it filled me with courage. I said things that I could never have said and parted ways with people I never would have met.¡± She spoke honestly and firmly. ¡°I can never pay you back for saving me and being by my side.¡±


    Something inside Medusa was roused and she felt an unusual moment of clarity. It was not that she could never be kind or open with this girl, but she had always put up a tortoise shell around her mind and heart. It was not just around Eugenia either, she had always been like this. Even back then, before the curse¡­


    ¡°That holds true for me as well.¡± She stated and almost could not believe her own voice.


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°While I received my punishment... you were with me as well.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Do not make me repeat it. I have no poetic thoughts to share.¡± Medusa said prickly and glared down the cliff.


    ¡°I am happy that you thought of me.¡± There was no doubt she was deeply moved.


    ¡°Foolish as ever.¡± To be on someone¡¯s mind was nothing to be impressed by, but obviously the human next to her had different ideas.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind being foolish if we can be like this.¡±


    That was so sickeningly sweet that Medusa wished to cover the girl¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°I have a question. Please answer me just as directly as you always do.¡±


    ¡°I was under the impression that I came here to hear your secrets, yet I am the one being skewered?¡± Medusa mocked the entire situation, but the dense air left little room for objection anymore. ¡°State your question.¡±


    ¡°Will you promise me not to laugh?¡± Now she was just dodging the issue. Such evasiveness made it harder on both of them.


    ¡°I make no promises. Though your foolishness rarely leaves me laughing too long.¡± Was that not good enough already?


    ¡°Haah¡­¡± Eugenia exhaled strongly as if she was bursting from stress. ¡°Medusa, do you perhaps¡­ fancy me?¡±


    There it was.


    At least she did not have to laugh.


    In how many ways could someone fancy a person? As a comrade in arms? As an amusing friend? As the closest of family? As the one who stood at the door to the Underworld?


    None of those made much sense. Indeed, the meaning was not hard to discern, but the Gorgon¡¯s mind wished nothing more than to struggle against understanding. All this musing and preparing and struggling had no grander purpose than to face this one moment.


    ¡°Why do you ask such a thing?¡± Medusa replied with a deep sadness.


    Eugenia was still holding a hand on her heart. That rhythmic twitch revealed her increased heartbeat. Her face was going from pale to red cyclically. Nothing was left of the calm and cheerful disposition from before. It was the face of a maiden stricken with a horrible affliction that could not be cured by a physician¡¯s hands.


    ¡°I...¡± She swallowed and closed her white eyes. Pressed them tightly together as any seeing person would. The instincts of the human body were the same no matter who faced this situation. Eugenia was already shy by nature, but now she really pushed herself to the limit.


    What a cruel trick of fate.


    ¡°If you speak those words, be prepared for the consequences.¡± Medusa warned her.


    Eugenia seemed close to the breaking point and that final warning had more weight than she could ever imagine. But once a stone began to roll down a mountain slope, there was no stopping it. The one who had pushed it over the edge had been Medusa herself. She was no King Sisyphus and no manner of curse would keep the rock rolling back uphill.


    ¡°I am afraid. I really don¡¯t know why I feel this way. I never understood my heart.¡± Eugenia admitted, spilling all her doubts to the uncaring sea. ¡°Before it had been empty, almost hollow. My parents and Lady Athena filled the small space it could offer.¡± Her red cheeks gave way to creased brows and a futile wish. Her hair kept swaying in the ocean breeze.


    She would say it.


    Medusa was powerless to stop her.


    ¡°Medusa, my heart is not empty anymore. It is filled to the brim with you.¡±


    The Gorgon¡¯s tail had turned into legs and she too sat down at the edge. It was a gentle wind that passed their bare legs. Too gentle.


    ¡°¡­¡± It was painful.


    ¡°Is this feeling wrong?¡± Eugenia asked helplessly.


    ¡°There is nothing wrong with you. There never was.¡± Medusa said softly as Eugenia shook weakly. With a firm hand she took the girl¡¯s shoulder and pulled her over until her head rested on the rare human lap. It was an intimate and surreal moment.


    ¡°If I am not wrong, then why do you have to be so sad?¡± She asked close to tears.


    ¡°Forgive me Eugenia.¡± Her words had never been this tender. Why did she only allow them in moments like these?


    ¡°Medusa¡­¡±


    ¡°I cannot be loved.¡±


    Words had power. The tender words of apology and the sad words of rejection could change the world. They could cross the oceans, surpass the heavens and subvert the earth.


    They may even reach the single person that they were meant for.


    The stroke of a protective hand through the girl¡¯s hair took away the hurt and pain of the world and only immersed her in the rhythm of a monster that too had once been a woman.


    ¡°I wanted to be with you.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Even though I knew you didn¡¯t feel the same way, I wanted to reach you.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    The words flowed like tears which neither of them could shed.


    ¡°Why does it have to be this way?¡± Eugenia asked with a broken heart.


    ¡°Because that is my curse.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t understand¡­ if you don¡¯t tell me.¡±


    ¡°Will your heart find relief if you knew?¡±


    Eugenia¡¯s pain was not something that could disappear from such a simple action. That was what Medusa honestly believed. Knowing why something could not work would not change the fate that had been tied by the strings.


    ¡°I want to understand you even if it breaks my heart to pieces.¡± Eugenia said with her hand stretched upward to the face she could never see. The fingers were warm compared to the cold and immaculate skin. ¡°Will you not shatter it so completely that I can stop feeling this way?¡±


    She had cheated to reach this conclusion. The Gorgon had used her wiles and trickery to fool a human girl to the point of no return. Was it cowardice that had made her reach for this end?


    ¡°I will tell you the truth.¡±


    Truth was the heaviest burden in the world.


    ¡°I will tell you how the monster was born.¡±


    At the cliff of a broken heart, the Gorgon¡¯s tale unfolded.

 Chapter 49: Medusa and the past

    The world was not always ruled by the Olympian usurpers. At the beginning of everything there were the primordial deities. Beings so vast and mighty that they founded everything with their mere existence. The Titans rebelled against their ancestors and took the world for themselves. They further split again and began a war between the Titans and Olympians, ending with Zeus¡¯ victory over his brethren. As he took the crown of the skies for himself the others followed suit. Three brothers controlling three intrinsic aspects of the world.


    But what happened to those primordial gods that were not slain and imprisoned by the ¡®noble¡¯ new gods?


    Indeed, these days Poseidon is the unchallenged king of the seas, but the other deities did not disappear. They are submerged in the depth and biding their time. Ever resentful of the white stallion galloping across the waves. Oceanus wastes away in his neutrality, but others do not forget. They can never forget what was taken from them.


    Phorcys and Ceto, children of Gaia, the Earth and Pontus, the true sea, were such primordial existences. A god and a goddess without respect for the usurpers. Siblings and partners united by the wish to change the world. Alas, they were powerless.


    In their helpless love they bore dozens of children, many of which are now known as sea monsters. My siblings. My legacy.


    One day I was born in the foam of the ocean and nursed in the deepest coral reefs. I did not have a childhood, for my kind is born complete. My parents were not loving or concerned with their spawn. I was given the name Medusa and then left to fend for myself. However there is no need to pity me, for I was a deity. Divine blood coursed through my veins and the world was mine to explore.


    From the very beginning I had been born prideful and strong. I feared no god or mortal. This arrogance would one day be my downfall.


    I made it my mission to traverse the seas and explore the world, for it was vast and fascinating. Those eras were turbulent and mystical, where gods would freely walk and humans were still too na?ve to understand the laws of the world. Soon they would claim more and more land and erect their villages and cities. As they expanded and started to fall more and more to the will of the gods, they began to give rise to heroes.


    There were wars that changed the borders of the Greek world, there were battles of beasts and monsters that changed the natural balance. Heroes had slain many of Typhon¡¯s spawn and even some of my siblings. No longer did divine origin mean superiority to the creatures born from dirt.


    As for me, I did not care for humans or gods alike. To me they were all the same. My freedom was the only thing I cared about.


    As I traveled without inhibitions or fear, rumors began to spread. Many humans were enchanted by my natural beauty, others were envious of it. There was no end of suitors or attackers. Pathetic as they were, I did not resent them. Those below oneself would always feel strongly about their superiors.


    Yet it did not stop there. I was born as a beauty that may have surpassed any mortal and rivaled Aphrodite herself. I took pride in that fact, even if I curse it now.


    I was courted even by Poseidon himself. He was boorish and possessive, a true man to a fault. He never took no for an answer. I was merely a minor sea deity¡¯s offspring, but I felt no less divine than this lustful god. So I rejected his advances. I denied him over and over again without compromise. He raged, he seethed, he swore vengeance, but I did not budge.


    For my pride would never allow me to mate with the one who usurped my legacy.


    <hr>


    ¡°Even the gods were infatuated with your beauty.¡± Eugenia spoke with reverence.


    ¡°Beauty is not a gift, as I would soon realize. To attract the eyes of all would also draw a baleful gaze.¡± Medusa spoke with melancholy.


    ¡°I think I understand. Lady Aphrodite is beloved for her beauty and life giving nature. There are many records of her envious acts. Was she not jealous of the attention you got?¡± She turned her head on Medusa¡¯s lap to face upwards.


    ¡°Aphrodite never paid me any heed. I cannot say why. Perhaps it was due to my harsh nature. I rejected any suitors, so they would come running to her to mend their broken hearts.¡± She said sardonically.


    ¡°Did you never find love?¡±


    ¡°Love was a foreign concept to me. I was never poisoned by it in my life.¡± Medusa looked at the serene sea. The snakes became uneasy, as they felt her emotions welling up. ¡°If I had been able to understand it, maybe I could have changed fate¡­¡±


    ¡°Medusa, you still-¡°


    ¡°But I cannot be loved.¡±


    Her words were a shield that could not be penetrated.


    ¡°But you already loved the world.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You were curious, you wanted to see everything, know everything. Is that not love?¡±


    ¡°The gaze of the audience can never sway the play.¡±


    ¡°Why do you believe that you cannot join the stage?¡±


    ¡°You would not understand.¡± Her hand grabbed Eugenia¡¯s forehead to push her down as she tried to rise in protest. ¡°My tale is not finished yet.¡±


    <hr>


    As the centuries passed I was tiring of my travels. I met many a god or monster and I had sometimes taken an interest in their affairs. There are many stories I could tell about the confrontations and riddles I encountered, but those tales have lost their meaning a long time ago.


    The path that led to my cursed fate was not obvious at first. I should have seen it coming in retrospect, but I was foolish and young.


    Poseidon came to me in the waves of a raging storm. His eyes filled with lust and anger had been trailing me across the Aegean Sea, yet I had paid them no heed. It had been a century since he had last approached me, so I had confidence that he would leave me be. I was wrong.


    This time he was more persistent. He circled me, showed off his body and loins, attempting to seduce me. I could feel the power of the seas coursing through his very being as the ocean began to create a maelstrom around us. That day I had made my first mistake.


    I had no interest in his advances, there was nothing he could do to sway me. My insolent words drew his ire and he attacked me. For what little I remember I was swallowed by the sea and pushed around relentlessly. If I had not been divine, I may have perished.


    This rage of a god, a thing so vile and primal, had even given me a shred of fear. I hid myself away at the bottom of the ocean and took shelter amongst the animals. His terrible tantrum lasted for three days and nights. Only then his scorn dissipated and he went to rape the nymphs in the southern sea to deal with his urges.


    I resurfaced in the cleared up waters, proud of my ability to outlast the usurper¡¯s childish tantrum. I truly believed that I had won. The satisfaction had eclipsed my fears and given rise to a faulty perception of invincibility. The folly of my actions was lost on me.


    That is where it could have ended. I was more than ready to return to a place for myself. To create a home and end my travels for good. It was a dream that could have led to a better future.


    But fate did not will it so. The Morai were twisting my strings in peculiar ways.


    As I swam across the waters I noticed something. Pieces of wood floating across the crashing waves, remains of a human ship. All around it corpses were floating face down. This destruction was a consequence of Poseidon¡¯s wrath. Death had found them and now they were lost. Even I was aware that humans feared dying at sea the most, as their souls would wander aimlessly. Those men would never be buried in the soil of their homeland.


    Of course I felt no remorse. Back then humans were little more than animals to me. If they fell victim to the conflict of higher beings then that was how it should be. How could a divine being like myself understand mortals?


    My senses were impeccable even then, so I was fully aware of my surroundings. My ears picked up something unusual. Shallow breathing. In all this wreckage and death, there was still the smallest sign of life. One human was clinging to the edge with all their might. I still cannot tell what had come over me at that moment. Curiosity? Pity? It may have been merely the euphoria of triumph.


    I swam towards the large plank of wood at the center of the ship¡¯s remains and found a girl lying on her back. Her body was covered in bruises and blood. Seawater had soaked her torn clothes and even puffed her skin. She was not made for this world much longer. Her eyes were staring emptily at the cleared up sky. Sunlight reflected off her glistening wet skin.


    From that tiny chest, a pathetic heartbeat still fought on. Her throat filled with water gasped for air.


    It would have been a kindness to end her suffering.


    And yet¡­ I did not break her neck. I did not stop her heart. I took the tiny human body and carried it with both hands. What was I to do with this lost soul?


    ¡°Hrrukk¡­¡± She spat water as I held her upside down. There was a flicker of life left in her.


    ¡°What is your name?¡± I asked in a deep voice.


    ¡°¡­Palla¡­¡± The human responded and seemed to fade away.


    ¡°Your life has reached its conclusion. Where shall I bury you?¡±


    ¡°¡­.temple¡­. island¡­.¡± Somehow the girl forced out her last words and lost consciousness.


    What she told me was hard to understand, yet it was even harder to fathom. I did not know any temples. With my wings spread apart I soared into the sky to have a look across the endless waters. There were several islands far away. The ship must have come from one of them. One of them must have had a temple.


    With the girl in one arm I flew forward.


    When I arrived the priestesses were shocked and genuflected in an instance. To see one with such beautiful white wings descend from the sky holding a single girl, it must have been a great miracle to them. I had no interest in their subservient prayers and simply threw the girl to their feet.


    ¡°This human asked to be buried here. Give her the last rites before her soul goes astray.¡±


    The head priestess took the girl in her arms and felt her pulse. She could feel the weak breaths she was still taking. Tears ran down her old face.


    ¡°My poor Palla¡­!¡± She was breaking at the seams and continued shedding tears for the girl.


    To me this was a meaningless delay. Human grief was a sign of weakness. They could not accept fate and always showed such a vulnerability that it made me feel sick.


    ¡°Great goddess¡­. Were there no other survivors?¡± One of the priestesses asked me on her knees.


    ¡°None.¡± I replied stoically.


    ¡°Oh great and wise Athena! Why have you forsaken your humble servants?¡± They burst into tears and lamented their loss.


    Athena, the woman of the owl. I had never met her before, but everyone knew her reputation. She was at the side of Zeus during many a great conflict. I was aware that she was known for her unsurpassed intelligence and grandiose nature.


    These humans seemed to serve her. Their complaints were directed at the wrong deity. Poseidon was the one who had caused them such grief. I had no need to tell them the truth though; it was none of my business.


    ¡°My Palla¡­ Lady Athena, please save this child. I have served you for forty summers as grand priestess. I have raised the children that sing your name in awe. This child too, is one of yours. She was saved from the abyss, so gift her a second chance at life.¡± The oldest priestess had laid the girl down on an altar and prayed fervently with all her emotions laid bare.


    I stood there, watching their struggle indifferently. How could such weak creatures cling to hope under these circumstances? The girl was lost and the gods had little interest in miniscule existences such as these.


    I would be proven wrong. From the statue at the center of the temple a bright glow emanated and silver burst from the marble eyes. A blinding light spread across the island and from its center rose the imposing figure of a woman that held a long spear. Her helmet glowed in pure gold and her face was no different from an immaculate sculpture.


    All the priestesses went to their knees and pressed their heads to the ground before their goddess. Athena nodded at their appropriate reverence and walked between them. None raised their heads even as she passed them by. When she reached the altar she stopped and put her hand on the child¡¯s weakly moving chest.


    ¡°Child of Agrippe, rise up and serve this temple once more.¡± Her booming voice created ripples in the air. Fog from the sea was blown away and a ray of light shone down unto the dying girl. Against the natural course, the child began to cough and shake violently until she opened her eyes. The light falling unto her was reflected from her glowing irises.


    The priestesses gasped, prostrated and sung praises. They had just witnessed a miracle firsthand.


    ¡°Who are you stranger?¡± Athena turned my way and mustered me with her intelligent eyes.


    ¡°The Gorgon, Medusa.¡± I replied unfalteringly with a hand on my waist.


    ¡°A child of the fallen.¡± Athena had apparently heard of me. ¡°Poseidon raged and the ship sank because of him. He lacks control as ever.¡± She was dismissive of her uncle. ¡°Thank you for saving one of my followers. From now on you will be welcome on this island.¡±


    ¡°It was only a whim.¡± I replied disinterested.


    ¡°All too often our whims control the future of this world.¡± Athena replied with a sophisticated smile. Then she tapped her spear on the ground and vanished.


    I could not stand her condescending eyes, but she did not show any animosity, so it was just as well. The women were chattering like ruffled chickens and became quite annoying.


    ¡°Palla! Are you feeling fine?¡± The old woman hugged the girl.


    ¡°Yes, mistress.¡± She confirmed quietly. Her body was still covered in bruises, but she was overflowing with energy. I could tell that her soul had been saved from the brink of death.


    ¡°What is that around your neck?¡± The woman grabbed the string around the girl¡¯s neck. Tied to it was a small seashell.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± She replied honestly.


    With my sharp eyes I could see the shell in full detail even from a distance. It winded a few dozen times and created a beautiful circular pattern. It was also filled with a strange aura.


    ¡°Do not take it off.¡± I commanded the old woman before she could yank it away.


    ¡°W-why?¡±


    ¡°Your goddess left that behind. It must be what binds the girl¡¯s soul to the body.¡± I explained curtly. ¡°If you sever it, she may die on the spot.¡±


    ¡°Thank you again. You are a true savior.¡± The priestess bowed before me.


    It was a bother to be thanked so many times for an action that had not required any effort of me. I was not even sure why I had done it at all.


    ¡°If Lady Athena says you are welcome here, then we will be sure to treat you as an honored guest.¡± The woman rose up and leaned on her cane. ¡°I am Crene of Amantia, the grand priestess of the cult of Athena.¡±


    ¡°Grand priestess?¡± I had heard the term before. The highest individual in a human faith that directly spoke to the gods was usually referred to as such.


    ¡°Indeed. This is the temple of Athena Pallas. We don¡¯t have much to offer, because the latest supply ship got delayed, but you may take whatever you want from the temple.¡±


    I had no reason to refuse. My journey was coming to an end, so there was no goal ahead of me anymore. Back then I was just satisfied to rest and enjoy some simple pleasures.


    I spent a few weeks on the island and partook in their meals and listened to their sermons. They were a bore, but their singing was mildly enjoyable. Humans were too frail to achieve much, yet they revolved their short lives around things that were not even gaining them anything. The idea was too confounding for me.


    I often settled down on a cliff and drank some wine the priestesses prepared for me. The sight was not too bad, but I did feel restless knowing I was in the territory of an Olympian.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you cold?¡± The young girl called out to me. I had heard her sandals long before she arrived.


    ¡°I come from the ocean. It is many times colder than anything on the surface, human.¡± I replied briskly.


    ¡°Reaaally? I don¡¯t remember what it felt like in the water, because everything hurt.¡± She squatted down next to me and looked over the cliff. She seemed to have a minor fear of heights as she kept her distance. ¡°But when I run around naked I always feel cold.¡±


    I glanced at her. She was far livelier than one might have expected from someone who had nearly died a few weeks ago. Her skin was covered in scars and her clothes were modest at best. She must have held a minor role in the temple¡¯s hierarchy. Her short black hair was more boyish than the other priestesses¡¯.


    With a lax motion I laid down on my side and let the ocean breeze brush against my naked body. It did not feel cold in the slightest. My long hair had been moistened by the occasional splash of high waves, so it stuck to my chest and back. I was used to such things from swimming for days of course.


    ¡°Are you a nymph?¡± The girl asked without reservation.


    ¡°I am not. You should be more respectful with your questions human.¡± I replied slightly irritated.


    ¡°Then what are you?¡±


    ¡°A goddess.¡±


    ¡°Huh? But the gods don¡¯t lounge around.¡±


    ¡°Your understanding of the gods is pathetic. What do you even know?¡± I frowned.


    ¡°Crene told me eeeverything about Lady Athena and how she helps humans and is a great person.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± I could not imagine Athena being too fond of such simplified descriptions. I had to remind myself that I was talking to a human child. Less impressive than a bear cub. At least cubs knew to fight for their lives.


    The memory of the girl¡¯s fading eyes clinging to live flashed through my mind and I reconsidered. Some humans did have a survival instinct left in them.


    ¡°She also said you brought me here. I wanted to thank you so much, but¡­ you are kinda scary.¡± She admitted while playing with her thumbs.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Do I terrify you human?¡±


    ¡°No, I think you are very pretty.¡± She smiled brightly. She was missing several teeth. Humans did grow a new row at a certain age as far as I remembered. She really was young. ¡°It was just hard to approach you, because you always glare.¡±


    ¡°I do not.¡±


    ¡°Do too!¡±


    I glared at her and she shrank back.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± She bowed. Her upbringing was shining through. Being trained to respect a goddess must have caused reflexive motions like that.


    ¡°I forgive you. What exactly are you to this temple?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°Me? I¡¯m a handmaid of the grand priestess. She took me in when my mommy died. She is the nicest of all!¡±


    The grand priestess was fairly old for human standards. It could not have been easy taking in a child at that age. I was not quite certain how weak humans really became at that age, but she always looked like she might fall to pieces by the touch of a single breeze. She did have a good taste in wine, though.


    ¡°Why were you on that ship?¡±


    ¡°Ship? Wah! T-the storm was really scary.¡±


    Unsurprisingly talking to a child was a great pain. Not that I was the most patient of deities to begin with.


    ¡°Get a hold of yourself human. Why were you traveling away from the island?¡±


    ¡°I snuck on board so I could see Athens.¡± She revealed.


    ¡°Athens? That village up north?¡±


    ¡°Not a village, a biiiig town! Crene told us it was a lot bigger than the entire island!¡±


    I considered that maybe it had grown since I had seen it a few hundred years ago. When I passed it by it had been no more than a few huts. This island was not particularly big either, though.


    ¡°They have another temple there and there are lots of ships and they make statues out of pure gold-¡°


    ¡°I got the gist of it.¡± I interrupted her before the waterfall of words threatened to drown me. ¡°You wanted to see that town and got yourself nearly thrown into the Underworld. Learn a lesson from this.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Her mood turned blue.


    ¡°Exploring the world is all well, but only travel alone if you have the strength to do so."


    ¡°Are you traveling too?¡±


    ¡°I think I am done with it for a while.¡±


    ¡°Aw, that¡¯s too bad.¡±


    ¡°I do not see how you could judge my actions.¡± I retorted.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t wanna do that! I just felt bad when you said that. Aren¡¯t there more great things to see? Is it because you are a goddess? Can gods see the entire world? Did you ever see a lion?¡±


    ¡°You are entirely too curious for your own good. Your constant questions tire me.¡± I sat up and sighed. Being around this island for much longer would just be irritating.


    ¡°I apologize deeply!¡± She bowed again.


    ¡°Athena saved your life, so she must care about you. If you have complicated questions you should ask her.¡± I suggested only half-seriously.


    ¡°Lady Athena only talks to Crene. I already thanked her every day, but she never answers. It must be because I¡¯m a child. But Crene said that I will be able to talk to her one day if I become a priestess.¡±


    ¡°A priestess? You?¡± I had to snort. This overly energetic servant girl seemed more fit to herd pigs than to make a prayer.


    ¡°I will become one! And if I do, I can go to all the other temples and see the world.¡±


    ¡°If they are all as far off as this one.¡± It was not too farfetched. ¡°Why did you foolish humans decide to build a temple on such a distant island in the first place?¡±


    ¡°This is the greatest temple of Lady Athena. The temple of Athena Pallas!¡±


    ¡°Would the one in the town named after her not be greater?¡±


    ¡°No way. This is the best temple in the world. Every pilgrim comes here on boat to prove they really love the goddess.¡±


    The child¡¯s elaborations were vague, but it did sound like something the Olympians would do. A test of one¡¯s faith by besting the dangerous sea. This Crene woman must have been the most important priestess of the cult then, just as they claimed. From that perspective I had been invited to the most holy of territory. The notion really boosted my ego immensely. The usurpers were my natural enemies, but they did hold power. If I gained their respect that meant I was their equal.


    I had already met most of them, although it rarely turned out as peaceful as it did here. I especially couldn¡¯t stand the three brothers that ruled the world. As long as I avoided Poseidon it would be no trouble to travel the world a bit longer.


    ¡°Goddess?¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t say anything and just looked at sea.¡±


    ¡°I made my choice. My travels will continue until I have seen all these great temples. They intrigue me.¡± And if I managed to enter them all that would be the same as asserting my freedom from all the gods¡¯ power. These were their strongest bastions of faith.


    ¡°That¡¯s amaaaazing!¡± The girl cheered. ¡°Will you come back and tell me about all of them? I really wanna know what they¡¯re like!¡±


    ¡°Did you not say you would visit all the temples yourself?¡±


    ¡°Only the ones of Lady Athena. I can¡¯t go to a temple of Artemis or Zeus.¡± She shook her head like a dog. The rules of the gods were nothing compared the constricting rules of humans. ¡°Will you come back?¡± She asked again.


    ¡°I will think about it.¡± I replied evasively.


    ¡°Hurrah!¡± But the girl showed genuine happiness from such a small concession. ¡°Praise Lady Athena! Praise the naked goddess!¡±


    ¡°Medusa.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°My name is Medusa. Remember it, human.¡±


    ¡°Medusa¡­ Medusa. Medusa!¡± She repeated it to memorize it quickly.


    ¡°Should I ever return, you would do well to save me some good wine.¡± I said selfishly and stretched my limbs. I swiped back my long hair and prepared to jump into the cold depth.


    ¡°I will ask Crene to lock some away for you! Please come back soon! Sarpedon will always be here for you!¡± She kept waving and shouting as I already slid into the ocean.


    <hr>


    Eugenia lied still with her eyes closed and a complex expression on her face.


    ¡°That can¡¯t be.¡± She muttered. ¡°This temple¡­ was the central temple of Athena?¡±


    ¡°It was, long ago.¡± Medusa confirmed.


    ¡°But I never heard of it. We weren¡¯t taught about any other important temple than the great temple in Athens. I don¡¯t think even Lady Akacia knew of this.¡±


    ¡°This part of history was erased.¡± Medusa said darkly.


    ¡°Erased? Why?!¡±


    Medusa did not reply.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe Sarpedon was so¡­ that this place was so important for Lady Athena once.¡± She put an arm over her face and grimaced. All these things made no sense to her.


    ¡°Some matters will be lost to time, others will be cut out of the body entirely.¡±


    ¡°Medusa, you actually helped humans in the past. Even Lady Athena thanked you. Why did it come to this?¡± She asked weakly.


    ¡°It may not have happened if I stayed away from this island.¡± She said mysteriously.


    ¡°You did return.¡±


    ¡°Ten years later.¡±


    ¡°Ten- ten years?¡± She was shocked. ¡°You made her wait that long?¡±


    ¡°A few years are nothing to me. I had not even intended to come back.¡± She said quietly. ¡°Now I see that this is the natural reaction to have.¡± She smiled faintly.


    <hr>


    Ten years I traveled the Greek world. Even beyond the borders I found many temples of religions not too different from those I knew. Humans had interpreted many events differently with their limited knowledge. I had managed to sneak into most of the great temples and take a good look. A few I ignored, for they were too much trouble. I also skipped the one in Athens as I already had been welcomed into her territory.


    With the confidence of one who had proven herself, I took course for the deep sea in the west. As I swam I eventually felt a familiar current. I had arrived at the waters near Sarpedon. For the first time in years I remembered this place. After a long time traveling I felt the desire to rest, so I surfaced at the beach and walked onto land.


    This time there were far more human present than on my last visit. The skies were clear and ships managed to arrive unharmed, so pilgrims and merchants had arrived aplenty. The priestesses were a busy lot, but when I arrived in the midst of the visitors they called out and acted like they had seen an omen.


    I was quickly received by the ones who remembered me from the past and they prepared a guest room for me. The other outsiders were at first furious for being pushed aside and delayed, but they had little to say after it was revealed I was of divine birth.


    As I sat down inside an open room full of pillows and warming sunlight I heard a gasp behind me.


    ¡°Medusa¡­?¡± A young woman said my name in disbelief and let a plate fall to the floor.


    ¡°Hm?¡± I mustered her from head to toe and tried to recall if we met before. There were many priestesses back then and I had paid little attention to them. It would not have been odd for me not to recognize this woman.


    She looked down on me with shivering legs and arms. From her expression I could tell that it was neither due to fear nor reverence. Those furious brown eyes spoke of nothing but resentment.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± I asked neutrally.


    ¡°How could you?¡± Her shocked expression only confounded me all the more. ¡°You leave for ten years and then forget about me on top of it¡­¡± She grit her teeth and stormed off.


    I made no attempt to follow her, but as she rushed off I caught a glimpse of her tanned skin below the priestess garments. She had some old white scars.


    ¡°The child.¡± I recalled now. Those marks were recognizable enough. My memory was nearly perfect, but naturally one cannot remember someone when they changed so utterly. Ten years were enough for a child to grow into a woman.


    It was leaving me mildly curious why she had lost her composure, but I did not care enough to investigate. Instead I fed on the grapes that had fallen unto the pillows. They tasted sour.


    As I rested in the temple and enjoyed my privileges I was approached by many humans. The priestesses had little control over the place beyond the inner sanctuary and the men who came here to pray and beg had not much to do after their business was taken care of. It was improper to approach a priestess outside of duty, but the same could not be said for me.


    They tried to pull me into conversations that were little more than disguised ways to court me. Long winded tales of their achievements, boring anecdotes about wars and occasionally they even wrestled in front of me to show off their manly strength. It was nearly fascinating how many times a human could ignore rejection and believe themselves above it.


    Soon I had enough of this farce and wrestled the men myself. They were all left with broken bones or other lesser injuries and learned respect. Yet if there is one thing a man was more drawn to than a beautiful woman it was a challenge. In this case they had both in front of them.


    The priestesses attempted to mediate and begged me to dress myself so I would draw less attention and not unduly intoxicate their minds, but I had no need for such human customs. I refused to dress and I equally refused to let myself be courted. In a few days every single man on the island who was able to fight had tried their luck and was hopelessly defeated.


    I had thought that would be the end of it. A foolish notion as I would soon realize.


    ¡°You are causing nothing but unrest.¡± The young woman from the past glared at me from behind a pillar where she had been watching me.


    ¡°It is the folly of your kind that causes conflict here, human.¡± I retorted and bend a piece of armor that one of the men had left behind.


    ¡°Do you believe you can get away with anything just because you are pretty?¡± She hissed.


    ¡°Will you stop me?¡± I replied with an uncaring smile.


    ¡°Lady Athena will hear of this.¡± She said and turned to leave.


    ¡°¡­so you can now speak to her?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± She stopped on her heels and turned back in surprise. ¡°You¡­ you remembered what I said?¡±


    ¡°I never forget anything. Rather I should remind you that you are in front of a goddess.¡± My words were arrogant, certainly, but they had not a hint of deception in them. The truth was nothing to be coy about.


    ¡°You are a child of the fallen gods.¡± She spoke with furrowed brows. But her feet were turned towards me, so she had already stopped her angry steps towards Athena. Just as intended.


    ¡°You were taught well and yet I cannot show much appreciation for such insulting wording.¡± I threw the piece of armor aside and walked towards her in long and threatening strides. ¡°Be a good host and entertain your guest. Running to your mistress to tell on me is a shameful act, is it not?¡±


    ¡°You vile woman.¡± She glared up to me. For someone who was nearly a head shorter she was feisty enough.


    ¡°You did not bring me the wine you promised, which is a far more vile transgression in my eyes.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± She gritted her teeth again, but there was no arguing it. A priestess had to keep her word, even if she made it before becoming one. With a face red in fury she left and returned with an amphora of old wine. She pushed it against my navel and then turned away.


    ¡°Is this the grand priestess¡¯ best drop?¡± I put it to my nose and turned away. It smelled closer to vinegar than wine.


    ¡°This is just some wine that was lying around.¡± The young priestess replied.


    ¡°Then I should talk to her and request something better than her useless servant girl can acquire.¡± I casually threw the amphora away.


    ¡°Crene has passed away two years ago.¡± She said in cold anger.


    ¡°I see. She was an old woman.¡± I was not very surprised.


    ¡°This entire time I waited for you to come back and I kept telling her you would¡­ until the end.¡± Her voice was shakier now, as she tried to suppress her tears.


    ¡°The fault lies not with me. It was your own desire that has misled you for all these years.¡± I said dismissively.


    ¡°I know that myself!¡± She exploded and then rushed off for good this time.


    I settled down on the steps of the temple and stretched lethargically. These illogical human outbursts were not entertaining enough to be paid any mind.


    <hr>


    Before I had noticed several weeks had passed again. It was hard for me to tell the time back then, as a single rest could take many cycles of the sun chariot. It was easy to relax when I was left to myself and the ambience of the temple¡¯s daily life created a bubble around the island. As a matter of principle I preferred some activity over sheer isolation and quiet. Sometimes I heard tales of people climbing mountains or moving into the hearts of deserts to find inner calm and peace. That was no life for the likes of me.


    ¡°Lady Medusa, I have brought you an offering.¡± Several young women approached me and carried many different foods and jewelry to me.


    ¡°Please take mine too!¡±


    ¡°And mine~¡±


    ¡°Hehehe.¡±


    These loudmouthed girls were no better than the shouting men in the mornings. Each of them was trying to garner a blessing or some manner of favor from me and I could see through each and every of their harpy like smiles.


    ¡°These olives are overly ripe.¡± I said loudly so they all could hear. ¡°I only eat those who come from the earliest of harvests.¡± I crushed the olives under my feet and raised my nose in disgust.


    ¡°Of course! We will get whatever you want.¡± They scrambled and rushed to the merchants as quickly as possible. It was a truly pathetic sight.


    After I was left on my own, I rid myself of the olive remains and let the juices drip from my toes. I had regretted this overdramatic acting already.


    ¡°You know that olives are out of season. They will never find fresh ones this time of year.¡± Palla approached me with a disgruntled expression.


    ¡°That was the idea.¡± I smirked.


    ¡°You may not be a proper goddess, but your trials are close enough to the real ones.¡± She picked up the squashed olive remains and wiped the floor with a rag.


    ¡°Still a servant at heart, I see.¡±


    ¡°I am just an acolyte. Barely counts as a priestess.¡± She replied thorny.


    ¡°Your lack of grace announces it on its own.¡± I felt a certain joy from messing with this overeager human.


    ¡°Keep talking all you want. One day I will be the grand priestess and inherit Crene¡¯s legacy.¡± She furiously wiped the floor until it nearly reflected her image.


    It was nearly impressive how determined she sounded. She had been saved by their goddess, yet the other humans still treated her like a servant. Perhaps the grand priestess was the only reason the girl had been treated well. Her legacy did not amount to much if it was held up by this one.


    ¡°How flimsy a human¡¯s desires are. You chase a new dream every other day.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°As a child you said that you would visit all the temples of your goddess, but now you aim to be the grand priestess.¡± I pointed out.


    ¡°I can¡¯t afford to leave the island. I have no valuables to pay for the journey.¡± Palla admitted bitterly.


    ¡°Oh? What do you have to give to get on a ship?¡±


    ¡°Why do you care? Just fly away if you want to leave.¡± She washed the rag in a bucket and wrung it out with force.


    ¡°Your temper may rival Ares¡¯.¡± Her tone started to aggravate my ears. ¡°I have no need to travel again, for I already saw all the great temples.¡±


    ¡°You really went to visit them?!¡± She unintentionally looked up with a glint of curiosity, but hastily returned attention to the bucket.


    ¡°Curious, are you? They were magnificent, but telling you about their splendor would be a wasted effort.¡± I crossed my legs and felt satisfied with myself, no matter how petty I may have appeared.


    ¡°I will get you some good wine this time.¡± Palla said with her back turned to me. ¡°So please¡­ tell me about the world.¡±


    ¡°You believe in second chances?¡±


    ¡°Do you?¡± The young woman stood up and faced me with a serious expression.


    ¡°If the offering is grand enough.¡± I returned her gaze unperturbed.


    Palla left without a word. Some time passed without a hint of the short haired priestess.


    Just when I thought I had rid myself of her however, she returned again and this time the amphora she held seemed far more luxurious. She pushed it against my chest and looked me in the eye.


    ¡°Not bad.¡± I said after tasting the grape blood. ¡°Very well, I have some time to spare. I shall educate you on the great temple of Zeus.¡± My explanations were detailed and quite succinct at the same time. Despite her fiery character, Palla was a good listener too. As I told her of the temple and the people who had visited it I could see that glint again. It was reminiscent of her childhood self from ten years ago.


    It would not be the last time that I taught the young priestess.


    Whenever she had fulfilled her duties and had time she would come to me with another offering and request another story. Those ten years of travel in solitude had me left with much material and the girl was greedy indeed. When I asked her why she was so adamant on learning more, she looked at me as if I was slow in the head.


    ¡°By understanding how the rest of the world treats the gods I can improve the way we interact with Lady Athena. If the pilgrims from distant lands arrive here, I can tell what their home is like and then resolve conflicts better.¡±


    ¡°You have given this some thought. How unexpected.¡± I acted surprised.


    ¡°Why you¡­¡± She glared at me.


    ¡°Becoming a grand priestess seems not worth the effort to me, but you are not much of a dignified figure either. You always appear like a child when I tell you these tales.¡± I mocked her.


    ¡°N-no, I am serious about this! Why must you be so insufferable?¡± She broke the stone tablet she had used to carve some words down and groaned furiously at her mistake.


    While she was busy cleaning up her mess I subtly glanced through the gaps in the pillars and caught a glimpse of white tunics. I had felt the eyes of several people on us for a while now. It was far from the first time. Those humans had been observing from a distance nearly every time Palla came to my room.


    ¡°Are you still cleaning up? Even the blinded Cyclops was not as clumsy as you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. I have had enough of your dagger tongue.¡± She dropped the last pieces of the tablet and turned red in anger again. ¡°You are a condescending harlot!¡± She threw the door open and stomped off.


    This human had a lot of blind courage to insult me to my face. I was up and about to follow her and teach her a lesson. Yet if I let myself be incensed by a mere human it would only have proven that her words could reach me. As prideful as I was, there were things I would not stoop to in defense of it.


    As such I decided to ignore the girl from now on and left the temple to get fresh air.


    Outside I was greeted by a blood red sunset and a couple of women. They were getting up from their animal pelts when they saw me approach and bowed their heads. That was how humans should have treated me. My mood improved considerably.


    As night fell I became restless again. I had calmed myself and already mostly erased the conversation from my mind. Thus a little walk alongside the beach was merely a result of my whims.


    I avoided the campfires outside the temple and passed the tents without being noticed. The sand digging into the gaps between my toes felt cool and pleasurable so I moved through the sand hills with a satisfied expression.


    ¡°Put the cloth in her mouth so she stops screaming.¡±


    The words came from one of the tents at the edge of the wooden pier. It was just far enough away from the rest not to be on the path. Aside from the woman¡¯s voice I could also hear frightened noises from someone else.


    ¡°Look at this pig. Look at her roll around in the dirt!¡±


    ¡°Hahhaha!¡±


    The voices were muffled through the tent walls, but my ears were too good to fail me. I could hear the laughter and vicious voices like the women were standing right next to me.


    ¡°She is always talking to Lady Medusa with that dirty mouth. Now it¡¯s finally stuffed with something dirtier!¡±


    ¡°What makes her so special anyway?¡±


    ¡°Does she pity you, because you are so worthless and dirty?¡±


    ¡°Hmphrgh!¡±


    I stood in the sand and listened. I recognized the muffled screams. The voice of someone I had only talked to just this noon. The conversation the other women had also made it fairly obvious.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be talking to a goddess. You shouldn¡¯t be talking to anyone! You hear me?!¡±


    The sound of a flat hand hitting a face reached my ears.


    ¡°Ow¡­ her face is so hard. This boney whore.¡±


    ¡°You aren¡¯t even a real priestess, yet you take from the gods. Did you have your fill of blessings yet? We will give you something to fill your greedy body.¡±


    ¡°Come in boys.¡±


    The tent was opened for a moment and several heavy boots stepped inside. By the sound of it they must have been bulky sailors.


    ¡°Dis lass, issit?¡± One of them spoke up and breathed in through his fat nose.


    ¡°This servant girl is starved for attention. You are surely kind enough to give it to her?¡± The women cackled.


    ¡°With pleasure.¡± They laughed dirtily as the women left the tent to them.


    ¡°Scrawny scamp, that one.¡±


    ¡°Lookin¡¯ wild, I like it!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not feelin¡¯ good ¡®bout this. Takin¡¯ a priestess is gonna get us in trouble.¡±


    ¡°Why¡¯d ya come here with us if ya¡¯re a fucking weasel coward?!¡± He punched the other sailor.


    ¡°Argh, you don¡¯t hafta hit me!¡±


    ¡°Didnja hear the lady? This ain¡¯t no priestess. She¡¯s just some servant bitch. Nobody¡¯s gonna care if we plow ¡®er.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re sure¡­¡±


    ¡°Mgphrmmm!¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, look at ¡®er! Bitch can barely wait any longer.¡±


    Fabric was ripped and I could tell that they had torn her clothes and exposed her.


    ¡°Titan¡¯s asshole, what¡¯s wrong with this bitch?¡±


    ¡°Dats a lotta scars. Did she plow a shark or what?¡±


    ¡°Cover her up, this is makin¡¯ me limp.¡±


    ¡°Just gotta throw those sacks on her¡­ bettah. Might look like she¡¯s got mauled, but she¡¯s still got the important bits.¡± They laughed darkly again. ¡°Hey, li¡¯l handmaid, got a good grip?¡±


    ¡°Hmmrgh!¡±


    ¡°Stop kickin¡¯ already.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m holdin¡¯ her down, you free her mouth already.¡±


    ¡°Why in the blazes would I do dat?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna wait til you¡¯re done, so this means we can all get some.¡±


    These vile men were not hesitating to do their dirty work. The women must have paid them to do those things to Palla. I connected the pieces quickly. Humans were cruel creatures.


    Zeus may have been a slave to his lust and attacked women regularly, but he never instigated others to do it. As the supreme ruler of the world it was his right to take what he wanted. It was a sign of profound weakness to order rabid dogs to do one¡¯s dirty work instead.


    I felt bile rise in my throat as I heard their barking. Palla was weak and this weakness is what had brought her into this forsaken situation. A single human could never amount to anything without the help of their fellow man or the gods. This conclusion was unavoidable. She had overestimated her influence, overlooked her enemies and reaped what she had sown.


    I walked away from the tent where her cries became more intense as she was ungagged. It was not my duty to interfere with human affairs. Least of all for the sake of an insolent girl like her.


    ¡°Let me gooo! Nooo!¡±


    ¡°Shut yer mouth bitch or I¡¯ll do it for ya.¡±


    ¡°I told ya already, her mouth is mine!¡±


    ¡°Gotta be a virgin, right? Temple¡¯s full of virgins, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeh yeh, she¡¯s a virgin, now hold¡®er down already!¡±


    Their voices turned quieter as I left the tents behind. The moon was covered by clouds, making the night even darker.


    ¡°Why are you doing this?! Let me gooo!¡±


    ¡°Resistin¡¯s just makin¡¯ this bettah for me lass. Now lesse if you¡¯ve got any hair grown there yet.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ touch me¡­ Lady Athena¡­ will smite you!¡±


    ¡°Whose gonna tell ¡®er? Your sisters who sold ya to us? Gahahaha!¡±


    ¡°Hahahah!¡±


    ¡°Heeeeelp! Someone¡­ anyone! HEL-!¡±


    ¡°Whose plowin¡¯ idea was it ta free ¡®er mouth? She¡¯ll wake the entire damned island.¡±


    "She''s got some weird necklace. Is dat a shell?"


    "Just tear it off. Might be worth somethin''-"


    ¡°MMghghrp!¡±


    ¡°ARGH! Bitch bit me!¡±


    ¡°MEDUSA!¡± She cried out into the cold night.


    ¡°Hah? Ya switch from the owl to that pretty woman? Not gonna change anything.¡± He smacked Palla and stepped forward to gag her again.


    Splish.


    ¡°Urgh, don¡¯t tell me she leaked cuz of fear-¡°


    Splash.


    ¡°Where¡¯s all this water comin¡¯ from?¡± The musclebound sailor looked all over the ground. Water was flowing into the tent from the slit in the linen entrance.


    ¡°Shit, is it floodin-¡° He was cut off by a burst of ocean water that completely swept them all away and tore away the tent.


    ¡°Arrrrrgh!¡± They desperately tried to swim against the waves, but where screaming in pain as fish started to bite their flesh off and an octopus covered the group leader¡¯s mouth, suffocating him.


    ¡°GAAH!¡± Another of the attackers was impaled by broken off piece from a ship that had been swept along.


    After a few moments of intense water pressure and bloodthirsty sea life the ocean¡¯s wrath retreated back across the beach. The only thing left behind was a shivering young woman who spat out water and sniffed in fear.


    Palla was tied up at the legs and arms and could not move much, which made her nearly drown in the receding water. Her terrified eyes tried to see something, anything, in this dark night.


    Right in front of her stood the pale sculpture like woman she had called for.


    I looked down without a single drop of water on me and then kicked her over. A sharp piece of wood was lying next to her so she could cut herself free if she tried hard enough.


    A few parasenges away lay the corpses of the mutilated rapists.


    ¡°Med¡­usa¡­?¡±


    I only looked down on her, silently, and then left her behind.


    <hr>


    ¡°You saved her.¡± Eugenia sighed in relief.


    ¡°I did not.¡±


    ¡°But you were a sea goddess. It would be easy to control the water.¡± She insisted. It was obvious to her that Medusa would help.


    ¡°Then let me tell you more clearly. I did not try to save her. The sea reacted to my disgust and spilled it all away.¡±


    ¡°Then your powers work even without your consent?¡±


    Medusa looked to the side without an answer.


    ¡°I think¡­ deep down you wanted to save her. So the sea reacted to your wishes.¡± The blind girl could see things that Medusa could not.


    ¡°I did not save anyone.¡± Medusa repeated heavily. ¡°You will see it my way soon enough.¡±


    The Gorgon¡¯s petrifying eyes could only see the past carved in stone. For it held the truth that created her heart of stone.

 Chapter 50: Medusa and the idol

    It was not long before the actions of the treacherous women were unveiled. Palla went on the offensive the very next day and accused the ones involved in the crime. They had not expected her to return, let alone survive. When the corpses of the sailors were found the priestesses saw little reason to doubt that they had been punished by the gods for their transgressions. The envious orchestrators of the kidnapping had been tied up and put to trial as well.


    ¡°We did nothing wrong! She is the heathen!¡± They protested loudly.


    ¡°To attack a priestess, even if only still an acolyte, is a great crime. To shed blood on this hallowed isle is sacrilege on top of that. Your hired thugs have received their dues, so you will follow in turn.¡± The current head priestess declared with stoic righteousness and spoke the sentence.


    ¡°Y-you can¡¯t do that¡­ that was not what we agreed on!¡± They desperately struggled, but where taken away by the soldiers who were here on pilgrimage.


    ¡°Make certain they never speak again.¡± The head priestess whispered into the ear of the soldier with a glint in her eyes.


    Thus the threat on Palla¡¯s life had been erased. My involvement in this situation was not brought to light and I did not speak up during any of the heated human arguments. They had nothing to do with me. As a guest I had no interest in the internal politics of the owl¡¯s followers.


    Palla did not approach me for a while. I could not rightly tell what was going through her head the few times I caught a glimpse of her in the temple. When she saw or heard me she swiftly turned to evasion. She had never deigned to apologize for her insults or to thank me for saving her, yet I did not care. I had decided to ignore her and so I would.


    Without the occasional lessons I did feel a certain lack of entertainment after a while. That realization itself made me all the more stubborn and so I stayed on Sarpedon to prove that it was not the human girl¡¯s presence that kept me around. It was a twisted stubbornness that possessed me, one which was a common sight during my long life. I thought myself above the Olympians, but I was no less petty.


    One late night I was sick of sleeping on the same pillows each day and left my guest room. I spread my wings and flew up to the temple¡¯s wide rooftop to perch myself up and rest there. It was a nice viewpoint that gave me an intrinsic sense of superiority. A few birds were migrating this time of year and had made a stop at the temple as well, so they bunched up around my large wings as if I was their mother. Animals were typically fond of goddesses.


    As I let my mind drift off I heard the quiet conversations below me.


    ¡°¡­will be replacing you soon if we don¡¯t stop this. She has gotten popular with the others and has been saved by the gods twice. Additionally to the fact that she was found and raised by Grand Priestess Crene. There is no greater proof that she was blessed.¡±


    ¡°You think I don¡¯t know that?¡±


    ¡°During the next summit¡­¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°I am on your side, but the other temples will only see those points and ignore that this servant girl is not meant to lead.¡±


    ¡°They want a puppet, so this is all too convenient for them.¡±


    ¡°Then what will you do? She is clearly protected. Violence will only lead to the same results.¡±


    ¡°The necklace!¡± The older voice was suddenly raised.


    ¡°The seashell she wears? What of it?¡±


    ¡°You were not there on that day. When she was saved by Lady Athena on Crene¡¯s plea the wise and majestic one had put the necklace on her as a protective charm. As long as she wears it she escapes death. Take it away from her¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­and she will die.¡±


    ¡°We must be careful about this. Nobody is allowed to know and not a soul can see us do it.¡±


    ¡°We still have time until the summit. Haste will be our downfall. Instead let us make plans.¡±


    They moved to another room and disappeared from my ears'' range. To the sound of looming winds I closed my eyes and embraced slumber. The ominous talk did barely register in my mind.


    After that night I was not taking any action in particular. At the time it seemed unnecessary to get involved. New visitors had arrived on a ship and took up much of my time. The same occurrences from the previous arrivals seemed to be repeating.


    Men were gathering to woo me and women came to admire me and get blessed. For these foolish humans my beauty and divine status meant that I had gifts to share. No matter how much they complimented me and acted subservient, their intentions could not get past my sharp mind.


    But soon there was another movement. The deeply faithful men that had only come here to take the knee before their goddess could not stand my presence in their sanctified grounds. Often when I wandered the island I received dark glares and growls from the devout. One day when I passed them provocatively one of them finally lost his mind and drew his blade in front of me.


    ¡°You¡¯re strolling on our land as if it were your own. You are no goddess. I will cut you down!¡± He raised his short sword and attacked.


    I did not move, nor did I even honor him with a single glance. As I stood in place and heard the sword be stopped by another blade I disinterestedly combed through my hair.


    ¡°How dare you attack a guest of Lady Athena?¡± One of the men who had fallen to my beauty had blocked the sword swing with a spear. ¡°Medusa is a goddess that has earned this temple¡¯s trust and respect. Your vile nature will not taint her!¡±


    ¡°You were seduced by this vixen. You¡¯re no more than a lapdog!¡±


    They traded blows and the crowd was howling. They raised their fists and fanned the flames between the two men. Swing after swing shook their arms and dealt minor injuries to the other. However, I was not giving them any attention. I was far more interested in the water basins. It would have been nice to take a dip.


    ¡°Stop this madness!¡± Suddenly a short-haired priestess arrived and went between the men. ¡°Has the fog of Ares completely swallowed your vision?!¡± It was Palla and she was clearly distraught.


    ¡°Out of my way child.¡± The back of the sword hit Palla against the cheek and she cried out and fell.


    ¡°You barbarian!¡± This only got his opponent more riled up.


    ¡°I said¡­ stop it!¡± Palla forced herself back on her legs and spread her arms wide to interfere with them again. ¡°Killing each other will not achieve anything! Take better care of the lives that were granted to you!¡±


    ¡°This is a matter of principle¡­¡±


    They were not going to stop even with her in-between them. I ignored the deadly situation entirely.


    ¡°Cease the bloodshed, in the name of our mistress¡± The head priestess shouted and stomped towards the commotion. Seeing Palla in the center made her frown.


    ¡°C¡¯mon Apolonio, let them be.¡± The aggressor¡¯s comrades pulled back the swordsman and wrestled him down.


    ¡°Aegidius.¡± The guardsman put a hand on the spear wielder¡¯s shoulder and he put his weapon down voluntarily.


    ¡°Never cause trouble around here again or you will be punished severely.¡± The head priestess threatened them.


    ¡°I have a clear conscience.¡± Aegidius said with his arms crossed. ¡°This man tried to break the sacred oath of hospitality.¡±


    ¡°Are you some zealous Heranite? Who cares about hospitality? That woman is an abomination against the 12!¡± Apolonio and his comrades barked back at the steadfast warrior.


    ¡°As long as the mistress welcomes her to these lands, we must too. This is her temple, not your barbaric Cretan war ground.¡±


    ¡°What did you say Athenian?!¡±


    Their bickering continued for a while, albeit it would not escalate into physical battle again. Meanwhile I was resting my body in the clear water of the basin and let the small ripples caress my clean skin. Surely an outsider would have put the blame for this conflict on my shoulders, but that was a painfully human viewpoint. I had not given either side my support nor did I care to. Neutrality meant not to acknowledge them at all.


    My half-closed eyes picked up the troubled expression of the young acolyte who had covered her bruised cheek and watched the argument. This fight seemed to have a profound effect on her. To throw oneself between two sharp blades when one had no involvement in the squabble was perhaps a sign just of how desperate a person could become.


    The argument finally stopped when both parties were dragged apart and the priestesses returned to their duties with chagrined expressions.


    ¡°Why would they hate each other so much if they both follow Lady Athena? We are all the same¡­¡± Palla asked with a shadow across her face. She wandered to the servant quarters with a slight limp.


    As I wrung the water from my hair and left the water with a splash, I was approached by the head priestess. I had thought she had already left, but she had clearly waited for me to get out.


    ¡°Lady Medusa, a word, if you will.¡±


    ¡°Speak your words then.¡± I let the water drip from my curves and stretched unperturbed.


    ¡°It is far from my intention to upset you, but your presence does incite the men quite often. I humbly request that you could intervene with their base approach next time you are in the area.¡± She lowered her head subserviently.


    ¡°Why should I do that?¡± I asked with one hand on my hip and looked down on her.


    ¡°I-I am certain you too feel bothered by these constant skirmishes and escalations. We are a peaceful cult. Our Lady only asks for violence in times of war, but this island is neutral ground. No matter what conflicts may arise outside, we cannot allow a feud to extend here.¡±


    ¡°That is all well, yet you fail to convince me that this is my concern.¡± I rebuked her bluntly.


    ¡°E-even as our valued guest, you still are on the Lady¡¯s ground, so her rules are yours as well.¡± She backed away anxiously. It was clear that she feared me far more than any of the violent men.


    ¡°Rules, hm?¡± I felt fire rise in my chest. This heat of disdain was one that had not been lit in a long time. To be shackled by any rules was something that made my skin crawl. ¡°I will consent to compromise with Athena herself. Whatever you humans ask of me is irrelevant.¡±


    ¡°But-!¡±


    ¡°Out of my way human.¡± I pushed through her and walked towards the temple.


    ¡°¡­¡± The head priestess watched after me with a horribly humiliated face.


    This was the moment I had made another enemy for myself, but I had no sense to realize so at the time.


    After this little conflict things turned more strained between the two camps. A cold opposition had formed and split the tents and men apart. It became harder for anyone to stay entirely neutral in the brooding atmosphere. Even as a new ship arrived, many visitors would not leave, which had been a rarity before.


    ¡°Lady Medusa, did you know that our master Aegidius owns four great properties in Attica?¡±


    ¡°His clothes are made from the hides of the goats they groomed around the greatest of flocks. They would sell for six times the usual price on the market!¡±


    ¡°I saw him slay four armored men once, while he only had a butcher¡¯s knife.¡±


    The followers of Aegidius were in the camp that was more interested in me than the goddess they allegedly worshipped. Surprisingly instead of trying to gain something for themselves they kept singing the spearman¡¯s praises. I had heard many men and women boast about themselves at length, but this was the first time I had experienced such ample support for another human.


    It was slightly intriguing and could sate my boredom, if only a little.


    ¡°Does he own more land than a king? Are his goats bred superior to Pan¡¯s children? What manner of legendary butcher knife did he obtain from the gods? Did he slay more men than Heracles did with his bare hands?¡± I asked them all with a depreciating smile.


    Immediately they turned silent and thoughtful. Not often did a woman have such preposterous standards, but they could not object, seeing as how I was divine. Nothing short of a fantastical hero could impress me, at least that is what they must have surmised. Truthfully, not even a hero would stand a chance to gain my favor. Humans were so simpleminded.


    ¡°That¡¯s quite enough. Return to your tasks and do not bother Lady Medusa.¡± The much praised man of the hour appeared before me and waved his followers away.


    ¡°Is it not rash to send them away when they have nothing but admiration for you?¡±


    ¡°It does do my ego good, but I am sure you have far more admirers to spare.¡± He sat down cross-legged before me and put the long spear over his shoulders, letting his arms hang over it laxly.


    ¡°Do you count yourself among their ranks?¡± I raised a brow.


    ¡°Certainly. I am¡­ intrigued by your qualities.¡± He grinned daringly.


    ¡°Which you would list as follows¡­¡± I looked at him like a snake would at a rat.


    ¡°A countenance I have never met in a woman. The presence of a queen, yet the wisdom of a scholar.¡± He tilted his head to the side and then added one last thing. ¡°And beauty to rival Aphrodite herself.¡±


    ¡°Such wonderful sentiments.¡± I smiled back and his eyes lit up. ¡°Only unlike you, I have met many men who had much the same. Flowery words or direct courting, it matters not, you are just another wolf in sheep¡¯s coat.¡±


    ¡°Yet a wolf is no match for a goddess.¡± He replied without regret.


    ¡°As long as you understand.¡±


    ¡°Does my presence bother you?¡±


    ¡°Not in the slightest.¡±


    ¡°Then I would ask only that you let me enjoy it for longer, as I wait for the news from the priestesses.¡± He said seriously.


    ¡°We are both guests, that one trait we share.¡± I replied vaguely.


    ¡°I appreciate it.¡± He said amusedly. He raised an amphora of wine and poured it into my earthen cup.


    ¡°Hm. You do not drink?¡±


    ¡°I was once a soldier, so I have learned not to drink near a battlefield.¡± He replied ominously. ¡°Wine and meat are reserved for the victory banquet.¡±


    ¡°A dull way of life the soldier leads.¡± I snorted and sipped on my wine. Of course his implication did not pass me by.


    ¡°I would consider it the lot of those who put duty before worldly desires.¡±


    ¡°Is battle not a desire?¡± I argued with a finger raised from my cup.


    ¡°It is a means to an end to me.¡± He said with a smirk.


    ¡°Understanding humans is a futile effort indeed.¡± I dismissed his vague elaborations and leaned onto my side. His countenance was not bad either, considering he managed not to glue his eyes to my body the entire time, as most men did.


    ¡°I agree, but that is exactly why I wish to understand the gods instead.¡±


    ¡°You are not a true follower of Athena, hm?¡±


    ¡°Your perceptiveness is humbling.¡± He laughed. ¡°I follow a foreign faith. That is why I am interested in those who do not follow the status quo. Outsiders, such as yourself.¡±


    ¡°I am indeed not bound by their rules. I am free.¡± I agreed and drank my wine, satisfied.


    ¡°True freedom is a cleansed heart, free of doubt.¡± He laid down his spear and crossed his arms.


    ¡°Rather low qualifications.¡±


    ¡°I am fascinated by you, because you can say this with such confidence. To us humans, a live without doubt is no life at all.¡± He rubbed his curly haired head and looked at my legs.


    ¡°To doubt is to be weak.¡±


    ¡°And yet if one stays too rigid, is it not easier to fall apart? Soft wood is better for shields than superbly rigid material.¡±


    ¡°To squirm around and cling to your pathetic lives at all costs is why you will never be gods. It is better do die with pride than to live with shame. If you lose your original self, then what is the meaning of your existence? I say, to stay rigid and true to yourself is better than to change into something else.¡± I set down the empty cup and waited for him to refill it.


    ¡°You may have a point. If that is indeed true, I wish to test it.¡± He slowly poured more wine.


    ¡°Testing the gods is no better than stepping into a forest fire.¡± I gave him a sharp look.


    ¡°Fire has a cleansing effect as well.¡± He said with a subtly dark smirk.


    ¡°Hmph. Play your games if you wish, but I will not side either way.¡±


    ¡°I am counting on it.¡± He finished pouring the wine and then put the amphora to his mouth.


    ¡°Oh?¡± I grabbed the cup and watched his throat convulse with each swig.


    ¡°It is a good drop. Deserving of a victory toast.¡± He winked.


    <hr>


    Thanks to Aegidius and his followers I had little contact with the men who were angered by my presence or even the priestesses. There was hardly a day where I could enjoy some solitude. Thus the news of the summit of priestesses coming closer had not reached me immediately.


    By complete accident I had overheard some servant girls talking about it and was then reminded of what the head priestess and her confidant had discussed. This summit was certain to be quite important for the power structure of the temple. And there was one person especially involved in this struggle.


    Palla had been working on her own and not shown her face outside much. Whatever she had been preparing did not seem to make the other priestesses happy. I did not pay much attention to her and yet I could still taste the strained air around them.


    I also smelled something peculiar. The smell of blood and fear. It came from the quarters of the head priestess. In my mind I could picture very well what this meant, but knowing meant little for those who were uninvolved.


    Deciding to avoid the large statue of Athena, as it was an eyesore, I walked across the outer gardens. There was a large building in the back, but at the time I did not know that it was the Greenhouse. I had never ventured there and saw no reason to. So when I saw the young woman leave through the large door I was rather surprised.


    ¡°¡­¡± She seemed lost in thought and inevitably ran into me. She bounced off and fell onto her behind. ¡°Ouch¡­ look where you are going!¡± She hissed.


    ¡°Your impertinence is the only impressive thing about you.¡± I retorted with deep irritation.


    ¡°Medusa?¡± She looked up in surprise, but then hastily switched to frustration. ¡°What are you doing out here? Just go back to your personal cult.¡±


    It was nearly unbelievable to hear such infuriating words from this girl. She had never apologized for her insults, never thanked me for my assistance and now she even gave me orders. I was incredibly close to breaking the temple¡¯s rules again. A bit more blood would not change the ambience much.


    ¡°I have to prepare for the summit, so please don¡¯t bother me.¡± She rose up and patted off her clothes from sand and dust.


    ¡°My bothering will be of a magnitude you shan¡¯t recover from.¡± I said with a face like a cold mask.


    ¡°¡­you are angry.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha.¡± I laughed dryly at her slow realization.


    ¡°You are causing so much conflict and tension in the temple, so I wish you would leave. I don¡¯t care if that makes you angry, we humans have our own issues.¡±


    ¡°Which are?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t really care.¡± She averted her eyes.


    ¡°Correct.¡± I posed disinterestedly and yawned.


    ¡°I want to become a full-fledged priestess¡­ no, I want to be the next grand priestess.¡± She blurted out unprompted. ¡°I have been building up support and tried to keep everyone peaceful, so the summit will be successful. If you have a shred of compassion you should just leave.¡±


    ¡°Compassion is earned, not gifted.¡± I responded and pushed my finger against her forehead. ¡°You have angered me too many a time. You should not sleep easily from now on.¡± I threatened with piercing eyes.


    ¡°!¡± She turned pale, only now realizing her predicament. With jittery hands she grabbed the hem of her robes and bit her lower lip. ¡°Y-you won¡¯t get me!¡± She rushed off.


    I clicked my tongue and put a hand through my hair. That push had been entirely unnecessary. Again I could hardly tell why I had done it.


    As night fell I could not stop my curiosity. I slipped past the sleeping humans outside my room and snuck into the temple. The steps of a careful, yet anxious person alerted me to their presence. I followed them and reached the servant quarters.


    The woman in front of my eyes who had decided to sneak through the darkness was holding a small knife and looked about every few seconds. She was looking mighty desperate. With slow and silent movements she opened a certain door and slipped inside.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    I perked up my ears to listen in. The slow steps of the intruder led her through the small room and ended at the owner¡¯s bedstead. The air was moving in ripples as the woman raised the knife. She was ready to cut off the necklace.


    Two heartbeats increased and the swing of the blade was followed by a loud tear in straw and pig¡¯s skin.


    ¡°I was prepared for you!¡± Palla shouted and grabbed her stick. She swung it at the surprised intruder and seemed to hit her hand. The knife was dropped and the woman gasped in pain. ¡°You won¡¯t kill me Medusa-! Huh?¡± She was taken aback by the face she saw in the pale moonlight.


    ¡°You foolish wench!¡± The head priestess tackled Palla down and blocked the stick hitting her shoulder. Then she started to put her hands around the younger woman¡¯s throat. ¡°I will sever your soul myself!¡±


    ¡°Graagh¡­ gurgll¡­ Whyyy..?¡± She resisted with all her might as she was choked.


    ¡°You were Crene¡¯s favorite, despite being some orphaned slave. DO you ¨Cghhhr- have any idea how many favors I had to earn to get here? And. You. Little. Strumpet. Just gained everyone¡¯s approval by no merit of your own!¡±


    ¡°Guuhh¡­ stop¡­ it.¡± Palla resisted and scratched the head priestess'' face. She managed to draw blood, but the woman was in a rage and adrenaline made her ignore the pain. She now started to tear at the necklace. The shell was creaking under her intense grip.


    ¡°This little piece of divine favor should never have been wasted on your dirty neck. I will take it alongside everything you stole!¡±


    ¡°Krrk¡­ grk¡­ plaaah¡­¡± Palla¡¯s eyes were turning dull as her mind drifted away from lack of air.


    ¡°Hahaha! I don¡¯t even need the shell, your neck is as frail as kitten¡¯s!¡± She seemed to be intoxicated with her power as she forced her hands to strangle the girl more rather than tearing off the necklace.


    ¡°Frrrkk¡­¡± Palla was about to die. There was almost no life left in her.


    ¡°Hahaha-rrgh?!¡± The head priestess'' laugh got caught in her throat. Or rather her throat was filled with something else that prevented her from breathing. A knife was stuck in her chest and filled the air pipe with blood. Her eyes rolled into the white and she fell to the side.


    ¡°Haah¡­ faah¡­ waaah¡­¡± Palla was terrified and nauseous from the red on her hand and the twitching body of the woman. ¡°W-what should I do? Oh no no no¡­¡±


    ¡°And here I thought I would have to step in.¡± A man stepped out of the shadow of the door and watched the bloody scene with a smile.


    ¡°Aegidius?¡± Palla had one eye closed and rubbed her reddened throat. Her vision was blurry in the pale moonlight.


    ¡°I happened to be taking a short walk for the sake of digestion. When I heard your struggle I was on my way to save you.¡± He had one hand on a carved bone dagger. ¡°You handled yourself marvelously.¡±


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t- this isn¡¯t my- what am I supposed to do?!¡± She panicked.


    ¡°I have an idea, but you would have to keep quiet about what happened tonight.¡± He said with one finger on his lips.


    Some time later Aegidius left through the window with a sack on his back. Even from my position I could smell the irony blood soaking it. When he spied me leaning against a pillar he seemed to hesitate just a moment. Then he turned my way and approached me.


    ¡°Lady Medusa.¡±


    ¡°You seem comfortable with that corpse soaking your back in fluids.¡±


    ¡°Well, death is not rosy. Do you have any objections to my actions?¡±


    ¡°I care not.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I will be disposing of the body in a beneficial fashion then.¡± He said with an innocent tone.


    What benefit could he have been talking about? I already had my guesses, but I was too repulsed by the depth of human degeneracy. Even the corpses of their kind were a tool. Killing out of envy, jealousy, power hungriness and other such flawed concepts. These base desires were perhaps what tied them to the Olympian gods the most.


    I was not going to lower myself to their level.


    <hr>


    ¡°She killed the highest authority¡­¡± Eugenia leaned her head against Medusa¡¯s shoulder. She had left the Gorgon¡¯s lap to listen more comfortably. ¡°You didn¡¯t even try to stop them?¡±


    ¡°Of course not.¡± Medusa showed no regret for that decision.


    ¡°That is cold.¡±


    ¡°You may feel a need to help every person that comes your way, but there are things you cannot get involved with.¡±


    ¡°Is that why you never wanted my help with Athena? Because there are things that nobody should get involved with?¡± She asked sadly.


    ¡°You finally figured it out.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe that.¡±


    Medusa sighed. She was all too aware of the girl¡¯s overly curious and intrusive nature. The only reason she was telling this story was because of that nature after all.


    ¡°What did this Aegidius do with the b-body?¡± She swallowed at the grisly description from before.


    ¡°He put it down in the eastern camp. Smuggled it directly into Apolonio¡¯s tent.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡±


    ¡°That man was nothing if not daring.¡±


    ¡°B-but then what happened to them?¡±


    ¡°The next morning there was a clamor like none before. The body was found and Apolonio naturally pleaded innocent, but the blood was on him. The head priestess¡¯ accomplices most likely knew better, but they could not reveal themselves by pointing fingers at Palla.¡±


    ¡°Aegidius really did save her then.¡± She exhaled.


    ¡°I doubt he cared much for her. His goal was more devious. Apolonio did not accept his punishment and instead fled the island with his followers. On the retreat they fought with Aegidius men and left countless more corpses behind.¡± Medusa made a hand motion to show the mountain of piled up bodies.


    ¡°Such senseless bloodshed.¡± The former priestess heart was too compassionate. She was grieving for men that had died centuries ago.


    ¡°Despite these stark circumstances, the summit did happen as planned¡­¡±


    <hr>


    The results were shocking. The unexpected death of the former head priestess had left a power vacuum and the spirits were low all around. In this uncertainty, Palla was still showing her determination. Against all their dark miens, she alone stayed positive and pushed for a vote.


    And thus, with a landslide victory, Palla was declared the new grand priestess of Athena.


    She was too young for the position, so she had plenty of advisors, but the result was shocking nonetheless. The young woman had been prepared and showed a great deal of motivation, so things were indeed looking up soon.


    I personally had no objection to this vote. Not that I was asked.


    As long as I could enjoy my freedom I rarely cared for the details. Which led to the question whether Palla¡¯s animosity would cause issues for my stay. She was surprisingly held back and said little to nothing in that regard. I suspected that Aegidius had used his support on that certain night as leverage against her. Not that I had any proof.


    Things got ugly when I received poisoned wine. It killed several of the humans praying to me and gave me a light tingle on my tongue. The origin of the bad wine was traced back to a delivery from an unknown sender on one of the provision ships.


    ¡°Must have been Apolonio¡¯s revenge.¡± Aegidius guessed.


    That would have been fine as far as I was concerned, but unfortunately it was not the last poison attack. It was harder to tell which food to trust and while it did hardly affect me, it made the humans so unbearably paranoid that they started to become tiresome.


    I could tell by smell which food was poisoned so I one day pointed it out and they made dozens of offerings to me to beg for more wisdom. It wasn¡¯t much trouble and certainly made staying here easier.


    As I pointed at a load of apples I wondered what exactly my purpose here was. I had been staying on Sarpedon for far longer than intended and it seemed there was little merit in it.


    ¡°The apples?! That is not good-!¡±


    Should I really have been interested in being prayed to by humans? Would that not make me just as vain as the Olympians and their ilk?


    ¡°Did you bring the apples to the grand priestess? Quickly, tell me!¡±


    Their offerings were pleasant enough. Unlike Athena, I had little issue with meat and valuables, so there was hardly a conflict due to overlap.


    ¡°Lady Medusa!¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡± I was torn from my contemplations.


    ¡°Grand Priestess Palla has eaten from the apples.¡± The servants were panicking.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°W-wait, why are you leaving?¡± They tried to stop me.


    ¡°If she wishes to be saved again she should beg her goddess.¡± I said curtly and pushed past them.


    ¡°We beg you, please don¡¯t forsake her!¡± Now even the priestesses were running to my side to aggravate me with their pleading.


    ¡°We prayed to Lady Athena, but she will only listen to the Grand Priestess.¡±


    ¡°Then the solution is clear.¡± I waved them off.


    ¡°The Grand Priestess refuses to impose on our mistress again¡­¡± They lowered their faces into their hands pitifully.


    ¡°Hah? She would not beg for her miserable life and rather accept death?¡± I turned back and mustered their grieve-stricken faces. They were truthful. ¡°Then bring me to her.¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much!¡±


    My intent was not to save the grand priestess, I only wanted to know the details and hear it from her own blue lips.


    As I entered her room and saw her lying under the woolen blanket, her body cramped up and her face blue, I knew she was in a fatal state. She barely seemed to recognize me at first, until I forced her to look my way with one hand on her chin.


    ¡°Thanatos must be tired of inching ever closer at a snail¡¯s pace for you. How many times will you teeter on the edge?¡±


    ¡°Me¡­dusa?¡± She coughed and lost all blood from her face again.


    ¡°Why do you refuse to call for Athena?¡±


    ¡°She saved my life already¡­ I ¡­ can¡¯t impose my weakness on her again.¡± She said as cold sweat covered her entire body.


    ¡°Should I end you quickly then?¡± I whispered as I playfully tugged on her necklace.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you¡­ dare.¡± She forced a glare.


    ¡°Very well.¡± I let go and she fell back into the sheets.


    ¡°I am glad¡­ that I¡­ could die¡­ after fulfilling my¡­ dream.¡± She muttered.


    ¡°Is that something to be satisfied with? Merely obtaining the title and not accomplishing anything with it?¡± I wondered as I cleaned my fingernails next to her.


    ¡°¡­I wanted to do more.¡± She admitted.


    ¡°Then call upon your goddess and keep living.¡±


    ¡°Lady Athena¡­ is not¡­¡± She closed her eyes and flinched.


    ¡°¡­¡± She had not much time left. I could feel her pulse slowing down. Her heartbeat was somewhat erratic.


    ¡°Medusa. Listen to my final words, alright? Even if I may be losing my mind.¡± She spoke softly. A young woman like her should not be forcing such a wise expression, not even on her deathbed.


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    ¡°I am sorry¡­ and thank you.¡± She closed her eyes.


    What? That was all? At the final moment she would give me some weak apology and think that would clear her conscience? The very idea was revolting to me. She had taken the easy path for everything and now she would get her direct trip to Elysium too?


    I frowned.


    ¡°Cheap words are equal to cheap wine. I will not partake in them.¡± I picked up her head and pressed my lips unto hers.


    ¡°Mmmpphgr?!¡± She struggled in shock as I sucked on her mouth.


    It was not just a normal physical motion, I used my powers to slowly extract the poison from her saliva and bloodstream. The two small holes I had bitten into her veins were causing iron to mix with bitter poison in my mouth.


    With a disgusted expression I separated from her and spat out the poison alongside the red life juice.


    ¡°¡­¡± Palla¡¯s eyes were open now and she looked baffled instead of near death. ¡°You saved me¡­?¡±


    ¡°It was no pleasure, rest assured.¡± I would not get this taste out of my mouth for a while.


    ¡°I want to take back my final words¡­¡± She said with exhausted eyes.


    ¡°It would be best if you revised them dearly.¡± I said haughtily.


    Palla rose from her bedstead, although her body was still cramped up and weak it did move. She looked me in the eye and then bowed her head.


    ¡°You saved me again and I am incredibly thankful for that.¡± She blushed slightly (which at least proved her blood circulated again). ¡°I can still keep following my dream.¡±


    ¡°Is that it?¡± I already regretted tasting poison for her.


    ¡°Also¡­ you are a good person.¡± She said with a wide smile.


    Those words were so far out of the spectrum of my expectations that I only stared at her until she showed regret as well.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, I need to rest.¡± She laid back down.


    <hr>


    Medusa stopped her story for a moment as she took note of Eugenia¡¯s muttering.


    ¡°So it wasn¡¯t your first kiss¡­¡±


    ¡°It was no kiss at all.¡± She replied stoically.


    ¡°Then what was it?¡± She turned her head away, slightly sulking.


    ¡°I already told you, pressing lips together only has as much meaning as you assign to it. I have never and will never ¡®kiss¡¯ a human.¡± Medusa said resolutely.


    ¡°You played with my feelings.¡±


    Medusa closed her eyes and sighed. The snakes seemed to be wriggling their heads back and forth between them to observe anxiously. They wrapped around Medusa¡¯s head tightly as if to reprimand her.


    ¡°I wished to know the extent of your infatuation.¡± She finally admitted. ¡°By your reactions I could see a picture.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± That didn¡¯t really help make Eugenia feel better.


    ¡°I was¡­ anxious as well.¡± The Gorgon said quietly.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Do not make me repeat myself.¡±


    ¡°What do you have to be anxious for?¡± She asked cluelessly.


    ¡°My body¡­.¡± She held her forehead daintily. ¡°It reacts rather negatively to this.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Nevermind.¡± She suppressed the force tearing at her chest and throat and stabilized her breathing.


    ¡°Athena and the temple must have been really thankful for your actions.¡± Eugenia returned the conversation to the past out of consideration.


    ¡°At first¡­¡±


    <hr>


    Months passed and things changed quickly. The amount of pilgrims and visitors increased each time the ships came and went. Some left, but many also stayed and the news of my presence on the island seemed to spread around the ports across the sea. There was no sickness that spread faster across human settlements than rumors.


    What they had heard from this distant land was the miraculous power of the Gorgon¡¯s Kiss. It was said that the Gorgon¡¯s lips could revive the dead, return youth and end all sickness. None of the priestesses had been present and the hushed talk behind doors had grown out of proportion all by itself.


    The poor and rich alike came to me for the sake of getting blessed. When before they had only come due to my beauty and divine disposition, they now asked of me to be gifted with my miracles.


    It was not madness that compelled them, but desperation. In this world where humans could barely scrape by the skin of their teeth, anyone would chase a dream so convenient.


    Less of them came to pray to the goddess whose temple they set foot upon and instead directed their prayers to me. I denied any and all of them my assistance, but the results were unfavorable. Foolishness overcame common sense and so I was worshipped for deeds I did not commit.


    I knew that someone was fanning the flames and creating new stories of miraculous healings and the like, but it was impossible for me to tell all these humans apart.


    All of this would have been reason enough for me to leave the island behind, but it seemed that no matter where I went, the stories were spreading faster. My choice was to either seclude myself in the way of my ancestors or to accept that humans would view me in this manner. As long as I walked upon human lands this would be the outcome. That or a strong and brutal rejection from other faithful followers that despised me for my very existence.


    In all of this commotion there was also someone who supported me. Palla had changed considerably after my intervention. Her hardheaded dismissal had softened and she had become more appreciative of my presence. That may have been the reason that despite this bloated cult forming right next to the temple of Athena, I was not cast out. Surely the previous grand priestesses would have been stricter.


    ¡°They are singing their love songs again.¡± Palla looked out the window and watched the poets strum their lyres and clear their throats.


    ¡°Let them waste their breath.¡± I was lying on the wooden couch and turned my ears away from the awry tones coming into the room.


    ¡°Do you really think you can ignore them forever?¡± Palla leaned against the rim of the window and looked at me with exasperation.


    ¡°Singers get sore throats.¡±


    ¡°You know I am not talking about the poets.¡±


    ¡°Pah.¡± I clicked my tongue and spun my hair around one finger.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice that they can see your good aspects, but if you don¡¯t say anything they will just get out of control.¡± She pointed her finger at me.


    ¡°They are none of my concern.¡±


    ¡°You keep saying such childish things. Even if humans are beneath you like rodents, eventually they will pile up to reach your eyes.¡± The grand priestess was so young, yet her words already sounded experienced.


    ¡°They are still only rodents. I will topple their pile.¡±


    Palla put a hand on her head and sighed.


    ¡°You know they brought a lion here? A living lion? It is in a cage, but that beast is terrifying. It has mauled several people trying to feed it already. I can¡¯t imagine how they managed to contain it on the ship.¡±


    ¡°I have seen it.¡± I replied with a hint of amusement. The lion¡¯s cage was placed on a tall hill and seemed to be an attraction for visitors now.


    ¡°The poor thing was driven mad already. Do you not care at all?¡±


    ¡°Hmph. He would have been a captive no matter where he was taken. Lions do not live long when left alone. He will not last more than a year.¡±


    ¡°Is that supposed to be comforting?¡± She squinted her eyes and looked over her shoulder. The cage could hardly be seen from here.


    We stayed silent for a while and let the terrible melodies and lyrics wash over the temple¡¯s fa?ade.


    ¡°Did that man return yet?¡± I spoke up to drown out the ear wrenching songs.


    ¡°Aegidius? He hasn¡¯t. Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°I do not trust that one.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Palla looked troubled now and scratched her throat. There were still faint dark marks on it. The shell shook on the old string. ¡°He is a good man.¡±


    ¡°Have you convinced yourself of that already?¡±


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°I understand far more than you know. I may feel no love for anyone, but I can tell when a maiden is struck by this sickness.¡± I gave her a disappointed look when she blushed. ¡°Aphrodite would like such a tale. A grand priestess who renounces her vow of celibacy for a dashing lord.¡±


    ¡°You are unbelievable¡­¡±


    ¡°Look upon your faults, before discussing mine.¡± That was my stance on the entire situation.


    ¡°Suit yourself!¡± She scowled and left me to myself and the bad music.


    Perhaps I should have listened to her advice, but I was far above taking any human seriously.


    The love humans insisted on was selfish and one-sided. Men wished to marry me, but they could not give me anything of worth in return. It would not be long before even kings would arrive to take me as their bride. Such escalation had not seemed outrageous anymore. Others would ask me to heal them and save their children, begging for my love, but they would never understand that they only took what they needed and then threw the rest away.


    The love that the followers of Athena had for their goddess had been twisted over time. What had once been an amicable and accepting cult had now become defensive and riddled with claws. Many questioned Palla¡¯s authority and decisions.


    It all came to a tragic head on the day that these foolish humans decided to erect a statue in my name. Such a statue, the size of a plum tree, would not belong next to the temple of another deity. It was an insult, no better than spitting into Athena¡¯s face.


    I could have stopped them. It was easy enough, all it had required was for me to declare such idols an affront to my eyes, for none could replicate my beauty. Any such self-serving excuse would have been enough. There was no chance of me admitting that I did not wish to oppose Athena, as it would have shown that I could fear the Olympians.


    And admittedly, deep down in my soul, the statue gave me some gratification. This was the first and only time I would have reached the same pedestal as those usurpers. My pride¡­ outgrew my better judgement.


    All of their selfish love had engulfed me and clouded my mind. No matter how much I rejected their chains, they had tied them tightly around me and made them appear like reigns for a horse. It so happened that horse was a centaur, as I could only lead on myself with them.


    The beginning of the cult of Medusa was also its end.


    ¡°Watch our gift to you, great Medusa!¡± The crowd cheered as the cloth was drawn from the statue.


    There she stood, the woman that was supposed to be made in my image. Her white stone eyes looked back at me emotionless and cold. The jubilations of humans were numb to my ears as I focused on this construct. It gave me mixed feelings. A hint of joy, a pinch of revolt. White stone was carved to show the path to my future¡­


    Swish.


    My head was impaled by an arrow. I looked upon the wooden shaft protruding from the statue and heightened my senses. It had only taken half a moment for the other arrows to follow. I stood there as the rain of death passed me by and struck down my followers around me. Their screams and anguish barely reached me.


    ¡°At the port! Six ships!¡± Some of the armed men around me organized a defensive line and led the women and children away. They raised their shields to block another salve of arrows.


    ¡°T-there, look at the sails!¡±


    ¡°The Cretan bull?!¡±


    ¡°Apolonio has returned.¡±


    I could see the vengeful man¡¯s face across the distance as if he stood right before me. He seemed to stare back, even if he could not see my face from afar.


    ¡°Bring me Aegidius!!¡± He shouted to the islanders.


    ¡°He is not here!¡± The cultists replied.


    ¡°BRING HIM TO ME!¡± He repeated and ordered his soldiers to fire another salve of arrows.


    ¡°Have you lost your mind?¡± That is when Palla and her priestesses stepped out and faced the madman. ¡°This is hallowed ground! You shall not bring war to this place.¡± She rammed her staff into the steps and glared him down.


    ¡°Bring me Aegidius. Hand out all the followers of that snake so we may slaughter them and pardon me from all crimes you have accused me of, priestess. Only then will I spare this temple.¡±


    ¡°I know that you are in conflict with Aegidius house, but this is neutral ground-¡°


    ¡°I will not repeat myself!¡± He swung his sword and cut the air menacingly.


    ¡°If you incite Lady Athena and the Gorgon¡¯s wrath you will not make it out alive.¡± She replied sternly.


    ¡°The Gorgon pisses on Athena¡¯s grace! That creature has already corrupted too many. If you love your goddess you will burn out this plague where it began. Let fire consume it all.¡± He raised his fist and several soldiers ignited arrow tips with torches.


    ¡°Stop it-!¡± Palla raised her staff, but was pushed aside by a swarm of people.


    ¡°Please spare us great Apolonio!¡± Several women clad in rags groveled before the man on the sandy ground.


    ¡°We don¡¯t follow the false goddess.¡± Men in armor stepped towards the boat and dropped their weapons.


    ¡°She could not even protect her own statue, how could she be divine?¡± Frantic poets rubbed their sweaty palms together and badmouthed me.


    ¡°K-kill them all! We are true believers of Athena!¡± Other people from the tents rallied the Cretan soldiers on. Those who had been glaring at the cult for a while were now feeling empowered by this show of force.


    ¡°We will capture Aegidius for you, just destroy all of those heathens!¡±


    Between those who wished to purge and those who surrendered, there was nothing left but imminent destruction. The priestesses seemed to pick a side that would prevent their demise and urged Palla to allow Apolonio free reign upon Sarpedon.


    ¡°First bring me the Gorgon and then I will decide your future.¡± The haughty master of the fleet stretched forward his sword and pointed it at me.


    I had not moved a step since the arrow had hit the idol in front of me. I had not spoken a word, not responded to any questions or commands.


    The humans surrounded me.


    ¡°Please, Lady Medusa¡­ do something about them or we will all die!¡±


    ¡°Stop talking to that thing and help us subdue it.¡± Several men were taking up ropes and chains to tie me up. Apolonio¡¯s men were already on their way with brandished swords.


    ¡°Why are you doing nothing? You really are not a goddess at all!¡±


    ¡°I came here for the sake of my son, but he has never been blessed¡­¡±


    ¡°Lady Athena¡¯s wrath will destroy you!¡±


    ¡°You think you can play goddess just because you have beauty?!¡±


    Their shouts and taunting did not reach me. I only looked upon the statue. That arrow between ¡®my¡¯ eyes was penetrating my soul. The dark feelings inside began to swell and my tolerance faded away.


    They insulted me. Attacked me. Reviled me.


    This arrow was a direct attack to my pride.


    With hatred in my eyes I finally turned around and took my first steps. The men who tried to chain me up retreated in panic. In the end all humans were cowards who would just follow the strong. Then I would show them strength.


    The sky had become cloudy and it began to rain. The crowds parted before me and began to shiver in fear as the black clouds seemed to swirl above my head. The ocean became restless and waves began to clash against the beach and cliffs.


    ¡°S-stop right there!¡± The soldiers in front of me held up their spears in fear.


    I did not stop. I walked through their spears which parted just in time to make room. My glare must have made their arms go weak as they collapsed in terror behind me.


    ¡°You morons, shoot her already!¡± Apolonio shouted at his archers. They released their arrows and the rain hit people across the island indiscriminately. Only I was untouched, as I walked in the only safe path between the sharp projectiles.


    My hair began to shake in the strong storm wind and I raised my hand.


    ¡°Another salve-WAAH!¡± The ships were shaking. The waters they had anchored in were not welcoming them anymore. Bigger and harder waves would crash into them over and over and shook the penteconters with nature¡¯s wrath. Many soldiers fell into the raging sea and were swallowed in whirlpools. Even those that could swim would never survive.


    ¡°R-retreat! Draw the sails!¡±


    ¡°But the storm will tear them off?!¡±


    ¡°We need to get to land NOW!¡± The sailors were trying to get away from the storm and sailed to Sarpedon.


    They may as well have tried to climb a mountain by rowing, as the ships were tilted and then turned upside down by gigantic waves and pushed around like pebbles. Thunder was stomping in the skies like the Minotaur.


    The only ship left intact was Apolonio¡¯s who had docked at the pier before the storm began.


    ¡°You! False goddess¡­¡± He stood before me with fear in his eyes, but hatred in his heart. The sword was not faltering. ¡°MEN, slaughter every last one of her followers! Destroy this place.¡±


    His commands reached the frightened Cretans who then followed the orders. Their loyalty in faith of a wrathful goddess was astounding.


    Apolonio swung his sword against me, but I grabbed it in the air. The blade cut into my hand, but I stopped it through sheer anger. No matter how much he pulled back, I did not let go. The pain was numb enough not to bother me.


    ¡°Human.¡± I growled and tore the sword out of his hands. He pulled up a dagger, but I kicked it away.


    ¡°How can a being so beautiful have such horrendous strength?¡± The poets were all cowering on the ground, but they were still mesmerized by the legend before them.


    ¡°The wrath of the gods¡­ simply sublime.¡±


    I had meanwhile taken a hold of the foolish man¡¯s throat and held him up. His feet were floating above the ground.


    ¡°You have angered a goddess. You must have been prepared for the consequences.¡± My words were accompanied by the cracking of bones as I broke his jaw.


    ¡°Graa¡­. aaahh! Naaahrr!¡± He shrieked as his body convulsed and began to dry up. It was like the moisture was escaping his every pore. At first it just looked like the rain washed over him, but instead it was the water from his very body that fled. My grip was siphoning it all out of him until his skin was wrinkly and torn. His terrified eyes were drying up as well.


    All around me I heard screams of terror and disgust.


    ¡°Suffer to the last moment of your pathetic life.¡± I let go and let the shrunken husk of a man collapse onto the wet deck of the ship. He gasped for the heavenly drops of water that showered him, but they did not enter his mouth. They did not wet his dry hair or touch his parchment like skin. He was rejected by all liquids as he slowly died of thirst.


    The carnage behind me did not even come to mind. Those humans who were killing each other were all traitors or enemies. The crew of the ship had dropped their weapons and just fallen to their knees in prayer.


    ¡°Medusa.¡± Palla called out to me with fear in her voice.


    I turned back and glared at her with deep and unsettling eyes.


    ¡°She is coming.¡± The grand priestess said quietly and closed her eyes.


    At the same time the dark clouds above parted and created a ray of light. It hit the Gorgon statue and in the next moment it exploded to tiny pieces and dust. Stepping out from the cloud of stone dust was the goddess of wisdom and war.


    Athena had arrived.


    Her silvery eyes saw all of the island at once, the bloodshed, the fearful men fighting for their lives and the raging storm that had sunken all the ships.


    And me.


    Our eyes met and we both stood before each other in a moment. The fighting stopped and the noises died down, only leaving silence between us.


    ¡°Gorgon, this chaos is your doing?¡± She asked a question that she knew the answer to.


    ¡°Humans have caused this.¡±


    ¡°Then you will reject all blame?¡±


    ¡°I will.¡±


    Athena did not move a muscle in her eternally divine face. Her spear was resting in her hand and she seemed to see right through my eyes and into my mind.


    ¡°I have welcomed you here for your noble deed, I have tolerated you here for your service to my grand priestess and I have allowed you to exist for your intelligent mind.¡± The helmet reflected the blinding sunlight from the gap in the clouds and made all the humans around us shield their eyes.


    I stared right into Athena¡¯s face without flinching once. Her words confirmed what I had already predicted. She had been watching these events closely and was waiting for an opportunity to judge me.


    ¡°If you have no business with my temple, I ask you to leave.¡± Those cold words were all she uttered. She did not need to say anything more. I knew what she had truly meant to say.


    ¡®Leave and never return.¡¯


    Without a response I turned away and walked into the ocean, leaving everything behind.


    The last thing I saw before sinking into the dark waters was the sympathetic look of a certain priestess.


    <hr>


    ¡°I left Sarpedon behind with the intention to never return. That woman made clear that she would not tolerate me anymore.¡±


    ¡°That is how you came to hate each other¡­¡± Eugenia folded her hands and looked disheartened.


    ¡°I had never respected the gods. Athena had not come to hate me over this minor incident either.¡± Medusa spoke without bias.


    ¡°How could you say it was minor?¡± She couldn¡¯t believe it.


    ¡°That woman needed me gone, because I undermined her authority. I knew the effects that the cult would have, but I did not care.¡±


    ¡°Y-you couldn¡¯t have known that it would end up this way. It wasn¡¯t your or Athena¡¯s fault. It was the fault of those cruel people that used you.¡± Eugenia showed a rare moment of anger.


    ¡°I was little more than a symbol for them to fight around, that is true. There is no denying that I knew this from the beginning. I was not blind. I was not foolish enough to be surprised by it.¡± Her beautiful legs turned back into a long snake half and she wrapped it around a large rock protruding from the cliff. Her tail clenched it so hard that it broke off and fell into the waters with a loud splash.


    ¡°But you were still hurt.¡± Eugenia laid her hand on the Gorgon¡¯s and felt her tense up.


    ¡°Listen closely and do not let your feelings get in the way.¡± Medusa was calm. Too calm. ¡°I have told you all of this for a reason.¡±


    ¡°I will listen to all of it, but no matter what you say¡­¡± She did not finish and just held Medusa¡¯s hand. It seemed she was bracing herself for the final part of the tale. Medusa had still not been cursed.


    She had decided that Eugenia was worth the truth. Yet she felt hesitation. Medusa knew that she could not stay passive, not again. She had to believe that Eugenia¡¯s heart had grown strong thanks to her journey and trials.


    ¡°Then let me tell you why I truly despise Athena.¡±


    The Gorgon¡¯s tale was reaching its conclusion and the blind woman held on to her lips in a wish to understand the truth.

 Chapter 51: Medusa and Athena

    It was the edge of night where the crows flew over the fields and picked their prey undisturbed by the slaves. The estate was shrouded in the blackness under a moonless sky. There was a single torch glowing in the distance where a patrol slowly rode over the hills and made its way from one town to the next. All other humans should have been deep in slumber.


    The study on the second floor was hidden behind barred windows, but the trail of smoke escaping the gaps was proof that the fireplace was still not extinguished. Inside the room, illuminated by low candle light, sat a man going over a piece of parchment covered in coal dust. He was carefully brushing off certain spots to unveil the secret message.


    His shoulders twitched for a moment as he felt the presence appear behind him.


    ¡°You made it in here without any noise, so you must either be an extraordinary thief or wished to make a point of your superior qualities.¡± He said with his back turned. ¡°Then again, if you were the former you would not have revealed yourself so readily.¡± He put his hand down on the scroll and finally turned around.


    I glared down on him from the shadows.


    ¡°You followed me all the way to Eleusis? I feel honored.¡± Aegidius said with a unreadable expression.


    ¡°I did not know the name of this place. I only followed the trail of your servants.¡± I replied stoically.


    ¡°That would explain why I haven¡¯t heard from my contacts in Attica for a while.¡± He said with remorse.


    ¡°It was troublesome to discover your hiding place, but I never ceased my search nonetheless.¡±


    ¡°This happens to be my family¡¯s property, not a hideout.¡± He pointed out and rolled up the scroll. ¡°You have tracked me down, so what is it you desire?¡±


    ¡°The truth.¡± I said as I pushed my hand against the table, cornering him.


    ¡°We have so much in common.¡± He smiled.


    ¡°Answer me or face the consequences.¡±


    ¡°I will do my best.¡±


    ¡°It was you who provoked that human to attack the isle, was it not?¡±


    ¡°That human¡­? Ah, you must be referring to Apolonio. Indeed, I have been quite the thorn in his side for the last few years. Such an easily upset man.¡± Aegidius seemed amused. ¡°I heard of the massacre on Sarpedon. A crime that surely has upset the gods!¡±


    ¡°You are in good cheer all the same.¡±


    ¡°Of course, it was all I had desired from him after all. Those Cretan barbarians are good for one thing only.¡± He looked back at me unflinching even after I pushed him back this far. ¡°Tell me, great Gorgon, what has Athena done when she saw the chaos you had caused?¡±


    ¡°I will ask the questions.¡±


    ¡°Rather uncooperative of you. That is a shame, but I was already told the gist of it anyway. News of such a disaster travel fast. There is just one detail I cannot garner from anyone but you.¡± He ignored my warning and kept talking about his own aspirations. ¡°Has Athena rejected and exiled you? Did she go back on her decision? Did she falter, did she change?¡±


    ¡°You sickening creature.¡± I looked upon him with scorn.


    ¡°I admire you, that has never changed. Please do not feel like you have been used or anything so demeaning. I only accelerated what was inevitable already. We both know the gods are no noble beings that honor their vows.¡±


    ¡°It is you humans who have tainted everything with endless selfish desire. You spread the word about me, your servants created the seed that would be fostered into a cult.¡±


    ¡°There is no meaning in sowing seeds on unfertile lands as you know. The soil of the Greek world has desired to grow roots around you.¡±


    ¡°And foolishly uprooted the trees around it. To what end?¡±


    ¡°I already told you, I wish to test the gods. To see their resolve, their grand foresight and flexibility. Their trees are tall and rigid, but the foundation is anything but healthy. Even something that could only be called a foreign thing has taken root with such ease.¡±


    ¡°Your gods are different?¡±


    ¡°The one I follow is mighty and just and that is why he reigns alone. The light that erases the dark upon the world and human soul. His own shadow is the evil that penetrates the suffering of this world and thrives in it. Therefore all must be cleansed by the searing light.¡±


    ¡°You follow an apparition, a false deity.¡± I corrected him.


    ¡°Our prophet Zoroaster has spoken and there is no doubt in my mind. One day the world will see the faults of their weak trees and burn them down to make way for new ones.¡± He glanced at my arm and then sighed. His resignation was no act. ¡°Athena has rejected you, because she is flawed and afraid. If she was as magnificent as they say, she would never have allowed you to become a threat.¡±


    ¡°Nobody will stop me from being what I wish to be. Not the gods or humans.¡± I pushed him over and he fell to the ground. My foot was lodged into his ribcage right away.


    ¡°You truly are¡­ ouch¡­ a mountain in the sea! That is why you are so fascinating!¡± He spoke with a pained voice as I pressed down on his torso. ¡°It would be an honor to die by your hand.¡±


    ¡°You seek death from me?¡±


    ¡°It appears that you are enraged by my actions, so I will accept my punishment. I would have left Eleusis behind soon and moved to Babylonia, so my family can be save from my crimes¡­¡± He clutched the scroll in his right hand as he spoke of his plans.


    ¡°You do not care which it will be? Is that your final word?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°There is a human that wishes to see you. She is still waiting on Sarpedon. Will you accept this fate even so?¡±


    He showed immediate realization.


    ¡°¡­poor good-hearted Palla. I noticed her advances, but I cannot answer them. I suppose my actions left her all alone now.¡± He showed a hint of regret.


    I watched him for a while, perceiving his every twitch and breath. He did not speak a single lie. I knew that he was correct, that the priestess was left in solitude after I had been sent away. No allies among her temple and followers. Isolated in duty.


    ¡°It is surprising that you pity her.¡± Aegidius spoke into the silence.


    ¡°You believe me capable of pity?¡±


    ¡°It is not such an entirely human notion. The gods feel pity for their own, do they not? It is simply unexpected that you care so much for one who can offer so little to you.¡± His words were unapologetically frank. For he was already resigned to death.


    I felt irritated by his words. It was not often that a human could make me so uneasy. His intent was not malefic, I could see through his soul and saw nothing that wished to harm me. His test had seen me as no more than a statue erected before the temple of his true target. It was of no concern to him whether that statue crumbled on the faulty foundations.


    ¡°Tell me, do you love your god so enduringly that you would cast away your life and freedom?¡±


    ¡°Not at all.¡± He replied quickly. It was a surprising response to me. After seeing my questioning eyes he elaborated. ¡°The light does not require love to shine. The darkness is what feeds on our evil hearts. To be truly free¡­ one must have no doubts or attachment. Love always causes doubt.¡±


    ¡°To obey something you do not love. A pitiful existence.¡±


    ¡°You too obey something that you cannot love.¡± He replied obtusely.


    ¡°I obey no soul but my own.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± His satisfied smile made me furious. Under the pressure of my foot he twisted his mouth in pain. ¡°I obey the light that smites Ahriman for the ones I truly love. My family and fellow believers.¡±


    ¡°So you admit that you commit your crimes in the name of such love?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡± His hand twitched in pain and he let go of the parchment. It rolled open and revealed a short message in strange letters. They were written with care and compassion exuded the page. It was the farewell letter for his family.


    ¡°It is ever the same with you humans¡­¡± I grabbed the letter and pushed it into his hand. My weary eyes reflected the candlelight. ¡°Your love can only harm others.¡±


    With that I moved towards the window and made the wooden shutters move apart, as if controlled by magic.


    ¡°You will let me live?¡± He wondered.


    ¡°I came to this shabby home to ask questions. No more, no less.¡± I replied with grace and spread my white wings. With a loud flap I exited the building and sailed through the air.


    ¡°Ah, that may be the difference between you and them. You truly are capable of pity for those below you¡­¡± He said as he rose up with a mesmerized expression.


    <hr>


    That would have been the end of my tale. All loose ends had been tied into a knot and my travels across the human world had ended. It had been two years since I had left Sarpedon and my curiosity had been sated utterly. With Aegidius words I had been cut loose from these ropes that tied me to human matters.


    It could have been the end. If not for the fact that I passed by a certain chain of islands on my way to the deepest depth. Sarpedon was in my path and there were few things that could have made me more stubborn than a roadblock that I could not ignore. It would have been easy to fly around it, to swim past it or to leave it entirely out of my mind, but that was not what happened.


    I landed on the fringe of the island and set my foot down on the sand. Since I had left things had turned quieter, calmer. There were few pilgrims and less tents. No merchants that were yelling from their stands. No cultists gathering around a divine guest¡­


    I walked along the coastline and then flew up the side of the hill, eventually stopping before the temple. Up there was the window to the grand priestess¡¯ room. It was vexing. I pressed a hand around my elbow and frowned. That man¡¯s words actually had affected my judgement. The solitude he spoke of did strike a chord. It would have been best if everyone knew their place.


    I threw a rock into the room.


    ¡°OUCH!¡± The priestess yowled and then angrily came to the window. ¡°Who threw that?!¡±


    Our eyes met and her expression turned far more serious. She wiped the tears of pain away and then moved back inside. After a while I could see her come down the steps and move into the courtyard. She made a decidedly slow turn and then arrived before me.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Palla asked suspiciously.


    ¡°Are you saying that I am not welcomed?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? Lady Athena-¡°


    ¡°Never exiled me from this temple.¡± At least she did not say it in words. Naturally I was not so obtuse to think that I was allowed to return, but a priestess was bound to her mistress'' words.


    ¡°You will get both of us in trouble.¡± She retorted, but immediately surrendered. She did look quite a bit more mature already. There was not much left of the rowdy child from my first visit. ¡°Follow me.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°Please?¡± She made an exaggeratedly subservient gesture and then waved me along.


    We walked away from the temple and reached the lonely cliff. It was a familiar sight, even if the dark of night turned it into a distorted shadow. Palla sat down on the edge and waited for me to follow suit.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you are still the same.¡± She said to me with a hint of jest.


    ¡°I cannot say the same to you.¡±


    ¡°I hope you mean to say I look more dependable.¡±


    I stayed silent to annoy her.


    ¡°Well well, what did the great Gorgon want from this undependable priestess then?¡± She said in a biting tone.


    ¡°I found that man.¡±


    ¡°!¡± Immediately Palla¡¯s back straightened and her ears perked up.


    ¡°He still lives on. But he will be fleeing to a place called Babylonia soon.¡±


    ¡°Babylonia¡­¡± Her eyes were downcast and she fidgeted her hands.


    ¡°He said that he does not share your feelings.¡± I added casually.


    ¡°Do you have no tact at all?¡± She grimaced and lowered her head in defeat. ¡°I already knew that he did not fancy me. Still, there was always this futile hope somewhere deep inside me.¡±


    ¡°He pitied you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a real pity I had to find out this way.¡± She seemed to be deeply annoyed by my attitude, which suited me just fine. ¡°Did you come all the way here to rub salt into the wound?¡±


    ¡°My reasons are mine alone.¡± I replied lethargically and then thought about what to tell her next. Would it have mattered? If I told her about that man¡¯s schemes and the reason for it all? The twisted love that humans felt, that never connected right.


    ¡°Even if you are only here to mock me, I am still thankful.¡± She admitted. ¡°I can now leave that part of my life behind me.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Can humans abandon their love so easily?¡±


    ¡°It is not that I abandoned it! I have just learned to accept the truth and keep moving towards my own light.¡± She pointed toward the moon¡¯s reflection in the sea. ¡°I could never have married him anyway.¡±


    We let those words stand on their own and just sat side by side in the night. At some point noise from the temple caught our attention. Other priestesses had noticed Palla¡¯s absence and were looking for her. The servants must have seen her leave.


    ¡°You have to go.¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡± I felt too languid to object this time and prepared to dive into the waters.


    ¡°Medusa!¡± She called out to me before I left. ¡°You are really hard to deal with, but I think it¡¯d sad if we never met again. So whenever you feel like it¡­ come visit me!¡± She said with an earnest smile.


    I dove into the cold water without a response.


    From that night onward I came to visit the island every few years. I was quite busy, so I had only little time for the grand priestess. As I explored the oceans and was confronting my siblings and other intruders in our domain I felt more at peace. That was a world of simplicity. So whenever I visited Palla I saw it as a break from my duties. In that sense it was no surprise that I grew to look forward to these meetings.


    Over the decades I had grown bolder in the ways I traveled the oceans, which upset Poseidon¡¯s daughters and sons immensely. I made it my priority to avoid the white stallion himself as much as possible, for his wrath was still one of the few things I would not wish upon myself. Although rather than anger it was his lust that I should have feared.


    Meanwhile the followers of Athena grew more powerful under Palla¡¯s leadership. She turned out to be as wise as her mentor Crene. There was another reason she was drawing the eyes of the simple people however. It would not have stood out to an outsider like me, but it became clear that Palla did not age as rapidly as all other humans. In fact she still looked like she was in her fortieth summer when she had surpassed a hundred.


    It was called a miracle of the gods and surely that was correct. When over a hundred years had passed since the first time we met I had finally taken note of it as well. A century was not much to the likes of gods and the divine, but a human¡¯s lifespan was as short as a candle.


    When I asked her thoughts on the matter she only replied that she was happy to have the time to raise the next generation. The kindness in her eyes had grown over the decades and she lost her proneness to temper tantrums. Although I would never have admitted it, I did grow to respect her.


    I do not remember exactly how many decades passed since then, but even Palla¡¯s hair turned grey eventually and her skin wrinkly as any other elderly human¡¯s. She did not become sickly or fragile of mind, though.


    My final visit came unexpected. The day that changed everything forever.


    <hr>


    ¡°I have been waiting for you.¡± Palla said with a coarse laugh and crossed her old legs. She was sitting on our usual meeting spot by the cliffs.


    ¡°You knew I would come?¡± I raised a brow.


    ¡°I had a feeling in my bones.¡± She chuckled. ¡°There is also that storm coming from the south. Have you upset Lord Poseidon again?¡±


    ¡°I will be taking refuge here for today.¡± I avoided her question. In truth I had been chased all across the ocean by that base man. He seemed to have lost his mind as his eyes had become red in the dark of the storm clouds and he released steam from his horse nostrils. The sight had sent a shiver down my spine, so I had headed for Sarpedon. This was Athena¡¯s domain, so I felt relatively safe. Even that bullheaded lecher would find sense eventually.


    ¡°You live as you please.¡± Palla poured wine into the cups she had prepared.


    ¡°And you are still confined to this place after some centuries.¡± I took the cup elegantly and tasted the wine. It was an excellent drop. I had to commend Palla for her great taste.


    ¡°There is truth in what you are saying. I have lived in this place for a long time. Longer than any one person should.¡± She took the other cup in her wrinkly hand and put it to her lips.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°You will be drinking as well?¡± I was surprised.


    ¡°How do you think I have learned which ones to serve you?¡± The old priestess winked.


    ¡°You wily human. You truly had me believe that you were abstinent all those years.¡± I grinned and downed my own cup. It tasted strangely sweet on this night.


    ¡°It is easy to trick someone who wants to believe.¡± She chuckled again and set down her half-empty cup. Even her drinking habits were tempered and thoughtful.


    ¡°You have never been one to adhere to the rules much, but you are still full of surprises.¡± I pointed out.


    ¡°Haha, you flatter me. ¡®Tis the duty of the old to lead as a good example for the young, so I have practiced my disguise well. I even hide my secret meetings with a particular spawn of the old gods from the overeager youn¡¯uns.¡±


    ¡°They revere you so much that you will hardly find any opposition.¡±


    ¡°Hmhm, things have become complicated during my lifetime. The followers of Athena have become a force to be reckoned with. Athens is prospering like no other city in the world. They are discussing whether to move to the mainland now.¡±


    ¡°Oh? You are going to travel with your frail body?¡±


    ¡°I doubt that this body will be falling apart from a smidge of rough sea weather.¡± Her laugh was infectious.


    As her neck shook, the cord with the seashell was swinging up and down. I focused my eyes on it and saw the fringes getting weak and the shell showing small cracks. It was quite old by now. It was impressive to have lasted this long, however, if one considered its origin it was not too unbelievable. Athena¡¯s charm had always been tied around her grand priestess.


    ¡°You are giving me that look again.¡± Palla said perceptively.


    ¡°Hm.¡± I averted my eyes and drank my wine.


    ¡°It is as you think. I too believe that my long life is thanks to Lady Athena¡¯s gift.¡± She touched the seashell gently. ¡°It will not let my die.¡±


    ¡°You mean¡­¡±


    ¡°Mhm. I have tested it frequently. Not always intentionally¡­¡± She cracked her old neck.


    ¡°You would not.¡± I squinted my eyes. Her words seemed to suggest that she attempted the unthinkable. It made me uneasy.


    ¡°I did not attempt to take my life, no.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°But this aging body should not be able to move much longer. The blessing weakens each day and I feel my end approaching.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± I clutched my cup tighter.


    ¡°That is why I decided to travel one more time to see the temple in Athens. It may be my only chance. All of my sisters will be convening there, so this island will become somewhat lonely.¡±


    ¡°It took you far too long to finally realize that dream, human.¡± I said with a weak smirk.


    ¡°Hahaha. Only you would still remember such a thing.¡± She seemed amused. ¡°Not a soul from back then is still with me after all.¡± She added more somberly.


    Human lifespans¡­ so short and meaningless. I had been used to this reality since the day I was born. Immortality separated me from such short-lived beings. Perhaps that is why we never grew attached. The sorrow of an old woman could never reach me.


    ¡°What if the blessing were not to wane?¡± I spoke up unintentionally.


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°If you begged Athena, surely she would renew it.¡±


    ¡°Do you think so? You are most likely right.¡± She nodded.


    ¡°So¡­¡±


    ¡°I know that she would, because it serves her well. My Lady is indeed a gracious one, even if she has her own interests in mind.¡± She said mysteriously. ¡°In truth I believe that she will do it without my plea.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I am certain that she will repair this gift when it begins to fall apart. As she has done before.¡± She said heavily.


    I started to understand. Even if it was an extraordinary blessing, it would not last for centuries. My assumption that it had lasted this long was flawed. Then Athena had already interfered with the natural order.


    Athena was keeping Palla alive.


    ¡°Even as my body falls apart, this gift will keep it together nonetheless. I have overcome my limit and persisted beyond. My soul is not allowed to move on.¡±


    ¡°That is the truth behind her gift?¡±


    ¡°Medusa, I am not resentful. This gift allowed me to do more good than any one human is able to. Yet I tire.¡± She spoke with a low voice. ¡°I tire so much that I wish to find a resting place dearly. After my journey is complete I will take this shell off and rest.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± I could already see that there was nothing I could do to change her mind. Did I truly wish to, though? Even now I am not sure. To let her rest was the kindest outcome. Athena¡¯s meddling was cold and objective as ever. ¡°This may be seen as taking your own life. You are aware of the consequences?¡±


    ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°You do not seem too disturbed.¡±


    ¡°I believe that I have fulfilled my duties with great care and devotion. My afterlife will reflect that.¡±


    ¡°That almost sounds like you believe Elysium is your destination.¡± I grinned.


    ¡°I would love to have a chat with Lady Persephone.¡± She said with a smile. ¡°The poor thing has so little company down there.¡±


    ¡°Only you would go to the afterlife for such a puzzling reason.¡± I shook my head and lied down on my side.


    ¡°As beautiful as you are, do you not think it would be interesting to meet a woman that could even attract Hades¡¯ fancy?¡±


    ¡°You imply she is more beautiful than I?¡± I looked up with a challenging expression.


    ¡°There is more to beauty than a firm behind and a pretty face.¡± She said with a hint of her old fiery self.


    ¡°That woman has a temper like the fire-spitting mountains. Prisoners tend to lose their grace.¡± I mocked the mortal who was forever cursed to be among the dead. I had met her only once and it was rather unpleasant.


    ¡°You lack all respect.¡± She smiled grandmotherly. To her I must have appeared like a child. How infuriating. ¡°I would like to ask her if she could grow to love her captor one day.¡±


    ¡°Are you mad? She must revile him more than anyone else in this world.¡±


    ¡°Time heals all wounds.¡± She sipped on her wine gracefully.


    ¡°You speak of love, yet the man you adored has died a century ago.¡± I said something rather spiteful.


    ¡°Love has many forms.¡±


    ¡°Why have you never searched for another man? There must have been plenty to vie for you. To live this long without any desire is impossible.¡±


    ¡°We priestesses of Athena have sworn an oath of celibacy.¡±


    I remembered that fact at the same time as she spoke. The three virgin goddesses Athena, Artemis and Hestia all asked of their priestesses the same ideal. Maidenhood and purity were more important than offerings. These temples were the hallowed ground that could only be managed by those purest of all.


    The temple would be defiled should any of them engage in sexual relations upon its grounds. That was why men were kept separate and priestesses had to swear their oaths. It was a heavy burden for humans, but it showed their incredible devotion.


    ¡°Your goddess is cruel indeed.¡±


    ¡°You misunderstand Lady Athena. She is never cruel. There are things about her that one could only understand after spending as much time with her as I have. I see many similarities between the two of you.¡±


    ¡°You dare insult me?¡± I glared at her.


    ¡°Do not act like that. It is the truth. For example, your great curiosity is all too similar to hers.¡± Palla explained unperturbed. ¡°And there is also your towering pride.¡±


    ¡°It is only natural to be proud.¡± I retorted.


    ¡°Of course.¡± She smiled.


    ¡°That woman does not resemble me beyond such shallow comparisons. I will never understand how you could respect her.¡±


    ¡°She is far more understanding than you at least. She allows us to meet this way after all.¡± Palla said with her eyes closed lightly.


    I sat up and felt my body become tense. For just a moment I had felt a presence that could not be seen or heard. All my senses told me there was nothing, but my soul knew better.


    ¡°She is observing us?¡± I muttered.


    ¡°She always has.¡±


    ¡°Always? Since the first time we met?¡± I put the pieces together.


    ¡°Indeed so. She has never interfered or objected.¡±


    ¡°You could have mentioned it.¡±


    ¡°I could have.¡± She agreed.


    ¡°She heard everything you said. Have you no qualms with this?¡±


    ¡°There is nothing I would wish to hide from my mistress. My life is hers and the world is a stage that she may observe however she wishes.¡±


    ¡°I did not agree to be part of her play.¡± I said darkly.


    ¡°We never choose our roles. Don¡¯t be so upset, it is all for the best. I have learned that it is best to be honest and trust in her.¡±


    ¡°Trust is earned¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh Medusa.¡± She put her dry hand on my lap and smiled. ¡°If you do not trust her, then trust in me. Everything will keep moving forward, even without me.¡±


    ¡°Trust you? Why would I do that?¡± I replied in rejection. I was truly upset that she had kept such a secret from me.


    ¡°Because I love you. I love you as much as I do Lady Athena.¡±


    There was no deception in her eyes, no malice. Not even uncertainty. Those old eyes had an incredible innocence to them. Not even I could refute them.


    ¡°My ship will sail off tomorrow. This will be the last time we can meet like this.¡± Palla folded her hands and looked at the clear white moon. ¡°Let us not argue and instead reminisce about the good times.¡± She said tranquilly.


    I still felt angry, but the flames died down already. If this was the end for this old woman that I had known for a fair amount of time, then I should have been able to overlook it just this once.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    <hr>


    The next day the priestesses prepared for their trip across the sea. None of them recognized me as they were already two generations ahead of the ones that knew me. When Palla told them I was a guest that would stay to watch over the temple while they were gone they even bowed their heads to me.


    ¡°Stay for as long as you need. This sanctuary is yours now.¡± Palla took my hands and said her goodbyes.


    ¡°Take a good look at everything you wish to see. Take those sights with you forever.¡± I said solemnly and nodded.


    ¡°Goodbye.¡± She turned towards the younger priestesses supporting her and then took the cane to walk on her own. Her long grey hair was tied into a braid¡­ it was quite different from the short and wild hair of her youth.


    I saw them off as the sailors used the rudders to get onto the mild waves. Yesterday¡¯s storms had waned, so they would be fine.


    After the ship had turned as small as a walnut shell I stopped staring and turned to the temple. The only people still around were servants and a couple of older priestesses. Someone had to be around at all times. It was a strange feeling to have come back here so openly and the eyes of the few remaining humans were clearly on me every step I took.


    Maybe I would stay for one more day to be sure that I was out of danger and then slip away as if I had never been here¡­


    A heavy breeze hit my back and made me stop in my thoughts. Behind me was a large dark cloud formation. It had sprung up so suddenly that there had been no hint of it just an hour ago. My eyes widened as I realized what direction the heavy winds came from. It was crossing the ship route of the priestesses.


    ¡°Why have you picked up the trail again?¡± I glared at the supernatural storm that spread across the sea. Poseidon had found me somehow. Perhaps I could have felt relief because I was still safe here, but the truth was catastrophic. No ship could managed to best that storm.


    ¡°Damn you usurper!¡± I spread my wings and rushed into the air, flying towards the direction of the ship with wild abandon. Immediately I was hit by waves of spraying rain and sickle like gusts.


    It was hard to see anything in this weather, but I pushed forward. The destructive force of nature was centered around a single point, so I knew Poseidon was approaching. I had to act quickly. I managed to open my eyes and see something harrowing.


    The ship had been turned over by large waves and the mast was broken off. The crew had already been swept away and the passengers could not have been much better off. The helpless ship eventually got crushed by a giant rock that penetrated the ocean. A small island was close-by, so the waters were getting shallower already. The horrific irony of their salvation being so close to them and still dying in this chaos made bile rise up my throat.


    The pieces of the ship were floating wildly and quickly spread apart. In all of this I could not find any humans. With a grim expression I dove into the water and looked around below the tearing surface. In the darkness of the endless ocean I could see just as if it was illuminated by the sun, so I could perceive the slowly sinking corpses and chests around me.


    My heart nearly skipped a beat when I saw the person I was looking for being pulled down by a rope tied around her legs that was attached to a large piece of metal. She was sinking into the depth so fast that I could barely keep up. I swam against the currents and got a hold of Palla and the rope dragging her down. I tore it apart and picked her up. Her eyes and mouth were open¡­ she should have drowned already.


    But her eyes focused on me.


    She was still alive¡­ somehow.


    I rushed to the surface and burst through it, then immediately flew towards the small island nearby that was more akin to a sandbank. I pushed her down and covered her with my wings as the storm raged around us. Her lungs were filled to the brim with ocean water, yet she wouldn¡¯t drown. She painfully shook and tried to spill the water from her mouth.


    I took her and held her upside-down so that the water would spill out of her. She coughed and made terrible sounds, but eventually breathed again.


    I put her down softly and then realized that my hands were red¡­


    A large piece of wood was stuck in Palla¡¯s torso. I had not noticed in the confusion, but it was so thick that there was no hope for her anymore. Any normal human would have passed out and faded away already.


    Why did she not?


    ¡°Huurrrts¡­.!¡± She twisted in pain and spilled tears.


    The wound was too severe, yet she would not die. She was forced to continue experiencing this pain. I gazed at her neck and realized what it was. The shell did not allow her to die.


    ¡°Medusaa¡­ Medusa¡­ please¡­ make it¡­ stop¡­¡± The old woman begged me with endless pain in her voice. Her weak arm grabbed tightly onto my wrist.


    ¡°It will be over soon.¡± I clenched my teeth and took the cord from her neck and pulled it over her head.


    Except I could not.


    ¡°Ahhh... uwaaah!¡± She twisted in pain, but I could not help her.


    The cord did not move over her head. There was an invisible resistance that I could not overcome. A barrier of some sort that kept it around her neck no matter how much force was applied.


    My mind was on fire.


    This was Athena¡¯s doing! After our conversation, after finding out what Palla had planned, she had altered the blessing so that it could not be lifted! This was no blessing anymore¡­ it was a punishment. That woman had meddled with Palla for so long that she was now treated as a tool that had no say in the matter.


    She would continue to suffer, unable to die. Even if I pulled out the sharp piece of wood, even if her wounds healed, the pain would continue on until her very body fell to dust in the wind. Was that the love that she deserved? Was that how trust was repaid?!


    ¡°Medusa¡­ ple---ase¡­¡± Her fearful and fading eyes met my enraged mind and begged of me to end it all.


    There was one more way. Even if I could not pull it over her head, there was still one way to sever them apart.


    My wet and cold hand went unto her shaking head.


    My other hand went to her throat.


    ¡°I am sorry.¡±


    Swiftly, painlessly, emotionlessly¡­ Her head was severed from her body.


    The shell fell into the reddened sand.


    I took her lifeless body and head into my arms and stood tall. Without a word I moved through the air and headed back for Sarpedon.


    The storm had reached the island and carried ominous winds with it, but I did not care. I landed in the temple yard like I did centuries ago, holding the same girl ¨C the same woman ¨C in my arms and placing her down before the terrified priestesses and servants.


    ¡°Her¡­ her¡­ Grand Prie- what have you done to her?!¡± The women cried out and some even emptied their stomachs in horror.


    ¡°The ship sank. There were no survivors.¡± I said with an emotionless voice.


    ¡°N-no storm could cause t-that!¡± The oldest priestess held a hand before her mouth and looked at me accusingly. ¡°Did you do this to her¡­?¡±


    ¡°I did.¡± I replied with hollowed eyes.


    ¡°Monster!¡±


    ¡°False goddess!¡±


    They screamed in anger and grief.


    ¡°Bury her in this island¡¯s soil. Her soul is finally free.¡± I ordered them uncaringly.


    I would confront Athena. This little game with a mortal woman had gone too far. She would pay for making me do this¡­


    RRRRUMBLE


    The earth shook. An earthquake accompanied by roaring thunder. All signs of the great ruler of the seas¡¯ approach.


    I stood stiffly in the incessant rain and watched the waves approach. My heartbeat was the only thing I heard anymore. Hot or cold, I could not tell them apart anymore.


    In the distance the red eyes penetrated the clouds and heavy fog.


    He was here. He had found me.


    The island was Athena''s domain. He could not get to me here...


    I did not care. I was done running from these evil gods. These usurpers who treated everything as their pawns. Those who carelessly crushed all these pathetic insects without a second glance.


    With seething hatred and indomitable pride I stepped into the water. The raging white stallion galloped across the giant waves, headed right for me. I raised my arms and the water around me took the shape of an equally large tidal wave. It reacted to my mind and crashed into the opposing force. An explosion of water and sea creatures shook the ocean around us for hundreds of parasenges.


    I knew not how to contain my emotions, I had no path but forward, even with my opponent¡¯s overwhelming might. Our powers clashed, but each trade was a colossal strain on me. I could barely lift my arms anymore after the fourth hour and the next wave spilled me backwards. I sank into the dark water and was caught by a giant hoof hitting my chest. It was such a heavy blow that my vision blacked out completely.


    My mind phased in and out of consciousness after that.


    I remember weakly resisting¡­ but being tossed around.


    Then I woke up on the back of the giant dripping horse mane.


    The clacking of hooves became more solid¡­ we were at the temple¡­


    Somehow Poseidon had set foot on Sarpedon¡­ he carried me into the temple¡­


    I was pushed down¡­ the hot and slimy saliva of the horse¡¯s mouth dripped onto my face¡­


    My body could not move¡­ he stepped on top of me and moved his hips¡­


    I could not feel pain¡­ I could not feel anything but numbness¡­


    The day turned to night and the night was long.


    He had his way with me for so long that I could not even think anymore¡­ all I saw was the giant statue of Athena before me, staring at me with disgust and contempt.


    Why did she not move? She only watched this painful scene¡­


    I passed out repeatedly and was brought back to consciousness, forcefully.


    When it was finally over Poseidon left me lying on the ground, inside the empty and wet temple. He galloped away as swiftly as he could¡­ He must have come to his senses¡­ far too late¡­


    My mind blacked out again and I lied on the cold ground for hours¡­


    Until I awoke to the first ray of a hesitant sun. My dulled eyes looked up to the statue again. Her face was the most despicable thing I had ever seen in my life.


    My entire body was in pain, yet I forced my arms to raise me up even slightly. I could see her bare feet before me. I needed to rise up to resist¡­!


    ¡°Gorgon.¡± Athena spoke down to me.


    ¡°¡­rrgh¡­¡± I could not respond. My legs were useless. They had been crushed by the hooves.


    ¡°You have made a mockery of my hospitality and I forgave you.¡±


    ¡°ARGH!¡± The wooden part of her spear was pushed onto my hand, so I collapsed.


    ¡°You have slain my Grand Priestess with your own hands and yet I still would have forgiven you.¡±


    ¡°GAAAAH!¡± The spear pierced my other hand.


    ¡°And lastly you have defiled my temple with your filthy act! You have sullied the hallowed ground and brought Poseidon¡¯s lust into my halls!¡±


    ¡°----!¡± I bit my tongue, unable to even scream as the spear tip pierced my chest. It was as hot as molten earth from the fiery mountains.


    ¡°Hear these words of justice. Hear my judgement: I will strip you of your divinity!¡±


    She dragged the spear out of my chest and red light was pulled out alongside it. My eyes turned white as I felt my very essence being dragged from my soul.


    ¡°I will take away your beauty!¡±


    My skin was ruptured painfully as my hair dropped from my head and hissing snakes burst out of it.


    ¡°No man shall ever fall for you again, no human or god will be tempted by you!¡±


    My white eyes began to glow and it was as if patterns were seared into my retinas¡­ they turned silver as the curse completely suffocated me. I was petrified and at that moment the attribute of my curse fused with me.


    ¡°You are now a monster which all the world shall revile. The name Gorgon shall be feared!¡±


    Athena rammed her spear into the ground and left my twitching torn soul to itself.


    ¡°This temple has lost its purity because of you, so it shall be your exile, your prison and your tomb.¡±


    Those were the last words the goddess of wisdom and war spoke to me before vanishing into her statue. It crumbled right after and fell to a thousand pieces around me.


    I writhed around in pain as my lower half turned into a snake¡¯s and my fingers became claws. Scales covered my body from head to toe and I could feel an insatiable lust for destruction.


    I raged through the halls and destroyed them. The few humans who had cowered in fear outside ran for their lives, but most of them were petrified merely by looking at me. Only a handful had barely managed to make it to a boat and escaped my wrath. With them they took the remains of the former Grand Priestess.


    The temple was hit by earthquakes and fell in on itself, but my claws tore apart everything else until I could not hear my own thoughts anymore.


    Then I woke up¡­ not sure how much later.


    I was lying in in the debris of the main building and looked up at the scorching sun. I was all alone¡­ or was I?


    Four hands grabbed my head and lifted it up. I reflexively closed my cursed eyes, but they pushed them back open. Before me sat two beautiful girls, eerily similar to my old appearance.


    ¡°¡°Sister.¡±¡± They spoke in unison.


    ¡°Who¡­?¡± My monstrous throat could barely form words.


    ¡°¡°We were born from your severed divinity. You will never be alone.¡±¡±


    Their words sounded wrong. Hollow. As if spoken by a soulless vessel. In my fear and self-pity I had birthed these ¡®sisters¡¯ from my old self. Mindless things that only existed to be at my side.


    I rose up and gazed across the destroyed temple. My prison.


    I saw the petrified humans, I saw the empty eyes of my ''sisters'' and I saw the ugliness of my body in the puddles.


    As my senses returned I felt something revolting inside me. I could tell even without my divine senses.. My fangs grew longer and my cursed eyes were filled with endless hatred. I clawed at my stomach, trying to tear it apart.


    I was pregnant.


    ¡°I swear to you damned gods¡­ I will never bear this spawn! Until I take my last breath they will never be born!¡±


    I angrily shouted to the heavens.


    <hr>


    The Gorgon ended her tale.


    She had expected it, but it was still painful to see Eugenia cry her eyes out. The girl had not been able to stop for a while. Eventually she embraced Medusa and pushed her face against her stomach.


    Hesitantly Medusa put her hand through the girl¡¯s hair and stroked it calmingly. She had begun and ended her story in this fashion, so it felt like they were still at the beginning.


    Eugenia sniffed and tried her best to regain her composure.


    ¡°That punishment¡­ was too cruel¡­!¡± She said as hot tears streamed from her face and soaked Medusa¡¯s chiton.


    ¡°¡­¡± She could not respond. Her story had been long and recalling it had taken a lot out of her.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t deserve it!¡±


    ¡°I have learned to accept it now.¡± She finally managed to say something


    ¡°The gods were too cruel¡­ they didn¡¯t understand you.¡± She pushed her face closer to the Gorgon¡¯s belly. ¡°You are pregnant? You never said anything¡­ All of those wounds and the fighting must have hurt the children.¡±


    ¡°They are unharmed. They were conceived, but I forcibly stopped their growth. They will forever stay in the earliest state of existence¡­. Until the day I die. Then I will take them with me.¡± Again she showed that horrific monstrous expression. This topic was destroying her cool fa?ade. ¡°That is my revenge against Poseidon.¡±


    ¡°You suffered so much.¡± Eugenia raised her head and held onto Medusa¡¯s face. ¡°I was ignorant¡­ I only considered my perspective. I blindly took Athena¡¯s side.¡±


    Medusa looked upon the milky eyes of the girl and felt a sharp pain in her heart.


    ¡°I am so sorry for everything I said.¡± She put her forehead against Medusa¡¯s and let her warmth flow to her. ¡°I understand now why you didn¡¯t want to tell me this story.¡±


    ¡°I am not so weak that I wished to spare myself-¡° Medusa already tried to defend her pride, but¡­


    ¡°You wanted to spare me.¡± Eugenia knew. She truly understood now.


    Medusa¡¯s eyes widened and her mouth, agape, was unable to put up a quick denial.


    ¡°You have seen the worst sides of humans and gods. I understand that you would feel nothing but pain and hatred.¡± She closed in on the Gorgon¡¯s face.


    ¡°Eugenia, you-¡° Her lips were covered before they could say any more.


    Eugenia gave Medusa a warm and tender kiss.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be afraid of love. Your curse will never stop me.¡±


    ¡°You foolish human. Did you not listen? There is no meaning to this kiss.¡±


    ¡°Then I will keep trying until it has meaning!¡±


    Ba-thump


    Medusa looked on in confusion as her heart tightened. Before her stood this foolish human girl, surrounded by the light of the sundown. She seemed to be glowing.


    ¡°I will keep chasing you no matter where you try to hide. I will make you understand me, like I understand you. Then these feelings will have meaning. It may be selfish of me, but I am only human after all. We are selfish to the core, remember?¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°You are not alone anymore. You can share it with me now. Let me try.¡± She embraced the Gorgon tightly.


    Medusa did not move or reciprocate the hug, but she felt many contradicting emotions. With a lost expression she said:


    ¡°Do as you please.¡±


    At the end of her tale, the Gorgon found despair. At the end of the tale, the blind woman found conviction. This contradiction was their fate.

 Chapter 52: Medusa and the garden

    Medusa awoke abruptly inside her lair. Her head shot up and the snakes drowsily undulated down her neck in confusion. She didn¡¯t pay them any mind and looked around. The animal skins and furs that had been laid out over the warm stone floor were empty. She was the only one inside this darkness.


    In just a moment her mental state had switched between deep slumber and complete vigilance. After a few moments she slowly lowered her guard and tapped her finger on the ground. Her demeanor was odd, even she realized that.


    ¡°What am I doing?¡± She wondered and got up.


    Eugenia had not been next to her when she awoke. She actually had not been inside the lair in a while. All thanks to her new project. She was such a busybody. Medusa yawned and then ascended the tight stairwell up to the surface. The sunlight assailed her from the zenith of the world¡¯s ceiling. It was already this late?


    When she was not shaken awake by the girl she tended to oversleep. Was that the correct way to phrase it? She did not have urgency to wake any earlier, yet she felt like she was missing something every moment she stayed dormant.


    She slithered through the destroyed temple and took notice of the hares that were jumping through the gaps and holes. It could not be described as anything but an infestation at this point. She cursed the messenger of the gods who had caused this unnatural invasion. These pests were chewing through the dry grass all over the island like they intended to shave it clean.


    Which brought her back to the reason Eugenia had been so busy recently. The burnt out ruin of the Greenhouse loomed at the north end of the temple, even worse off than the rest of the rubble. In its corner was a single small area that had survived the fires and grown all the more fertile. This garden was what Eugenia clung to like a lifeline. Indeed, without it she would have ran out of vegetables soon. The resources she had been gifted by her comrades from Athens had all but run out. Just a few months had diminished them this much.


    Her eyes traced along the camp at the center of the temple where the boxes and chests were piled up. There was a certain contribution of her own that led to the quick decline, she was very aware. But Eugenia seemed happier to share a meal than to eat by herself. Naturally Medusa needed no sustenance, but there was nothing wrong with enjoying a good meal. It was somewhat of a pity that she would soon be going without food once again. Not that she would openly complain.


    Nestled between the ruins and the sea was the garden, surrounded by not just a large fence anymore, but by ample construction. Without trouble Medusa spied the one she sought on top of a small wall that she was building from pieces of stone. The appearance was lamentable but the construction gave off a reliable impression. For a blind woman to build a wall with so few gaps was nothing short of a miracle.


    Medusa smirked and approached the construction site. It was a miracle indeed, but she would still judge it for the shoddy construction it was. Eugenia seemed unperturbed by her audience or the constant repairs she had to perform. After a while she wiped some sweat from her forehead and took a rest.


    Medusa¡¯s eyes moved around and eventually got stuck to the girl¡¯s glistening neck. She had tied her long hair into a ponytail so it would not get in the way of her work. Sweat was pearling down her fair skin¡­


    ¡°Medusa?¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡± She jerked out of her trance and crossed her arms.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t notice you, sorry. How long have you been standing there?¡± She rolled down her dirty sleeves and jumped off the wooden support she had been standing on.


    ¡°Not awfully long.¡±


    ¡°You should have said something.¡± She giggled.


    ¡°You seemed engrossed in your work.¡± Medusa averted her eyes.


    ¡°I am making good progress, don¡¯t you think? Walls on all sides, plenty of blockades inside the earth so the little ones can¡¯t dig their way inside and I even managed to find some intact wooden beams. If you have time could you put them up later please?¡±


    ¡°If I must.¡± She said unenthused and looked at the pile of wood close-by.


    ¡°If I had a crane or something similar I may have been able to do it on my own, but even Zosimos didn¡¯t manage to put that into my luggage.¡± She said humorously.


    ¡°Another human plaything?¡±


    ¡°Huh? O-oh, of course you would not know about it. A crane is¡­ er, it is like a really big wooden arm that holds ropes.¡± She tried to visualize it with her own arm and made herself look rather foolish. ¡°Then you tie them around the rocks or beams like so¡­¡± She grabbed Medusa¡¯s arms and pretended to wrap a rope around it.


    The Gorgon stiffened up and her eyes turned into slits. Eugenia¡¯s hands were on her arm and rubbing against it. She could feel the pulsing of her veins and the tenderness of her skin. The girl had no qualms in holding onto her.


    Medusa roughly pulled her arm away.


    ¡°¡­¡± Eugenia held up her hands and looked confused.


    ¡°Do not¡­¡± She had almost blurted it out, but caught herself just in time. ¡°Do not take me for someone so uneducated. I know of such construction methods, I saw them employed in this very temple. I was only unaware of the name.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I didn¡¯t want to hurt your pride.¡± Eugenia¡¯s expression relaxed and she chuckled.


    Medusa felt uneasy¡­ no, it was closer to anxiety. It reminded her of those impulses she felt when she had suspected Eugenia¡¯s feelings for her. But now that they had surfaced and become solid before her, she should have lost the unease of the unknown. Indeed, she should have returned to her uncaring self.


    ¡°Sooner will Aphrodite be faithful to her husband before you could hurt my pride, girl. Now tell me where to put your wood.¡±


    She followed the human girl¡¯s lead step by step. Construction was not something the Gorgon had ever bothered with, as the opposite was more her forte. Simply piling up some rocks and sticks would be easy enough, but Eugenia truly wished to make a small building out of this garden. Something that would protect the fragile food even during one of Sarpedon¡¯s rare monstrous storms.


    ¡°It is a shame that none of the glass survived.¡± The blind girl said as she drank from her water skin during a short break.


    ¡°Mh.¡± Medusa nodded curtly. Her mind kept straying as she watched the girl¡¯s throat pulse with each gulp of the clear water.


    ¡°Perhaps that is why it was a miracle. If it was replicated too easily it would not be impressive anymore.¡± She cupped her chin with one hand and philosophized. ¡°I feel that the people here could have shared the method with more cities. How did this craft never spread?¡±


    ¡°It may well have been due to the eradication of this island¡¯s history.¡± She replied stiffly.


    ¡°Oh, that could be it. A shame.¡± Eugenia crossed her legs and sighed.


    Medusa felt strangely angry at that reaction. It was not her fault that woman would go to such lengths. How was it that this foolish human would still take her side?


    ¡°Lady Athena always abandons her failures, doesn¡¯t she?¡± Eugenia said with sympathy.


    Medusa was taken aback and did not respond. Her eyes widened and then focused quickly as she tried to control her stray thoughts. She had been overly hasty in judging Eugenia again. They were both victims of that woman. The blind woman¡¯s words carried no malice or judgement towards the Gorgon. Yet she had immediately put up her walls and braced for an attack.


    Eugenia stretched her arms and moaned, before getting up.


    ¡°We are nearly done, so can I ask you to lend me your strength one more time?¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    They returned to the tedious work, but Medusa was acting more composed. It was unseemly for her to show so much erratic emotion. As the Gorgon heaved up a large beam she was accidentally toppling the remains of a wall, which promptly collapsed against their fresh construction.


    ¡°There is a lot.¡± Eugenia patted the ruins to access just how much debris was around the garden. ¡°If we leave it like this it may all collapse and harm the garden.¡±


    After realizing that the rubble was impeding with their progress she began picking up large pieces of pillars and ceiling and tossed them down the hill. Seeing Eugenia¡¯s shocked expression she reconsidered and carried the pieces downhill slowly. It was a mindless work that could not take her thoughts away, so she struggled to find something to focus on.


    She returned uphill and noticed Eugenia hunched over behind a tree. With a raised brow she slithered around the wood and glanced at the girl¡¯s work. She had put a slate on her lap and was carefully carving something into it. With her slow and concentrated movements this little artisanry could take her quite a while.


    Medusa was curious, but it seemed unwise to break her concentration right now. Thinking it was best not to show too much interest in the girl¡¯s actions, she returned to her work and put extra force into each push and pull.


    Half a day passed in the blink of an eye. Medusa had nearly piled up half the former Greenhouse or at least the unnatural hill of stone and wood gave her that impression. Frankly she had not the imagination to come up with a way in which Eugenia could have achieved this on her own. It was rather ironic that her path to independence was paved by dependence to the Gorgon.


    It put a smirk on her lips and she was already determined to point this out to the human. Her reaction would be very entertaining.


    Yet when she returned to the garden there was no trace of the girl. Medusa was somewhat indignant that she would just go off while she made the owner of the island work for her. The impudence.


    She slithered through the temple ruins and looked into Eugenia¡¯s camp. There was no sign of her around here either. Which would mean she had gone off somewhere further away. There were a handful of possibilities that she could come up with. For a busybody like Eugenia every moment spent relaxing would be a waste, so she was most certainly doing some menial task.


    Medusa went into the underground reservoir, but found nothing. She slithered to the cliff, but there was no trace of the human. Finally she decided to return to the lair to perhaps find her sleeping inside with a foolish expression on her small face. Again, no luck.


    ¡°You are nothing but trouble.¡± She grumbled and flew up to the half destroyed roof. She would focus her senses and try to locate the girl no matter what. She could not just disappear like that. If she was not to be found then perhaps something had happened¡­ An outsider? Was there someone Medusa could not perceive? Why would they go after Eugenia?


    Her heart became uneasy and she had trouble focusing her senses. It could not be, but doubt was a relentless and unassuming poison. If something had happened to her then it was Medusa¡¯s fault for being so unfocused. The barrier should not fail to warn her, but it was a crutch to only rely on such conveniences. There might well have been a being that could elude her senses. To leave Eugenia out of her sight like that was a shortsighted mistake.


    Her claws dug into the brittle stone and rained dust onto the shadow clad ruins.


    She had to find her. If she had only been captured between the last two walks she took down the hill they could not have made it far. These thieves would soon regret having crossed the Gorgon!


    With a loud flap she spread her wings and rose into the air to oversee the island. First her eyes were attracted to the edge and the waters, to see if someone had anchored with a boat. There was nothing but wreckage from destroyed ships and gentle waves. Nobody had yet managed to escape, so she was turning inwards.


    There were a few spots on this cursed island that one could hide at. The underground cave that she had used to hide away Eugenia during the Expedition''s attack came to mind. That place was not easily found however, so she had doubts an intruder would go there.


    Furiously she cut through the breeze and kept scanning the temple with her sharp eyes. She regretted now that she never studied the map that the cowardly merchant had drawn for Eugenia. Someone who had been here for centuries should have naturally known each rock and blade of grass, but Medusa was not interested in knowing her prison. That was now biting her back after so long.


    She descended to pick up the map from Eugenia¡¯s belongings, but as she lowered herself she heard a metallic sound in the distance. Without hesitation she burst into that direction and even toppled over an old pillar in the process, not caring for the damage it would cause. She crashed into the ground near a deep sunken in part of the temple.


    ¡°Hmmmmgn!¡± There a girl huffed and puffed as she tried to pull her hand out of some metallic contraption.


    Cursed eyes met milky white ones and both parties recognized each other instantly.


    ¡°What buffoonery is this?¡± Medusa asked dryly and with deep exhaustion.


    ¡°Gnnn¡­ why did you have to find me so soon?¡± The former priestess groaned and turned bright red. Her arm was stuck between the bars of a cage. Her embarrassment for her predicament was exuding her whole body and made her most pitiable.


    ¡°You got yourself trapped in a cage made for much larger beasts.¡± Medusa scoffed.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    ¡°T-the gap was smaller than expected. I only wished to reach inside for a moment, but it contracted somehow-!¡± She hastily retorted, but as she pulled in the process she flinched from pain. Her wrist was truly stuck.


    ¡°What was your plan had I not found you?¡± Medusa raised a brow and watched her squirm.


    ¡°My arm will slip out¡­ eventually.¡± She said stubbornly and kept struggling.


    ¡°Is that so? Then you will not mind if I return to the garden ahead of you.¡± She said with a devilish grin.


    ¡°¡­¡± Eugenia listened to her slithering departure and grew more desperate. She pushed both her feet against the cage and pulled back with all her might. The force was hurting her wrist and tore the skin, but she suppressed her cries by biting her lower lip. Now that her arm became more slippery from the blood she may have finally been able to get out.


    ¡°You run those lips of yours in all manner of ways, insinuating that my pride is fragile.¡± Medusa stood right behind her and spoke directly into the girl¡¯s ear. ¡°Yet your pride is the most fickle of all.¡± She easily bent the iron bars apart and caught Eugenia who was falling backwards from the sudden lack of resistance. ¡°You are a weak human. If there is no other method you must rely on those who are strong.¡±


    ¡°Medusa¡­¡± She grabbed her hurting wrist and averted her face.


    ¡°You already rely on me for other minor tasks, so why do you act so stubborn now?¡± Medusa grabbed the girl and forced her to turn about. She held up her arm and looked at the bruised wrist. It looked not too severe, but it must have hurt immensely nonetheless.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t understand.¡± Eugenia replied meekly.


    ¡°Oh? To hear such tones from you after your great and confident speech.¡± The Gorgon mocked with a half-smile.


    Eugenia¡¯s face twisted and she seemed to have realized something. Medusa¡¯s words did not fall on deaf ears.


    ¡°You¡­ you are right. I said that I wanted you to understand me.¡± The shame on her face was not an act. ¡°Medusa, I don¡¯t want to rely on you for things that I can do myself. I owe you too much already. M-maybe I¡¯m too prideful.¡± She swallowed and forced her meek heart to toughen up. ¡°I was embarrassed for being so clumsy!¡± She admitted.


    Medusa felt a small static shock run through her hand. Perhaps it was just the tension of her wrist as she held on to the girl¡¯s arm, but it was meaningless. To see the self-sufficient and determined girl act so honest and shameful resonated with her inexplicably.


    ¡°Honesty suits you well.¡± She muttered and then put her mouth to the bruised wrist.


    ¡°Eeek?!¡± Eugenia shrieked in surprise as Medusa¡¯s tongue coiled around her torn skin and licked up the red sap of life. ¡°Medusa¡­ no¡­ stop that.¡± She resisted only weakly as the tongue tickled her skin.


    ¡°Your blood is sour.¡± Medusa concluded as she finished and let go of the small hand.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t need to know!¡± She blurted out with reddened cheeks. She grabbed her wrist that was slightly wet now and wiped it with her clothes. ¡°Huh?¡± She stopped and moved her hand a bit. ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt anymore.¡±


    ¡°Saliva has a nursing effect, does it now?¡± Medusa simply brushed it off.


    ¡°Not that strong.¡± She said with a complex expression as she touched her wrist. It was still bruised, but the blood flow had stopped and the pain was numbed. The bruise had not been deep, but still.


    ¡°More importantly, what possessed you to play with this old thing?¡± She pointed towards the cage.


    ¡°This hollow wasn¡¯t here before I left the island. A storm must have spilled the mud and earth away. I was just exploring it a bit and found that cage. I have never touched a metal cage before. To use such expensive materials to keep someone contained is weird.¡±


    ¡°Ah that.¡± Medusa suddenly recollected when taking a closer look. ¡°It is the cage they used for the lion.¡±


    ¡°Truly? Then you weren¡¯t making that up?¡±


    ¡°Rude.¡± Medusa frowned at the insinuation. ¡°I was not aware it had been left behind either. The beast¡¯s bones have bite marks. It must have torn into its own flesh from madness.¡± She easily pulled the entire cage out of the dirt and held it up with one arm. The lion¡¯s skeleton was left behind in the sinking earth.


    ¡°Poor thing.¡±


    ¡°It ate three of its caretakers.¡±


    ¡°Still.¡±


    Medusa had no pity for the caged beast. It had been outsmarted by humans and been used. That was the fate of the weak.


    ¡°I would say we should bury it, but I think you already did that.¡± Eugenia squatted before the piled earth.


    ¡°Indeed.¡± She shrugged and put down the heavy metal cage.


    ¡°Maybe we could use the iron for something later, even if it is rusty. Would you please take it to the camp?¡± She asked thoughtfully.


    ¡°And so we return to your shameless requests.¡± Medusa sighed, but picked it up easily.


    ¡°You said I should rely on you more. Then I will do exactly that¡­¡± Eugenia pouted.


    ¡°Tsk.¡± She hastily turned around and jumped up the hollow to reach the top of the hill. She could not show the girl her expression no matter what. In her hurry she nearly forgot that she was dealing with a blind woman.


    <hr>


    After setting the cage down near the main camp, Medusa was ready to await Eugenia at the garden, but was surprised to find her sitting down near her tent. She had picked up the Satyr''s immaculate lyre and strummed it carefully.


    ¡°What has come over you now?¡± She asked a bit exasperated.


    ¡°I just thought of a melody. A hymn for the lion in the cage.¡± She said filled with something odd. She realized that it was what humans called ¡®divine inspiration¡¯. The eyes and ears were overcome by the spirit of Apollo and guided their hands without regards to their own will.


    Naturally those tales were empty superstitions, as Apollo was too secluded to come to each human personally. Furthermore he had no influence on this cursed island.


    ¡°Can this not wait?¡±


    ¡°Why are you in such a hurry?¡± Eugenia asked in confusion.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°We made good progress today. A house is not build in a day as they say.¡± She smiled and plucked the strings.


    ¡°Sounds like some human excuse.¡± The Gorgon retorted, but folded and settled down on her curled tail.


    ¡°Will you listen to my piece?¡±


    ¡°I am merely wary of that goat¡¯s influence on you. He will not dare try anything with my eyes on him.¡± Her response was matter of fact.


    ¡°Kygnos wouldn¡¯t do that. He swore by his master¡¯s name, remember?¡± Eugenia creased her brows.


    ¡°Your trusting nature has gotten you burned before.¡± The Gorgon¡¯s words were pinpointed like a good spear.


    ¡°You never let things go.¡± Eugenia sighed, but did not let it deter her from playing the lyre. The melody escaping her hands was first awkward, but over time gained true form.


    As was tradition a melody told a story, one that would be created by the musician¡¯s hands and the listener¡¯s heart. For a bard in some tavern the melody would accommodate those who escaped their daily troubles and prepare a light tale that could make even a drunkard laugh. Those who wept at the beauty of a sad hymn would feel the gravity of even a simple piece.


    To support the intent of the music, a good musician would also sing, for words could steer the notes into the right direction. Eugenia was not a great singer, so she relied on the oldest method of simply speaking the words in the rhythm of her melody. To improvise a tale was no easy feat, therefore in the stream of consciousness she told the feelings that her story evoked.


    This song was dedicated to a mighty and proud lion. A beast so free and strong that none of its brethren dared to come near. The lion was feared, but also respected. He had slain many a man, but he did only protect his territory and freedom. When he was challenged by a bear he fought valiantly and struck down the superior opponent with cunning and wild abandon. The scars from that battle were a mark of pride to the mountain lion that had proved his superiority.


    At the peak of the lion¡¯s reign, it was found by human beast tamers. Men and women close to nature, more animals than people. They tried to attract the mighty beast with food, but he refused their offerings, as he could hunt for himself. They tried to find him a mate, but he refused to accept a defanged caged lioness.


    Ultimately they knew no other solution than violence and burned down the mighty lion¡¯s territory and cornered him in his cave. Fire, relentless, powerful and undefeatable, it was what separated humans from beasts. Great Prometheus had stolen the flame for the sake of those muddy creatures below and granted them dominion among all beasts.


    The flame was to be feared, but the lion was too proud to accept his loss. No surrender, no escape. He fought fang and claw for his freedom and tore through six men before finally being taken down by spear wounds and ropes. They caught him, tied him, treated his wounds and entrapped him in a wooden cage.


    Freedom was the luxury of the strong. Even a mighty proud lion could not escape those cleverer than it. Those more powerful than it. Those greedier than it.


    Caged as a beast to be set free on the battlefield and maul those who opposed its masters, it was trained with sticks and whip. Purpose was ingrained into it, yet it did not conform. No, not the lion. It did not obey orders, it did not accept its loss, forever living for rebellion. Thus it was decided to be useless and abandoned in its cage, for spectators to view a shade beyond its former glory.


    Fed by its captors, the lion soon refused to even accept such pittance and accepted his fate to starve to death,


    Eventually a boy, no older than a few summers, approached the beast and watched the skinny feline breathe weakly in its cramped cage. The boy was curious and fearless, having grown up with beasts all around him. He gave the lion meat he had stolen from the kitchen and watched on until the beast finally tore into it. Why did the lion decide to accept this meat? A beast¡¯s instincts were the only explanation. For the boy only wished to see it feed and had no other motives. Pity it would not have accepted and desire even less. Only this innocent wish to see a lion be itself was directed at it.


    The boy would come and feed the lion every night and the lion would devour the meal. Soon the captors found out and punished the boy, but they did not understand why the lion would feed after refusing for so long.


    One night the boy returned and opened the cage. He was beaten and bruised and seemed close to death, yet he had crawled to the cage and unlocked the door. It was foolish, it was a death sentence. If the lion did not eat him, the other humans would end his life. But the boy had no care in his swollen face. It was simply respect for another beast as caged as him.


    The lion did not eat the slave. It stayed in its cage and ignored the open door.


    He would stay in confinement for the rest of time, for that was his choice. The boy would not decide his fate. The other humans did not find out who opened the cage, but there was no consequence as the lion stayed. The slave eventually grew up and was sold to another place. At the last moment he came to the lion and bowed.


    The old wild cat took no notice and lied there, dignified, as he breathed his last.


    What meaning did this story carry? What could a melody such as this convey to the Gorgon?


    Medusa stared off into the distance with a pained expression. A tale like this was common among human poets. The mighty beast whose pride surpassed its wit. Surely Eugenia had picked it up when listening to them in the city. The message should have been clear, the comeuppance of those who thought themselves too great being shown the truth. Most would take it as an allegory for humans and the divine.


    Yet why did this melody sound so¡­ sympathetic? A kindness was in each note that would have been amiss in this tale. Was the lion wrong for having pride in himself? He was the greatest in his territory, unsurpassed by even the strongest animals and true to himself to the end. Humans were simply too clever and resourceful for such a beast. Much like the gods could never be surpassed by the greatest king or hero.


    If meaning was created by the musician¡¯s hands and the listener¡¯s heart, would that not mean that Medusa felt pity? There was this notion of respect in the way Eugenia recited the tale. Why would she do this now? This unfair, most human of weapons¡­


    ¡°It may need some refinement.¡± Eugenia said critically and set down the lyre. ¡°What do you think Medusa-?¡± She focused and noticed that the Gorgon had her back turned to her. The atmosphere around her was tense and resentful.


    ¡°Is this your weapon? Your clever attempt to break down the wall?¡± Medusa asked emotionlessly.


    ¡°Pardon?¡± The girl had no idea what was going on. How could she? This melody was something that came from two hearts, yet she only had one.


    ¡°It will not work. I will not allow it to work.¡± Medusa said gravely.


    For once Eugenia showed a surprising amount of tact as she did not become a rube and ask for clarification. She stood tall and quietly listened to Medusa¡¯s swinging tail.


    Medusa could tell that she was confused, but held it in. Maybe that was for the best or maybe she actually wanted her to-


    ¡°The rubble has been moved, so return to your work or keep playing around, it matters not to me. For your own sake I suggest you end this tomfoolery.¡± She gritted her teeth and left for her lair.


    It was the first time in weeks that she had left so abruptly. She thought to have grown beyond such actions, but not so.


    Eugenia stayed behind, wondering what she had done wrong.


    <hr>


    A few days passed until Medusa had calmed down. Thankfully Eugenia had stayed out of the lair and given her the personal space she needed.


    Needed? Even thinking of it that way was degrading.


    On the surface things had stayed mostly the same. The animals seemed unusually quiet, but near the lair they tended to be careful. The Gorgon¡¯s aura terrified them indeed. Even animals fell victim to her curse, so they instinctively avoided her.


    The one thing that would not avoid her was biting into some stale old bread and scratching her slightly curly hair. She looked like some kind of village bumpkin, trying to solve a quandary given to her by a devious scholar.


    ¡°Mornin¡¯ Medusa.¡± She greeted her while chewing on the stone like bread and remained focused on the parchment. She could not see, so her charcoal movement had to be precise and deliberate.


    ¡°¡­you are drawing again.¡± Medusa noted reserved. The girl¡¯s reaction to her return was so unspectacular that it slightly stung.


    ¡°Mhm. I am finishing the plans so that I know exactly where everything is.¡± She pointed at the drawing of the garden house and the camp. It looked¡­ surprisingly steady. There were clearly some mistakes in there, but for someone who quite clearly did not know what the place looked like she was not far off. She had also jotted down some formulas. That was related to the mathematics she liked so much.


    The drawing might actually have been somewhat beautified compared to the actual building though. Medusa looked it over and noticed that it was a bit slanted. Eugenia had put the finishing touches on it by herself. The linen of sails covering the top alongside some clay supports looked questionable at best.


    Still, there was an inherent understanding of structure to this.


    ¡°It turned out quite acceptable I think. All thanks to your hard work.¡± She thanked her.


    ¡°Hmph. How does a former priestess know so much about making a house?¡± It was a bit late to question it now.


    ¡°I was always interested in it. There was not much I could learn on my own, but I wanted to understand what my father did before¡­¡± She trailed off and finished her bread. She swallowed and then continued. ¡°Do you think he would be proud of our work?¡±


    ¡°You ask too much of me, to judge the opinion of a man I never met.¡± The Gorgon swished her tail back and forth and looked at the garden house. It was not nearly as impressive as the Greenhouse, but it was something they had built together. Even someone as stoic as her could feel some pride in it. ¡°It is fine work.¡± She said something uncharacteristic.


    ¡°Hehe.¡± Eugenia gave her a beaming grin.


    ¡°It may not survive a storm though.¡± She added to damper her overly content attitude.


    ¡°Have some faith!¡± She replied with a twitching smile.


    ¡°Faith is for those who do not know.¡±


    ¡°Then just know it will hold out. We made it stable enough. The flowers and vegetables will be safe, they have to be.¡±


    ¡°If you say so.¡±


    ¡°Grrr.¡± She pretended to be insulted, but then grabbed Medusa¡¯s hand and returned to her smile. ¡°Let¡¯s inaugurate the new Greenhouse together.¡±


    ¡°Do you not have a better name? This pales even as a weak imitation.¡± Medusa mocked.


    ¡°Hah! You asked for it.¡± Eugenia seemingly was prepared for this and dragged her to the entrance. The door (torn straight out of the old Greenhouse) was heavy and thick, but something had been nailed into it.


    A slate. Carefully carved in pristine writing was the name:


    [Palla¡¯s Garden]


    Medusa¡¯s heart stopped.


    She perceived the words, but it took a while before they could truly register. Had she lost the ability to read?


    Eugenia clutched her stiff hand and held it determinedly.


    ¡°Perhaps it is dishonoring her memory if a priestess that turned her back to the order invokes her name.¡± She admitted in a soft voice. ¡°I never met her. I never visited her grave in Athens. They never even taught us her name. But I think it is a shame that someone who was so wise and influential has become forgotten by us so quickly.¡±


    Medusa hesitantly touched the slate. These letters did represent a name that she had not heard in centuries. The memory still seemed fresh as she had told Eugenia about her recently, but it had still been something distant and buried.


    ¡°Sarpedon is not just our home, is it?¡± Eugenia asked sheepishly.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    ¡°This is something I wanted to do for myself as well. A reminder¡­ of sorts.¡± Eugenia gulped and let go of Medusa¡¯s hand to open the door. The smell of flowers streamed out immediately.


    Medusa looked down and the snakes twisted back in response. They knew their master did not want to be seen right now.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°What was that?¡± Eugenia listened up from the flowers she was tending to. Did she really not hear? It was hard to believe.


    What was hard to believe was that the girl was not acting with purpose. This assault on the Gorgon¡¯s defenses was relentless indeed. It was a battle that neither of them acknowledged, for if one of them put it into words that would no doubt be a loss as well.


    Medusa realized that this time her heart did not harden. She felt no need to run anymore. The anger of the last few days seemed so insignificant already. She had won one bet already, so her confidence was at an all-time high. To stay true to herself was her only course of action.


    ¡°There is a hole in this wall.¡± She pointed at a gap that let sunlight stream inside.


    ¡°WHAT?!¡± Eugenia was devastated and felt the hole with both hands.


    ¡°Do not worry. A single hole will not make this wall collapse.¡± She assured her with a sneer.


    The Gorgon had made peace with her roused emotions. She did not realize yet that the sun was coming closer, bringing a surprising intruder with it that would test such newfound serenity.

 Chapter 53: Medusa and Aphrodite

    The gods fulfilled many roles that guided the laws of the world and some had become the very personifications of such concepts. The great Olympians were complex, special and mighty, but they were not alone in this world. As so many deities were discarded or pushed aside, they did not fade completely. The Gorgon¡¯s birth giver was yet somewhere in the endless oceans that divided the worlds. Even a few impartial Titans had retained their freedom and kept fulfilling their duties in this world ruled by Zeus.


    One of the most renowned and worshipped among these outsiders was the great and shining Helios, god of the sun. He was a dashing young man, clad in the garb of dawn that his sister Eos had bestowed upon him. Every day - as he himself created it - he rode his giant golden chariot across the sky¡¯s ceiling and did his rounds along the entire world. On the back of his chariot was the light of the sun that gave life to all below and at the front it was drawn by the four great steeds: Pyrois, Aeos, Aethon, and Phlegon.


    Humans gave thanks to the circling fire that allowed them to thrive, yet Helios was most revered only in certain parts of the world, like Rhodes. Many had taken his blessings for granted.


    What could give life could also destroy it however.


    ¡°It¡¯s so hot today.¡± Eugenia said covered in sweat as she leaned against a wall in the shade.


    ¡°¡¯Tis a blazing day.¡± Medusa agreed mostly undaunted by the immense heat. Her skin was starting to feel the intense rays that were similar to fiery arrows.


    ¡°This is weird¡­¡± The former priestess wiped her face and shoulders with already soaked rags and drank her water so hastily that she nearly choked and snorted some out of her nose.


    ¡°This isle has no seasons, it is always in perpetual summer; you should have taken note by now.¡± Medusa replied while crossing her arms below her bosom.


    ¡°But¡­ it has been midday for almost an entire day now.¡±


    ¡°You must be imagining it.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it odd¡­ that it has only gotten hotter all day? Will the island not catch fire soon?¡± Eugenia muttered with a delirious expression.


    ¡°You are imagining it.¡± Medusa replied stoically.


    Medusa¡¯s eyes could focus even on the blinding sunlight if she put enough focus into them. Just another aspect of the Gorgon¡¯s monstrous body allowed her to look at something that would burn a human¡¯s eyes to ash. The increasing heat around her had little effect after her torture at the border of the world. To be burned and frozen alive continuously made all other inconveniences appear like child¡¯s play.


    But the shining disk had gotten bigger no doubt¡­


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± She whispered under her breath as the sun seemed to come closer.


    ¡°Euuugh.¡±


    Medusa looked down and saw Eugenia sink unto her back and spread out like a wet rag.


    A single drop of sweat ran down the Gorgon¡¯s throat onto her chest, where it got absorbed by the chiton.


    It was getting really hot.


    The sun was soon going to pass the barrier of storms. That was impossible. Nay, just unlikely. The island was not part of Helios'' route, yet there was no doubt that the burning light was riding across the storm clouds and illuminating them like a candle in the night.


    ¡°I¡­ I can hear v-voices¡­¡± Eugenia stammered while letting her tongue hang out.


    Medusa sharpened her ears, even if they could never compare to the girl¡¯s. They were faint, but she could indeed hear the distant words coming closer.


    ¡°My, is that the isle? Such a small and idyllic retreat! A place out of all the world¡¯s sight. Is it not romantic?¡±


    ¡°Ngh.¡±


    ¡°You have not spoken a single word in all our journey. I like a stoic man. I know how it is, you would much prefer to let your body speak for you.¡± The alluring and sweet voice of a woman seemed to flap across the air with butterfly like wings.


    ¡°Rrgh.¡± The much deeper male voice simply grunted in frustration.


    ¡°Oh my! You swerve so determinedly, let me hold on to your ironclad muscles~¡±


    Medusa¡¯s face was covered in shadows now, despite the blazing sunlight that threatened to set her clothes alight. Her body twitched in stressful realization.


    ¡°Eugenia we need to hide. Pretend we are not home.¡± Her neck creaked as she looked down and saw Eugenia lying down flat on her face inside the sand, twitching in a puddle of her own sweat. She was a lost cause.


    Up in the sky the all illuminating heat seemed to swallow the very blue of the sky and turned it red and white.


    ¡°After my business is made complete, shall we find ourselves a comfortable spot in the snake¡¯s keep and enjoy pleasures so sweet and pristine that they will put the gold of your chariot to shame?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    The chariot increased its speed.


    ¡°You do not have to say a word, I can tell by the way your jaw shakes that you desire it as well. I will take wonderful care of you soon, my boy. I will teach you what those childish nymphs could not~¡± She chuckled. ¡°Alas, first I will have to go down on my own. Will you carry me there, my dearest?¡±


    Medusa¡¯s mouth began to shake and her eyes turned slit like. Every possible sign of alarm was shaking her body and made her stoic face rattle.


    ¡°Why? That woman - why is she coming here!?¡± The Gorgon, never shaken or afraid, was suddenly close to panic. She could not stay. She had to flee as quickly as possible.


    She turned around and passed the collapsed human girl quickly. Internally she gave her apologies for leaving her behind.


    ¡°Good luck.¡± She said quietly as if she was giving her farewells to a lost soul.


    ¡°You are not slowing down? Have I excited you so terribly that you cannot control your virile energies? Haha, youth! I can also hardly anticipate this much longer, so let me embrace you once before my business.¡±


    ¡°Enough! You are insufferable.¡± The rough voice suddenly retorted. ¡°I regret agreeing to deliver you. Leave my chariot you virulent man-eater!¡±


    ¡°Ohhh, what a manly voice you have! Such passion only gets me more excited-¡°


    ¡°Delivery completed.¡± Helios growled and threw the woman off his chariot. ¡°You owe me a favor Hermes.¡± He slammed the reigns and the four magnificent steeds galloped off at blinding speed.


    ¡°He can be so rough. I await your return with bated breath!¡± She called after him as she rapidly descended through the air. Otherwise referred to as falling.


    As the sun retreated and Medusa rushed off to hide, the intruder landed unceremoniously with a loud noise. She had finally arrived.


    ¡°Athena¡¯s little abode has seen better days.¡± She sat up and took a good look at her surroundings. ¡°It is good that I had a soft landing in midst of this rubble.¡±


    ¡°Guh¡­¡± Eugenia¡¯s white eyes seemed to turn even whiter as they rolled back into her head. The woman had landed flat on her back.


    ¡°Heavens, how unfortunate.¡± The woman covered her mouth in mild surprise. ¡°Then you must be the little priestess I heard so much about. Where has your big snake gone off to?¡± She elegantly got up from the girl¡¯s back and dusted off her floaty wide chiton that shone in a variety of colors.


    She put a hand on her womanly waist and smirked. With a high pitched tone she whistled twice. In a matter of seconds there was wild heated hissing echoing through the ruins.


    ¡°You infernal traitors. Cease this at once¡­ how dare you!¡± The numbed complaints came from a crevice in the ground.


    ¡°Come out, come out, wherever you are~¡± The woman called out energetically into the echoing ruins. ¡°You have a beautiful guest waiting at your doorstep!¡±


    ¡°Grrraah! Stop trying to copulate, you have no lower bodies¡­ Stop biting me or I shall tear you off!¡± The annoyed cursing became louder and eventually a frustrated and very angered Gorgon pierced the ground and came out of her hidey hole. The snake hair was driven mad by the goddess¡¯ spell and kept writhing all over the Gorgon¡¯s face. ¡°Will you lift your enchantment already?¡± She grumbled.


    ¡°With pleasure.¡± Her smirk was as wide as ever as she flicked her fingers and the snakes immediately dropped down, exhausted.


    The immensely frustrated Gorgon swiped the snakes aside like they were long strands of her bangs and glared at her ¡®guest¡¯. The woman before her was nearly beyond fantastical.


    A beauty so deep and unfathomable that it penetrated a dimension of its own and reached for emotions that stirred even the coldest of beings. Her sparkling eyes had an allure that unsettled even the Gorgon¡¯s heart of stone. The luscious flowing hair that did never seem to obey the direction of the wind or the force that kept things tied to the ground was of a wonderful chestnut color. It was said that it would change color and tone according to the viewer¡¯s preference.


    Every motion of her body was another pose that would be depicted in sculptures across the world, for any sculptor would cry at its beauty. Her attire was holding on to her curves and skin in impossible positions and angles, always nearly exposing her, yet steadily attached all the same.


    ¡°Have you lost your way? This island is no place for the gods.¡± Medusa¡¯s voice was as toxic as it could be.


    ¡°Nay, I was purposely delivered to this little island retreat of yours, dear snake.¡± Her eyes that had such a strong allure also hid a certain wit and hunger that could unsettle the soul deeply.


    ¡°Hmph. Your whims are a thorn in the fingers of all that touch you. I am not some mortal man that you can toy with.¡± Their eyes were on the same level. Although one pair was cursed, somehow the glow of the divine pair seemed more sinister.


    ¡°Making you my plaything is the least of my desires, wily snake. I have come on behest of my ever busy Hermes.¡± She stretched her arms aside serenely and gave her a smug smile.


    ¡°The messenger boy?¡± Medusa raised a brow and was about to inquire further, but then they were both becoming aware of the moans behind the woman.


    ¡°Nnnh¡­ my head¡­¡± Eugenia squatted next to the intruder and rubbed her head. Then she twisted her face in pain and held her stinging back. ¡°Ow¡­ ouch, what happened to me? It feels like a cart was dragged over my back.¡±


    ¡°Well.¡± The beauty beside her showed a hint of irritation at such comparisons, but immediately returned to her naturally cheerful smile. ¡°I am deeply sorry for the way I have appeared before you. Helios is such a dishonest man, truly, he never admits to his infatuations and prefers roughhousing like a young boy. I confess that his act appeals to me still.¡± Her soft expression was completely honest.


    ¡°M-Medusa? I am still hallucinating, right?¡± The human girl was lost.


    ¡°Not so.¡± The Gorgon grunted. ¡°We have an intruder.¡±


    ¡°Guest.¡± The woman corrected her.


    ¡°Seriously? Did you come by boat-? N-no I mean, who are you?¡± She pulled herself up by a fallen pillar and unsteadily stood before them. She was still covered in sweat from head to toe and looked pretty rough.


    ¡°Dear child, you stand before none other than your goddess.¡± The woman said boisterously.


    ¡°God-dess?¡± Eugenia repeated dryly. She helplessly turned her head towards Medusa, who avoided her disgruntledly.


    ¡°Oho, indeed, I nearly forgot about your pitiful ailment. Blindness is the greatest blight upon humankind, as you shall never perceive my beauty.¡± The woman softly put her hand to Eugenia¡¯s sand-covered cheek and rubbed it with sympathy. ¡°I am Aphrodite.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Eugenia¡¯s expression flipped between so many states in quick succession that it ultimately got stuck in a weird grimace. She shakingly pointed at Aphrodite and turned to Medusa again.


    ¡°She speaks the truth.¡± Why did she always have to turn to her for help? Medusa was just as unsettled.


    ¡°My lady!¡± Eugenia fell to her knees and lowered her head to the ground. She may have lost her priestesshood, but there were just some things that she could never abandon. Things ingrained into her very being. To be in front of yet another deity turned her legs weak and made her lose all composure.


    ¡°Hahaha, you are fairly entertaining.¡± She seemed to enjoy the reverence and panicked reactions quite a bit.


    ¡°P-please take a seat- er- M-Medusa where did you put the sheep¡¯s wool? We made a bench before, but it isn¡¯t very stable, b-but I hope you will sit on it anyway.¡± Once set off the girl was completely out of control and became a whirlwind. She rushed off to the tent in the temple¡¯s center and came back dragging a badly constructed bench and some animal pelts.


    ¡°Why thank you.¡± Aphrodite did not hesitate to sit down as the seat was presented to her and crossed her legs in a womanly manner.


    ¡°It is an honor to receive you as our guest! W-we don¡¯t have much to offer, but I have kept some wine in reserve. W-would you like some?¡±


    ¡°That would be very sweet of you.¡±


    ¡°Wait. What do you mean you kept some wine? Did you hide it from me?¡± Medusa pulled up her tail to stop Eugenia from rushing off.


    ¡°You would have just drank it all right away if I had given it to you.¡± Eugenia whispered loudly.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°You were holding out on me, you selfish girl.¡± Medusa complained.


    ¡°I was just keeping it safe for a big occasion!¡±


    ¡°What manner of festivities did you expect to hold on my island?¡±


    ¡°Y-you never know! But now that we have a guest I am proven correct.¡± Eugenia pursed her lips and pushed aside the long tail.


    ¡°You have guts to hide things from me.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Eugenia frowned and turned back to push her finger into Medusa¡¯s chest. ¡°I know that you ate my last reserve of honey without asking.¡±


    ¡°It was made to be eaten.¡± The Gorgon replied stoically.


    ¡°That was all I had left. Honey doesn¡¯t spoil, so I could have kept it for special times.¡± She retorted. ¡°I would have shared it with you if you just asked.¡± She added quieter.


    ¡°I did not know you would care so much. You never declared that I could not eat it.¡± Medusa huffed and crossed her arms.


    ¡°You are acting like a spoiled brat.¡±


    ¡°Care to repeat that, human?¡±


    ¡°I will! You are spoiled! There are things you should just not do, out of basic consideration for another person. We live together, so there should be certain rules-¡±


    ¡°Rules? Do not think yourself capable of ruling me. You cannot even control your long-eared pests. They keep digging holes near the lair and irritate my sleep.¡±


    ¡°How is that my fault?!¡±


    ¡°It was for your inefficient human intestines¡¯ sake that these dirty pests were thrown unto my island.¡±


    ¡°They were a gift.¡±


    ¡°One that I would like to return to sender.¡±


    They were nearly head to head already as they argued. The heat of their words obfuscated their perception of their surroundings and they had already forgotten about Aphrodite. The goddess of love and fertility was watching them in a relaxed sideways pose and listened intently. An amused smile spread on her lips.


    The duo parted in frustration and turned their backs on each other. Medusa noticed the annoying grin on the goddess¡¯ face and clicked her tongue. She smacked Eugenia¡¯s butt with her tail to push her away.


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    ¡°Take a closer look at the bottom of the chest. I remember an unopened jar. There should be a smidgen of honey left.¡±


    ¡°You better be right.¡± The girl said suspiciously and left their sight.


    ¡°Enjoying yourself?¡± Medusa turned towards the goddess and barely hid her distaste.


    ¡°Quite.¡± She nodded happily.


    ¡°Did that meddling messenger truly send you?¡±


    ¡°My, you would doubt your goddess?¡± She seemed surprised.


    ¡°You are not my goddess. This is no place for the likes of you. Do not avoid the question.¡± She was more composed already. Her anger was a good way to channel her mind.


    ¡°I must confess, I deeply prefer the hospitality of that sweet human girl.¡± Aphrodite leaned her face on one hand as she looked up to the standing Gorgon. She sighed femininely and surrendered to the angry glare. ¡°My dear Hermes told me all about the passionate tale that unfolded on this remote island. His tale was so fascinating that it moved my tender heart. When he spoke of the trials that you two endured I knew that he wished to make certain it would all work out.¡±


    ¡°That blabbering oaf.¡± Medusa grinded her teeth and quietly cursed the silver-tongued god of trade.


    ¡°Hermes and I have spent many enjoyable times in and out of each other¡¯s arms. He has his own mind on many a thing, but we have similar interests in certain areas.¡± She chuckled in delight.


    Medusa wished to empty the contents of her stomach, but she had not eaten in days so she just silently retched.


    ¡°He rarely takes such deep interest in other people¡¯s love affairs, so I simply had to take a look for myself.¡± She betrayed her true reasons far too easily.


    ¡°Love? Both of you have gone mad.¡± She shook her head. ¡°So you came in the name of your own interest, not his.¡±


    ¡°Oh, he did not say anything, but he did not need to anyway. I can tell what any man desires. His worry for your little tale is all too apparent, so I did him this gracious favor of looking after things while he is busy.¡±


    Medusa wondered if she had done Hermes wrong. After all this mad woman used other people as scapegoats for her own clearly visible desires. Maybe the messenger of the gods had not intended for this unfortunate delivery.


    ¡°You may despise little Athena and I can understand your simple-minded hatred, snake. Just know that I have no interest in such unseemly conflict. What I strive for is the universal truth upon which all life acts.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say it¡­¡±


    ¡°Love!¡± She extended her hands into the air and posed magnificently. Somehow the slowly retreating sun was shining on her specifically.


    ¡°As you can see there is none of that to be found here, so leave.¡± Medusa sighed.


    ¡°I wonder.¡± She chuckled deviously. ¡°Should I ask the little priestess what she thinks of this matter?¡±


    ¡°Leave Eugenia out of your games.¡± She glared back.


    ¡°Eugenia, is it? I do strain to remember human names, as there are far too many of them. Albeit I have less trouble with women¡¯s names.¡± She held her cheek thoughtfully. ¡°She must mean a lot to you. It is not in your nature to address people by their names, no?¡±


    ¡°You do not know me. I have no such rule.¡± Medusa looked slightly uneasy. Aphrodite was far from the aloof woman she made herself out to be. If she was not careful that vixen would dig up all the truths from the burrows around her.


    ¡°Certainly, I lack the familiarity needed to make true judgments¡­ yet.¡± That smile. That unwavering smile. It was showing who the true predator here was. A snake could not compare to a mongoose. Her venom was utterly useless.


    ¡°I will answer your questions if you promise to leave afterwards.¡± She decided that the only way to assure peace for her weary mind was a compromise.


    ¡°You changed.¡± The goddess noted. ¡°I never paid any attention to you before, but the stories spoke for themselves. A monstrous snake, so vile it would not even devour men and instead entrap them with a single gaze. Your barbarism would satisfy even my dear simpleminded Ares. Yet what I see before me is a cautious beast with a modicum of manners.¡±


    ¡°Will you test how thin my patience can run?¡± It was infuriating to be studied like some animal, so she was close to losing her self-control. Her fingers turned into claws to show she was serious.


    ¡°How ugly. How crude.¡± Aphrodite raised her nose and seemed appalled.


    ¡°If you understand, you can leave.¡±


    ¡°Haha, but your vileness only makes this all the sweeter to me.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°What manner of leash can hold a beast such as you? What force could tame you? The answer is clear as day, dear snake. Love.¡±


    ¡°You are repeating yourself.¡± Medusa exhaled and sat down on her curled tail. She expected a headache incoming.


    Aphrodite made herself more comfortable on the creaking bench and looked the Gorgon in the cursed eyes. In the background she could see Eugenia move about, rummaging through her belongings. She was searching for offerings no doubt.


    ¡°You deny any infatuation with the girl?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely.¡± Medusa replied instantly.


    ¡°Yet you tolerate her in your lair?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Medusa forced herself to keep a straight face. How would Aphrodite have heard of that? It was inexplicable how she knew so much. Had that messenger told her? But he should not have been aware of what transpired here either.


    ¡°A miss?¡± Suddenly Aphrodite raised her hands disappointedly and smirked.


    That woman was merely guessing! Medusa scolded herself for being so caught in her pace.


    ¡°Is it not strange that a priestess convenes with a monster and even shares her precious honey? This familiarity is something I do not even share with my lovers, so how could you be nothing to each other?¡±


    ¡°Your lovers are just toys anyway.¡±


    ¡°Your tongue is sharp.¡± She was unperturbed. ¡°But it becomes soft when met with your little human.¡±


    ¡°You must be hard of hearing.¡±


    ¡°For a beast so rough and destructive you surely touch her with tenderness.¡±


    ¡°And here I believed that Eugenia was the blind one.¡±


    ¡°Why did you let her stay?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Medusa looked down at the ground. She could not come up with a quick-witted response.


    ¡°I was told your story, as I mentioned before. You protected the priestess for the sake of avoiding little Athena¡¯s ire. Hermes was quite insistent that this is not the whole truth however. Now that she has returned to your side she endangered your little sliver of peace by bringing Athena¡¯s gaze back on you.¡±


    ¡°So what?¡±


    ¡°Your hatred for Athena is legendary. I had immediately thought that you were merely protecting yourself as the frightened snake that you are. If you would welcome back a priestess of your sworn enemy after all of that trouble¡­¡±


    ¡°She is not-!¡± Medusa snapped her jaw open and then forcefully stopped herself.


    Aphrodite observed and gently spun a pearl in her hands that she had summoned from thin air. It was a symbol of the goddess that was born from the seafoam itself inside a large clam. The slick pearl kept rolling between her delicate fingers and disappeared occasionally. The pattern was nearly hypnotic.


    ¡°Ah, did I hit a nerve?¡± She smirked. That reaction was exactly what she had hoped for.


    ¡°You already know that she is not that woman¡¯s slave anymore.¡± She hissed.


    ¡°Truly? I can never be sure about what little Athena has planned with her playthings. She tends to overcomplicate matters excessively. What else would you expect of a woman born from a migraine?¡± She chuckled ladylike. ¡°I will take your brazen word for it then. The human is free as a bird. Which only strengthens my belief that you share a bond.¡±


    It was impossible to contradict the bewitching woman¡¯s words. Not even the Gorgon could force a lie so obvious. No matter what she thought of, the reality of their current relationship was too blatant. She had let Eugenia inside and was now facing the consequences.


    ¡°The question I should ask is far simpler. Do you even know why you let her return?¡± The pearl stopped moving and was balanced on the goddess¡¯ index finger.


    Medusa took a deep breath and thought about it. She had been pleasantly numb for a while now, so she was able to avoid deep contemplation. The events of the last few weeks had kept her heart at constant tumult. Sharing her past with Eugenia, rejecting her affections, finding herself on the defensive at every turn¡­ it had made her forget why she had even come to this point.


    She remembered, slowly.


    ¡°We made a promise.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Until I learn more about myself she may stay.¡±


    Aphrodite¡¯s eyes turned sharper for moment, but then she relaxed. It seemed that those words were satisfactory to her. That or she was becoming quiet because of Eugenia¡¯s return.


    ¡°I- I am so sorry, we have not much to offer you. Sarpedon is a poor island with little produce¡­ s-so I can only give you my last reserves.¡± She knelt down and held up a small chest. Inside it were an amphora of wine, a jar with a bit of honey and some freshly picked fruit from the trees and the garden.


    ¡°You will give all of it to me?¡± Aphrodite asked gracefully.


    ¡°It is yours.¡± She lowered her head and kept holding it up.


    ¡°Is this truly everything?¡± The beautiful goddess asked suspiciously.


    Eugenia¡¯s arms cramped up and she swallowed. Medusa tilted her head to the side questioningly.


    ¡°No.¡± She admitted. To lie in front of a goddess was a crime that she could not commit. Her upbringing had been far too strict.


    ¡°Did you keep some for yourself?¡±


    ¡°Ye-- no.¡± She really couldn¡¯t lie.


    ¡°Hmhm, so you are telling me that the offering you have collected for me was not as important as keeping some treats for that snake?¡± She looked Medusa into the eye during every word she spoke.


    ¡°I am sorry. We may not receive any more wine in the near future, so I thought it would be too sad if¡­¡± She swallowed again and lowered the offerings. ¡°The oath of hospitality compels me, but I am Medusa¡¯s ally.¡± She affirmed her feelings with a steady voice.


    ¡°As expected of a human under the thrall of a monster, your manners are lacking.¡± She extended her divine hand. Eugenia stiffened up, awaiting her punishment. Yet when the hand arrived it simply rubbed across her head. ¡°You certainly are adorable, little girl.¡± Aphrodite was entirely friendly.


    ¡°If your belongings are not enough to satisfy her, hunt some of those pests for her.¡± Medusa suggested with an urging tone.


    ¡°My, I do not partake in animal meat, snake. There is only one use for meat in my palette.¡± She said with an enthralling expression.


    ¡°Bah.¡± She had to groan.


    ¡°Your timing is quite impeccable child. Come sit with us, we were getting to an interesting topic.¡± Aphrodite invited Eugenia, knowing full well what Medusa was thinking.


    ¡°Then I will sit here.¡± Eugenia nodded and sat down on the ground between them.


    ¡°There is a fine line between reverence and insulting distance.¡± The goddess playfully pulled the girl up and then put her on her lap.


    ¡°!¡± Eugenia was clearly quite surprised and uneasy.


    ¡°Children belong unto a motherly lap, do you not agree?¡± She asked sweetly as she wrapped her arms around Eugenia¡¯s waist.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m of age¡­!¡± The girl stuttered.


    ¡°To me all humans are like children.¡±


    Medusa¡¯s eyes dulled at the familiar scene. Had she not made a similar argument in the past? Now it came back in such an irritating fashion. She tapped her arm impatiently.


    ¡°Is this not nice?¡± Aphrodite pressed her chest against Eugenia¡¯s back to embrace her more tightly.


    ¡°I cannot say.¡± The former priestess was not used to physical contact, so she put on a stone like mask and kept still.


    ¡°What were we talking about again, do you remember little snake?¡± She looked at Medusa with an unreadable smirk.


    ¡°Do not ask me.¡± She responded weakly. The last thing she wanted was to restart the topic while Eugenia was here. That meant the intruding goddess would most definitely bring it up again. That self-serving woman was toying with her.


    ¡°Oh, I remember now. We were discussing the Gorgon¡¯s true feelings.¡± She began unavoidably. Medusa could only glare her down.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Eugenia was left out of the loop naturally.


    ¡°Yes, her hatred for my siblings and humanity.¡± She explained. Medusa was surprised by her sudden change of topic.


    ¡°I see.¡± Eugenia looked a bit down after hearing that.


    ¡°You called yourself an ally of hers and that look on your face told me that you are apprehensive about me. Could it be that you think of me as an enemy?¡± Aphrodite whispered into Eugenia¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Of course not.¡± The girl replied shocked.


    ¡°My, then what is it I felt back there?¡± She would not let it go.


    ¡°I would never think of the gods as my enemies. I just want everyone to get along.¡± Eugenia said meekly. ¡°But after what Medusa told me about her past¡­¡± She noticed the Gorgon¡¯s penetrating gaze on her and lowered her head. ¡°I thought that maybe you hated her and came to hurt her.¡±


    ¡°I have taken you too lightly my dear. You are far more cautious than a helpless plaything could ever be.¡± Aphrodite put her hand on Eugenia¡¯s head and kept stroking it like she would a cat. ¡°Tell me why I should have a grudge against this little snake.¡±


    ¡°Because she was so beloved for her beauty.¡± She replied shyly.


    ¡°Ahaha, I understand now. It is true that in the past I have been a bit unforgiving of those who tried to claim they were more beautiful than I. Your snake is a different matter, I can assure you. Some stray men have made bold declarations that she was the most beautiful thing in the world, but alas, all of them were rejected and shunned. Men are simple beasts, with little loyalty. When they get pricked by a rose¡¯s thorns once, they look for a kinder flower. All of them soon returned to me to mend their broken hearts.¡±


    Medusa did not much care. She had never paid attention to the humans that tried to pray to her in the past. Before she had become this monster. The suitors had always been weak of mind and will. It was no wonder they would crawl back to their loving mistress.


    ¡°Revenge is a futile thing at that. Your snake has already been punished in a way too cruel to imagine. The only punishment that is worse than death, my dear. Not a living thing may ever look at her again and for those who overcome the curse, we can only find ugliness.¡± She kept smiling as she insulted Medusa to her face.


    ¡°Medusa isn¡¯t¡­¡± Eugenia wanted to protest, but knew better than to speak up against a goddess.


    ¡°I said your blindness was the worst ailment, for you will never gaze upon my perfection. Yet I will relief your heart, there is also a boon to it. You need never look at this snake¡¯s deformity.¡±


    She grabbed Eugenia¡¯s hands and put some shiny lilac pearls into them. They were so slick and pure, no clam in the whole world could produce such perfect specimens.


    ¡°Why should I despise what is so punished and pitiful? No hair, only writhing snakes. Eyes so revolting they petrify mortals at a glance. Monstrous claws and fangs that grow from hatred. Skin covered in scales from head to toe. Wings like a vulture and womb that derides life itself.¡±


    The pearls inside Eugenia¡¯s hand turned rough and black. They were no better than scorched sticky sand.


    ¡°What are you saying? Medusa is not so hideous. I have felt her soft skin against my hands. Her lips were softer than cotton.¡± Eugenia turned quieter with each word and touched her lips with one finger.


    ¡°The outer appearance belies what is inside. Beneath the surface that fools the world into believing in the snake¡¯s humanity, lies the true self. For us divine, the true Gorgon¡¯s face is all too visible. It is a wretched thing.¡± Aphrodite spoke so quietly only Eugenia¡¯s special hearing could perceive it.


    ¡°How could that be?¡± Eugenia muttered in shock.


    ¡°Do you feel appalled by the truth?¡±


    ¡°¡­no.¡± Eugenia clasped the pearls and then put them to her lips. They returned to their perfect lilac shine as the coarse outer shell fell off. ¡°I think Medusa is beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Do you hear her, little snake?¡± Aphrodite loudly called out to Medusa who was watching their interaction suspiciously. ¡°This child is a good match for you indeed. Without sight she still sees something in you that I could never perceive. Hideous as you may be, I feel intrigued by your lot.¡±


    ¡°You sicken me.¡± Medusa replied with a bad taste in her mouth. Had this woman really come to Sarpedon just to insult her and play with them? To trust in the words of an Olympian was a lost cause, so she was on guard at all times. The goddess had another motive which she would have to uncover.


    ¡°She is so inhospitable.¡± Aphrodite acted disappointed.


    ¡°Please forgive her.¡± Eugenia sighed.


    ¡°Why are you taking her side?!¡± She snapped for a moment. ¡°You got your answers, so leave my island already.¡±


    ¡°The most monstrous thing about you may well be your temper. I will have to impose on you for a while longer. I hope that causes you no trouble.¡±


    ¡°You attempt to trick me?¡± Medusa once again let her claws out.


    ¡°Not at all. You see, my ride is currently unavailable.¡± She pointed up at the darkening sky.


    ¡°Ah.¡± Medusa¡¯s eye glazed over.


    ¡°My dear Helios only passes this part of the world once a day, so I will have to wait for his gallant return~¡± She clasped her hands together and sighed like a maiden in love. ¡°I yearn for his fiery embrace already.¡±


    ¡°This is a nightmare.¡± Medusa covered her face with both hands.


    ¡°Lady Aphrodite, will you stay the night with us?¡± Eugenia finally snapped out of her contemplations.


    ¡°I thought you would never ask.¡± She hugged the girl tightly.


    ¡°She was not offering.¡± Medusa hissed alongside her snake hair.


    ¡°Be good Medusa.¡± Eugenia scolded her. ¡°I will prepare my tent for her, so you don¡¯t have to share your lair.¡± Ever the mediator, the girl had already thought of a solution.


    ¡°That¡­ You cannot do that.¡± Medusa objected.


    ¡°Why not?¡± Eugenia tried to pry herself out of Aphrodite¡¯s arms and tilted her head to the side questioningly.


    ¡°Because I said so.¡± The Gorgon replied harshly. Aphrodite¡¯s mocking smile only incited her anger even more.


    ¡°You really are a spoiled brat.¡± Eugenia was not having any of it. ¡°You can be selfish all on your own then!¡± She decided to give their guest a place to rest and she would not listen to a word her life partner said anymore. It was a familiar pattern. They were both far too stubborn.


    The human girl made Aphrodite a promise and then walked to the camp to prepare everything for the impending night. Thus the two polar opposite women were left to each other once more.


    ¡°I can see why you never had any luck with men.¡± The goddess chuckled.


    There may have been one permanently deserted seat at Olympus by tomorrow.


    The goddess of fertility had stepped upon a barren land. The Gorgon and the blind woman were faced with one day of divine interference. A seed planted long ago would be nurtured by a blessing and a curse.

 Chapter 54: Eugenia and Aphrodite

    The first things that caught Aphrodite¡¯s attention were the old linen and pelts that covered the ground. It was not that she paid particular attention to them, but as fate would have it, it was the first thing she stepped upon as she was shown into the tent. It was also the first thing that did not reach up to her standards.


    ¡°My, this is worse than I could have conceived.¡± The goddess spoke with a hand on her hip and a slight twist of her full lips. ¡°I know a ruin does not provide much comfort, but nonetheless.¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, is there something wrong?¡± Eugenia stood behind her like a lost child.


    ¡°You poor little girl. Having to rest your frail human body in such luxury paucity every night, it makes my heart bleed. If your choice is between this beggar¡¯s tent and the snake¡¯s lair, I dare not imagine what the dark depth of this island must look like.¡±


    ¡°We cleaned up Medusa¡¯s lair together. It¡¯s not so bad.¡± Eugenia replied quietly with a hint of sourness.


    ¡°Truly? Then why would you spend your cold nights among old fleece and sailor¡¯s linen?¡± Aphrodite asked innocently.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Eugenia hesitated to respond.


    ¡°I shan¡¯t hold you accountable for the circumstances, but a goddess may not be subjected to such poor conditions, so prepare for a divine makeover.¡± She smiled brightly in the fading evening light and clapped her hands excitedly.


    Eugenia had no idea what she was going to do, so she tried to prepare herself for anything. While bracing for the inevitable shock she was deeply aware of her surroundings. Her ears twitched when she heard a low hiss and a click of the tongue in the ruins behind her. With a raised brow she turned around. Nothing much changed of course, so instead she also focused her ears towards the direction of the sounds.


    ¡°Medusa?¡± She whispered after sensing the waving of an impatient hand. The Gorgon was spying on them from behind a crumbled window and seemed determined to get her attention. Aphrodite was doing something that caused her neck hairs to stand up, which meant she was distracted for at least a short time.


    Eugenia scratched her cheek and then warily decided to walk to the snake woman¡¯s side. This roundabout way of doing things was so¡­ so like Medusa.


    ¡°Why are you hiding?¡± She asked the Gorgon with a dry tone.


    ¡°Irrelevant.¡± Medusa replied curtly.


    ¡°I already told you that I won¡¯t be bringing her to your lair, so you can leave us be.¡± Her rejecting tone surprised even herself.


    ¡°¡­¡± Medusa averted her eyes and had a moment of weakness, but then focused back on the tent to keep the goddess in check.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± The small amount of heat had already disappeared and the young woman felt only regret for being so snappish.


    ¡°You are acting on your personality, so you have no control over your words.¡± Medusa jabbed and continued before Eugenia could get angry. ¡°I have come to warn you.¡±


    ¡°¡­about what?¡± She crossed her arms.


    ¡°That woman is not what she appears to be. Underestimate her and you will suffer the consequences.¡±


    ¡°I know the gods are not like us.¡± She of all people should have known best next to Medusa.


    ¡°This one time I want you to listen to me carefully. Aphrodite is unpredictable.¡± Medusa insisted and put a hand on Eugenia¡¯s head to make her stay still. ¡°What appears to be benevolence is merely an investment that she will reap interest off debaucherously. Any kindness she shows is only an act. Never take her offers and only appease her enough to avoid disaster.¡±


    Eugenia did listen. She could hear the unease in the Gorgon¡¯s voice, subtle as it was. It was not just because of her feud with the gods, that much was clear. A being so old and experienced must have learned a lot about the world, more than any human scholar. If she decided to give a warning about a goddess that was already renowned for her short temper even among short-lived mortals, then it had to be exceptionally precarious.


    ¡°Your fingers are cold.¡± She remarked slowly as she grabbed Medusa¡¯s hand from her head.


    ¡°Are you listening?¡± Medusa asked tersely.


    ¡°I am. You are worried about me, that¡¯s all that matters.¡± Eugenia replied and lost all tension. There was a soft smile on her lips.


    ¡°Why do you only ever hear what you wish to?¡± Medusa pulled her hand away from her and sighed.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry so much. If anything I¡¯m worried about your impoliteness towards her.¡± She teased and hopped back two steps. ¡°It¡¯s just one day, so we will manage, right?¡±


    ¡°It will not matter what I do, because I am already known as an enemy to the gods. My stance is clear and she has already taken that to mind. There is no telling what her true agenda is, but she certainly came here to amuse herself, so you will have to entertain her, no matter what.¡± Medusa warned worriedly.


    ¡°Then I will be a good host and play with her~¡± Eugenia waved and returned to the tent. Her light step was just a tiny bit forced.


    ¡°You are a most lacking actress.¡± Medusa tensely watched her leave. If she stuck around to watch over them she would be found out quickly, so she had to leave as well.


    <hr>


    ¡°Is this not much better? You surely appreciate my divine touch-up to your accommodations.¡± Aphrodite was all smiles and showed off her work to Eugenia who pretended to have been with her the entire time.


    ¡°Erm¡­¡± She hesitantly leaned into the tent. She could not perceive much without wind or movement, so it was hard to tell what changed.


    ¡°Do not hold back~¡± Suddenly the goddess gave her a strong push which made her trip forward. Eugenia fell over in an instant and braced for the hard ground.


    Instead she felt like she had just fallen into silky water.


    ¡°Huh?¡± She was lying on a pile of bouncy softness and sank into it like sand. Her entire body seemed to be caressed by this unknown feeling.


    ¡°Oh my, have I piled them on too high?¡± Aphrodite giggled as she watched the girl sink into the pillows until she was almost swallowed completely. ¡°This is a true oasis of rest now, would you not agree?¡±


    ¡°Y-yes?¡± Eugenia stammered buried in pillows.


    ¡°No odorous sheep¡¯s wool or wolf¡¯s pelt for us ladies of higher tastes. A beastly smell should be reserved for special occasions and a far longer night.¡± She chuckled deeply and then nestled down next to Eugenia. Somehow she managed to not sink down at all, like she was made of air.


    ¡°It¡¯s so soooft.¡± The girl was enamored with this strange sensation. Naturally she had slept on pillows before, but none of this quality or supernatural tenderness. There were no feathers or hay poking out of the covers at all!


    ¡°Hahaha, my greatness even astounds me.¡± The goddess was pleased with her childish enthusiasm.


    ¡°And this smell.¡± She noted as she inhaled a few times.


    ¡°Herbal waters. They are good for the skin and cleanse the spirit.¡± She grabbed one of the bowls placed in safe spots and washed her hands in them. The deep aroma spread on her immaculate skin and wafted through the tent.


    ¡°Wah!¡± Eugenia suddenly turned red and scurried out of the pillow mountain.


    ¡°Oh? Are you dissatisfied with something?¡±


    ¡°N-not at all, but I j-just realized.¡± She gulped and covered her face with both hands. ¡°I am still so dirty and must smell badly.¡± It seemed that Aphrodite had been considerate with this, not pointing it out directly.


    ¡°I am forgiving of your appearance; life on this cursed island has naturally sullied you.¡± She nodded.


    ¡°Uwah.¡± Eugenia felt close to tears after hearing that. It was so incredibly shameful. ¡°I-I will go take a bath!¡± She dashed out of the tent rubbing her moist eyes with her sleeve.


    She quickly prepared a fire with sticks and some dry wood. The sun had already gone down, so she could not use Helios¡¯ eye to start the fire. After making sure the fire was great enough she went to get two buckets and filled them with water from the basin. By the time she had returned to the surface she could sense Aphrodite sitting by the fire.


    ¡°And here I expected you to dive headfirst into the ocean.¡± She was watching her sweat inducing work interestedly.


    ¡°It would make my body sticky and salty.¡± She replied sluggishly. Why did this exchange sound so familiar to her?


    She sucked in the air as she heaved the buckets towards the basin. The one she had used in the past had received a mysterious new crack, so the water would uselessly sink into the dirt. She had thankfully found another one a little further in. She didn¡¯t even have to heat the water today, as the extreme sun during the day had heated the ground and tiles sufficiently. The warmth lingered.


    It took her four trips back and forth before the basin was filled enough for her use. She wiped some sweat from her brow and took a short rest. During all of this she had nervously tried to ignore the eyes on her. Living with Medusa had made her forget about so many important aspects of civilized life. As much as she hated to think about it, Medusa always showed her the same reaction no matter how she looked or smelled.


    She was so thickheaded.


    ¡°A sour expression for one as young as you.¡± Aphrodite had noticed her pouting and smirked. ¡°You prepared all that water, will you not enjoy it?¡±


    ¡°Of course I will.¡± She forced herself up and picked up a spare outfit from her belongings near the tent. Gone were the days where she only had the clothes on her body and had to nakedly lie under her blankets while waiting for them to dry. Now she could simply put on a clean chiton while washing the dirty one.


    Which reminded her that she had to undress. She hesitantly fiddled with the cord on her hips and didn¡¯t really get anywhere. She could totally feel the goddess¡¯ eyes on her. Could she not have gone to the tent ahead of her? But she could not ask that of her, she was supposed to be a polite host.


    ¡°Hmhm, I think I will join you. I have not enjoyed an open air bath in what feels like eons.¡± Aphrodite stretched beautifully like a cat and then dropped her clothes onto the stone in an instant.


    Now Eugenia was even more troubled. She had no choice but to follow suit and slid out of her outfit with a hot face. She immediately submerged into the hip level water, but she still felt completely exposed.


    ¡°Then the rumors of your prudish behavior were true.¡± The most perfect specimen of a woman slid into the water without a care in the world and spread herself as if to declare dominion of the waters.


    ¡°W-who is saying such things about me?¡± She didn¡¯t even have to ask, there were not many common acquaintances between them.


    ¡°My dear Hermes had much to say about you.¡± She chuckled.


    Eugenia felt a rare moment of disdain for the gods for once. Was this how Medusa felt all the time?


    ¡°I am not prudish.¡± She forced her arms apart and stiffly leaned back in the water. There was nothing on Eugenia¡¯s body that Aphrodite had not seen before. She just needed to take deep breaths and blend it out. With loud splashing she scrubbed off the sand from her arms and legs and got rid of the dirt that seemed to cover most of her body. It was a true relief to her soul.


    ¡°Yes, yes, what have we here? Skinny, nearly a bit starved. Naturally burnt skin from too much exposure to my dear Helios. Those nails are simply atrocious though, nearly reminiscent of a farmhand. You should let your snake do the laborious tasks more often. Your bosom has still some growing to do, but if you eat well it will shape up to feed many children.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡± Eugenia was petrified as Aphrodite nonchalantly explored every nook and cranny of her body. She had a very hands-on approach when it came to inspections at that. Eugenia was being evaluated on her appearance like a slave at an auction!


    It was one thing to get over her shyness back with Eopia, but this was going far beyond anything she could bear. In an instant she clammed up like an oyster and nearly put her face underwater. Her long hair floated on the surface and spread out like an octopus.


    ¡°Hahaha, have I teased you overmuch? You are simply too entertaining.¡± The goddess was amused. That made at least one of them.


    ¡°Grmblublu.¡± Eugenia made bubbles in the water and let the heat from her face dissipate.


    ¡°As I had feared, you are not used to the touch of others. That will certainly be an obstacle at first.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡± The blind girl surfaced and listened up reluctantly.


    ¡°Are these the scars you received from that dastardly expedition?¡± Aphrodite changed trails and touched the white marks on Eugenia¡¯s hip and forehead. She really had a bad habit of touching what she pleased.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She acknowledged her words while trying her best not to clam up again.


    ¡°Do they upset you?¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t hurt anymore, if that is what you mean.¡±


    ¡°Not quite.¡± She gave her a pitying smile. ¡°I am sure that you feel they are ugly. They make you damaged goods.¡±


    ¡°I never thought of it that way.¡± She could understand why some may think so, though. This was a common idea among slave traders or noblemen. A woman with scars lost a lot of worth in the higher society and especially among aristocrats. The wife of a farmer and city slaves were expected to be working their share, so they would end up covered in many unseemly marks over the years.


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Eugenia had once been rather unblemished. The most egregious wounds she had received were pricks of a needle during sewing or a slight burn from candles. Even as she had tirelessly cleaned the temple in Athens she had not hurt her face or skin much. It was not like she had ever been careful about it either though, as she had no hesitation when digging through the garden or carrying heavy baskets even back then.


    Then after coming to Sarpedon she had started to really explore her survival skills, to the point where she had lost a lot of her feminine side, whatever little she had ever possessed. Her muscles were not developed like a farmhands, but she noticed that her arms and legs had become more toned and rough.


    Maybe she really did feel insecure about her appearance, but it was not because of the scars.


    ¡°I could heal them for you.¡± The sweet voice entangled the human girl without warning. Aphrodite had grabbed Eugenia and pressed her against her womanly body. Her unblemished long fingers touched the large scar on the hip lightly. There was a surprising warmth emanating from them.


    ¡°W-wai- wha-¡° She was too shocked to form words.


    ¡°It would be no trouble to me. Consider it a gift.¡± She spoke amicably.


    A gift?


    Eugenia was covered in cold sweat all of a sudden and felt a shadow over her soul.


    Gift of the gods. Blessings. A kindness. An honor.


    For the chosen few¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t need it!¡± She shook her head.


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°I mean¡­ I don¡¯t mind the scars. It may not make any sense to you, but they have become a part of me. Reminders of¡­¡± She swallowed her words.


    ¡°Of what? Failures? Your enemies?¡± The goddess questioned.


    ¡°Of¡­ lessons. Each scar is a lesson I learned from the past.¡± She revealed.


    ¡°You shall never forget them then.¡± She let go of Eugenia and lightly waved her hands. It did not appear that she had been upset. ¡°I must wonder if there is any value to such ugly reminders if we could all move on to something more delectable instead.¡±


    To Aphrodite a failure or ugly experience was something to be erased and left behind. Was it optimism or selfishness that fueled her eternal pursuit of the perfect present? A flawed past had no power over her. An uncertain future did not bother her.


    But those who did not acknowledge their mistakes had no chance to learn from them.


    ¡°Lady Aphrodite, did you ever receive scars?¡± It was an unbecoming and personal question. She knew it was not something a human should ask, but her mind was hot with curiosity.


    ¡°I may have the power to erase them, but do you truly think that means I am hiding such things from the world?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean-¡±


    ¡°I did.¡±


    ¡°!¡± Her ears perked up in surprise.


    ¡°I have no desire to bring up such vile memories. Only know that there is no god in this world without scars.¡± Her words had become unexpectedly somber for a moment. Then her lips curled up in a smile. ¡°I have given quite a few scars In return of course.¡± She stretched out her long fingers with the perfectly round nails extending from them.


    And suddenly it dawned on Eugenia that she had been played for a fool again. She had little experience in such matters, but even she had heard of the ¡®lover¡¯s marks¡¯. Her head heated up inadvertently.


    ¡°The mortal that could leave a permanent mark on me has not been born yet however.¡± She laughed and pinched Eugenia¡¯s cheek like she was an adorable child.


    ¡°Why are all the gods like this?¡± She muttered below her breath and splashed her face with water.


    ¡°Realization just struck that my gift would surely be squandered even if you did accept it.¡± Aphrodite suddenly spoke up playfully. ¡°Your little snake will no doubt leave many a mark on your frail skin too.¡±


    Ba-dump


    Her heart almost managed to screw out of her chest. A concept - an idea - had just arrived uninvited upon those words and Eugenia felt heat rise through her torso. She was sweating inside the lukewarm water as if it had been boiling.


    The goddess knew. There was no doubt about it. Those words were a declaration.


    ¡°I do not envy you, with claws like hers it will not be pleasant.¡± She joked.


    ¡°What¡­ are you insinuating?¡± She asked stiffly.


    ¡°Playing innocent before your goddess? Why, you are just too precious. It is written all over your face, your body and your soul. You love the snake, do you not?¡±


    She really knew.


    ¡°So very deeply that it suffocates you at night.¡±


    As if she was reading an open page.


    ¡°A heartrending pain as your bodies brush against each other.¡±


    It was as if she was see-through.


    ¡°It takes all your will to keep your sanity.¡± Her whispered words were electrifying. There was no hiding from the goddess that governed love itself. ¡°Are my words reaching you?¡±


    Eugenia could not lie to her. Not even out of spite or shame. She nodded meekly.


    ¡°Honesty is best.¡± She traced Eugenia¡¯s neck until she reached her chin and then pulled it up softly. ¡°Tell me about this intoxicating blasphemous flame that consumes your heart. Tell me about all of it. This overpowering force that even severed the chains that bound you to little Athena.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize it until I came back to Medusa.¡± Eugenia said as if in trance. ¡°We did not get along at first. I was stubborn and childish. I knew that a monster and a human could never get along. Medusa had her reasons to keep me alive, but I did not have any reason to live.¡± She thought back on the past. It was like her memories were roused especially vividly this night. ¡°I realized that Medusa was not evil; quite the opposite. She was kind below all her fangs and claws. Nobody understood her¡­ and I wanted to be the one to be there for her¡­ as she was for me.¡± It was so easy to speak about it to Aphrodite. She must have been an exceptional listener. This fogginess in her head did not alert her.


    ¡°You mistook her protection for kindness.¡±


    ¡°Why are all of you so¡­¡± Suddenly Eugenia felt a small burst of anger and it cleared her foggy mind. ¡°It is true that Medusa was protecting me for selfish reasons. She may have used me as a prisoner to spite Athena. All of that is one side of her, but there is also another. She needed me alive, but she had no reason to be kind to me! She did not have to indulge me when I made demands or shoved my personal philosophies on her. There was no reason for her to smile and laugh at my side.¡± She shook a little after the emotional outburst.


    She could not see the goddess face, but she imagined that she was not impressed. Still, she wanted to convey these feelings all the same. Even if it was to the wrong person.


    ¡°Medusa doesn¡¯t need a reason to be kind, because that is her true self! If humans didn¡¯t try to hurt her she wouldn¡¯t have to be enveloped in darkness! If she hadn¡¯t been cursed¡­ You gods are the reason she is hurting so much! Why does the whole world hate her? She didn¡¯t deserve any of it!¡± She gasped for a moment to cool her foggy head down.


    ¡°Hehe.¡± Aphrodite smirked. The girl¡¯s outburst did not perturb her.


    ¡°Stop laughing¡­!¡± She raised her hand to swing, but stopped herself at the last moment. No matter how angry she got she could not risk this woman¡¯s ire.


    ¡°Child, I am not your enemy.¡± Aphrodite spoke in a voice so sickly sweet it drained all energy from the girl. ¡°I have received those feelings in full. Your love is genuine and wild. My words have struck a nerve that you are not fully conscious of yet. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°No I don¡¯t.¡± She shook her head in frustration.


    ¡°Have you told your feelings to the snake?¡±


    Eugenia lowered her head on her chest and sunk back into the water. She suddenly felt extremely exhausted. The tension just left her limbs. It didn¡¯t really matter anymore, did it?


    Eugenia told her what had happened on the day that she had confessed her love. For some reason there was a stinging pain in her chest as she spoke.


    The goddess crossed her legs and let the water pearl of her clean skin. Her eyes were closed as if she was deep in thought.


    ¡°She rejected your feelings.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Hmhm, but she did not crush them.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Eugenia¡¯s head shot up in surprise.


    ¡°You made a promise to her, do you intend to keep it?¡± She flipped the topic around.


    Eugenia blushed and fidgeted around. The promise had been something she had made, pushed by her overflowing feelings back then, but now it was a great weight on her shoulders.


    To give that kiss meaning would mean¡­


    ¡°Have you attempted to woo her?¡±


    ¡°Y-you must be joking!¡±


    ¡°Is that not the goal of your pursuit? Have you not allowed yourself to realize the truth of your actions?¡±


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know about any of that!¡±


    ¡°I see the doubts that fog your heart. I can nearly grasp them here.¡± She put a hand on Eugenia¡¯s chest and curled up her lips. ¡°You are halting, tripping, stalling and doubting. What is there to fret over now?¡±


    She demanded honesty. They had gone so deep down into Eugenia¡¯s heart that she could no longer find an escape route.


    ¡°Medusa can¡¯t- Will she¡­will she ever love me back?¡± Eugenia asked with a voice so vulnerable it nearly fell apart as it left her mouth.


    ¡°If you knew the answer would your actions change?¡±


    What a question. Even Eugenia did not know the answer to that. She was paralyzed right now. Not just now¡­ for a long time already. The courage she had felt on that day was no more.


    ¡°Dear child, speak your mind. Only you can tell me those doubts.¡±


    ¡°This love I feel. Is it¡­ real?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Aphrodite¡¯s eyes turned sharper and her hand wandered up to the girl¡¯s face as if to hold it in place before it crumbled.


    ¡°It is abnormal, right? To love another woman? It must be because I am blind. My mind is clouded. Medusa cannot love someone like me, because-¡±


    ¡°Abnormal you say? Is it more abnormal than loving a monster?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°To love a monster that is not even human. That is what your kind would truly think abnormal. Yet you are concerned with your sex?¡± Aphrodite said with a hint of amusement.


    Eugenia was speechless for a moment. Those words were filled with truth, yet she did never even consider them. She did not see Medusa as a monster anymore, but even so she had never bothered to fret over that aspect.


    ¡°Humans will ever be hindered by their self-imposed limitations. This guise of normalcy and rules keeps you shackled. Indeed, even among us gods there are those who viciously enforce limitations on the others.¡± She showed a rare moment of indignation. A deep seated grudge that belied her seeming ignorance to slights of the past. ¡°You are beyond the rules of man and god, dear. Do not concern yourself with them.¡±


    ¡°But if Medusa can¡¯t feel this attraction¡­¡±


    ¡°My son Eros.¡± She interrupted her and pulled Eugenia next to her. They now sat shoulder to shoulder. She swirled her fingers and it seemed like string instruments were quietly playing from another realm. ¡°He is a bright boy. My pride and joy. The Satyrs have become his slaves due to his sway over mortal hearts. You have already met one of those goats, so you must be aware. Eros loves mortals more than his own mother.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that.¡± She was unsure of why she was told all this.


    ¡°Children are supposed to leave the nest and their parents behind. That is the law of our world. I do not mind at all that he has found his own path, especially with his free spirit.¡± She chuckled. ¡°He has a particular obsession with the love between men.¡±


    ¡°Eh?¡± Eugenia felt completely lost.


    ¡°The embrace of men under a heavy heart. The love between a boy and his master. Such matters are quite common in the human world, are they not?¡± She asked knowingly.


    ¡°I¡­ uh¡­ heard of it before.¡± It took all her focus not to imagine Bion and Agapetos when thinking about this topic. She was fully aware that many men enjoyed love with each other. Especially in Athens it was not uncommon for men to not take any wives and instead have many lovers. Nobody was surprised about male liaisons. It was normal.


    ¡°Eros loves these bonds more than even the unification of man and woman. You understand where I am going with this. Love between women is not much different.¡±


    ¡°Is that true?¡± She had never heard of this before. Eros was love itself. If he accepted the love between women, then it must have been¡­ right.


    ¡°As the goddess who knows all the pleasures of this world I could have told you so many stories. Yet my son is the one who will always be entrusted with the emotional weight of such connections. If you will not believe me, believe his pure mind. To love a woman is love all the same.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± It may have been roundabout, but these words did take a weight off her heart. It was only one doubt of many, but good riddance nonetheless. She was just happy that her sex was not making it impossible. In the end that was only the most basic prerequisite.


    ¡°When you asked whether your love is true I expected something else.¡± Aphrodite chuckled.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± She tilted her head questioningly.


    ¡°You will have to garner this much yourself. Now what else troubles you?¡± She certainly knew no breaks.


    ¡°I said that I would change her mind, but I am afraid that I can¡¯t. This frustration is only growing.¡±


    ¡°The snake is a dishonest creature, truly.¡± She opened her eyes and smiled. ¡°Do you understand the source of your gnawing frustration, my dear?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    ¡°You are tormented by the duplicity of the situation. The snake keeps you at arm¡¯s length. She has denied you, yet she does not stop your pursuit.¡±


    ¡°Medusa has been avoiding me.¡± Eugenia interjected. ¡°I tried to act like I didn¡¯t notice, but it hurts so much. When she rejects my touch¡­ when she turns away as we talk. I sometimes try to reassure myself that it¡¯s just my imagination or that I am overthinking it, but that is too convenient. If telling her my feelings creates such a rift between us, then maybe it would have been better if I had stayed silent.¡± She folded her hands and gave in to the gloom.


    ¡°Keeping your true feelings locked away is an insult to yourself and the one you covet.¡± Aphrodite spoke flatly. ¡°By allowing them to flow you have created a new river that will continue to move through the land. It may find harsh curves and cliffs, those who will even lead it astray and perhaps it may never reach its destination, but the world is beautiful because of all these unpredictable rivers and lakes that paint the land.¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯re telling me to ride the waves into uncertainty?¡±


    ¡°After all these travels you still fear the currents?¡± She smirked.


    ¡°Of course I do. This place is my home now. Medusa is my family. If I ruin it all with my selfishness I don¡¯t think I can live with that.¡± She muttered.


    ¡°My my, you are a handful, child. Then shall I assist you?¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°You heard me full well. It is an easy feat for one such as I to put a spell on the snake that will make her return your feelings. Better than that, she will be so madly in love with you that you shan¡¯t find any rest. She will ravage you until you collapse and desire you until you perish.¡± Her voice was now filled with divine power. A force that could sway the laws of nature itself was now in full effect.


    Eugenia was uneasy, but the shock kept her from realizing why. She could nearly feel the prickling in the air. Right now the water must have been glowing around the goddess that stood in its center and made such an unreasonable offer.


    ¡°I rarely give such blessings my dear, so you should not take it lightly. Your heavy little heart has inspired me once again, so I have no qualms with taking part in this tale of true love.¡± She nearly sang with import and delight.


    ¡°True love.¡± Eugenia repeated.


    ¡°Twill be sweeter than the honey you offered to me today. Finally the pain will give way to pleasure and there is no more room for worry left. Until satisfaction envelopes your mortal souls.¡±


    ¡°If you did that for me¡­ Wouldn¡¯t that go against Medusa¡¯s will? How can it be true love if it is imposed?¡± She began to understand why she had been uneasy.


    ¡°Dear, you have entirely the wrong idea. Love is not something that cares for the why and how. Once it has taken a hold of you there is no rhyme or reason to it. That is the true nature of love.¡±


    Could it be? Eugenia was always doubting her own feelings, but perhaps they were not strong enough yet. Not as powerful as true love. Infatuation could only go so far. In face of true, unambiguous, pure, mad all devouring LOVE, that which only the powers above could grant, what was her simpleminded human doubt?


    If Medusa could be swayed by such an emotion they could finally be together. How could love be wrong?


    ¡®I cannot be loved.¡¯ She had said. She could not be¡­


    Eugenia felt a stinging pain in her chest and bent over. She was almost kneeling before Aphrodite who was waiting for her favorable response.


    ¡°If Medusa loved me so deeply and unconditionally.¡±


    She felt heat permeate from her eyes. Moistness was gathering again and it did not come from the bath water.


    ¡°She would not be my Medusa.¡±


    That was her decision. All her different feelings and desires were in agreement. Even if Medusa¡¯s love would be true and real, Eugenia¡¯s feelings would not change. The one she had fallen for was not that Medusa.


    ¡°Stubborn, the lot of you.¡± Aphrodite exhaled unimpressed, yet carefree.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°No need for an apology. It is you who will endure the consequences of that choice.¡± She was nothing, if not blunt. She was right, naturally.


    ¡°Haha.¡± It was almost comical how pathetic Eugenia was, so she had to laugh.


    ¡°We have enjoyed this water extensively enough, so let us make haste and enjoy another floaty sensation.¡± The goddess stretched beautifully and the moment she stepped out of the water she was dry and dressed.


    Eugenia hurriedly followed suit and dried herself with a rag, before putting on the light chiton she had prepared. She did feel rather tired now, so this was a welcome point to rest for the night.


    ¡°I am looking forward to creating a magnificent strategy to capture the snakes¡¯ heart. You must tell me all of her little peculiarities. Hahaha, what fun!¡± The joy was nearly radiating off of her as they sank into the pillows.


    Eugenia swallowed audibly. It didn¡¯t seem like she would catch much sleep this fine night.


    <hr>


    It was much later that night, morning light was only a few hours away. Inside the tent all was silent now. The low breathing of a young woman was the only thing that could be picked up.


    Eugenia was sprawled out over the pillows and hugging a few like they were her lovers. Such a pitiful face she made while turning and twisting in her dreams.


    ¡°You did not strike me as a light sleeper.¡± Aphrodite spoke from her upright position next to the human girl.


    ¡°¡­¡± Medusa motioned the goddess to follow her.


    After making some distance from the tent she finally stopped.


    ¡°Afraid of waking the little one?¡± The mocking tone was not entirely malicious for once.


    ¡°What did you make her do?¡± Medusa asked combatively.


    ¡°Oh? Whatever are you insinuating little snake?¡± She returned that vicious glare so uncaringly that it was insulting.


    ¡°I watched you from afar. You were cornering Eugenia. What trickery did you force upon her?¡± She was not playing around. Her voice was still low, but that was almost more terrifying than a shout.


    ¡°Your protectiveness of her is heartwarming indeed. It also clouds your judgement, but nothing I can say will improve your mood, is that not so Gorgon?¡± She asked sardonically.


    ¡°If you have put a spell on her I will-¡°


    ¡°What will you do? Glare at me with those cursed eyes of yours? Swing your ruffian fists, slash your beastly claws and snap my neck? Break my back? Flail my body until I turn to ribbons?¡± She put a hand on her womanly hip and showed her true face for just one moment. Arrogant, unkind and fearless. ¡°You are powerless, Gorgon. Nothing you can do will ever leave a mark on me.¡±


    ¡°If you dare to hurt her - do anything to her - you will see that even the powerless can surprise you.¡± Medusa swore with a barely contained scowl.


    ¡°I shan¡¯t hold my breath for that. It is all reserved for my dear Helios¡¯ return anyway.¡± She waved dismissively as she returned to the tent.


    The Gorgon stood alone under the pale moonlight and twisted her tail around in fury. It left deep marks in the ground.


    Two sides, two faces. Benevolence and malice. Each being of this world shared a duality. To contain these in one body was the challenge of existence. Could there truly be a compromise?

 Chapter 55: Medusa and the goddess of fertility

    Morning light tranquilly spilled across Sarpedon like the waters of a clear mountain spring. It flowed into the crevices and holes between old crumbling stone and gathered in circular spots. A particular sizeable circle of light was created in the small garden house that had been tirelessly built by the two inhabitants of the island. Its crooked windows allowed the gentle stream of light to enter its confines for the sake of feeding the greedy plants inside with their favorite life giving rays.


    The door to the garden stood wide open so that the cool morning air could come through. Standing inside the frame was the young woman who took care of the plant growth with tenacious dedication. She had just completed her morning stretches and was ready to start her daily inspection. It would be fatal if she missed some incident that could have harmed the plants during her absence.


    But today she was not alone. Her partner was not the familiar snake woman that would drag her tail through the earth and leave behind curved tracks, but rather a guest whose sandals left no imprints at all.


    ¡°Palla¡¯s Garden it says. Did you construct this little thing all on your own?¡± Aphrodite asked with mild curiosity. Her playful gaze had been stuck on the plate at the door only for a moment, but it must have been clear to her that it was still quite new compared to everything else on the island. This shoddy construction inspired no confidence in the professionalism of those who erected it either.


    ¡°Medusa did the heavy lifting. I just made the plans.¡± Eugenia replied humbly and squatted down to pat the loose earth, searching for any rabbit holes.


    ¡°There is a hole over there.¡± She pointed at the wall.


    ¡°I know.¡± She sighed in response.


    ¡°There is not much space for real growth, but the air in here is rather clean and gentle.¡± The goddess took a step inside and seemingly caressed the air. ¡°The soil hums. Recent death has given way to new sprouts of life everywhere.¡±


    ¡°You could tell?¡± Eugenia was perplexed for a second until she realized who she was talking to.


    ¡°Fertile lands are my specialty. It would bring shame upon my name if I could not see the quality of the grounds around me.¡± She said proudly. Naturally she was the goddess of fertility, but most would not come to her to pray for a good harvest these days.


    Such insolent thoughts were better kept to oneself.


    ¡°Do you hydrate them enough, dear?¡± Aphrodite stroked the leaves of a larger growth.


    ¡°Every day.¡± She nodded.


    ¡°Truly. Then the distribution is not even across the soil. Underground sinkholes must be siphoning away the necessary drink for this poor thing.¡± She spoke with certainty, which meant it must have been true. Who would dare object her assessments?


    ¡°I see! So that¡¯s why the earth dries so quickly.¡± She nodded energetically.


    ¡°There is not enough space for the roots to spread out, so they tangle here¡­ and here.¡± She pointed at two seemingly random spots. ¡°Humans are so uncouth with nature¡¯s gifts. My dear Artemis shall weep again if I tell her of this.¡±


    Eugenia tried not to think anything blasphemous when hearing that. She failed. Did Artemis, the great and respected huntress have such a frail composure? Ever since she had come to Sarpedon her image of the gods had just been shattered like old earthenware on hard rocks, but she could not bear to hear such disappointing things about Artemis too. She was too imposing. Zosimos would have been heartbroken if he heard this.


    ¡°She may also come here personally to destroy it all.¡± Aphrodite added casually. Upon seeing Eugenia¡¯s pale face she chuckled. ¡°I merely jest.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s mean.¡± She exhaled her tension, but could only feel a bit let down.


    ¡°Much like the scented waters, such gardens can cleanse my spirits. I can feel the energy flowing through my veins~¡± Aphrodite stretched in a heart pounding way and then twirled elegantly through the morning light. Her grace was lost on her blind audience, but Eugenia did take note of her movements towards the exit. ¡°This is exciting!¡± She suddenly spoke up again.


    ¡°Sorry, what is?¡± The girl rose up and turned back to her. Her ears picked up a strange creaking and grinding noise. It was somewhat similar to the sound of drawing a rope across wood on a boat or the rustling of twigs in the forest winds. Soon she learned that the latter comparison was very close.


    The wall of the small building shook a little when something large brushed against it and then cracked when the collision decided the weaker force. What had just grown outside and inside the building had lost the contest and left behind splintered branches on the soil.


    ¡°Olives, hm? Considering where we are I could have hazarded a guess. Little Athena surely loves them more than any other tree.¡±


    ¡°Did¡­ did trees just grow out of the earth?¡± Eugenia asked dryly.


    ¡°Olive trees.¡±


    The prickling sensation spread through Eugenia¡¯s feet and between her toes. She could sense it on several levels, from the sudden smell of fresh grass to the previous loud creaking and the changed airflow. Wherever the goddess stepped with her dainty feet, life sprung forth like a violent explosion. First it burst out of the soil and then it rippled in circles around her, finally calming at the edges of her sphere of influence where they shrank back.


    The garden was unrecognizable. It was as if all the hidden roots of plants long dead had taken a divine breath and forced themselves upwards. Nothing could compare to the two olive trees that had sprang up though.


    ¡°I have redistributed the nutrients in the ruins next to this garden to give these two children some encouragement.¡± She stroked the tree bark alluringly and then plucked an olive. ¡°Hmhm, a bit overripe, just as I adore them.¡±


    ¡°This is madness.¡± Eugenia put her fingers to the tree inside the garden and could hardly contain her disbelief.


    ¡°Do you disapprove? Perhaps because they remind you of your former mistress?¡± Aphrodite was acting strangely empathetic and seemed to consider the consequences of her actions.


    ¡°Not at all, I like them.¡± She assured her. It was just really overwhelming, but that emotion was soon surpassed.


    ¡°I wonder how the snake will react.¡± Her smirk was subtle, but even Eugenia could sense it somehow. Having a symbol of Athena grow in her exile was no better than a punch to the face for Medusa, which seemed to amuse the goddess.


    ¡°She will be happy to eat some tasty olives.¡± Eugenia replied calmly.


    ¡°I cherish your optimism.¡±


    ¡°With all of these fruits we should have a great meal today.¡± She changed the subject as she picked some of the garden¡¯s freshly grown treasures.


    ¡°Then let us invite your snake.¡± She suggested.


    ¡°Good idea.¡±


    ¡°We may put our training to effect posthaste then.¡± She licked her olive juice covered lips.


    Eugenia gulped nervously.


    <hr>


    It then so happened that the three of them assembled around a fire and sat in a triangular formation. Each corner with a completely different mood to it.


    ¡°You took another gift from the gods without asking me first?¡± Medusa was turned towards Eugenia, completely ignoring the third person. She was spinning the wooden spike on which she had grilled her hare meat. Her expression was rigid.


    ¡°Lady Aphrodite just gave the garden some life energy. This was all already inside the soil.¡± The blind girl responded, busy with deboning another hare. Her face was shifting between several emotions.


    ¡°It was no trouble at all. These olives are to die for, do you not agree?¡± And Aphrodite was lying on her side with a ceaseless smile as she dropped another olive into her shapely mouth.


    The atmosphere was as strained as expected, but peace yet seemed like an option.


    ¡°Medusa do you want more meat?¡± Eugenia held out the pink meat expectantly.


    ¡°Do not change the topic¡­¡±


    ¡°I put a lot of effort into this one.¡± The girl insisted.


    ¡°¡­fine.¡± Medusa sighed and took the meat into her hand. She then stabbed it onto the same spike as before. The meat was turning brown quickly and a wonderful smell spread through the camp.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if the smell is too strong.¡± Eugenia apologized to Aphrodite who did not enjoy the taste of meat.


    In response Medusa showed a malicious smirk and held the meat into wind so that the smell spread even quicker.


    ¡°My dear, I may not eat it, but the smell is quite alluring to me. I will take in my fill of the snake¡¯s meal this way.¡± She waved it off gracefully.


    ¡°Hmph.¡± Medusa grunted in dissatisfaction and put the meat down.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t eating Medusa.¡±


    ¡°Why are you in such a hurry now?¡± She raised a brow and then bit off the well-done meat. She chewed for a few moments and then swallowed quickly.


    ¡°¡­¡± Eugenia was awaiting something like a puppy.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Medusa looked down on her with confusion.


    ¡°How was it?¡±


    ¡°Agreeable.¡± She had no idea what was going on with this girl today.


    ¡°Only agreeable? I tried so hard. Maybe the younger ones would have more tender meat?¡± She muttered to herself and slapped her hands on her knees.


    ¡°?¡± The Gorgon could only look on questioningly.


    ¡°This plum would go well with some honey.¡± Aphrodite said as she sensually licked her fingers.


    ¡°If you conjure up bees as well I will petrify them on the spot.¡± Medusa threatened.


    ¡°Beekeeping is a tedious occupation and your little human works hard enough as is.¡± She replied matter of factly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not doing that much!¡± Eugenia shook her head embarrassedly.


    ¡°Do not sell yourself short sweetie, I have not seen many a woman so dedicated to self-sufficiency. Any man would love to have a diligent wife that was even half as useful as you.¡±


    ¡°Please¡­¡±


    ¡°Ahaha, are you turning red?¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡± Medusa kept moving her eyes between the two. Their interactions had certainly changed from yesterday.


    ¡°You agree with me no doubt, snake. Your partner is a magnificent asset, yes?¡± The sharp eyes met with the cursed ones again.


    ¡°Why do you ask me?¡± She replied carefully.


    ¡°Who better to judge her hard work than the one who profits from it the most?¡±


    ¡°And that beneficiary is supposedly me?¡±


    ¡°You disagree?¡±


    Medusa did not follow her scheme this time. What was Aphrodite¡¯s ulterior motive in praising Eugenia so overtly? Could it have been honest affection? Truthful curiosity? It seemed impossible and yet¡­


    ¡°I have never asked for any boons from this relationship. Eugenia is free to use the island as she sees fit. Any offering she makes to me is her whim.¡± She purposely did not look at the girl while she spoke. ¡°Everything that comes from this island is mine to begin with. She only returns to me what I already own.¡±


    ¡°Can you sew, little snake?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Can you skin a hare so well that nearly no meat is lost? Can you nurture a garden so delicately that it blossoms even with lacking soil? Is it one of your cursed abilities to rebuild structures that can stand on their own and last through heavy weather?¡±


    ¡°Lady Aphrodite!¡± Eugenia pulled on her loose chiton to stop her from saying any more.


    ¡°I am in no need of such skills.¡± The Gorgon replied stubbornly.


    ¡°I knew you would answer me thusly.¡± She shrugged loosely and put a hand to Eugenia¡¯s flushed cheek. ¡°You are wasted on that beast.¡±


    ¡°Stop it.¡± This time Eugenia was not speaking meekly.


    ¡°A jest, of course.¡± Aphrodite said after grueling seconds. ¡°You still see positive qualities in the snake.¡±


    ¡°Yes! There are a lot of wonderful things about Medusa.¡± The girl spoke nervously.


    ¡°Go on then. I have time.¡± She smirked and gave the human girl a nearly unnoticeable sign.


    ¡°Uhm¡­ w-well. There is her voice.¡±


    ¡°My voice?¡± Medusa felt left out by their antics, but that answer did really pique her interest.


    ¡°A person¡¯s voice reflects their soul. It is made up of all their aspects. The intonation reflects on their personality, the depth of each word their life¡¯s burdens and the sound of their laughter is... their beauty.¡± Eugenia spoke hesitantly, but with deep emotion.


    Aphrodite closed her eyes and seemed to listen well, expectantly.


    ¡°Then what does my voice tell your unnatural ears?¡± Medusa played along.


    ¡°You are harsh, you are burdened and you are¡­ beautiful.¡± The girl almost whispered and turned her face away.


    Medusa felt uneasy when hearing those words. As if her blood was rushing through her ears and the air circulation was forcefully stopped. She must have felt tense because of Aphrodite¡¯s presence, but was she really this affected? It did not seem to make sense.


    ¡°Beautiful?¡± She asked blankly. There was that word again. Eugenia had said the same thing yesterday. Then what she spoke of was not the outer appearance but this supposed beauty of a person¡¯s voice?


    Laughable. How could mere laughter be beautiful? Even the goddess should have laughed at such childish fantasies, but she did not even chuckle this time. How could someone so obsessed with beauty not make a mockery of the girl¡¯s words?


    ¡°I have never heard the snake¡¯s cackling, yet I feel intrigued.¡±


    Was that really her conclusion? Why was she playing along with Eugenia instead of insulting both of them again?


    ¡°Say, what does my laugh tell you about my beauty?¡±


    Eugenia stayed silent for far longer than expected. Eventually she quietly responded.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t shown me your true laugh yet.¡±


    Aphrodite¡¯s face twitched nearly imperceptibly and her eternal smile became far more strained.


    ¡°Ahahaha you are merely a child after all. There is still much you can learn about the world and about laughter.¡± She deflected haughtily and rubbed Eugenia¡¯s head with one hand. ¡°Be that as it may, you have quite the devotee here, little snake. It appears even you have appeal left to give.¡±


    Medusa watched her intently and then leaned back, putting the grilled meat to her mouth and chowed down with a hidden satisfied smile.


    ¡°And Medusa is really p-pretty outside as well. She has great skin and er¡­ her body is really curvy.¡± Eugenia seemed to have remembered something and broke the tension with some utterly unnatural sounding praise.


    ¡°What are you on about?¡± Medusa gave her a pitying look.


    ¡°If men could look at you without getting turned to stone they would definitely say you are appealing!!¡± She said with forced ¨¦lan and balled her fists determinedly.


    Medusa put her meat down and looked baffled.


    ¡°And that tail! Just let me rub my face against it a-all niiight!¡± She squealed with a beet red face.


    ¡°You set her up to this. Do not even deny it.¡± She pointed at the goddess who was pretending to be busy with her perfect nails.


    ¡°I cannot fathom where you got such a curious idea.¡± She chuckled.


    ¡°And your breasts are like really firm apples! The ones they grow south of Sparta!!¡±


    ¡°You can stop now.¡± She pressed the tip of her tail into Eugenia¡¯s face to make the horrific praise stop.


    <hr>


    ¡°I failed.¡± Eugenia let her head hang in depression.


    ¡°You may have put it on a smidgen too thickly at the end.¡± The beautiful goddess comforted her beautifully by putting the girl¡¯s head on her lap.


    ¡°I forgot most of what you told me. My head suddenly felt so empty.¡±


    ¡°Stage fright as it were is not too uncommon for those pursuing their love.¡±


    ¡°She must be so disgusted with me now.¡± She gave in to the despair and let her face sink into the thighs.


    ¡°I am confident that she is only decently irritated, no more. She will return from that cliff in due time.¡±


    ¡°It went all wrong. She didn¡¯t even notice the way you arranged my chiton.¡± She muttered.


    Their strategy to make Eugenia woo Medusa had failed in its infancy. The nervous girl had messed up on the script and the Gorgon had not paid attention to her far more seductive outfit. Even the goddess of love must have realized that it was hopeless now.


    ¡°Her eyes were always on you though.¡± Aphrodite spoke quietly as if in thought. ¡°And that improvisation about the beauty of her voice seemed to be more effective than expected.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Nevermind, dear. You should never give up before you attained your goal.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s pretty unreasonable.¡±


    ¡°You have no time to reconsider and doubt.¡±


    ¡°Time is all I have.¡± She whispered. On this small island where nothing could come or go other than fools and gods, there was only time to think and think until everything became certain and uncertain at once.


    ¡°Time is a fleeting thing for you mortals. Even I have only so little left.¡±


    ¡°Eh?¡±


    ¡°Until my dear Helios rides by to pick me up of course~¡± She said with a sultry voice.


    Eugenia turned her face back against the supple legs and mulled it over.


    ¡°Do you love the great and fiery Helios?¡±


    ¡°I love all handsome men. They were gifted with such appreciable features for a reason.¡±


    ¡°But isn¡¯t that just lust?¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Aphrodite made a small sound before stroking Eugenia¡¯s long hair. ¡°There is no difference to me.¡±


    ¡°Really? Can you not love someone without desiring their body?¡±


    ¡°There is the love parents feel for their children, Storge. There is the love you show your guests, Xenia. Yet all else are the feelings of Eros. You must learn quickly child, if your passion for her is true, that you will come to desire her. The same is true for the gods and any living thing that can feel love. Were I to share my love with a man, I would naturally do so through the union of the body. It is the purest expression of love you can give.¡±


    ¡°Can you not be lovers without lust?¡±


    ¡°What difference would there be from simple friendship?¡±


    Eugenia had no response to that. Aphrodite gave her a pitying glance and then continued softly.


    ¡°Love has as many folds as these clothes on your body, dear child. It begins with a fiery passion that will engulf you whole.¡± She traced her fingers across the girl¡¯s neck and went lower. She slowly caressed her chest and then slid down into her chiton.


    ¡°Mmgh!¡± Eugenia suppressed a surprised moan and struggled a little, but Aphrodite¡¯s other hand held her down with ease.


    ¡°If you deny the flames they will consume your heart and eventually only leave smoldering ash. If you wish to form a true connection with the snake you have to learn to please her. There is no way around this lesson, so do not avert your ears.¡±


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    The goddess¡¯ long fingers moved with experienced motions. They trailed an often treaded path, some familiar ground. Aphrodite did not guide her hands, they moved all on their own, completely autonomous and free. Wherever they touched, Eugenia¡¯s skin seemed to burn up.


    The young women bit on her lower lip as she felt the heat bubble through her belly when the fingers spun around her navel.


    ¡°There are ways for a woman to pleasure another woman. Even more so than any man.¡± She whispered into her ear and licked it.


    Eugenia shivered in shame and arousal.


    ¡°I can teach you what you need to know. This is the one way to make her all yours. If you surrender yourself to this feeling you will know how to make her surrender as well.¡± Her hot breath was prickling across the young woman¡¯s neck and she gasped when the other hand went into her chiton as well to play with the unattended chest.


    ¡°Hngh¡­ ah¡­ stop¡­¡± She was afraid of this feeling. It was not something she ever wanted to give in to and if she did she felt that there was no turning back.


    ¡°If my hands cease now, will you be able to bear it?¡± Aphrodite asked in the most mesmerizing voice.


    ¡°I-¡° Eugenia¡¯s heated voice escaped her throat like a soft moan. Her answer was drowning inside her fading mind. The hand was now sliding down her lower abdomen, trailing left and right like a snake. Soon it would reach its destination-


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Asked the cold voice of none other than the owner of this lonely isle.


    ¡°Your ghastly attitude has left this human stricken with grief, so I resolved to comfort her.¡± Aphrodite did not even miss a beat as her hands were already out of the clothes to give the snake woman a friendly greeting.


    ¡°Eugenia, are you all right?¡± Medusa looked down on the girl who was breathing heavily and covered in sweat. Her heartbeat was so loud that even at this distance it could still be heard.


    ¡°Med¡­ usa?¡± She covered her face with both arms and was shaking a little.


    ¡°She is feeling splendid I assure you. Have you returned out of worry for her broken heart?¡±


    ¡°Keep your hands away from her. She does not wish to be held down by you.¡± Medusa said coldly. It was clear from her voice that she knew what was truly going on. Her nose was too good to miss the truth. Yet she said nothing more.


    ¡°I believed my lap to be quite fetching for those in need of rest, however if you prefer to let her lie on your tail, perhaps that can be arranged.¡± She smiled undaunted by the cold glare and raised Eugenia up. The girl was still shivering a little, clearly with a still heated mind, but also too ashamed to show her face or speak a word.


    ¡°Can you stand?¡± Medusa reached out her hand to the human girl and pulled her up.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She said quietly and took a few deep breathes to staunch the flames in her chest.


    ¡°No need to apologize. I treated you ill for something you did not scheme up yourself.¡± She said in an empathetic tone before letting Eugenia down on her curled tail. The girl for some reason closed her legs tightly and fidgeted around.


    ¡°It is heartwarming to see you act tender with her now that you have found your scapegoat.¡± Aphrodite joked as she leaned on her side and completely reveled in her role as the immoral manipulator. ¡°Although I have not forced her to do any of it.¡±


    ¡°Have you not meddled enough? Your ride is taking its time.¡±


    ¡°The sun is still too far. The heat you feel comes only from within.¡± She said with a meaningful smirk and then yawned at Medusa¡¯s instantaneous glare. ¡°Then again, snakes are rather cold blooded.¡±


    While Medusa considered the many ways she could throw this frivolous woman off her island, Eugenia seemed to slowly cool down and recover. She wiped some drool from the corner of her mouth and adjusted her loose clothes. Somehow she had managed to push her horrible embarrassment off and just enjoy the silence on top of Medusa¡¯s writhing tail. There was something quite relaxing to those undulating motions. Even if she knew that it was only in such chaos due to Medusa¡¯s anger.


    ¡°Never forget that feeling, my dear.¡± Aphrodite said with a wink. Then she looked up to Medusa and switched gears. ¡°Do you believe in fate?¡±


    ¡°What has brought this on?¡±


    ¡°Your tale very much resembles one of the poets¡¯ legends, but they often are written only long after the events transpired. What was fated and what was mere coincidence, who can honestly tell?¡±


    ¡°Is that not what the Moirai are for?¡± Medusa spat out. She could not stand the gods, but the women spinning the destiny of all the world she could accept even less. Their only purpose was to ascertain that everything had a purpose and an end. Not even the mighty Zeus was exempt from their weaving.


    ¡°The Fates may stitch the fate into the world, but which causes which? Are the actions of man what inspires the strings or is it the reverse?¡± She cupped her face with both hands and tranquilly moved her legs in half circles.


    ¡°My actions are only my own. With true strength one can even bend fate.¡± Medusa said resolutely. But there was that ever so infinitesimal crack in her eyes. The smallest of gaps in her resolve.


    Eugenia seemed to be moved by her splendid response and took no note of that crack. The Gorgon had told her something similar a long time ago and her answer had still not changed. This tenacity was one of a kind.


    ¡°¡¯True strength¡¯. If such a thing does exist I cannot fathom why a little snake would have it, but your answer is not unexpected. Then how about you my dear? Does your human heart also adhere to such true strength?¡±


    ¡°I believe that things are supposed to happen.¡± She replied with an honest expression. ¡°My choices are already decided for me before I make them. I wish I could be as confident as Medusa.¡± She smiled wryly.


    ¡°Do not be foolish.¡± Medusa put her hands around her waist and held her closer as if to tell her that fate could not be stronger than those arms.


    ¡°But why does it matter?¡± She asked innocently.


    ¡°Pardon?¡± Even Aphrodite seemed shocked by such a question.


    ¡°Whether fate is decided from the day we are born or whether we shape it ourselves, what does it matter? In the end we will never know. We can¡¯t ask the Moirai and we have to act the same way no matter what the strings say. Whether it is decided or I decided it, to me both feel the same.¡± She explained.


    ¡°Then you accept the illusion?¡±


    ¡°It is reality to me.¡± Eugenia said while holding onto the Gorgon¡¯s arms.


    ¡°I hear your words, but they are enticingly exotic.¡± The goddess smiled. ¡°You will not deny that destiny exists?¡±


    ¡°I am not sure that is for me to confirm or deny.¡± She scratched her head. ¡°I did want to find out about my future once at least. There was this soothsayer in Athens who told everyone their fates.¡±


    ¡°A charlatan no doubt.¡± Medusa interjected.


    ¡°Weeell, he said he was related to the Pythia in Delphi. He said their entire family possessed the gift to converse with the gods and see the future.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Aphrodite and Medusa exchanged a single glance. They were of the same opinion for once.


    ¡°The priestesses in training always went out to the main city to buy supplies for the temple that the cart didn¡¯t bring. I¡­ tagged along once.¡± She swallowed some bad memories. Back then she had not made many good memories with the other girls. ¡°They stopped at the soothsayer¡¯s stand and he read their fortunes.¡±


    ¡°What type of fortune?¡±


    ¡°About their future love.¡±


    Now Aphrodite seemed to be more interested, while simultaneously also more insulted.


    ¡°It was quite amazing. Almost all of them would leave the temple and marry aristocrats and rich merchant sons. The oldest of us will get married to a king in Macedonia in two years.¡±


    ¡°Human girls will believe anything if it caters to their hearts.¡± Medusa muttered.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to get my fortune read at first, but they¡­ forced me to take it as well. In all honesty I was very curious.¡± She admitted shyly. ¡°He looked at the bones for a long time and then told me ¡®You will have an arduous battle with love. To find the one will be a dangerous journey and your love will always be just out of reach.¡¯ It was a very rude prediction.¡± She sighed.


    ¡°Maybe he was actually the real deal after all.¡± Medusa suddenly seemed convinced.


    ¡°How cruel!¡±


    ¡°You have convinced me that fate has many faces at least.¡± Aphrodite put one hand through her waving hair and exhaled femininely. ¡°The one fate that binds all is not as bittersweet as happiness and sadness. It is a journey that all must take.¡±


    Eugenia nodded. Everyone was trying to prepare themselves for that eventual departure. The ultimate fate: Death.


    ¡°They say even gods may die.¡± The beautiful goddess spoke in melancholy.


    ¡°¡­¡± Medusa seemed slightly unsettled.


    ¡°But beauty lies not in eternity! It exists in a passionate fire that rises above the mountains and dissipates in the skies. And though many of us shall be remembered forever and the stars reflect our stories, so will we still fade nonetheless.¡±


    The two mortals before her had very different reactions to such an ode to ephemerality. It was rare to hear gods speak of an end. Medusa herself had spoken of a cycle and succession, but even thinking of a world without the Olympians was often considered blasphemy.


    Why was Aphrodite speaking of such grim things? Medusa seemed to have an idea.


    ¡°May that day stay far away. For mortals however it could happen any day. That precious time you have to fret and worry over trivialities will run dry eventually. Say good snake, shall I go to the Moirai and ask them of your fate? The length of the yarn you have yet left to spin?¡± Her sharp eyes were sucking her in like a whirlpool.


    ¡°It matters not¡­¡± She turned silent. She was clinging to Eugenia with more force than intended, leaving white marks. She had realized what Aphrodite was truly aiming for.


    ¡°Aha, though if your lifespan is a yarn,¡± she pointed her finger at the Gorgon¡¯s head and then let it sink lower ¡°then this human girl¡¯s could be no more than a single stran-¡°


    ¡°Silence!¡± She rose up and shouted at the intruder. Eugenia fell down her tail with a surprised yelp. ¡°Leave already! You are not welcome here.¡± She spun around and slithered away red with anger.


    ¡°Medusa!¡± Eugenia called out to her, but was ignored. She wiped some sand from her hands and showed her sadness.


    ¡°¡¯Tis no longer in question. Your dear snake is a coward.¡± Aphrodite declared.


    ¡°Don¡¯t speak ill of her.¡± She replied weakly.


    ¡°She is right in a singular matter, though. I must leave soon, my ride is closing in. This exhilarating heat announces his entrance to my body.¡± She extended her hands to the sky where the sun had grown considerably already.


    ¡°Why did you say these things to her?¡± Eugenia asked with inner turmoil.


    ¡°It is as I told you, my dear. Time is of the essence and will not halt for you two. There is one thing that any woman fears. Do you know what it is?¡±


    Eugenia clasped her hands together and let sand run through it helplessly.


    ¡°Loneliness.¡± She answered truthfully.


    ¡°The snake may be a monster, but she is still mortal. All mortal things are subjects to time and those who fall to time fear change. We gods crave variety and new challenges, but humans would prefer to live their short existence knowing their world and keeping it safe. You have become part of this world. You have forcefully clawed your way in, but for each decade that passes she will grow more attached and you will grow frailer¡­ until you too crumble before her like the statues of men that you smashed across this island.¡±


    Aphrodite touched her lowered head as if she was trying to pull her hair.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Eugenia felt a stinging in her head and chest when a single image flew past her mind.


    Medusa stood on top of a hill with a grey face, fallen in eyes, emptiness singed into her cheeks.


    Before her lay the stones.


    A grave.


    Loneliness. Emptiness. Deserted.


    Hot tears fell to the heated sand below which greedily drank them up. Whose tears were they?


    ¡°I am hurting her.¡± She whispered with a cracked voice.


    ¡°You did this to her.¡± Aphrodite confirmed.


    ¡°She¡­ is so alone¡­¡±


    ¡°Would it not have been better never to know this happiness if it only brings pain?¡±


    ¡°But I never wanted that! I just wanted to be with her¡­ love her.¡±


    ¡°Love is selfish dear. You should have realized this by now.¡±


    ¡°No, there must be- There has to be something I can do!¡±


    ¡°You have to be decisive. Your time is short, so make it count. Give her more passion than she can ever drink and she shall be filled for the rest of her days.¡±


    ¡°Do I have enough to give?¡± Such an unending solitude could not be filled easily.


    Aphrodite smiled widely, a mysterious spark in her deep eyes.


    ¡°There is a way.¡± She said alluringly. ¡°A way that even your short spark will last beyond its extinction.¡±


    ¡°What is it?! Tell me, please!¡± She held on to the goddess'' loose robes and begged her for knowledge.


    ¡°Progeny.¡±


    It was one simple word.


    But the implications were grand. So many opposing ideas bombarded the girls head at once that she seemed paralyzed.


    Progeny, children, offspring, the legacy of life. Something to stay behind once this generation was already on their journey to the Underworld. That was her solution? That was salvation?


    ¡°But we can¡¯t.¡± She muttered hollowly.


    What was the goddess actually suggesting? That Eugenia found a man to lay with and bear children? So that her children would stay trapped on this island to watch over Medusa for her? Those children too would have to repeat that process and then they would die and leave Medusa behind again. A cycle of grief. The very idea made her sick.


    If they were her children though, if Medusa was the one to give birth, they should be hybrids that could live as long as their mother. The thought crept into her mind almost uninvited, so foreign.


    ¡°I am your goddess child. The goddess that governs fertility itself! If it is your wish I can grant you the means to create this future with your own body.¡± She spoke solemnly as she still held Eugenia¡¯s head.


    ¡°You mean you will¡­?¡± She softly touched her groin in fear.


    ¡°My son Hermaphroditus once loved a nymph so dearly they became one not just in body, but in spirit as well. Not many humans know this tale these days, but my son has not always been a being between man and woman. Now that he has given eternal proof to their love, the world reveres him as the one who combines both virtues in himself. A strong and fertile male genital is an easy gift to bestow, human.¡±


    Her head was in pain already, but now it also seemed to be shaking from a deep seated disgust. She was not proud of her own body, but she still felt like doing something like that would tarnish it even more. If it was for Medusa could she change everything about herself?


    Medusa was¡­


    ¡°It cannot work. Medusa¡¯s body is not like mine. You said it yourself, her womb derides life.¡± She said something cruel to avoid her fears.


    ¡°Monsters are some of the most fertile beings in this world. Their bodies are made to breed unending spawn and spread their evil across the civilized lands. The Gorgon too can give birth. She derides this gift herself.¡± Aphrodite spoke with unexpected ire. ¡°I can feel it inside her... The life she suppresses. The birth she denies.¡± Her fingers - for the fracture of a moment - dug into Eugenia¡¯s head.


    ¡°Medusa was impregnated by Lord Poseidon.¡± Eugenia responded monotonously. Why had it taken her so long to remember that? This fact was something that brought Medusa great- ¡°Aiiiee!¡± Her head seemed to almost burst from red-hot pain.


    ¡°Do you not wish for her to bear your child?¡± Aphrodite demanded an answer.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­ won¡¯t be¡­ afraid¡­¡± She spoke between bursts of stabbing pain.


    ¡°Then there is only one solution left.¡± Aphrodite leaned down so that her mouth reached the shaking girl¡¯s ear.


    Eugenia¡¯s white eyes widened.


    <hr>


    Medusa furiously flung away the animal furs inside her lair. Her emotions would not subside. She went through the chests and finally found a small pouch that she had hidden away. Inside it was her trump card. If she just grabbed this now she could do something¡­ she would surely regret.


    With an exhausted sigh she let go of the pouch and dropped it back into the chest. Her body was so heavy all of a sudden, it made her wish to just curl up on the warm ground and sleep forever.


    Was it not pathetic, the way she acted? Aphrodite knew her fears and had pinpointed them with malicious accuracy. It was not like her to give credit to the gods, but that woman had a far sharper mind than the frivolous strumpet she made herself out to be.


    If she was so strong - possessed true strength - then why did she have to feel fear? Even if she could bend her own fate to her whims, there were things out of her grasp. This horrible emptiness she could tell was ahead and that she could not avoid no matter how much she bent. Everything depended on her. When¡­ just when had the mighty Gorgon become dependent on a simple human girl?!


    She wished to know more about herself, to understand what this glimpse of the old Medusa could still show her in this far away future where only the Gorgon persisted, but the price may have been too tall. That was perhaps what hurt the most. A heart of stone could receive cracks when it was exposed to heat and cold too many times.


    The heat of joy.


    The chill of loss.


    It could wear down the sturdiest of mountains with time.


    And yet. And yet, and yet, and yet. There was always more, always a second guess and an excuse. Only a coward would stand at the crossroad and not choose a path.


    She closed her fist and tore out some fur from the animal skins. Her face became still and stable. She could continue to be herself for as long as she needed. That was the only path.


    Tap. Tap. Tap.


    She sensed the rhythmic steps of someone going down the stairs to her lair. From the lightness of each step she could garner that it was a woman or a child. There were only two people on this island other than herself. Would that woman dare come down here? Anything was possible with her, but she doubted it. Eugenia would have stopped her.


    She rose up and waited expectantly. Eventually that chestnut hair poked around the corner and joined her in the dark room. Some of the fluorescent light from the hole in the cave wall streamed across the girl¡¯s face and illuminated her in a strange shade.


    ¡°Did you leave the intruder behind? Unsupervised?¡± Medusa asked roughly.


    ¡°Lady Aphrodite has left. She is with her beloved now.¡± Eugenia replied.


    Medusa did note an increase in heat from above. Then it must have been Helios riding over the island. That was a grand relief indeed, no more obnoxious conversations with that woman for now. Perhaps the relaxation had been too apparent on her body, as Eugenia seemed to have noticed and approached her more openly.


    ¡°I showed you a pathetic sight.¡± Medusa admitted with some reservation.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°Why, are you not too gracious today? I did not ask you for absolution.¡± Medusa¡¯s mouth twitched annoyedly.


    ¡°You always act so distant. It didn¡¯t surprise me you would run away again.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Now she really felt insulted and leaned forward indignantly.


    The next moment Eugenia hugged her.


    ¡°Medusa, you don¡¯t have to act tough. You don¡¯t have to be strong.¡±


    ¡°What has gotten into you now?¡± She could have easily broken out of her weak embrace, but she was too stunned to react right away.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be with you forever. That is the truth.¡± She said with soft voice. ¡°But you don¡¯t have to be alone.¡±


    Medusa became quiet and mustered her small face. She spoke with such genuine emotion that it was hard to act her usual abrasive self. This embrace was not a show of affection, it was the grip of a hand that held on to a rope hanging from a cliff. This overwhelming desperation was unsettling.


    ¡°You do not need to concern yourself with the distant future.¡± She said quietly.


    ¡°I must!¡± Eugenia retorted with shocking force. ¡°You will stand on that hill¡­ alone¡­ alone¡­ always alone.¡± She seemed almost frantic. Her face was in a deep twisted trance.


    ¡°You think my heart so frail?¡± The Gorgon was too strong to be lonely.


    But Medusa was not. She wanted to stay still and unresponsive, but her hand wrapped around the girl and held her tight. It was like two wills were battling inside her soul.


    ¡°If I am gone, there will be something of me left. All you need to do is¡­¡± She inhaled. For a moment she seemed to be fighting herself, but then gave in. ¡°¡­bear children.¡±


    ¡°¡­what¡­¡± Medusa¡¯s face turned rigid as stone.


    ¡°Medusa, I am a woman, so I cannot give you that happiness. I can¡¯t leave behind my blood to coat you from isolation. But as long as I live I can impart things to your children. We will raise them together. We will love them together. That Storge is a love I can give you, even if you will forever spurn my Eros!¡± Her words were heated and her white eyes darted around, as if following an invisible motion.


    ¡°How dare you?¡± Medusa¡¯s icy voice reverberated inside the lair.


    ¡°W-wait, please don¡¯t get angry! I know that you¡­ h-h-haaaate¡­ You HATE the gods.¡± Her mouth twitched in pain, so she bit her lip until it began to bleed. ¡°But these children are innocent! We can raise them to be better! Hear me out. They have divine blood, so they will live long lives. Longer than anything I can ever imagine. So haaah¡­ haaaah¡­ Medusa must give birth.¡± She held her head as if it was splitting open from a blade.


    ¡°This farce has gone on long enough.¡± Medusa said with death in her eyes. She pried Eugenia¡¯s arms away and pushed her onto a pile of furs.


    ¡°WAIT! You can¡¯t reject this too! You will be forever alone- th-the hill will be spilled away by the raging seas and you will still stand in its remains-¡°


    ¡°Quiet.¡± Medusa had found the pouch and then attached it to the cord wrapped around her waist.


    Eugenia stretched her hand forward with tears in her eyes. It was as if she was left behind. Left to perish alone.


    Yet Medusa knew, this fear was entirely focused on her. It was the sinister desire behind Eugenia¡¯s fear that had to perish.


    ¡°Why do you hate me?!¡± Eugenia shouted after her.


    Medusa¡¯s back was turned to her, but she actually stopped in her tracks this time.


    She turned back and took human steps towards the quivering girl.


    ¡°I will never hate you.¡± She assured her with a smile. ¡°But why is it that you are crying? Why are you in so much pain? You are the only one who seems to hate herself.¡±


    Eugenia¡¯s blind eyes were shaking and the hot salty flow would not stop. She seemed to be torn apart inside. But one side was winning over the other soon.


    ¡°Why¡­? Why would I say something so cruel?¡± She asked forlornly. ¡°To you of all people¡­ to make you bear the children of those who hurt you the most¡­?¡± She collapsed as Medusa had softly knocked her out.


    ¡°Because you are too kind.¡± The Gorgon replied and returned her face to pure anger as she left the lair.


    <hr>


    Outside the sun shone so brightly that everything seemed to be covered in a veneer of white.


    The sun chariot was close, but it had not arrived yet. Standing in this burning light was the one who had caused this cold wrath on the Gorgon¡¯s face.


    ¡°Finished already?¡± Aphrodite asked ironically.


    ¡°As I thought, you never left.¡± Medusa said with a dark glare.


    ¡°A tiny lie for that adorable fool.¡± She said without remorse and turned towards Medusa.


    ¡°Then see with your own eyes what you have sown.¡± Medusa¡¯s eyes met the shining pair of the goddess.


    But this time it was different.


    The silvery-purple glow from the cursed eyes was more intense than ever before. They were opened to the absolute limit and the snake like pupils in full effect. A dark wave penetrated the eternal light around them and took hold of Aphrodite.


    First the goddess of love was unperturbed, but then she realized that her limbs would not move. She could only slightly move her head. It seemed like her lips and eyes were intentionally left unaffected for some reason.


    ¡°You vile beast.¡± She spoke with horrified disdain. ¡°Have you lost your mind? You will embrace the curse to such an extent?¡±


    ¡°You arrogant gods have grown complacent with your immunity to my eyes. I was never unable to affect you, it was only the petrification that could not reach you.¡± Medusa was smiling. It was not a happy smile or an evil smile, it was a smile of pure rage.


    ¡°I see, so this is your futile rebellion.¡± Aphrodite managed to quickly regain her composure and smiled back disparagingly. ¡°This little trick shall not last long. Utterly pointless, would you not agree?¡±


    ¡°If keeping you in place was my only goal it would be an empty resistance, I agree.¡± She stepped forward in the same manner one might have taken a leisurely walk across the road.


    ¡°What is it you seek then?¡±


    ¡°Undo the charm you have put on Eugenia.¡± Medusa said with her claw at Aphrodite¡¯s throat.


    ¡°Oh? Hahaha~!¡± She laughed in twisted amusement. ¡°You believe I did something to her?¡±


    ¡°I know so.¡± Medusa was slowly walking in a circle around the goddess while keeping her stuck in place. Her long sharp claw was playfully going around the woman¡¯s throat and face.


    ¡°Fine, I will admit that I have played a little with the child. It is not as you believe however.¡±


    ¡°Undo it.¡±


    ¡°You do not wish to know what I did first?¡± She asked sardonically.


    ¡°You will tell me that too. All in due time. Now undo it.¡± She cut the skin on Aphrodite¡¯s cheek and drew a single drop of blood. She could not be meddled with anymore.


    ¡°You think yourself in control, little snake.¡± Aphrodite chuckled darkly. ¡°But you will never put a mark on me. No matter how many times you tear apart this flesh and bone.¡±


    It was the height of foolishness to threaten a goddess. This woman would not give up her pride to some temporary pain. No, she was far too stubborn for that.


    Medusa knew that of course.


    ¡°I would have loved to crush your skull, tear each tooth from your bloody smile and stuff your eyeballs up your birth canal, so they may see what a thousand mortal men have already laid waste to.¡± She still smiled with pure angry joy. She was right behind Aphrodite and held her throat in place while drawing something from her pouch.


    ¡°!¡± Aphrodite stiffened up even further, if that was even possible. From the corner of her eyes she could see something black slowly come into vision.


    ¡°You must sense it already. This little dagger was brought here by a rather bothersome man who was far cleverer than you. It brings my blood to a boil to remember him, but now I can even feel a certain gratitude for his overly excessive backup plans.¡± She playfully moved the dagger left and right in front of her face, forcing the goddess eyes to follow it.


    ¡°Such a vile thing.¡± She was genuinely disgusted. Medusa had never seen such a horrified expression on her face.


    It was exhilarating.


    ¡°I believe it was called an anti-divine dagger. This metal could have killed even me under the right circumstances. We both know that such a thing could not kill you of course.¡± She said casually, before putting it right to Aphrodite¡¯s face. ¡°But it will leave a mark.¡±


    ¡°How dare you-¡°


    ¡°There will be none of that.¡± Medusa tightened her hand around her throat to stop her from talking back. ¡°I know you goddess of ¡®love¡¯. You are narcissistic, obsessed with your own beauty. Your pride is greater than Mount Olympus and you would never forgive anyone who insulted your visage. No wound I could deal you would last even a moment, but what of a cut by this dagger? What of a scar that resists divinity? That will last more than a moment. That will be an ignominy you could not stand. I would have left a mark on your impeccable face and even if the world never found out, you will always live with that knowledge. You said it yourself¡­ your lifespan is far greater than mine. I will die eventually, but you shall live on knowing that your own hubris has given you a ¡®mark¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Despicable, arrogant and contemptible snake. You will pay for this.¡± It was a promise.


    ¡°You forced my hand. You did this. Do you know why?¡± She moved around her so that their eyes were right in front of each other. ¡°You hurt my Eugenia.¡±


    Aphrodite stayed silent for a long time as the heat of the fiery sun came closer. The dagger was still right between her eyes.


    ¡°Undo. Your. Spell.¡±


    ¡°As you wish, Gorgon.¡± She almost spat out as she said it and weakly snapped her fingers. ¡°It is done.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± She picked Aphrodite up and threw her forward.


    The paralyses was undone mid-motion and Aphrodite daintily landed on her feet. She rubbed her reddened throat and breathed in a few times, feeling up her perfect face. Medusa had not given her a single wound aside from the initial claw cut on the cheek which had already regenerated to nothingness.


    ¡°If you do anything now we can repeat this. I wonder which will falter first? My curse or your hatred?¡±


    ¡°You overestimate yourself monster.¡± Aphrodite adjusted her hair and dissolved all beads of cold sweat at the same time. ¡°You are not worth my true ire.¡±


    ¡°I was unsure of why you would come here. The entirety of your stay I had not been able to figure it out. What you did to Eugenia finally gave me the decisive clue.¡± She put a hand on her hip and threw the dagger into the scorching sand. ¡°You manipulated us so that I would give birth to Poseidon¡¯s children.¡±


    ¡°Haha.¡± The goddess also put one hand on her own hip, mirroring the Gorgon. ¡°No matter how much you learn you still understand nothing. It is true that I came here with that intention as well. It is not right for you to drag those children into Tartaros with you. They have done no wrong.¡± The goddess spoke with a hint of regret.


    It was uncharacteristic at first glance, but in truth Aphrodite was first and foremost the goddess of fertility. The Gorgon¡¯s rebellion against her rapist was leaving divine children unborn for eternity.


    Medusa felt no remorse even now.


    ¡°You will never believe what I am about to say, but you hardly have a reason to stop me.¡± She put a hand through her long flowing chestnut hair and looked up to the incoming chariot.


    ¡°Speak your sweet lies then.¡± She snorted.


    ¡°I do feel pity for your beloved human. She is far too earnest for this horrible place. Still I encouraged her, because that is indeed the most delectable love of all.¡±


    ¡°Which is?¡±


    ¡°Tragic love.¡± Aphrodite said with a gloating grin.


    Medusa lost her even expression for a second and then squinted her eyes suspect.


    ¡°As I promised I will tell you what I did to the child.¡± She raised a finger to the side and winked. ¡°I gave her only one thing. The thing she was lacking the most: Courage.¡±


    ¡°What-?¡±


    ¡°It is not a lie. I expanded her courage to the limit of what her frail mind could bear. Everything you experienced down there¡­ was the true Eugenia.¡± She said amusedly.


    ¡°Do not use her name.¡± She growled in response.


    At the border of the storm barrier the four horses galloped into view. Helios stoic face was approaching quickly.


    ¡°You did not even understand that fact, did you? I will enjoy this tale of tragic love dearly, I assure you. Your time is running dry, Gorgon.¡±


    Time was running dry. She kept saying it. Was it not just a way to torment them? Was it perhaps more than just a manipulative phrase to break Eugenia¡¯s psyche?


    ¡°I believe I told you when I first arrived. My dear Hermes was worried for you two and he had good reason to. I will give you this warning in his place.¡±


    The hot air around them was standing still for just a moment. Medusa tensed up preemptively.


    ¡°Perseus is coming.¡±


    And that was all she said.


    With a surprisingly strong gust Aphrodite¡¯s feather light body was thrown into the air and she was caught by the strong bulky arm of the divine man of the sun. Helios put her on the back of his chariot and shouted at his horses to pick up speed to make up for the detour.


    Medusa was left behind in the cooling haze.


    Her mouth moved on its own.


    ¡°Who?¡±


    The goddess of fertility¡¯s final words would weigh heavily on the Gorgon¡¯s soul for a long time. As she stared after the shrinking sun, somewhere else a young man looked up to a new dawn.

 Chapter 56: Perseus and the scholar

    Let us go back in time. Before the current day, before the painful separation of the Gorgon and the blind woman. The days before the scholar¡¯s expedition came to Sarpedon a second time and the dagger cut through their bond. The blind woman¡¯s trial had not yet begun and she thought herself abandoned by her fellow human kin. In truth the expedition was already on its way to the destined battle. Only, it took a detour before arriving at those cursed shores.


    The first place they set sail to was a small island kingdom in the Aegean Sea. Seriphos.


    <hr>


    ¡°Triremes!¡±


    The shout rang through the observation tower at the shoreline and left the two men downstairs in confused shock.


    ¡°What¡¯re you guffawing for this time?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m serious here! There are triremes coming towards us¡­ three of them!¡± The young man (more of an older boy really) at the top of the tower leaned his head over the edge and gave them a pale-faced look.


    ¡°That can¡¯t be right. What kinda bigshot would bring an army to Seriphos?¡± The old guard rubbed his dirty beard and put down his wine amphora. He climbed up the ladder with displeased grunts and pushed aside the nervous boy. ¡°Outta my way. Let¡¯s see what fishing boat got ya shakin¡¯ in your sandals.¡± He shielded his eyes from the glaring sun and squinted to see the horizon. ¡°Gods.¡± His mouth fell agape.


    Downstairs the other guard was playing with some dice in his hand before being shaken out of his relaxed trance.


    ¡°TRIREMES!¡± The older man shouted down.


    ¡°Wha-? Have ya lost your mind as well?¡± He shouted up.


    ¡°They¡¯re real dammit! Warn the king and get the men ready.¡± He kept looking at the horizon with forced countenance and then slapped the boy out of his stupor. ¡°I said get word to the king.¡±


    ¡°But master, Zeretos is already down there, so¡­¡± He received another smack for good measure. He hastily slid down the ladder and rushed off.


    ¡°Can¡¯t believe it. What are we gonna do? We aren¡¯t ready to fight a hundred men!¡± Zeretos was walking in circles and kicked over the chairs and table in his frantic search for their bows.


    ¡°Stop that racket and come up here. I need your eyes.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re seeing double old man¡­¡± He climbed up and pulled himself over the wooden boards. What he saw on the ocean was no different from the other two¡¯s observation.


    Three large and long ships. Triremes, able to hold dozens of soldiers. All headed in their direction.


    ¡°Look at the sails. D¡¯you see somethin¡¯ off?¡± His eyesight was not the best anymore, so he had to rely on his younger partner.


    ¡°That symbol¡¯s weird. Never seen it before.¡± Zeretos squinted his eyes and focused as best as he could.


    ¡°That¡¯s not Athens¡­ nor an Ionian color.¡± The old man grabbed Zeretos¡¯ shoulder and pushed him close to the edge of the tower.


    ¡°Waaah! Stop pushing me, you crazy old man!¡± He squealed in fear as he almost fell to his death.


    ¡°Look closer! Do they have a battle flag hissed?¡±


    ¡°How am I supposed to know?! I don¡¯t know toss about naval stuff!¡±


    ¡°Workin¡¯ with amateurs.¡± He let go of Zeretos who clung to a wooden beam with all his might. ¡°Doesn¡¯t look like they¡¯re here to raid us. That¡¯s the flag of Bisanthe.¡±


    ¡°What kingdom is that?¡±


    ¡°Ya wouldn¡¯t rightly remember, because ya were too young. These days they call it Rhaidestos. I¡¯ll always remember that flag. The hero king¡¯s emblem.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re telling me some expensive ships like that are coming for our island flying the flags of an old kingdom? By Poseidon¡¯s hooves, what¡¯s happening?¡±


    ¡°If I know one thing, it¡¯s that nothing good ever comes from the north.¡± He sat down on the edge and splashed the ewer¡¯s contents over his head to sober up.


    ¡°I hope Ajax doesn¡¯t say anything stupid.¡± Zeretos looked over his shoulder and towards the path to the town walls where the young man was running like a crazed hare.


    ¡°He should make himself useful already. His mother got some sick sense of humor, givin¡¯ a timid brat such a name.¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°ENEMIES! Enemies are coming to our shores! We need to prepare for an attack!¡± Ajax shouted towards the guards at the gate.


    ¡°Calm down boy.¡± The taller of the two looked down on him and frowned.


    ¡°Triremes are coming for the shore- T-they are going to raid and pillage Seriphos!¡±


    ¡°Did that old man give you too much wine?¡± The smaller guard laughed.


    ¡°Why won¡¯t you believe me?! They sent me to warn the palace, so please let me in!¡± Ajax desperation was growing stronger, so the guards realized he was not just in a drunken play.


    ¡°Who sent those alleged triremes boy?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know the emblem- I-it was¡­ something with a lion?¡± He frantically tried to recall and stepped in circles while wildly scratching his short black hair.


    ¡°Lion? There are a couple of kingdoms who use that.¡±


    ¡°Pirates too.¡± The other guard added.


    ¡°No raiders I heard of got triremes. Not after the pirate war anyway.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Can you- Can you let me in already?¡± While they were casually discussing trivialities the enemy was approaching quickly. Ajax could not bear to wait any longer.


    ¡°Look boy, it¡¯s not that we don¡¯t trust you, but you¡¯re spinning us some big yarn¡­¡± The taller guard was clearly going to turn him away.


    ¡°Ajax, what are you still doing out there?¡± Suddenly a sharp voice called out from atop the wall.


    ¡°Huh?¡± He looked up to see who called him by name.


    ¡°Not this brat again. Who let him climb the wall?!¡± The guards glared at the young man and angrily shook their spears.


    ¡°Let him inside you lazy scarecrows.¡± The young man shouted and then disappeared.


    ¡°Who does he think he us, giving us commands?¡± The smaller guard spat out angrily.


    ¡°You¡¯re friends with that brat, aren¡¯t you?¡± The other guard grabbed Ajax by the collar. ¡°Are you two working together to make fools of us? Hm?¡± He started shaking him violently.


    ¡°N-no I-I¡¯m s-s-serious! Please l-le-let me inside!¡±


    ¡°Not a chance. I¡¯ll take you back to Zeretos so he can explain himself. Clearly those two don¡¯t have their brood under control-¡°


    Creaaaak.


    Behind their backs the gate was slowly pushed open. It was a large and heavy wooden gate that usually required several men to push it open if the mechanism was not used. But if the opening mechanism had been used it could not have been pushed open that quickly.


    ¡°Wha-¡° Before the tall guard could even exclaim his surprise he was suddenly hit by the gate as it was flung open in one strong push. He was struck in the face and fell on his ass. His companion managed to jump away in time.


    In the center of the wide open passage stood the young man who had been on top of the wall just moments ago. His hands were stretched to the side from pushing the gate open all on his own.


    ¡°Perseus!¡± Ajax called out in relief.


    ¡°I have seen the ships from the western tower. I warned king Polydectes already, but who knows how quickly he will organize a defensive line. I want you to evacuate the families into the inner city walls.¡± He put a hand on the still slightly shaking boy¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Who gave you the right to make that decision-?¡± The smaller guard rose up and rubbed his scratched up hands.


    ¡°It is the right thing to do, so it must be done.¡± Perseus replied seriously.


    ¡°B-but Perseus, what will you do?¡± Ajax asked with a bad premonition.


    ¡°I will stop them at the western shore until the king readied his men.¡± The young man said confidently and grabbed the spear of the downed taller guard.


    ¡°That is madness! Those ships must carry at least a hundred men if not double!¡±


    ¡°I never said I would kill all of them.¡± Perseus replied with a shrug and then sprinted off. He was quicker than even the Olympic athletes running for their kingdom¡¯s glory.


    ¡°No skin off my teeth¡­ let him perish on his own then.¡± The taller guard held his bleeding nose and grabbed the gate to pull himself back up.


    ¡°So you think he was telling the truth after all?¡± The other guard asked nervously.


    ¡°No idea. You better not be messing with us boy-¡± He turned towards where Ajax had been standing, but¡­


    He had already rushed off towards the houses further away from the city walls. There was the fisherman¡¯s hut and the shed as well as the other towers. Although he was scared of the invaders, knowing that Perseus was fighting for their sake gave him the courage to move as well.


    <hr>


    On the tame sea the triremes were approached the shore. There was a small dock for fishing boats at the western shore, so they decided to anchor close to it. The sailors were folding the sails and readying the landing planks, while the mercenaries on the deck kept a lookout for any movement from the island.


    Most of the crew and warriors stayed under deck near the rowing space, but they could tell that they would finally be back to stable ground soon.


    ¡°Seriphos, never heard of it.¡± One of the mercenaries muttered as he shielded his eyes from the sun to have a good look at the medium sized island. In the distance one could see the outskirts of the only town on the isle and otherwise there were only vegetation and grassy hills. The white sand at before them was nearly untouched other than the fishing hut and pier.


    ¡°Some backwards kingdom. Local king seems to be reclusive, doesn¡¯t trade much. Filthy rich tho.¡± One of the sailors spoke up as he drew on a rope.


    ¡°Is that right? The gods must be smiling on him if he didn¡¯t get raided yet.¡±


    ¡°There are rumors I tells ya. Some tales!¡± The vice-captain spat out black saliva and cackled.


    ¡°Like what?¡±


    ¡°Some child possessed by Ares, keeps killin¡¯ strong warriors tryin¡¯ ta get close to the king.¡± He dug his knife into the wooden rail and closed one eye to focus on the shore in front of them. ¡°Bettah look out!¡±


    ¡°Seamen¡¯s yarns don¡¯t scare us.¡± The mercenaries laughed.


    ¡°If you would stop making a racket and instead get ready to go on land.¡± The shout came from there back of the ship where a certain mercenary captain was pushing up the hatch to join them on deck.


    ¡°C¡¯mon Markos, you think we aren¡¯t dying to finally stretch our legs?¡± The mercenaries welcomed their captain with a cheer.


    ¡°Get used to staying under deck, ¡®cuz the route from here to the cursed island is double the distance.¡± He slapped his men on the backs and grinned cruelly.


    The mercenaries groaned while the sailors laughed to themselves.


    ¡°We need a messenger for the king. Whoever volunteers gets a little something extra.¡± Markos declared.


    ¡°Me me!¡±


    ¡°I came first!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it!¡±


    While the mercenaries argued about who could fulfill this precious duty, one of the sailors noticed something suspicious. He tied down the rope and leaned over the edge of the ship.


    ¡°Someone¡¯s comin¡¯ to greet us.¡± He spoke up.


    ¡°The fisherman?¡± Markos pushed his men aside and took a look as well.


    ¡°Too young.¡±


    ¡°Maybe his brat.¡±


    ¡°A scout?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not wearing any armor either.¡±


    They were speculating in a relaxed fashion as the boats reached the shore and the anchors were thrown down. Whoever the boy was, they would find out soon enough.


    ¡°Alright, Baros go to the king¡¯s palace... mansion, whateve they got here.¡± Markos selected one of his most trusted men and raised his hand so the others would stop moaning. ¡°Tell ¡®em exactly what our boss asked. Do you remember?¡±


    ¡°¡¯course I do.¡± Baros replied with a hand wave and grabbed his helmet and spear. Markos forcefully tore it away from him.


    ¡°Only take your xiphos. We don¡¯t want them to get the wrong idea.¡± He glared at Baros for a moment and then pushed him down the ship. ¡°Thebians.¡± He said with a sardonic grin and the others laughed.


    If he had been Spartan he would not have gone without a shield and spear, but the mercenary troop had a variety of former soldiers from different cities with them.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get ya back for that Markos.¡± Baros grunted as he landed on the beach. Then he rubbed his hurting ankles. After a moment of recovery he looked forward and saw the boy still standing square in his path towards the town. Curious boys were not an unexpected sight at any port, but this one was giving the mercenary a weird feeling.


    Baros stepped through the sand with the intention of passing the islander. He only got a few steps in before the boy stepped slightly to the left, blocking his path. The mercenary glared down on the somewhat shorter obstacle.


    ¡°Make way. I don¡¯t have time to play with you.¡± He said dismissively and pressed the boy aside with his thick paw-like hand.


    ¡°I will not let you proceed beyond the beach.¡± The islander said with an even tone. He was not budging in the slightest despite the rough shove.


    ¡°What was that?¡± The rough mercenary stopped his feet and planted them firmly into the sand.


    ¡°Not a single of your kind will go beyond this beach.¡± He repeated patiently.


    He now returned his attention to this precocious boy. Such crass overconfidence was almost to be admired, but Baros was a deeply prideful man. Exhaling like a bull from his nostrils he stepped so closely to the islander that their faces nearly met. He was taller than the boy, but for some reason it felt like they were on eye level.


    ¡°Oh really now? Our kind ain¡¯t welcome here? You won¡¯t let us pay a visit to your rundown town?¡± He cracked his knuckles.


    ¡°Baros what¡¯s the matter? Did that guy get under your skin?¡± His comrades yelled down in amusement.


    ¡°He¡¯s sayin¡¯ none of can pass.¡± Baros shouted back while keeping eye contact with this human obstacle.


    ¡°Hahaha! That boy¡¯s got some big testicles.¡± The crew was roaring at the growing tension.


    ¡°You gonna let him tell you what to do?¡±


    Baros intimidation tactics had no effect on the boy. That unsettled him deeply. He was a tall and bulky mercenary and even those foolhardy young men thinking themselves the next Heracles rarely picked a fight with him. Baros was not afraid of any man, he even cherished any opportunity to throw down. This expedition to slay a legendary beast was right up his alley.


    ¡°I told you not to give them the wrong idea dammit!¡± Markos shouted from behind the crowd that had gathered at the ship¡¯s rail.


    ¡°Grrr¡­¡± Baros was feeling his blood pressure rising. This pretty boy was giving him such a deeply unafraid look. It was insulting his ego. Although he heard his boss¡¯ orders he felt an intense desire to punch this one.


    ¡°I will face your leader in combat.¡± The young man suddenly declared.


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Now Baros felt all the strings in his head snap. ¡°You¡¯re saying I¡¯m not worth your time bastard?!¡± He swung without thinking.


    ¡°Not at all.¡± The boy replied calmly as the fist missed him by an arm¡¯s length. He had weaved out of the way without even changing his posture. ¡°I simply wish to get this over with as soon as possible. I am alone, so this will be a bit difficult.¡± He explained matter of factly.


    ¡°Hehe¡­ ya heard that Markos?! He¡¯s asking for a fight!¡± He shouted over his shoulder as he clenched his fist.


    ¡°This is going to shit way too fast.¡± Markos frowned and punched the wooden rail. ¡°I don¡¯t care anymore, we don¡¯t have time to play around. Just knock the kid out and get to the palace.¡± He ordered angrily.


    ¡°That¡¯s all ya had to say.¡± Baros grinned expectantly and smashed his fists together. ¡°Draw your weapon runt.¡± He grabbed the handle of his sword with bloody intent.


    ¡°I am not allowed to carry a weapon.¡± The boy replied.


    ¡°Typhons¡¯ stinkin'' breath, the blazes is wrong with you?¡±


    ¡°My master has taught me how to handle a blade and a spear, but he said I am not to use either without his permission unless my life is in danger.¡± His explanations only served to utterly enrage his opponent. ¡°I am honor bound to this promise.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re fucking with me, ain¡¯tcha? This is bringin¡¯ my piss to a boil. I¡¯ll beat some sense into ya. Don¡¯t need my sword for this.¡± Baros threw his sword into the sand and clenched both fists.


    ¡°I am ready.¡± His opponent adapted a stance that was reminiscent of an Olympic wrestler. His movements seemed too refined for a real fighter.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stuff that runny mouth of yours-!¡± Baros swung first, this time with full intent to break the boy¡¯s jaw. His fist missed by much less this time. ¡°Nimble little shi-GNPF?!¡° He was cursing, but the next moment he felt a heavy hit to his side that robbed him of all air.


    The boy spun around him and grabbed him from behind. His toned arms were unbelievably strong! Like iron casts had settled around Baros¡¯ shoulders he was in a deadly clutch and as his veins bulged he tried his hardest to escape. With all his might he finally struggled free after trying to ram his elbow into the boy¡¯s gut repeatedly.


    With an angered roar he spun around and jumped his opponent, but received a left hook instead that left an audible crack in the air. He rolled over the sand and saw stars for a few moments. The blackness eventually faded and left him staring at the blue sky. When he shakingly raised himself up he saw the boy standing not far away, wiping the blood from his fist.


    It was impossible. Such a lean young man could not possibly send a man of his stature flying with a punch. He had never received such a clean, yet destructive hook. No bar fight could prepare him for that. In the red veil around his eyes he could barely spare another thought and instead channeled that pain into more rage.


    He grabbed the sword out of the sand and rose up. He spat out two teeth and growled.


    ¡°¡­¡± The boy was keeping eye contact, but surely stayed aware of the sword.


    ¡°RAAH!¡± The first stab forward was also the last. With a horrible sound Baros¡¯ arm was broken. He could only stare at his unnaturally bent arm and then got thrown on his back yet again.


    ¡°By the gods¡­ He rolled him out like a piece of parchment.¡± One of the sailors spoke up in the dazed silence.


    ¡°Enough of this, you men tie him down and then I¡¯ll go to the palace myself.¡± Markos grinded his teeth as he gave orders. He had no intention to have an honorable duel with some island boy.


    ¡°You leave me no choice.¡± The young man picked up the sword that Baros had dropped. The mercenaries drew their weapons in response, expecting him to rush at them, but to their surprise he threw the blade!


    It got lodged in the ship¡¯s outer shell and he immediately sprinted after it. The weary mercenaries looked over the edge and saw him jump unto the sword as if it was a step on a ladder.


    ¡°What the-!¡± The first mercenary raised his shield, but was pulled over board. He fell into the shallow water with a loud splash.


    ¡°He¡¯s too quick!¡± The men surrounded the rail where the boy had pulled himself up and were aiming their hastily grabbed spears at him.


    His sharp eyes went right through them and aimed firmly at Markos. He could tell who led this pack in an instant. Markos was feeling cold sweat run down his neck. How could some peasant make him feel intimidated?


    ¡°Kill him!¡± He barked.


    They reluctantly raised their spears and went into a formation to poke at him safely. A mistake. He grabbed one spear that had been extended slightly too far by the wood right behind the bronze tip. He pulled with incredible force and managed to drag the wielder along with it. His fist hit him straight against the nose and knocked him out mid-flight.


    The others all stabbed forward, but were inhibited by the body of their comrade. The boy used that gap to jump on one of the spears. His weight pushed the weapon down and he kicked off, tackling down the wielder. As he flipped up he kicked two more men away. He spun around, stolen shield in hand and blocked incoming stabs.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let him make a fool of you! Coordinate your attacks!¡± Markos was getting nervous as he saw his men outmaneuvered despite numerical superiority.


    The boy was agile, no doubt, but his incredible strength was what gave him the ability to outdo all his opponents. The fact that he was not using any of the fallen weapons to retaliate, but only to defend was making a mockery of these experienced and strong fighters.


    Yet his boldness was not entirely unchallenged.


    A couple of spear swings actually grazed him and occasionally he would receive a punch that he could not weave away from. For each of these blows, he knocked over three more men however.


    As expected, he made his way jumping, tossing and tackling, closer and closer to Markos. The mercenary leader pulled his sword and joined the fray.


    ¡°Leave the island.¡± He demanded as he swung his shield to deflect several blades.


    ¡°Are you a god?¡± Markos growled and kicked him against the back of his knees, making him struggle for a second.


    ¡°¡­¡± The boy rolled to the side and barely escaped the sword penetrating the wet wood of the deck.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t think so!¡± Markos laughed and kicked the shield out of his opponent¡¯s hand. ¡°Only gods and our contractor can tell us what to do. They don¡¯t call out often.¡± He was turning his inexplicable fear into raw courage and dominated his opponent. That was how a leader should fight.


    Seeing how he was surrounded and unexpectedly pushed back by the zealous sword swings, the boy actually retreated and jumped over the net that the sailors had reeled in. They were swinging their fists in weak resistance, but they could not even hit him.


    When they tried to see if he had jumped into the sea they realized where he had actually ended up. On the adjacent triremes that had just anchored. The surprised sailors on the other ship were pushed aside and shouted in irritation.


    ¡°Where is he going?¡± Markos wiped some sweaty hair strands from his face and glared after the boy. He was running right into more mercenaries if he kept going. If he wanted to escape he would have been better off at the beach.


    That is if he truly wanted to escape.


    ¡°Titans take him ¨C he¡¯s going after the boss!¡± He angrily pulled up two of his injured men and barked them into action. They rushed to the edge of the ship and jumped over to the next one.


    The boy had listened to Markos words and realized they had a client that called the shots. If he managed to take him hostage then they would be in real trouble.


    ¡°What¡¯s the meanin¡¯ of this?¡± The captain was coming up from under deck where he had talked to the rowers.


    ¡°Pelagios you dumbass, stop him!¡± Markos shouted as he ran towards him.


    The captain was clearly confused, but managed to react. He grabbed the runaway intruder by the shoulder¡­ and was promptly swung into the ship¡¯s mast. His shaken expression was almost comical.


    ¡°Got ya!¡± The first mate was a lot more aggressive and hit the boy with a wooden pole he had broken off somewhere. The intruder blocked it with both his arms and the wood shattered over him. Splinters rained everywhere. The impact had been so hard however that the floor boards gave way. They had been of much worse quality than the rest of the ship.


    He fell into the lower level and rolled out of the way of the falling boards. Around him where several shocked slaves who were just about ready to leave the oars.


    ¡°Get him!¡± The first mate yowled down as he pulled the splinters from his fingers.


    The slaves were nothing if not obedient and piled onto the boy quickly. He managed to squirm out by pulling on a rope and then kicked them in the face repeatedly to loosen their grip. He was flung away by their lost grip and hit a wall. From there he slid to the side to avoid a spear. It was stabbed right next to his ear and left a good gash in the wooden bow.


    The mercenaries had caught up and stepped over the fallen slaves. Markos was getting more and more confident as they kept chasing him.


    The intruder grabbed a crate from the corner and threw it at them with full force. It grazed one of them and nearly made him flip over.


    As he retreated he was suddenly met with a strange little room that was covered in lots of dark linen. The mercenaries were on his heels, but they slowed down when seeing where he was headed.


    ¡°Stop! You¡¯ve given us enough trouble runt, this is as far as you go. Beyond there is somethin¡¯ you don¡¯t want to rouse.¡± Markos warned.


    But that warning fell on deaf ears. If it slowed them down, then it must have been beneficial to him. That¡¯s what the boy probably thought. He pushed through the linen and knocked the door open with his shoulder. The lock simply shattered.


    ¡°He¡¯s dead.¡± The mercenaries were far too afraid to enter the dark room.


    ¡°Right¡­ I¡¯ll tell the boss, so he can get the corpse out of there.¡± Markos sheathed his sword with a bad premonition.


    <hr>


    Inside the black room everything was still. Perseus had stumbled inside to seek an escape route, but found himself disoriented. The only light inside came from the tiniest gap he had created by breaking the door open. Even that light seemed almost dampened by thick darkness.


    The air was unnatural. Sick. As if his mind was resonating with something, he could feel a cold pulsating shower down his back. He ducked at the last second before a dagger even blacker than the shadows itself could behead him. He could not see or hear his attacker. Even sensing the motion itself was impossible. Whoever was in here could not have been... human.


    The shade moved.


    ¡°!¡± Perseus jumped against the wall, he could not see anything. The tiny drops of light from the slit had disappeared as the linen fluttered into place. Utter darkness, more suffocating than Erebos himself, far more engulfing than Nyx.


    Swing


    He dodged with all his might and managed to avoid getting his neck severed. The only way for him to react at all was to predict when he gave the best opening. The first attack had taught him that the attacker was going for his neck, so he assumed this killer would try again. But after miraculously surviving twice, it might well have changed its tactics.


    No matter how, he needed to get out of this cursed place.


    ¡°HERE I AM!¡± He suddenly shouted. With a punch against the wall he left a deep crack. Hopefully that action would have startled the monster long enough for him to make his escape.


    To his surprise the shadows seemed to retreat¡­ physically. Something was moving at the corner of his perception. Like a splitting lightning bolt thrown by Zeus, the room was torn apart by something that should not have been here.


    Light.


    The crack in the ship¡¯s wall had created the smallest gap. Sunlight streamed through it like a righteous fire and consumed the cowardly shadows.


    ¡°You do not like the sun?¡± Perseus concluded quickly.


    Like the hissing of a cat something swished at him from the unprotected left. He widened his eyes as the dagger stopped right before his iris.


    At the last second he had torn the crack wider and created a clear separating line between them. If he had been even a heartbeat slower he might have been dead where he stood. His heart pounded something fierce, but he felt more at ease with the blinding light at his side.


    ¡°I do not know what you are¡­ but I will leave you alone now.¡± He said slowly, almost like calming a wild animal. He carefully stepped towards the left side of the room and stuck to the splitting light as long as he could. Then he rammed himself against the other door with all his might and fell through. He could sense the air being cut behind him¡­ his right sandal fell off his foot. Even in that one moment the creature had almost managed to sever his leg.


    As terrifying as that was, he was back in the well-lit area below deck where the oars protruded outwards. There were fewer slaves here. They must have already started to gather for landing at the beach.


    He would not allow these raiders to lay a hand on Seriphos.


    <hr>


    ¡°What do you mean you heard a weird sound?¡± Markos asked impatiently. He was just about to go to the third triremes to welcome the scholar when the sailors came to him with some news.


    ¡°It was like someone¡¯s breakin¡¯ an oar¡­¡±


    ¡°The door to the¡­ thing¡¯s room was broken.¡±


    ¡°Impossible. You¡¯re telling me that boy managed to escape the shade?¡± He went pale and turned around. He noticed hands at the edge of the rail. Someone was climbing alongside the side undetected. ¡°Poseidon knows this can¡¯t be natural.¡± He unsheathed his sword and cut off the fingers!


    ¡°Gyaaah!¡± An older voice screeched and then a loud splash signaled the fallen intruder¡¯s watery demise. Except that voice did not belong to the boy¡­


    ¡°That was Gerneos! One of the rowers.¡± The sailors cried out in shock.


    Markos looked overboard and noticed that the rower had been tied to the side of the ship with a rope. He was paddling in the blue waters as if he was drowning¡­ probably because he was. The sailors jumped down to save him, but Markos could not care less, he was hastily moving towards the back where the captain¡¯s cabin was located.


    ¡°Guuah!¡± One of the mercenary guards fell to his knees and then lost consciousness after being hit by an oar.


    ¡°You dishonorable bastaaaard!¡± The mercenaries rushed at the intruder and roared in frustration. He was making a mockery of them.


    The boy had grabbed a spear and broke it in two over his knees. He used both halves to block incoming swings. With the spear tip pointed away from them it seemed like he avoided using it correctly. His arrogance knew no bounds.


    Markos slashed at him so heavily that the spear half was cut entwine once again. To congratulate his achievement, the boy threw the remains at his face and then swiped his feet. Markos fell over, but the other mercenaries were covering him and forced the intruder to dodge around.


    He was slowly backed to the edge of the ship, but there he was greeted by several dozen more unhappy looking men with weapons. They were going to take him down in a pincer formation.


    His eyes met with the mercenary leader¡¯s. Why did he still not despair? It could only have been the intoxication of Ares. In battle sometimes men forgot themselves or the danger they were surrounded with. Be that as it may, Markos was going to enjoy slicing this pig open.


    ¡°Any last words?¡± He said at the same moment he swung his blade. He did not care to actually give him any peace.


    Tap tap tap.


    The sound of measured steps across wooden boards. It was coming from below deck and seemed to move upwards some stairs. That creaking was unmistakable. It barely reached Markos¡¯ perception, but the boy immediately listened up and then squinted determinedly. He avoided the sword by a hair¡¯s breadth and then wrapped his arms around Markos¡¯ sword arm. He twisted him around and rammed him into two of his men. Then he dashed away and kicked aside a barrel that was filled with fish.


    The mercenaries slowed down a little to step through the piles of slippery dead fish and gave him the one opening he needed. With a quick slide across the wet floor he hit a sailor with blunt force and then grabbed his sword.


    The wooden hatch opened between him and the mercenaries and he didn¡¯t hesitate.


    The sword was swung with full force straight at the newcomer¡¯s throat. If their leader died here and now that would end the entire operation and they would be thrown into chaos. Markos held his hurting arm and shouted. The sailors and mercenaries were closing in on the attacker as if in slow motion.


    The well-dressed pale skinned young man stepped out of the darker lower deck with a smile.


    The blade reached his neck...


    And then everything stopped in place. The blade was left hanging right before the scholar¡¯s throat. A dozen spears were all aimed at the boy¡¯s neck in return, keeping him in place. If either party moved, there would be blood everywhere. It was impossible to kill either one without leaving the other vulnerable to death as well.


    In this tense picture of deadly foes, the scholar took a long and interested look at his attacker and assessed the situation.


    ¡°Oh my. I must have overslept a little. I missed all of the introductions.¡± He said happily as he softly pushed the sword away from his throat. ¡°My name is Typhos. Typhos of Athens.¡± He gave him an exaggerated nod of the head. ¡°Who might you be?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry milord, we got him cornered now. Kill him!¡± Markos had finally made it to the crowd and hid his hurt arm behind his back.


    ¡°¡­¡± The islander dropped his sword. He seemed to accept that he had lost.


    ¡°There is no need for that captain.¡± Typhos waved him off almost casually and nodded the warriors to lower their spears. They seemed uneasy, but obeyed. ¡°Am I seeing this correctly, you have been chasing around a single man with your entire troop?¡±


    ¡°Y-yes, sir, but he was quite fast¡­¡± The shame on the captain¡¯s face was immeasurable.


    ¡°Strong as well if your battered appearance is any indication.¡± He had easily picked up on it already. ¡°I apologize for the rudeness of my business partners. It may seem unconvincing coming from their contractor, but we harbor no ire towards your people. This is merely a short stop on our true quest.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± The boy had been fixating him seriously from the moment Typhos had showed his face. But he did not seem very talkative.


    ¡°If we are to come to a peaceful conclusion I believe proper hospitality will be best. I already gave you my name, will you refuse to state yours?¡± His unfaltering smile was not giving away his true feelings.


    ¡°Perseus.¡±


    ¡°Perseus of Seriphos?¡±


    ¡°Perseus of¡­ nowhere.¡± The young man replied with a hint of melancholy.


    ¡°We all have a place in this uncertain world, my friend. Sometimes we just need to find it again.¡± With shockingly little hesitation he patted Perseus, the man who had just almost cut out his throat, on the shoulder. His smile was one of encouragement.


    ¡°You are not raiders.¡±


    ¡°Raiders? By Athena¡¯s Aegis, that is the last thing we aim to be.¡± Typhos for the first time showed genuine surprise on his young face.


    ¡°I erred. Please forgive me for harming your men.¡± Perseus lowered his head in apology.


    ¡°A couple of bruises will heal in no time.¡± Typhos chuckled.


    ¡°He broke my arm!¡± One of the mercenaries shouted from the back.


    ¡°Gerneos nearly drowned.¡± The sailors said as they pulled up their bleeding comrade.


    ¡°He knocked out half our rowers.¡±


    The complaints kept piling on from the crowd around them. Perseus kept a mask like face of guilt.


    ¡°Let us go meet the king.¡± Typhos said with a set smile and patted him on the back, simply ignoring the complaints.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like this one bit.¡± Markos seethed behind his hand and glared after them.


    <hr>


    On their way to the city walls they were only moving in a small group. The crew stayed behind and prepared the camp, while most of mercenaries had to stay behind to not seem any more like raiders and give them the wrong idea.


    On the beaten path they met nobody. The fisherman¡¯s hut was empty as the owner was currently at sea to get a big haul, while the tower of the lookouts was evacuated. It seemed that they had reacted quite fast to the incoming threat.


    ¡°We should have brought more men.¡± Markos complained quietly in the back as he rubbed his bruised arm. It was turning blue. He and his three closest comrades where trotting behind their master and Perseus like dogs that had been kicked too many times. They were unarmed as well, which did not improve their moods.


    ¡°Will you lead us to your king?¡± Typhos asked the young man at his side. They were nearly the same height, but he was still a bit older. Their personalities however could not have been further apart.


    ¡°The king only talks to whomever he likes. I warned him about your arrival, but I am not sure he heeded my words.¡± Perseus replied thoughtfully. He seemed to be on his guard.


    ¡°Then we will surely be stopped at the gates. I should have brought a present.¡± Typhos replied jovially.


    ¡°I am sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°You need not apologize. We came here unannounced after all.¡± The scholar played with one of his many rings and stepped through the dry dusty sand with a playful rhythm.


    When they reached the gate they were greeted by¡­ nobody. The guards were not in place and the gates were closed. As expected, they were barred entry.


    ¡°They left it unguarded?¡± Perseus muttered to himself and then knocked at the gate. ¡°Hey! Stop hiding!¡±


    ¡°Y-y-you¡¯ll never take our city. Seriphos has powerful allies!¡± The frail shouts from the wall were truly awe inspiring.


    ¡°It¡¯s me, Perseus. I have brought the guests that want to have an audience with the king.¡±


    ¡°WHAT? You fraternized with our enemies?! I knew you were trouble from the day Dyctis fished you out of the-¡°


    ¡°Shhh, we aren¡¯t supposed to talk about that and now¡¯s not the time. He brought them right to our doorstep.¡±


    ¡°I can hear you! Now open this gate already or I will scale the wall and do it myself.¡± The young man seemed impatient and ready to make good on his threats.


    ¡°Gods have mercy.¡± The guards resigned to their fate and activated the mechanism that opened the gate ever so slowly.


    ¡°Perseus¡­ is that you?¡± A timid voice came from the gap. Another young man slipped out and greeted his friend with a mix of stress and relief.


    ¡°Ajax, you evacuated everyone. I am proud of you.¡± He grabbed the jittering boy by the arm and pulled him over for a respectful embrace.


    ¡°B-but the enemies are he-here.¡± Ajax seemed to be close to tears as he saw the gruff mercenaries show their teeth.


    ¡°It was a misunderstanding. They are travelers on their way to some other island. They came here to¡­¡± He stopped his explanation as he realized that he did not know their purpose. His eyes wandered to Typhos for help.


    ¡°We got lost at sea at an inopportune time and need to restock. We have plenty of coin, so we would love to trade.¡± Typhos said in his best business tone.


    ¡°You heard him.¡± Perseus looked slightly bothered by that explanation, but then waved them inside. The guards were eyeing them suspiciously, but were way too cowardly to object.


    ¡°I finally made it.¡± A deep and charismatic voice stopped them all in their tracks in the city¡¯s main street. A tall man with a fisherman¡¯s tan and flowing hair stepped in their path and showed his dignified face.


    ¡°Master.¡° Perseus seemed to brace for something.


    ¡°Perseus.¡± The man approached him and put a hand to his head. ¡°You left without a word and went off to fight by yourself. Have my teachings not reached your heart?¡±


    ¡°I apologize master. It seemed there was no time.¡±


    ¡°Your hotheadedness will be your downfall. At least it will be mine, if I have to explain this to your mother.¡± He sighed. Despite his clear disappointment, there was a certain affection in his tone. They truly shared the aura of master and student. ¡°I apologize for this one¡¯s recklessness. He is still young.¡± He turned towards the guests.


    ¡°We have sustained no¡­¡±


    ¡°Ahem.¡±


    ¡°¡­few damages, so it is all well with us.¡± Typhos graciously forgave the collateral he had not suffered.


    ¡°My name is Dyctis. I am a simple fisherman, but I also taught Perseus how to fight. I will guide you to the king if you wish.¡± He offered his services.


    ¡°I will gladly accept your kind offer.¡± Typhos smiled and followed the tall man.


    ¡°I thought you were out fishing.¡± Perseus questioned his master.


    ¡°I also saw the warships at the horizon. I returned before you left for the beach. But I noticed that you left the spear in your room.¡±


    ¡°You said I shall never use a weapon unless you permit it.¡±


    ¡°Yet you run off without waiting for my permission.¡± He sighed. Ajax laughed meekly behind them.


    Typhos watched their exchange intently, his face unreadable.


    ¡°I am certain you will tell us in front of the king, but I am deeply curious.¡± Dyctis spoke up and rubbed his short beard. ¡°Where is it you wish to sail with three triremes? Reinforcements for some faraway conquest?¡±


    ¡°It is a family matter.¡± Typhos said with a hint of sharpness in his soft features.


    His eyes stayed on the unsuspecting student at Dyctis side.


    In the past the hidden machinations are set in motion. A strand that was long severed would slowly weave into its fated string.

 Chapter 57: Perseus and Typhos

    Seriphos was a small island kingdom of little renown, but it was situated at an axis of powers in the Aegean. The bloodline of Polydectes was one of few unbroken across the Greek world and such things still mattered. That is why aristocracy would often flock to the old blood like a moth to the flame. Seriphos saw many visitors of foreign courts and nobility, received their gifts and compliments, feasted and engaged in excessive festivities.


    That is why when three warships arrived at its shores, the king did not fear to be raided. For he knew the power of those who he fraternized with on the regular far outstripped any bold invader.


    Of course, if Typhos expedition had deigned to attack, they would have triumphed. It would have been an inevitable one-sided massacre. The king¡¯s arrogance could well be his downfall one day. It was fortuitous for the blind king then that the scholar¡¯s pursuit was single-minded on the cursed beast far away.


    Seriphos had no palace. Despite its generous supporters, the royal lineage only had a large mansion. This place was opulent beyond words compared to the rest of the surrounding town, but it would not stand the test of time if the king¡¯s legacy ended. Still, it was common courtesy among the citizens to still refer to it as a palace in public. A courtesy ingrained through the many thorns of whips.


    Now the gates to the large mansion opened wide for the guests who had caused a great uproar with their uninvited arrival. To say that the guards were weary and hostile would have been an understatement, yet when Typhos and his escort stepped inside the entire atmosphere changed swiftly.


    ¡°Welcome!¡± The joyous voice of man echoed through the main hall. He was standing there, atop the staircase, arms raised invitingly to each side. He was accompanied by two servants who carried trays of food and drink alongside him at all times and two bulky guards were not leaving his back unprotected.


    This well guarded and cared for man wore a beard so long that it passed his chest. His equally unrestrained mane was tinged in streaks of silver between the wooden browns. His skin was rather pale for an islander, displaying his long life in the shade of his mansion, shielded from Helios gaze.


    As he descended the steps he was giving them all a cheerful smile¡­ until his eyes met with the acorn-brown pair of Perseus. A flicker of malice passed the happy expression, before returning to the newcomers.


    ¡°It is good to see you again my brother.¡± The man grabbed Dyctis¡¯ arm amicably.


    ¡°Likewise. I have brought you guests, my king.¡± Dyctis replied modestly and extended his hand to motion towards Typhos.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t he say he was just a fisherman?¡± Markos muttered in surprise.


    ¡°Those who do not seek the throne may well follow any occupation they see fit.¡± Typhos whispered from the edge of his mouth without dropping his set smile.


    ¡°Hail you, my guests. For you to arrive at my court at such a merry time is indeed felicitous. We are in preparation for grand festivities in the coming days and it would honor us to have you participate with your men.¡± He invited them graciously.


    ¡°It would be our honor.¡± Typhos bowed his head appreciatively. Markos and the rest looked at him dubiously. ¡°There are a few matters I would like to discuss regarding our ships¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah yes, I will leave all these troublesome things to my advisors. Dyctis, if you would please lead this nobleman to our chamberlain.¡± The king brushed them off rather quickly. His long beard swayed a little as he turned away.


    ¡°Brother, do you not wish to know the details of our guest¡¯s situation? We may not be able to help them with-¡°


    ¡°We are going to make good on our oath of hospitality. Everything else is unimportant.¡± Polydectes did not heed his brother any mind and clapped for his servants to move. ¡°I must excuse myself, there are important issues for me to consider today as well.¡± He was already up and ready to go for the throne room. Then he stopped himself just one more time to ask ¡°What is your name, dear guest?¡±


    ¡°Typhos of Bisanthe.¡± Typhos responded with a glint in his eyes.


    ¡°Bisanthe? Indeed. Well, it is a name I have not heard in a long time. It is good to know aristocrats are still strong in the east.¡± And with that Polydectes left.


    After the king was out of the room the atmosphere got heavier again.


    ¡°My brother is not all too concerned with the state of the world beyond our kingdom. I ask you to forgive his disinterest.¡± Dyctis said patiently and then waved over a servant. ¡°Please get us the chamberlain.¡±


    ¡°There is nothing to forgive good fisherman. We are in your debt.¡± Typhos replied gracefully.


    ¡°If you require supplies we have plenty to spare because of the coming festivities, but this is not something I can discuss on my own.¡± Dyctis was humble indeed.


    ¡°You said you were from Athens before.¡± Their business talk was interrupted by the dubious Perseus. ¡°Why did you lie?¡± His inquisitive gaze was uninhibited.


    ¡°Perseus, you have to hold your tongue sometimes.¡± Dyctis sighed.


    ¡°But what he said contradicted-¡°


    ¡°Perseus.¡± Dyctis gave him a scolding look.


    ¡°I did not speak any lies.¡± Typhos raised his hand to stop Dyctis from giving a lecture to his pupil. ¡°I was born in Bisanthe. My blood is from Bisanthe. My lineage is from Bisanthe. Indeed, my whole life is devoted to Bisanthe.¡± He smiled with a hint of melancholy. ¡°But I was raised in Athens, I have lived through Athens and my life is indebted to Athens.¡±


    Perseus crossed his arms and furrowed his brows. He did not seem to understand.


    ¡°You look like a bright lad. It is good to question people¡¯s intentions.¡± Typhos said with a fresh smile. ¡°I am sure your master can teach you this lesson if you asked. We are different people depending on whether we are standing before a fisherman or a king.¡±


    ¡°I am always myself and no other.¡± Perseus said seriously.


    ¡°Haha, it appears so. How admirable.¡± Typhos seemed amused more than offended.


    ¡°I apologize, he is very nosy.¡± Dyctis finally had enough and pushed Perseus head down with one hand to stop any more rude remarks. ¡°The chamberlain is here, please ask him anything you desire. If there is something he doesn¡¯t know you may send a messenger to find me in town. I wish you a good day with Poseidon¡¯s winds in your sail.¡± He sent them off with the servants.


    ¡°I have to go back to the tower too. Zeretos and grandpa p-probably went back already and they¡¯ll probably beat me if I don¡¯t come back soon.¡± Ajax spoke up with a resigned voice.


    ¡°You should not let them treat you like that. Should I come with you?¡±


    ¡°N-no it¡¯s fine! Grandpa is just trying to raise me right.¡± The younger friend was loyal in his own way.


    ¡°I understand¡­ See you tomorrow.¡± Perseus smiled weakly.


    ¡°I want you to go back to your room and think about what you did wrong.¡± Dyctis roughly pulled Perseus over by the shoulder and laid an arm around him to keep him locked.


    ¡°But master-¡°


    ¡°No buts. You could have died fighting someone that is not your enemy. I fail as your teacher if I cannot even convey to you that a sheathed sword can be more effective than a drawn spear. I will not raise a fool.¡±


    His words were harsh, but Perseus knew that he was speaking out of love.


    ¡°I am sorry.¡±


    ¡°That is the most difficult part, you are always genuine.¡± Dyctis smiled wryly and slapped the young man on the back to make him move. ¡°You may join the festivities the day after tomorrow, but until then, stay put.¡±


    ¡°I promise.¡±


    <hr>


    The sun was drawing to the edge of the horizon and the palace was quieting down. The guests had returned to their ships to organize the supplies, but a handful of them would stay at the mansion as honored guests. Due to the many ships that would arrive in the next few days they were requested to move the triremes to the opposite end of the island. The sailors were in a bad mood because they could not settle down on solid ground, but Pelagios bribed their moods with wine.


    ¡°Milord, why¡¯d you lie to ¡®em about the supplies?¡± Pelagios asked Typhos with appropriate distance.


    ¡°We have a shortage on a few pieces here and there.¡± Typhos said in a playful mood.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. But I could¡¯ve sworn I prepared e¡¯rything we needed in Athens. Instead there was lotsa stuff I didn¡¯t buy.¡± The old sailor scratched his head uncertainly. ¡°If we went straight for the cursed isle with this, we surely coulda made the trip back with what we ¡®ave all the same.¡±


    ¡°My dear Pelagios, there are things you can only obtain in distant lands.¡± Typhos leaned on one of the fresh water barrels and made a square with his fingers to focus on the distant mansion of king Polydectes.


    ¡°You know best.¡± The captain folded as he always did. He was not as thick as he made himself out to be. Everyone knew that they hadn¡¯t come here to stock up on supplies.


    ¡°Hm, do you look forward to the festivities?¡±


    ¡°My ¡®pologies milord, but if my crew stays on the ships, then my place is with them.¡±


    ¡°A shame. I am certain that your old war stories would have impressed the king.¡± Typhos said distantly as if in thought.


    The sailor bit his lower lip and then exhaled.


    ¡°¡­is the boy who you were lookin¡¯ for?¡± It seemed that even Pelagios could not contain his curiosity at times.


    ¡°Did Markos speak in his sleep again?¡± Typhos leaned his head back as he made such an uncharacteristic joke.


    ¡°Nay, it is just that I overheard you.¡± He admitted honestly. ¡°And there¡¯s rumors going ¡®round the port. About a boy who¡¯s blessed by the gods in battle.¡±


    ¡°I cannot say for certain, but there is something to him that I find intriguing.¡± Typhos nodded. ¡°I have never met a demigod, but perhaps this is¡­¡± He trailed off quietly, so the captain couldn¡¯t hear him.


    ¡°He gave the mercs some trouble and cost me a man, so the stuff about his skill is true to my old eyes.¡±


    ¡°Most certainly. I was having second thoughts on how much coin I invested into our armed friends.¡± The scholar chuckled. ¡°Do not tell Markos I said that.¡± He added boyishly.


    ¡°Do you wanna recruit him?¡± The captain was doubtful, uneasy eyes and hands revealed it. To enlist such a young man into battle was always a cruelty.


    ¡°I have learned a long time ago that some people cannot be bought. It has only been a day, but I have the same impression of this one. How troublesome, would you not agree?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s he want if not coin?¡±


    ¡°That.¡± Typhos straightened his back and stretched his frail arms. ¡°I intend to find out.¡±


    <hr>


    The days passed peacefully on Seriphos. The expedition settled in quickly and their leaders found themselves comfortable in the king¡¯s guest quarters. With each day a new ship of some aristocrat would arrive and the rooms would get filled one by one. Each brought with them many slaves and food for the coming festivities. It became clear soon that Polydectes was merely the host, not the provider.


    On the third day Perseus was finally dismissed from his house arrest and allowed to return to his daily life on the island. Dyctis had little time to train him as he was unusually occupied with the guests, but that did not stop Perseus from exercising on his own.


    After disassembling the straw puppet with his wooden training sword he cleaned his face with a wet linen towel and sighed. Two days¡¯ worth of pent up energy could not be released all at once, so he felt dissatisfied. These bales of straw with helmets attached to them were not suited as training partners.


    ¡°I knew I would find you here again.¡± A soft voice rang through the doorway and made him stiffen up. The woman entered without hesitation into the room that smelled of sweat, dry hay and old bronze.


    ¡°Mother!¡± Perseus eyes lit up and he threw aside his towel to stretch forward his arms. Then he realized that he was still drenched and retracted them shamefully.


    ¡°You will not give me my long awaited hug?¡± She questioned with a raised brow.


    ¡°I am still dirty from training-¡° He tried to explain himself, but was cut off by her warm embrace. For a moment he thought of prying himself away, but then he returned it softly.


    ¡°You really need a bath.¡± She said with a chuckle and grimaced.


    ¡°I told you so.¡± He retorted.


    ¡°My son, you have been punished for acting rashly again I heard.¡± She finally let go and put a hand on his cheek.


    ¡°The guests from Athens came unannounced and brought warships¡­¡± He started, but her look shut him up right away.


    ¡°You will give Dyctis much grief if you continue to act this way.¡±


    ¡°He said the same thing about you.¡± Perseus sighed.


    ¡°He is a wise man.¡± She said while pulling on his cheek.


    Danae was the mother of Perseus and a woman that received special treatment at the court of Polydectes. She had beautiful flowing hair that reached to her lower back and seemed to have never been dirty. Her acorn-brown eyes were like mirrors of her son¡¯s. And her beauty was truly envied by all women on the island.


    But to Perseus none of that really mattered. His mother was a woman of unending kindness and integrity. She had never once raised her voice at anyone who wronged her and she did respect the king more than anyone for what he did for them. She did not need to lift a single finger, yet she still worked as much as any servant girl. Anyone could tell by the calluses on her slender hands. He could feel them each time she brushed aside his hair¡­


    ¡°I just wish these guests would leave.¡± He spoke up and shook her hand off.


    ¡°Why do you act so rudely?¡±


    ¡°They came with over a hundred armed men and the king just lets them trample on our home. We already gave them the supplies they needed, but they are still not satisfied.¡± He clenched his fist.


    ¡°What angers you so? They are welcome here, just like anyone else. Like us.¡± Danae said patiently.


    ¡°Mother, do you truly think we belong here?¡± Perseus could not contain his words.


    ¡°We have no other home to return to.¡± She responded slowly. ¡°Do you dislike Seriphos that much?¡±


    ¡°No, I think this place if as good as any. I have Ajax and master.¡± He replied truthfully. Although no one else was very fond of him, he did have those irreplaceable people close to his heart. But¡­


    ¡°But you do not feel like you belong.¡± She caught his quick glance.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± He resigned to this unfulfilled feeling and turned away. ¡°What worries me is not myself-¡° He interrupted himself quickly and picked up the wooden sword to stow it away.


    ¡°Have I worried you somehow?¡± Danae was, like most mothers, always able to read her child¡¯s thoughts.


    Perseus swallowed and stopped his hands. Then he hastily shook his head and threw the sword into the chest. He put on a strong face and gave his mother a guileless smile.


    ¡°I will never let anything happen to you.¡± He swore proudly.


    ¡°That does not answer my question.¡± She sighed and rubbed his cheek one more time. His smile did not crumble, so she gave up. ¡°I will entertain the guests tonight alongside our king. If you swear not to drink any wine I would love to have you join us.¡±


    ¡°Wine is nasty.¡± Perseus stretched out his tongue in disgust.


    ¡°So you tried it. Who gave it to you?¡± She asked with a terrifying aura.


    ¡°N-nobody! I just found a leftover amphora¡­¡± He hastily made up an excuse. For all his serious behavior, he still was a boy at heart.


    ¡°Is that so? Then I hope you have learned your lesson not to drink whatever you pick up from the ground, like some cattle.¡± Her scolding was light this time, but he knew she would not let him off the hook if he repeated his mistake. Her expression changed moments later. ¡°Invite Ajax to join us as well. I haven¡¯t seen him in so long.¡±


    ¡°His grandfather is working him like a mule.¡±


    ¡°I will try to talk to Zeretos about him. I wish he would show his face around court more often. Don¡¯t laugh, but he is like another son to me.¡± She was already much happier again.


    ¡°And a brother to me.¡± He nodded. Mockery was not part of his personality. Although he sometimes wondered if Ajax had any idea how he appeared to his surroundings, he knew that he was a good person who would support them as best as he could. Such loyalty would be returned.


    ¡°Clean yourself up and greet Dyctis for me.¡± She was ready to say her goodbyes already.


    ¡°Did you not see him?¡± He asked in surprise.


    ¡°He is a busy man. The king puts great trust into him and he lives up to it each time. Only his fishing may suffer from all these obligations.¡± She seemed rather proud of Perseus¡¯ master.


    He knew that they had always gotten along since the day that she had arrived on this island¡­ carrying the baby in her arms¡­ escaping the deadly sea.


    ¡°You have gone pale.¡± She pointed out with worry.


    ¡°My sweat is turning cold!¡± He replied with exaggerated motions and picked up his towel again.


    ¡°What will I ever do with you?¡± She sighed exaggeratedly as well and left the room with fluttering hair.


    He watched her disappear and then clutched the towel. The last thing he ever wished to do was worry his mother. These dark flashes of the past should not have had any grip on him anymore, but they came up at inopportune times.


    He had decided that he would not let her come to fret over him anymore, but it was in a mother¡¯s nature to worry. And perhaps it was in the son¡¯s to cause it.


    <hr>


    ¡°I welcome you all once again to my kingdom, all you men of honor and noble blood!¡± Polydectes raised his drink to a toast in the center of the large throne hall. Tables had been prepared in the center to create a gigantic banquet that would have made even the gods envious. The ever flowing wine was sure to attract Dionysus and the constant melodies of the poets in the background must have been inspired by Apollo and his Muses.


    The crowd cheered and shared in the toast. Ally or enemy, they all toasted as equals under the gaze of Polydectes! Today was a day for not only merriment, but also a change in power dynamics as new alliances were forged and others broken off. This neutral land was the only place where some would dare speak up.


    Of course the long-bearded king held no interest in politics. He only chugged his wine and laughed as the men praised him.


    ¡°I wish to introduce you to a new friend of mine!¡± Polydectes spoke up once more before everyone could start their own chats. His cheeks were already slightly flushed from the alcohol, but he was a solid drinker, so he stood firm. He waved his hand to his right and gave the limelight to a young scholar with an impressive smile. ¡°This is Typhos of Bisanthe! I have rarely met a boy with such promise. He is the son of the hero king himself, so blood and wholeness of the mind do truly go hand in hand!¡±


    The crowd politely cheered and raised the mugs high, but their eyes were far from kind when directed at Typhos. Their doubts and hostility were all too apparent.


    ¡°I thank you for your kind words o¡¯ king.¡± Typhos stayed unperturbed. ¡°But my throne is still a long ways from here. For now I am a simple traveling scholar.¡±


    ¡°Humble above all, a true man to my liking.¡± Polydectes laughed and the crowd did the same.


    ¡°I am deeply impressed by the gathering of such renowned and powerful men. It seems that those born under the right star will always find each other. I am thankful for this meeting and your hospitality o¡¯ king.¡± He put down his untouched wine and then clapped his hands. With a suspicious atmosphere the crowd looked towards the entrance and saw the group of sailors carry a large chest into the hall.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Polydectes acted surprised, albeit he was not a good actor.


    ¡°For your kindness I wish to give you a present. It may be too bold of an unannounced guest to bring the first offering, but I insist on my honor. I always repay my favors.¡± His smirk was self-satisfied indeed as he saw Polydectes greedy eyes follow the large chest¡¯s movements.


    ¡°You are a man of honor and it is only good and right that I accept your tribute.¡±


    ¡°I am so glad to hear that.¡± He flicked his fingers and the chest was pushed open. Inside it were piles of coin and precious high quality pigments. This was an offering that not even the richest merchants could scoff at. Truly fit for a king.


    The other aristocrats were all glaring at the chest. They surely compared their own presents to this in their heads and fell short. Typhos did very well know how to make an impression.


    ¡°For the inconvenience I have wrought unto your other guests I would like to offer them a few things as well.¡± To everyone¡¯s shock more sailors came in with smaller chests and set them down before each noble guest. Then they all left without a word and left behind disbelieving men.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°Hahahaha! This is the most amusing banquet I have ever had!¡± Polydectes laughed loudly and took another swig of his wine.


    The mood changed instantly and the cheers became a lot more genuine. Typhos turned into a much beloved guest in a single night.


    Further away from the commotion of the higher society sat the common folk of the town and the servants. Although they were not deemed worthy of the celebrations, the king rarely paid attention to their presence. It had become a habit for the lower people to make their own little banquet with leftovers at tables close to the walls and on the yards beyond the open gates.


    Among these people sat Perseus and his friend Ajax.


    ¡°They are noisy today.¡± He muttered as he drank his goat¡¯s milk.


    ¡°I-I s-saw the sailors carry very fancy things i-i-in chests. I¡¯ve never seen such b-b-beautiful gems.¡± Ajax seemed so excited he stuttered worse than usual.


    ¡°Gems? What¡¯s the use.¡± He didn¡¯t share his friend¡¯s excitement.


    ¡°Perseus, y-you know they are worth more than my grandpa makes in a year. You could buy plenty of oxen and goats with t-that.¡±


    ¡°Have you changed your occupation to farmer, Ajax?¡± He put a hand on his shoulder and grinned.


    ¡°No¡­ but I think that w-would be nice.¡± The boy admitted.


    ¡°Do you dislike the watchtower so?¡± He raised a brow.


    ¡°I d-don¡¯t like heights, you know that! If I could start working on a farm t-then I could take care of the animals. They are so wonderful.¡± He seemed a little dazed at the prospect of a farmer¡¯s life.


    ¡°Tending the fields is slave labor. You will hurt your back.¡± He said dismissively and gulped down the rest of his milk.


    ¡°Do you not wish to s-settle down one day too Perseus?¡± Ajax seemed a bit offended.


    ¡°Maybe.¡± He replied vaguely and played with a slice of meat on his knife.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to join the g-guard right?!¡± He insisted on this topic.


    ¡°Pah.¡± He seemed unhappy by the suggestion.


    ¡°We¡¯d rather tame Cerberus as our guard dog than enlist this savage.¡± And that was when the annoying voice of a familiar guardsman cut between them. His breath stunk of cheap wine and his spear was the only straight thing about his posture.


    ¡°¡­¡± Perseus refilled his mug with milk and ignored the sloshed guard.


    ¡°A wild badger maddened by wrathful spirits is more reliable than this brat.¡± He pushed his hand against Perseus face and put the other on Ajax shoulder.


    ¡°Do not touch me.¡±


    ¡°Oh ye? What¡¯s da brat gonna do about it? Ya broke my hand so I can¡¯t take my duty seriously, so lemme lean on ya!¡± The other guard had already come along as well. They pushed themselves on the bench and made some noise. The man with a sling around his arm was even more drunken than his friend and out of his armor.


    ¡°You made quite the mess for us. Opening the gate without permission, causing a ruckus for our guests, interfering with duty-¡°


    ¡°If you wish to complain then do it to the king.¡± Perseus pushed their hands off and rose from the table.


    ¡°Hah! The king¡¯ll keep ignorin¡¯ your plowing behavior, cuz of your beautiful harlot of a mothe-¡° He could not finish his words as a mug was already pressed against his lips. Ajax, with shaking hands and fear in his eyes had pushed it into the guard¡¯s face.


    ¡°Y-y-you need to drink m-more, sir! Tis a banquet!¡± His voice was so squeaky that it would make anyone feel sympathetic.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good point.¡± The other guard agreed and poured himself more wine. ¡°Let the fool go, we don¡¯t waste our breath on savage beasts.¡±


    ¡°Hear hear.¡± The injured guard was still giving Ajax a confused look, but ultimately followed suit and chugged with his healthy arm.


    Ajax looked after his friend who was already walking to the other end of the hall. He wanted to follow him, but¡­


    ¡°Hey! Zeretos boy, right? Pour me more wine. Your father knows a thing or two about dice games right?¡± The guards kept him busy.


    Meanwhile Perseus suppressed the dark hot feeling in his chest. He knew that these simpletons just spoke in the language of the drunk. The next morning they would writhe in their bedstead and hold their splitting heads, regretting every moment of this night. But that did not make the horrible frustration go away.


    The king was treating him differently? Ignoring his misconducts? That was an insult to him. If there was anyone who ignored misbehavior it was him!


    He needed some fresh air. It had to calm his heated mind. This throne room seemed laughable tight today. The noise from the banquet just hurt his head. The sparkling stars on the satin firmament would give him peace.


    ¡°Hahaha! So that is what they consider in fashion around Attica?¡± Some Lydian noble was laughing at earsplitting volume next to him.


    ¡°It is popular anywhere but your country.¡± Another jabbed.


    ¡°Well, Typhos lives in Athens, so why doesn¡¯t he tell us?¡± Polydectes was slapping the scholar on the back like a good friend already.


    Perseus stopped his retreat and looked up. He watched the end of the long table to see the newcomer, the scholar who he had nearly beheaded on the first day.


    ¡°Athens is like the fields of Korinthia.¡± Typhos replied thoughtfully. ¡°The great mix of wild flowers is what gives it its beauty. If we all wore the same colors and leaves, nobody could stand out.¡±


    ¡°Oho! That is a real scholarly thing to say!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so cultured.¡±


    ¡°Huh? So it¡¯s not in style?¡±


    ¡°It seems to me that the Archon¡¯s wife wears much light blue this season.¡± Typhos finally gave a straight answer and everyone laughed.


    ¡°I knew it!¡±


    Their conversation was as vain as usual. Perseus had thought the scholar above such empty pleasantries. He wasn¡¯t sure why he thought that way himself. What was it about those deep eyes that seemed to give him such a fascinating charisma?


    ¡°You really must travel a lot. You even knew about Rhodian stonework.¡± One of the aristocrats seemed enamored as well and kept pressing Typhos. Young men with pretty faces were often popular with the older nobles especially.


    ¡°I must confess I did not visit many places yet. This is only my second time on sea.¡± Typhos replied with feigned embarrassment.


    ¡°No way! You sound so well-traveled.¡± This seemed to cause some fuss among the crowd.


    ¡°I stick to the land routes, mostly. My ship captain on the other hand is a man who has been all across the world. I wish he had not been too shy to come with me.¡± He smiled endearingly and the men laughed.


    ¡°I am so very curious now.¡± Suddenly the king joined in again after taking a backseat with his wine for a while.


    ¡°Yes my king?¡±


    ¡°What is it you seek to achieve with those triremes?¡±


    The atmosphere perceptibly became more strained in a heartbeat. Some of the aristocrats who had been hostile before had been so due to the news of three warships on the other end of the island. This issue had nearly been put out of their minds, but now it rekindled some animosity. Many of them had never even owned one triremes and none of them had the manpower to fight back so many warriors.


    Perseus leaned behind a pillar and perked up his ears. This topic was finally gripping his attention as well.


    ¡°I was not intending to hide it from you my king.¡± Typhos put down his green apple ¨C he had only taken a single bite all eve ¨C and rose up from his chair. The pose he took was theatrical to say the least. ¡°I would like to make an announcement to ease your minds and indulge my ego ever so little.¡±


    ¡°Very weeeell!¡± Polydectes seemed amused and clapped his hands so everyone in the hall would turn quiet for the address.


    ¡°My name is Typhos and I am the son of king Heroides, also known as the hero king. It may not mean much anymore, but I will inherit the kingdom of Bisanthe. To that end I have decided to achieve a feat that no other man could!¡±


    Such words were not taken lightly. The son of a hero would try to surpass the legends and become an even greater hero. Man feared monsters and the gods alike, but heroes were ahead of such inhibitions. Only the foolhardy or the divine could be this confident. Was there a third kind?


    ¡°Out here on this wonderful island many must have heard of its infamous legend already. The monster I seek to slay is none other than the Gorgon!¡±


    Silence followed that declaration. The men could hardly believe their ears.


    ¡°Does it even exist?¡± One asked with a fearful expression.


    ¡°Indeed. I have met it myself.¡± Typhos replied immediately.


    ¡°And you lived?!¡±


    ¡°It was a short, but terrible affair. It was a heartless beast without a shred of humanity. Every legend that you heard was not doing it justice.¡± He declared.


    ¡°But then how do you intend to slay it?¡±


    ¡°I have brought the finest mercenaries with me and some other trump cards.¡± He said with a confident smirk.


    ¡°That monster had been around since before my grandmother was born.¡± One of the older aristocrats recalled. He came from another island further south. ¡°They say its face looks like a hundred writhing snakes and its body is a diseased lioness.¡±


    ¡°I heard if it looks at you, all of your limbs fall off!¡±


    ¡°Cursed, all cursed, no human can slay it. Leave it to the gods¡± One man spat out.


    ¡°The gods decide all, but I intend to become worthy of their attention.¡± Typhos showed his devout side and sat down again.


    ¡°You¡¯re ambitious to be sure.¡± Polydectes seemed incredibly amused and spilled some wine into his long beard. Tales of monsters and heroes were always a delight.


    ¡°If it would please you my king, I wish to return to Seriphos once I have decapitated the beast.¡±


    ¡°Ohhhh?¡± His excitement rose beyond the measurable, but he kept up his royal dignity.


    ¡°The trophy is for the council in Bisanthe, but it would honor me if you were the first to see it. The Gorgon¡¯s head is something that no Archon or king will ever get to see, but you are a great man that deserves such a trophy, in my humble opinion.¡± He said smoothly.


    ¡°Well well, now you have gotten me intrigued beyond words. It would be a delight like none other in my life to receive such a gift.¡± The king was prideful, but even he understood just how impressive that gesture was.


    ¡°To a hero!¡± The others made a toast and cheered.


    Until a single sentence echoed inside the hall.


    ¡°What if you fail?¡±


    The first time this evening a woman had spoken up. It was¡­


    ¡°Sweet Danae?! I have missed you so!¡± Polydectes immediately rose up when he saw the woman appear with a plate of amphorae and cheese. She had helped the servants pass around the goods. ¡°Please join us! My wine has run dry, but your smile alone can pour honey into my mind.¡± He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her onto his throne.


    ¡°My king.¡± She lowered her head and let him hold her, but she made sure to put the plate down first.


    ¡°We did not have the pleasure yet, I fear¡­¡± Typhos had watched this unfold with interest.


    ¡°This is Danae, the woman of my dreams.¡± The king spoke for her. ¡°You have been gone for so long I feared your illness had reclaimed you.¡±


    ¡°Not at all, I feel very healthy. All thanks to the physicians you have sent to me.¡± She replied quietly. The hand around her hip was digging uncomfortably into her flesh, but she did not make any faces.


    ¡°My sweet Danae has been an honored guest for over 12 years. She is the pearl of Seriphos. You have to look after yourself or else we will experience an irreplaceable loss.¡± His face closed in as he tried to cozy up to her ear, but she skillfully slipped out of his grip.


    ¡°I must work to repay your kindness my king. This wine is sent to you with the regards of the Spartan king.¡± She poured him a drink without missing a beat. Polydectes seemed disappointed, but the good drop cured that mood swing in an instant.


    ¡°Look upon her gentleman! A woman beyond the integrity of mortals. Your wives cannot ever compare! It warms the cockles of my heart.¡± His claims were tactless beyond words, but the crowd just made acknowledging noises. Nobody had the gall to protest the king¡¯s words.


    ¡°You surely are an impressive woman.¡± Typhos agreed and followed her trained movements. ¡°If I may come back to the topic at hand however, you were doubting my endeavor?¡±


    She froze and seemed to realize she had overstepped her bounds. She looked up to Typhos who gave her an even stare.


    ¡°I meant no offense, great scholar. I simply fear for the lives of your expedition. Sea monsters are not to be trifled with.¡±


    ¡°Haha, Danae can be so motherly and emotional, she even cares for strangers.¡± Polydectes seemed endeared and completely obtuse to the heated eye-contact between the two.


    ¡°Wonderful qualities.¡± Typhos was the first to break away and leaned on one hand. His consideration was not superficial. ¡°But as all women care for their children, a man cares for his legacy. My path cannot be altered, my course is set. The Gorgon will die.¡±


    ¡°I will be ordering some offerings to the shrine in your name.¡± Polydectes said amicably. Thinking this was all tribute for him, he had a vested interest.


    ¡°But let me consider this. As a scholar I am always interested in hypotheticals. I cannot deny them whatsoever.¡± Typhos suddenly said with a shocking candidness.


    ¡°No, great scholar, I did not-¡° Danae wished to apologize, but he raised his hand to stop her.


    ¡°It would be an inconvenience for the king if I were to fail and he had to wait unduly.¡± Typhos eyes glinted for a moment. ¡°Six lunar cycles. If I do not return with the Gorgon¡¯s head in that time I will be dead.¡±


    ¡°Oh my.¡± Polydectes set down his wine and looked a bit overwhelmed.


    ¡°My journey cannot take more than two lunar cycles. So I shall return in four. Wait six and I shall be dead. I am confident in our victory, but only the gods are infallible. Should I fail, you can finally declare that there is no mortal man that can end the Gorgon and it will make for a good story to tell your guests.¡± Typhos said solemnly.


    ¡°You are special, Typhos of Bisanthe.¡± The king raised his mug and nodded impressed.


    ¡°You honor me. Yet I believe it is far more impressive of your woman to speak up when everyone else had declared my victory. More than support, a realistic mind can keep one alive. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.¡± He bowed his head to Danae, who hastily raised it with both hands.


    ¡°Do not bow to me. I am nobody.¡±


    ¡°Hehe, she is not perfectly wrong.¡± The king said with a hint of sourness. ¡°Danae is not my woman¡­ yet.¡±


    Perseus who had been listening in the entire time and done his best to resist the urge to jump out cracked the pillar he leaned against with his fingers.


    ¡°Oh your majesty.¡± She acted shyly and picked up the plates again.


    ¡°She is too honorable and self-conscious of her low standing.¡± Polydectes put a hand on her behind and grabbed it tightly so she would not leave. ¡°Danae, my sweet sweet flower. When will you finally accept your king¡¯s will?¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Her voice got stuck in her throat as she began shaking under his groping hand.


    ¡°You owe me your life, but that shan¡¯t stand between us. Indeed, I would give you my kingdom if only you¡¯d become my wife-¡°


    ¡°Let her go-!¡± Perseus jumped out of hiding, but before his yell could reach the king, something odd happened.


    ¡°Goodness, I am somewhat tipsy it seems.¡± Typhos had dropped his wine on Danae¡¯s chiton. ¡°Forgive me, I was so drunken on my heroic future that I sullied you.¡± As he made his apologies he was staring Perseus straight into the eyes.


    ¡°These things happen!¡± The king seemed to find this rather amusing and laughed loudly.


    ¡°May I¡­ clean myself up?¡± She asked with her face hidden behind her disheveled hair.


    ¡°Of course, my dear. Although I must say your aroma mixed with the wine is plenty intoxicating.¡± His lecherous smile was appalling, but the other aristocrats cackled in response.


    Danae rushed off without another word.


    Perseus glared at Polydectes for a few moments before running after her. As he passed the gate he caught a glimpse of Dyctis who had only just arrived from the servant area of the festivities. He had seen Danae run past him and seemed horribly shocked. Perseus ran past him and they only exchanged one meaningful look.


    He was faster than any grown men he had ever raced, but when he was about to catch up with his mother he felt a horrible pain in his chest and stopped short. He had seen a wet drop on the ground. The glistening remains of a tear¡­ they led into a trail.


    What could he possibly do to comfort her? It seemed like nothing he could say would be able to lessen the humiliation she had experienced. Danae hated nothing more than to be seen as a burden. If he stormed into her room now he would hurt her pride all the more.


    ¡°Curses!¡± He punched the wall next to him and left visible cracks.


    <hr>


    He struggled to contain his feelings and staggered to his quarters. The hallway seemed endless tonight, as no torches were lit yet. Nobody was in their rooms tonight for obvious reasons. He would be the only fool who choked his blanket until it was a twisted mess.


    On the way he heard someone walking across the leftmost hallway. Those steps were unsteady, he could tell.


    ¡°You drank waaaay too much, you ass.¡±


    ¡°Ye? Well mayhapsibly you¡¯re jus¡¯ too strong.¡± The drunk babbling of the other man was familiar.


    It was the two guards from the banquet. Perseus felt like he had been cursed by all the stars at once tonight.


    ¡°Didja see the pruddy woman?¡±


    ¡°Danae? Of course I saw her. She sticks out if ya know what I mean.¡±


    ¡°Huehue¡­ What¡¯s a woman like ¡®er doin¡¯ all alone at night anywayysss?¡±


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t say this stuff out loud.¡± He hushed him.


    Perseus felt a vein pop on his temple.


    ¡°Why naaawt? Isstupid! She is like Aphroditeeee, ¡®cept less shiny. How¡¯s she not layin¡¯ with e¡¯rry man on Seriphos?!¡±


    ¡°You really are a drunk moron. She¡¯s the king¡¯s woman.¡±


    ¡°Hah! Keeps runnin¡¯ from him like a bee frum smohke.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious she doesn¡¯t love him.¡± The other guard agreed.


    ¡°Well king¡¯s ugly as nails affer all hehehe--heahahaha!¡±


    ¡°You will get executed. I¡¯m not going to vouch for you.¡±


    ¡°s¡¯truth. He¡¯s old an¡¯ prolly barely gets it up anymore! What she neeeeds is a maaan~ With a long and hard-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t sing that dirty stuff in public.¡± The other guard scoffed.


    ¡°C¡¯mon¡­ just think of her butt in your hands¡­ those breasts, like apples in your mouth.¡±


    ¡°Why are you getting more sober the more you lust?¡± He sighed. ¡°What I wouldn¡¯t give for one night with her.¡±


    ¡°I knew ya got me.¡±


    They were about to turn the corner now.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we just go for it? She¡¯s alone in her room and she¡¯s never gonna tell the king! He¡¯d throw her out into the pigsty and let the pigs-¡°


    His words got stuck in his throat alongside his teeth. Perseus furious fist had made his jaw dislocate and his teeth stab into his gums. The sober guard looked on in shock as his partner fell over like a sack of grain.


    ¡°Do not even think of touching her. I will end you.¡± His fiery eyes were enough to make the other guard lose control of his bowels. Terrified and walking funnily he dragged the toothless other guard off.


    Perseus picked up the swords they had dropped and bend them over his knee until they were curved in unspeakable ways. All this violent release was almost not enough to calm him down. How dare these lowlifes said those things about his mother? Even if they were cowards who would never have laid a hand on her¡­ No, enough wine could make even the greatest coward bold. He had to make sure they would learn their lesson the next time he saw them.


    What was he doing? Why was he here?


    He wiped his bloody fist on his clothes. The teeth on the ground were forming an eye-like pattern. The darkness in his heart was dissipating as he felt a profound sense of loss. Like he had just taken another step into shadows that he could not escape.


    He moved away from his room and instead made his way into the courtyard on the other side of the mansion. This side was away from the town and surrounded by a forest. Only trees and the stars. Maybe the occasional lizard crawling below a rock.


    As he breathed in the night air and followed the star signs to cool off he sensed someone doing the same thing behind him.


    ¡°Nothing like some fresh air to shake off Dionysus warm arms.¡± Typhos said as he rubbed his cold hands.


    ¡°¡­you seem sober enough.¡± Perseus had not expected to meet him out here.


    ¡°Then it¡¯s working.¡± He smiled.


    ¡°¡­¡± He wasn¡¯t sure if he should get up and leave. He wished to be alone, but it would also have been rude. The scholar had helped his mother escape Polydectes, so he was conflicted.


    ¡°Something on your mind?¡± Typhos wondered.


    ¡°Thank you¡­ for playing the drunken fool.¡±


    ¡°I fear that I cannot follow.¡± Typhos deflected swiftly.


    ¡°You are abnormal.¡± He said very directly.


    ¡°Perhaps I will be in need of more wine after such defamation.¡± The scholar said sardonically and then sat down next to the young man. ¡°And you are the epitome of this nebulous ¡®normality¡¯ I take it?¡±


    ¡°No. I am abnormal as well.¡± Perseus knew that much.


    ¡°How so?¡±


    ¡°I do not fit in. I cannot live the way they do.¡±


    ¡°They? You are nearly as cryptic as my mentor.¡± He chuckled.


    ¡°Forget about it.¡± He clicked his tongue in frustration.


    ¡°How tantalizing. You are skilled at this game. Can I not tickle the rest out of you with a brush?¡±


    ¡°Stop mocking me.¡± Perseus squinted.


    ¡°I always knew my sense of humor is lacking. I apologize for the political conversation games.¡± He coughed and then loosened his shoulders and arms. ¡°Then I will be as open as it is possible to me. That fine woman, Danae, is she your mother?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± He was not surprised that he brought her up. Everyone was after her. Just another bastard in a long line.


    ¡°You are indebted to the king. Would you like to tell me the story?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± He raised his head in surprise.


    ¡°I am as curious as can be. It is part of my profession.¡± Typhos said with a shrug.


    ¡°I see. This isn¡¯t really a story. It happened when I was just an infant, so I do not know anything.¡± He looked away.


    ¡°Well, at least in lying you are a weakling. It seems even the famous warrior of Ares has weaknesses.¡± Typhos leaned his face on one hand and posed knowingly.


    ¡°This is not your concern.¡±


    ¡°You are guarded and I respect that. If you wish me to leave I will do so immediately. There a secrets in a man¡¯s life that he cannot simply tell a stranger.¡± He was about to get up, but Perseus dragged him back down with superior strength.


    ¡°I owe you, so I will tell you a little.¡± He said with a twisted lip.


    ¡°It is good to be owed things, even if I do not know why I am owed.¡± He replied ironically and sat back down.


    ¡°I overheard mother and Dyctis conversations when I was young. Dyctis is the king¡¯s brother, but he is also the best fisherman on the island. He was the one who found us.¡± He grabbed a stone and threw it all the way to the faraway pond. It skipped five times before sinking. ¡°We were drifting on the ocean. Mother with me in her arms, desperately clinging to me. The waves threatened to sink the chest we were floating on. How many days had we been swept on the ocean? There was a storm¡­ and I was afraid¡­¡±


    Typhos listened with an unreadable face, but when he saw Perseus clutch his elbow, he put a hand on his shoulder to calm him. They were not that far apart in age, but clearly the scholar was the adult here.


    ¡°I am sorry, this is not me. During that horrible storm master Dyctis was on the raging sea to retrieve a loosened boat and he spotted the chest. He picked mother up and brought us to Seriphos. He is the greatest man I ever met, but he does not try to stand out. When he brought mother before the king he was laying his hand in the fire for us. The king accepted us into the court and made mother a special guest that had to be honored by everyone.¡±


    ¡°That was gracious of him.¡±


    ¡°Yes. We are indebted to him for the rest of our lives. No other king would have taken us in as one of his own.¡± Perseus said it with conviction. He reassured himself over and over.


    ¡°Why was your mother drifting on the ocean? Who put her into that chest?¡±


    ¡°I do not know.¡±


    ¡°Your mother has never told you?¡±


    ¡°She wants to let the past stay dead. But she told Dyctis once¡­ that we come from a noble family line.¡± Perseus shook his head. ¡°Do you understand? My mother is of aristocrat blood. She was thrown into the ocean and held on to me for days. She kept me alive through all of that¡­ and then she never complained once to anyone. She keeps acting like a servant to repay her debt. There is nothing she can do to escape this situation, because she wishes to protect me!¡± He felt hotness well up on his eyes.


    ¡°She is a strong woman.¡± Typhos said seriously.


    ¡°There is nobody who can understand what she is going through. Not even me. I am just trying to become someone¡­ someone that can be accepted so that she doesn¡¯t have to shield me anymore.¡±


    ¡°But you do not fit in. The guards do not seem to want you among them despite your talent for battle.¡± Typhos had a good grasp on the situation already.


    ¡°Why am I telling all this to a stranger? You will not understand either.¡± He wiped a single hot tear from his eye and walled up.


    ¡°Your mother is remarkable, but she is not the only one.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± He glared at him in an instant.


    ¡°My mother was also an impressive woman. She was the only one who has ever fought for me. After I had lost my father the enemies of my family came to end my life as well.¡± He played with the rings on his hands as if he was trying to hold on to them for strength.


    ¡°¡­¡± Perseus suddenly felt a heavy melancholy from the scholar.


    ¡°You see, my mother was stronger than they could ever know. So while they were plotting to kill me, she instead sent me to Athens with all our family¡¯s remaining riches. Instead of going with me she stayed¡­ so that the enemies would not suspect my disappearance. She was left behind in Bisanthe as the riots set the palace aflame. She stuck around to the end when the council came to slit my throat. She held her head high as they accused her of causing the downfall of our city. They strung her up in front of the palace and flailed her skin to lay bare the ¡®true form¡¯ of our corrupted flesh.¡± Typhos eyes turned nearly as dark as the blackest night.


    ¡°There is nothing I can say to make it up to you.¡± Perseus had realized his horrible self-centered blindness, but he could only feel numb due to shock. ¡°But I apologize for being ignorant.¡±


    ¡°We are all ignorant to someone¡¯s suffering. Every man has a story of his own and mine is not any more important than yours. Our mothers both did more than any mother should. I hope that you feel the joy of having her still around¡­ so that you may free her from that suffering.¡± He said with a heartfelt smile.


    ¡°How can I do that?!¡± He looked up pleadingly.


    ¡°You cannot oppose the king, because you are honor bound.¡± Typhos cupped his chin and thought about it.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°What do you think of Polydectes?¡± He said the king¡¯s name without the title. It was in that moment that Perseus realized just how far the scholar¡¯s act had gone.


    ¡°He took us in-¡°


    ¡°No, I wish to know what you think of him as a man.¡±


    ¡°He¡­ he is- He is a coward.¡± He finally admitted to his true feelings. ¡°He is a coward and ignorant. I do not know if he can be considered honorable. All he does is sow conflict between different kingdoms so that they do not focus on Seriphos. He is so certain of his position that he would ignore three triremes.¡±


    ¡°I was surprised that we were received by a single defender as well.¡± Typhos smirked.


    ¡°I know that I was hasty, but the king¡¯s actions are no better. He has not even tried to protect the town. But his incompetence is not the worst of it. I heard from sailors that many kings are not good at leading battles. But I cannot imagine that any honorable man would act like he does towards mother.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I can see your point. Most kings would not be so public about it.¡± Typhos glanced at the pond that had finally settled down after all the rippling from the stone.


    ¡°What man of honor treats a valued guest like a servant to be harassed and molested?¡± Perseus clenched his fist. ¡°Nobody can defy him, because he is the king. If I was ready to take a position of power then mother could keep away.¡±


    ¡°Polydectes is a dishonorable coward, yet you will continue to keep your oath?¡±


    ¡°Scholar, if you don¡¯t keep your promises, what is your word worth?¡±


    His genuine look made Typhos feel a short sting he had not felt in a long while. He closed his eyes and saw the image of someone he had betrayed recently. Her innocent smile was still haunting him at night.


    ¡°If it can be at all avoided I do not break my promises.¡± He agreed.


    ¡°Then how can I save my mother?¡±


    ¡°You just have to come with-¡° Typhos spoke the lines that came the easiest, but his tongue got stuck.


    The boy was looking up to him. His eyes were focused on the future of his mother. If he failed she would become the king¡¯s plaything and forced to bear his children, treating Perseus as a bastard and eventually banishing him. Typhos could already see all the pieces in play and how they would affect each other.


    It was hopeless. Then why should he not exploit him? There was a future that benefited both of them, even if it was not what the boy wanted.


    ¡°You-¡° He tried again, but he could not continue.


    Finally, with a pained smile he put his hand on Perseus head.


    ¡°I cannot help you. You will have to forge your own path. I have already made my own.¡±


    ¡°To slay the Gorgon?¡±


    ¡°It must die.¡± He nodded.


    ¡°Will you truly come back with the trophy?¡±


    ¡°Why not? It may well prove beneficial in the long run.¡± Typhos spoke with a refreshing lack cunning plans in his head. The lipservice he had given the king was far from his true goals.


    ¡°Then I will make another promise. When you return I will be off age. Then I can also make my own goals, just like you. And I will fulfill them no matter what gets in my way without breaking any of my other promises either.¡± Perseus for the first time in years felt an inexplicable confidence. To slay a monster so reviled was impossible for humans, yet the scholar who had suffered so much did not waver in the slightest. That was oddly comforting.


    ¡°Do not make promises too lightly. I may never return here.¡±


    ¡°Are you afraid of failure?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Typhos said with a relaxed expression.


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°If I fail then it was meant to be. There is nothing in this world I could have done better. This is the best version of my plan I could have achieved.¡± It was the tiniest lie.


    ¡°I knew it.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°Since the moment our eyes met on the ship I knew it. I was going to cut your head off.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I vividly remember that moment.¡±


    ¡°But you did not fear death. You did not believe that I would kill you. Everyone else I ever fought was afraid or tried to kill me. You did neither.¡± Perseus smiled.


    ¡°And that is why I am abnormal.¡± He concluded.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°You would make an interesting scholar.¡± Typhos laughed his truest laugh in years, only watched by the gleaming stars.


    <hr>


    ¡°Are you sure you want to leave without him?¡± Pelagios tied a knot while looking over his shoulder.


    ¡°Do you doubt my plan?¡±


    ¡°Not my place ta judge.¡± He grunted. ¡°Did ya ever figure out if he was the demigod from the rumors?¡±


    ¡°There are some mysteries even beyond me.¡± Typhos shrugged and gave him his usual set smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s your coin that kept us here, so I¡¯ll just thank ya for the break an¡¯ the feast.¡± Pelagios joked and then shouted at his men to get the triremes ready. The rhythmic drumming from below deck as the slaves got ready to row the rudders was breaching the morning air.


    The mercenaries walked on board and settled down at the rails to wave the women goodbye. There was always a place for mercenaries in an island town.


    ¡°The way ya played those highborn vultures was amazing, boss!¡± Markos had grown incredibly reverent of Typhos during this little detour, to the point where it was becoming tiring.


    ¡°It is my m¨¦tier. I hope your men will perform similarly against the Gorgon.¡±


    ¡°¡¯course, boss! There is no better mercenary group in the Aegean!¡± He saluted and walked off to whip his men into shape after a long rest.


    The sun had just begun to rise, so the island was covered in golden dew. Somewhere on top of the watchtower near the pier sat Perseus and his friend, watching their departure.


    Almost jovially Typhos waved with one hand and then stepped onto the ship. It was time to fulfill his destiny, one way or another.


    ¡°Save her.¡± He whispered despite himself.


    The scholar set off for his inevitable conclusion, while the hero had finally found his will to act. Neither could have known that their wills would lead to the same place.

 Chapter 58: Seriphos and Sarpedon

    The waves crashing against the beach of Seriphos were slow and tender. The tides could be quite unpredictable at times, but the moon guided them through each step like a parent behind their child. Many of these cycles repeated themselves until finally six months had passed.


    Six months without the return of the expedition or any news of their exploits.


    Atop the trees of the small forest the birds were making their nests. Their low chirping was interrupted by the occasional rustling of boars rushing through the thicket. They had lived here for longer than the humans and nobody knew how they had come here. Did they swim all the way to this island?


    Among the clacking of hooves was another strained sound¡­ the creaking of wood pushed to it limits. The string¡¯s tension as it was drawn rippled through the hunter¡¯s hands. With a calm posture he sat between the bushes and kept the arrow tip aimed at the black boar¡¯s piggy eyes. The animal was completely unaware of the mortal danger it was in. To this overgrown pig the hunter was an unmoving piece of the forest.


    The fingers opened ever so slightly, ready to let go of the strained string. It moved forward bit by bit until it would pass the point of no return and dash forth with enormous force.


    He was holding his breath. The kill was almost assured. He counted inside his head. Three, two¡­ one!


    ¡°Perseus!¡±


    Swish


    The arrow missed the boar by a hand¡¯s length and penetrated a nearby tree. The boar and its brethren squeaked and rushed off into the deepest parts of the forest. The archer sighed with a disgruntled expression.


    ¡°Perseuuus, where are you?¡± The intruder kept shouting his name with increasing panic.


    ¡°Right here Ajax.¡± He raised his arm to forcibly stop his friend from walking past him.


    ¡°Wah!!¡± He went pale as if he had just seen a ghost and would surely have tripped over his own feet if he had not been held up by Perseus¡¯ muscular arm. ¡°Y-you scared me.¡±


    ¡°Now you know how the boar felt.¡± He muttered under his breath and then grabbed his friend¡¯s lower arm for a greeting. ¡°You didn¡¯t come here to help me on my hunt?¡±


    ¡°Sorry. Dyctis was calling for you, but he couldn¡¯t find you anywhere!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t tell anyone that I was out hunting. My mistake.¡± He put the bow on his back and got ready to leave the forest.


    ¡°Did you catch anything?¡±


    ¡°A scared hare.¡± Perseus replied deadpan.


    ¡°Amazing, I never managed to hunt anything except berries.¡± Ajax was giving him one of those admiring stares again.


    ¡°Picked. You pick berries.¡± He corrected him with the hint of a smile.


    They made their way back to the town on the shortest route, which was straight through the least tread muddy paths. The sun was shining as oppressively as ever and almost blinded them when they left the shade of the trees. As they walked side by side Ajax seemed to be nervously moving his eyes about, occasionally looking at his friend and then hastily averting his gaze.


    ¡°Come now Ajax, you can speak your mind around me.¡± He amicably grabbed his friend¡¯s shoulder and stopped their brisk walk.


    ¡°It is just¡­ please don¡¯t misunderstand, but I feel like you are avoiding the palace.¡±


    ¡°What makes you think so?¡± Perseus didn¡¯t give any reaction.


    ¡°Fath- Zeretos says he sees you go hunting and fishing every day when he makes his rounds around the lookout.¡±


    ¡°So I was seen.¡± He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.


    ¡°Your coming of age ceremony is tomorrow! Aren¡¯t you looking forward to it at all?¡± He seemed worried now.


    ¡°I shan¡¯t celebrate becoming that man¡¯s vassal.¡± He said defiantly.


    ¡°Please Perseus, don¡¯t get into trouble with the king.¡±


    ¡°You misunderstand my dear friend.¡± He started walking again and showed him his back. ¡°This is all part of turning our situation around.¡±


    Ajax just watched his friend move towards the town walls with an unsure look on his face.


    <hr>


    ¡°What is going through your mind this time? The ceremony is right around the corner and you go off to play Artemis in the forest?¡± Dyctis¡¯ inevitable lecture had come even quicker than expected. The fisherman and king¡¯s younger brother was acting as Perseus master and felt a deep responsibility for his pupil.


    Which also included chiding him for his unruly behavior.


    ¡°Master, I only wished to hone my skills.¡±


    ¡°Your skills are already excessively proven boy. There is not a single man in the Aegean and beyond that could match you in combat. What will a few more boar hides prove?¡± Dyctis sighed and handed a wooden mug with clear water to his student.


    ¡°¡­¡± He had no answer for that and simply downed the entire contents in one swig.


    ¡°I can tell that you are thinking about something strange again. Can you not simply be happy for the honor that is to be bestowed upon you tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°An honor¡­¡± He looked at the bottom of his empty mug with a disgruntled expression.


    ¡°Perseus look at me.¡± He raised his head with both hands and stared him down. ¡°Becoming a vassal to your king is a great opportunity. If you stay patient and do your work well you may advance to become someone that all of Seriphos can look up to. Your mother will be as proud as Zeus was with Heracles.¡± He let go and smiled. ¡°And so will I.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, master.¡± He truly appreciated those words.


    ¡°If everything goes smoothly, we may be able to go out fishing together afterwards. How does that sound?¡± Dyctis added.


    ¡°Whenever I go to sea with you we get dragged into one of Poseidon¡¯s wrathful fits.¡± Perseus replied unenthused.


    ¡°Are you saying I am cursed?¡± He frowned.


    ¡°We managed to survive thus far, so perhaps it is only a mild one.¡± Now even Perseus managed to smirk.


    ¡°I only rarely ride into storms. It just happens that it occurs most frequently when you are with me.¡±


    ¡°So it is my fault?¡± He snorted.


    ¡°Danae says the gods are on your side, so I will try to remember that next time we almost capsize.¡±


    They were having such leisurely talks in the training quarters. It had been a while since they had both been in here. Dyctis was a fisherman first and foremost, but as the king¡¯s brother he often took over duties that were more appropriate to his standing. Recently he had prepared for another set of festivities with guests from afar. Only half a year had passed since the last one and yet Polydectes was already salivating for more.


    With Perseus¡¯ coming of age ceremony around the corner things would get quite busy for both of them. This jovial spirit that they shared was a mask before the worries that plagued the islanders.


    ¡°Have you decided on your offering yet?¡± Dyctis asked as he polished the tip of his spear.


    ¡°Hrm¡­ I am not sure.¡±


    ¡°You are cutting it awfully close. You know that the king expects an offering from each of his new vassals. With your hunting skills you must be thinking of giving him a trophy.¡±


    ¡°I fear there is nothing on this island that could impress him.¡± Perseus said with a gloomy expression.


    ¡°Did you really set out to impress my brother? A normal gift will be more than enough.¡± He seemed surprised by Perseus ambitiousness.


    ¡°I can¡¯t allow my offering to be outdone by any other.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± The master viewed his student with a contemplative expression, but then simply shrugged and returned his attention to his gear.


    ¡°I wish to be acknowledged by the king.¡±


    ¡°Not out of respect for him I surmise.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Perseus confirmed.


    ¡°My brother has been living a life of turmoil Perseus. I know that he has not treated you like one of our own, but he knows what is best for Seriphos.¡±


    ¡°And what is that?¡± he squinted his eyes.


    ¡°To keep people working together and not cause trouble.¡± Dyctis said firmly and hit his student with the handle of a short sword. ¡°Now put that overflowing energy to some use. I want to see your progress with a blade.¡± He let go of the sword he had grabbed by the flat side of the blade and then pulled a spear from the wall.


    ¡°Our range isn¡¯t equal.¡± Perseus commented as he caught the sword and held it close to his body.


    ¡°If you have time to complain about how unfair your opponent is¡­¡± Dyctis spun the spear with his wrist and then drew a quick arc across the room to make distance between them.


    ¡°¡­I have time to overcome that difference.¡± Perseus completed the lesson and then got ready to fight.


    They clashed heavily and relentlessly for over an hour. Dyctis fought with discipline and stamina that rivaled most Spartans, while Perseus was giving it his best to stay defensive until he could find an opening. Both knew well that the young man had the strength to overcome his master at any time, but by the measure of pure skill, he could not break such an advantageous defense.


    Sweat poured down their chiseled bodies as they kept clashing inside the training room and the rays of the lowering sun made them truly glisten. This excess of energy and violent strength cleared Perseus mind. He felt truly alive when he was engaged in battle and lost all worry to the next strike he deflected and the next strike he performed.


    At the end of their training he finally shattered the spear in two and left his master at the mercy of his sword. The broken wood was covered in countless gashes and it was a miracle that the weapon had withstood the strain for even this long. Even though he had held back his strength in favor of swift slashes, it still turned out this way.


    ¡°It seems¡­ haaah¡­ that as far as dueling is concerned¡­ phew¡­ I may have nothing left to teach you.¡± Dyctis admitted as he dropped the spear halves on the ground and wiped sweat from his eyes.


    ¡°You did not try for my life.¡±


    ¡°Do not decide that on your own. I was aiming for your vulnerable spots all along.¡± He revealed.


    ¡°¡­I see.¡± He truly had not realized it. He thought Dyctis was still just measuring him.


    ¡°You underestimate your own skill. Or perhaps you are putting me on a pedestal? You should be aware that some of the men you defeated before were far more skilled than I.¡± The fisherman had never praised Perseus to this degree before. There was that pride laden smile again. ¡°Tomorrow you will become a defender of Seriphos. The guard will be all the better for it.¡±


    ¡°Will they take me in?¡± He wondered as he put the sword down on a bale of hay.


    ¡°They¡¯d be foolish not to.¡±


    ¡°If I were to impress the king and join the guard, could I become someone that has power over my own actions?¡± He asked with a glint in his eyes.


    ¡°Independence is a right only given to those who prove themselves.¡± His eyes softened. ¡°Give it time.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t have time.¡± Perseus shook his head.


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Master, are you ignoring the king¡¯s actions because he is your brother?¡± He suddenly cut deeply.


    ¡°What is this about? Ignoring his actions?¡± He didn¡¯t seem pleased of the accusation.


    ¡°Master Dyctis.¡± The young man looked his mentor directly in the eye. ¡°You like my mother, do you not?¡±


    ¡°She is a dear friend.¡± He replied truthfully.


    ¡°Mother holds you dear as well. I can see it in her smile when you two talk. You are the only one she confides in.¡±


    Dyctis looked troubled and averted his gaze. That send a sting through the boy¡¯s eye, straight to his mind.


    ¡°The king is extending his arms around mother. He is becoming bolder every day. She cannot deny him because of our debt. Are you saying you did not notic-¡°


    ¡°Quiet boy. There are things you may not say inside the palace. Those words are dangerously close to defamation.¡± He cut him off harshly.


    But this only served to enrage Perseus more. Now he felt the heat run through his veins and his eyes became filled with pain.


    ¡°You are all we had. I am thankful for your guiding hand, for the kindness you showed us.¡± He put a hand to his chest and gave him a barely suppressed frown. ¡°But if you are not going to protect mother, then I will do it in your stead.¡±


    With that declaration he brushed past Dyctis and left the training room, only stopping briefly to pick up his clothes.


    The fisherman was left behind with a subtle expression of regret.


    <hr>


    The next day the ceremony was scheduled for the zenith of the sun. Perseus rose early from his bedstead and took in the fresh morning breeze at the window. Today he would make good on his promise to the scholar from Athens.


    He grabbed his leather garments that he had sewed from animal hides he got from his hunts and then made his way through the halls. The palace was positively abuzz with the coming festivities pushing servants to action. The quarters that Perseus and Danae slept in were rather quiet however. To be nearly empty at dawn¡­ there really was no time to spare for anyone.


    His feet took him to the storage room outside the palace where he had hid his most precious trump card that would define the future. He moved the huge wooden bar that blocked the door with his immense strength and then hurriedly slipped inside. The place was filled with stale air as there were no windows or gaps for air to circulate. A large chest was buried among dozens of trophies that had been seemingly carelessly piled up without care.


    This was just a distraction of course. He pushed boar tusks and fish scales aside to uncover the chest. He pulled the lid open and looked inside. Even in the weak light from the gap in the door he could see the ashen glow clearly. His hands touched the soft fur and carefully raised it out of the chest.


    A boar hide unlike any other was spread in the air. It was of a divine white and the size of a lion. This beast had roamed an island to the south that he had accidentally discovered during one of his fishing trips. It was said that white hides were a sign of a godly blessing and beasts that wore this divine skin would either bring a great boon or catastrophe upon the lands.


    This boar in particular was vicious and mighty. Perseus had taken an entire day to wrestle it down and finally break its enormous neck. Despite the magnitude of this feat he had not shared this knowledge with anyone. This hide would gain him the acknowledgement he needed from the king.


    ¡°It must.¡± He reassured himself and put it back into the chest. The king was a man who loved nothing more than a heroic tale and exorbitant gifts. He was a vain man that could not deny a favor when faced with such a unique and desirable trophy. Anything that could impress his many guests during a festivity would be infinitely tantalizing to him.


    With his mind elsewhere Perseus closed up the shed and threw the wooden beam back down and wiped his dirty hands on some rag.


    ¡°What are you going here brat?¡±


    Perseus muscles tensed up as he heard the familiar and displeased voice call from behind him. He took care not to turn around immediately and instead pretended to be inspecting some cargo that was badly tied up on a pile.


    ¡°I am talkin¡¯ to you, you worthless scumbag.¡± The guard was now right behind him and glared down his neck.


    ¡°Just inspecting the storage. The king has many important guests who are in need of proper accommodation.¡± He said dryly and turned around to be eye to eye with the disheveled guardsman.


    ¡°This ain¡¯t any of your business, aye? Does you think ya can just gain the king¡¯s favor by actin¡¯ like a quartermaster?¡± He reeked of cheap wine and sleepless nights. Seeing his every mole and scar from close-up was no joy either.


    ¡°That was not my intention.¡± He replied courtly and moved past the man. He was all too familiar with this man and his companion. They had the duty to guard the gate and had always hated Perseus. They were the main reason why joining the king¡¯s guard would be a troublesome. After his outburst during the night of the last festivities he had tried his hardest not to antagonize them again, but they were not the type to ever forget or forgive.


    ¡°Parasite.¡± The guard spat on the ground and watched him leave with a piercing glare.


    It was just a word, so Perseus tried not to let it bother him. If he had not been so focused on the upcoming most pivotal moment of his life he might have questioned why the guard was taking this unusual patrol route¡­


    <hr>


    The shouting and singing from the main hall were as loud as ever when Perseus entered. All around him were foreigners and servants walking from and through the throne room, taking food from the tables and laughing in merriment. This sight had become so common that it lost all its luster on the young man. This excess and debauchery were perhaps a delight to a follower of Dionysus, but to a warrior it seemed like no more than an excuse to get drunk.


    The king was surrounded by men who were sucking up to him relentlessly and gave offerings to him by the wagonload. He was telling them stories of other guests that had come by and loved to boast about what kind of aristocrats and heroes had walked his halls. To Perseus relief he did not see his mother anywhere near that center of trouble.


    ¡°There you are!¡± Ajax came running over after spotting him from the lower class tables outside the open hall. He was dressed in a chiton for once, which seemed rather out of place. His somewhat boyish appearance was well suited for this get-up, but he had dirt all over his nose and hands like usual. He must have worked until just a short while ago.


    ¡°Ajax, you should clean yourself up before wearing white.¡± He smiled ever so slightly and handed him a wet rag that a servant was carrying past them.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    ¡°R-right, sorry.¡± He began to wipe and then immediately changed his mind. ¡°T-this isn`t about me, it¡¯s y-your big day! Congratulations on becoming a man!¡± His friend was truly overjoyed and raised his fist in joy.


    The coming of age ceremony. The day on which he was born. The day on which he was finally accepted as an adult who would serve his king. Until Ajax overjoyed congratulations he had barely even registered it.


    ¡°Thank you. I look forward to your ceremony next year.¡± He replied slightly flustered.


    ¡°Zeretos and grandfather won¡¯t throw a feast for me. Nothing w-will really change after all.¡± He laughed awkwardly and rubbed his dirty nose.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. Your duty is important as we-¡° He was about to reassure his friend when he spotted someone over his shoulder.


    She had carried some fine wine to the crowd and then walked leisurely across the hall. Her flowing festive garments were something to behold. All men around her were stopping their idle conversation to follow her with their eyes. Danae always drew the crowd¡¯s attention with her youthful beauty.


    ¡°Mother.¡± Perseus called out to her and she immediately beamed a smile at him.


    ¡°You look so presentable today my son.¡± She grabbed his cheeks and pressed her forehead against his. ¡°You really are your father¡¯s son.¡± She said almost involuntarily.


    ¡°¡­¡± Perseus stayed silent and let her fawn over him like any mother would. The mention of his father was rare and brought him no joy. Danae avoided this topic however she could, but moments like these made her forget her caution. It was the pride of a mother that could not be contained.


    ¡°And you really need to clean up your face Ajax.¡± She added after finally letting go of her pride and joy. She grabbed the rag from the boy¡¯s hand and wiped his face.


    ¡°I-I can d-do it myself Lady Danae!¡± He hastily tried to wind out of her attack.


    ¡°Mother, have you seen Dyctis?¡± Perseus asked quietly.


    ¡°He should be with the king I believe. He said that he was looking forward to your audience.¡± She explained and finally managed to clean the dirty nose with force.


    He looked towards the king and his men. It was hard to make out anyone below the throne. Was Dyctis really there?


    ¡°Perseus.¡± Her soft voice pulled him back to where they stood. ¡°If you had an argument you simply need to apologize.¡±


    ¡°Who said-¡° He wished to refute her, but her eyes were too perceptive.


    ¡°I raised you to be an honest man. You know that to accept one¡¯s faults is the greatest show of courage.¡±


    ¡°Yes mother.¡± He lowered his head in shame.


    ¡°You are too serious my dear.¡± She chuckled and pushed a flower into the gap of his belt. ¡°There will be plenty time to furrow brows and groan when you become an old man. For now you must live and laugh.¡±


    ¡°Haha.¡± He had to chuckle as well when seeing her pretty smile. She always knew how to blow his worries away. To make sure that she could keep smiling this way, he could not allow himself to slip up.


    Against all odds he was drawn in by the atmosphere and Ajax awful attempt at singing. Some of the servants and the boy¡¯s friends joined them and made a big spectacle of it all. Perseus momentarily forgot his worries and just clapped his hands in rhythm with everyone else, laughing when a man collapsed after chugging an entire barrel of wine and dancing with some of the servant girls that seemed to be mustering their courage today.


    Could happiness like this truly last?


    Eventually the sun hit the zenith and the loud festivities died down slightly. Aside from Perseus two other boys had become men today and were already swearing fealty to their king. Their humble offerings did not impress the king, but they were not important enough to even be acknowledged anyway. Dyctis was the one who took their vows and handled the procedure.


    Finally it was Perseus turn. He walked through the split crowd and made his way to the throne. Then he fell on one knee and looked up to Polydectes, king of Seriphos. A man with a beard as long as his arm and eyes filled with a mix of sharpness and rejection. As usual sparks seemed to flying between them.


    ¡°Perseus, son of Danae and a valued guest of the king has today reached his age of maturity. He has come before him to swear his eternal loyalty to his highness and accept service.¡± Dyctis spoke solemnly and loudly. The crowd was giving mixed reactions. Somewhere tense and swallowed as they knew of the tension between king and guest, while others seemed fascinated by the young man¡¯s charismatic pose.


    ¡°I took you in alongside your mother when you were nearly frozen to death and starving. Danae has been an invaluable guest that has enriched my court with her beauty and elegance.¡± The king spoke slowly and leaned his face on his fist as he looked down on Perseus. ¡°I expect that you will offer me something of equal value with your service. Useless men have no place on Seriphos.¡±


    ¡°I swear to be a man that keeps his word and honor, my king.¡±


    ¡°Honor? Hmph.¡± He scoffed.


    ¡°And of course I also have prepared an offering that is befitting of your greatness.¡± He added seriously.


    ¡°Oh?¡± With that alluring bait the king¡¯s deep displeasure was replaced by greedy expectation.


    ¡°As a man who shall be your greatest asset and someone worthy of your full trust, I will offer you the trophy of a monstrous beast that you have never possessed before!¡± He declared loudly and made the audience gasp in excitement.


    ¡°Very well, yes, I shall be quite impressed if you can bring forth such an enticing gift.¡± The king was in an unusually good mood now and seemed to be salivating for this rare morsel.


    Just as Perseus had hoped, the king¡¯s desire for fame surpassed his dislike of him. This would guarantee him a position in the king¡¯s court that gave him enough influence to protect his mother!


    ¡°I have hidden it away in a safe place. Allow me to produce it for you right away.¡± He rose to his feet and readied himself to return to the shed. All eyes were on him and the king nodded impatiently.


    As Perseus walked past his mother and Ajax who both seemed curious he shot them a smile.


    ¡°F-FIRE!¡± Suddenly a servant came running into the hall and shouted loudly. The guards grabbed him by the neck and dragged him back, but he kept shouting in panic. ¡°The yard is on fire! Someone laid fire to the outer buildings!¡±


    ¡°What is this nonsense?¡± The king clicked his tongue.


    ¡°He¡¯s exaggerating my king.¡± The guard captain said with a disgusted expression as she kicked the servant down. Some old shed caught fire for some reason. We already put the flames out.¡±


    ¡°Then be gone already. Such minor incidents do not concern us.¡± Polydectes mood worsened and he waved them away.


    Perseus was feeling a cold sweat run down his back. The guard who was dragging the servant away gave him a malicious toothless smile.


    He was the man that Perseus had knocked down all those months back. One of the guard duo that he always clashed with. That toothless smile made him feel nauseous all of a sudden.


    Without another word he sprinted out the main door and rushed down the hallways.


    The guard who had seen him this morning had been in such an odd place. He had not noticed him until he left the shed.


    He ran so fast that everything became a blur.


    There had been no sight of his toothless partner. Why would they be separated? Why would they wait for him at the shed?


    He breathed heavily as his sandals hit the sandy ground of the yard and he breathed in the smoke filled air. The sun was blocked out by dark clouds. There was a stinking ruin of a fallen in shed before him. The wooden construction had made excellent fuel for the greedy flames.


    With a jittering hand he tossed aside cracking black wood and squinted his eyes at the stinging smoke. The fire had been put out by servant with water and sand, but they all taken their distance when seeing the desperate young man come their way. Nobody had tempered with the contents of the ruined shed yet, so there was still hope. There had to be hope!


    He kicked over the singed remains of pelts and hides and dug through the rubble to get to his chest. The chest was sturdy, so perhaps it had survived the collapse. He was certain that it did-


    His eyes widened as he reach the bottom. What he saw broke his spirit.


    The chest was open. Before they had laid fire to the shed they had made sure to expose the treasure. The blackened coarse remains of the white hide were curled up like singed papyrus. It barely resembled the beautiful treasure it once was.


    Perseus sank to his knees inside the ashes and just stared ahead aimlessly.


    Something began swelling inside his chest. Dread. But not just that. Anger, fury and a desire for vengeance. He crushed a bronze buckler next to him and rose to his feet. He would find those guards and put them to justice!


    In his fury he burst out of the ruined door and moved straight back to the palace. Of course he was headed back to the throne room were the two would gleefully await his return. He would turn those leering smiles into frowns. The door to the hall was violently thrown aside as he entered, drawing the crowd¡¯s attention again.


    What he saw made his anger die down and just leave cold embers.


    The guards stood next to the king. Their haughty smiles were worse than before. Polydectes was glaring at his loud entrance and looked down on him as well.


    It dawned on him right then. Those guards were not standing there by coincidence. This was a message to him directly. Something that only he could understand. The depth of the shrewdness that the old king¡¯s exuded finally reached Perseus.


    ¡°You kept me waiting. Where is the offering your promised?¡± The king asked dismissively. His tone¡­ he did not truly expect anything, did he?


    ¡°You¡­¡± Perseus swallowed his despair and kept looking ahead with all his might. ¡°The fire has destroyed it.¡± He admitted. The crowd chattered loudly and some of the guests even laughed.


    ¡°Even the gods would not be able to create such a farfetched tale. You will lie to your king? You will take me for a fool? To promise something so grand and then tell me that a small fire has destroyed it just as you were to hand it to me!¡± Polydectes raised his hands and looked across the audience who all began to laugh.


    ¡°It is no lie.¡± Perseus replied stiffly.


    ¡°Danae, my sweet Danae, your boy is truly a disappointment.¡± Polydectes called out the woman who had been looked towards him with worry and then waved her over. She hesitantly walked up to the throne. ¡°It is no fault of yours of course. A bad apple will often come from a crooked tree. His father must have been worthless indeed.¡± He grabbed Danae by her hip and pulled her next to him. ¡°I have decided. I shall grant you a son that is far more worthy of your love!¡±


    The guests began to applaud and shout with some delay and then they truly erupted. The king had just declared that he would take Danae as his wife and let her bear the next king. What joyous news. The woman¡¯s stiff expression did not seem to bother anyone.


    Dyctis seemed shocked and speechless. He stood close to his brother and just looked on like he had been struck across the face.


    Then all eyes returned to Perseus as he loudly stomped unto the wooden floor. He left a crack inside it. His eyes were covered in the shadows of the pillars. His hand was stretched forward.


    ¡°My king.¡± He spoke with a deep voice. ¡°I apologize for my mistake. There is nothing that I want more than to please you. I have not spoken a single lie today. My offering truly was lost. But as a man, as someone worthy of your trust ¨C I shall give you something else instead. Whatever you desire, I will bring it to you!¡±


    Polydectes let go of Danae and looked down on the young man who so desperately called out to him. He went through his long beard and then a malicious smirk crept up his lips.


    ¡°I remember now something that I was told a few moons ago. It is regrettable, truly, but my good friend Typhos of Bisanthe seems to have failed on his expedition. As I told my valued guests, this man was to retrieve a trophy like no other for me. A promise made so lightly that death could stop it is really worth nothing, is it?¡± He lamented exaggeratedly. ¡°He wished to slay a monster of infamy, the Gorgon itself. Can you believe it? He found this legendary creature and took with him three warships filled to the brim with able warriors. To those distant shores he sailed for the sake of glory. In the end this glory was not his to gain.¡±


    The crowd laughed and agreed loudly.


    Perseus eyes became sharp and he knew what would happen next. He took a knee and pushed his fist against the ground.


    ¡°Very well boy, if you wish to impress me and make up for your lies and blunders¡­ Slay the legendary Gorgon and bring its head before me!¡±


    ¡°It will be done.¡± Perseus replied without hesitation.


    ¡°Hahaha, he has a legendary mouth on him at least.¡± Polydectes shouted and his court laughed.


    ¡°Until I return, I wish to make one request. As a reward for my services.¡± Perseus spoke with his head lowered. He could not even look that vile king in the eye.


    ¡°Making demands before you have anything to show for yourself? Impudence.¡±


    ¡°My king, I love my mother dearly. To see her wed before I return would greatly sadden me.¡± He spoke carefully and then gave an intense look at Dyctis. ¡°I only ask that you wait with the ceremony until my return from the quest.¡±


    ¡°What if you fail? Am I to wait until someone picks up your corpse from the cursed isle? Do not make such unreasonable demands-¡°


    ¡°My king.¡± Dyctis suddenly spoke up and put a hand on the throne. ¡°A vow of this magnitude deserves some compensation. In the name of honor you should grant Perseus a period of time to fulfill his task and return to you.¡±


    ¡°You are a man of integrity brother.¡± Polydectes looked slightly disgruntled, then sighed deeply. ¡°I shall grant you the same span of time that Typhos had. Four lunar cycles. In four months Danae and I shall be wed!¡±


    The cheers were numb to Perseus ears as he bowed his head before the king and then moved out of the hall.


    <hr>


    The boat was swaying in the waves crushing against the beach. It looked not too sturdy. Just like all the others on this pier it was made for short fishing trips, not for crossing the ocean. There was no telling what would happen if a storm caught this walnut shell in its strong armed grasp.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go.¡± Danae said with tear filled eyes.


    ¡°I gave my word.¡± Perseus replied without looking at her.


    ¡°But-¡°


    ¡°Danae, your son is a warrior now. He has chosen his path and to stop now would be the end of his life as well.¡± Dyctis held her back by the shoulder and she turned his way and hugged him for support.


    ¡°Master¡­ no, Dyctis. I ask you to make sure that mother is safe until I return.¡± He said as he put a sack unto the small boat.


    ¡°I give you my word.¡± He nodded. ¡°It may be a perilous journey, but I know that you are the most capable man in the Aegean.¡±


    He knew that Dyctis truly meant those words, but being a skilled fighter did not make him a monster slayer. Doubts were not allowed to him anymore however.


    ¡°Do you even know where to find the Gorgon?¡± Danae asked and wiped her tears.


    ¡°I do not.¡± He shook his head. ¡°But I know someone who did.¡± He grabbed the rope tighter and thought back to that fateful night.


    ¡°You are headed for Athens then?¡±


    ¡°Yes. That man came from Athens, so he should have left some information behind. I may also ask Athena for wisdom while I am there.¡± He finished the preparations and put one sandal on the boat.


    ¡°My son¡­ the gods will surely be on your side.¡± Danae assured him with an unexpected certainty.


    ¡°I would rather fight with my own strength.¡± His lips were shaking as he kept his back turned to them. ¡°But if it means saving you I will even climb Mount Olympus to find a way.¡±


    ¡°All I wanted for you is to live a good life.¡± His mother said with a soft expression. ¡°Please, if you ever find yourself unable to finish the task, do not be afraid to relent. You don¡¯t have to save me. The king is not a bad man-¡± Before she could finish her appeal Dyctis stopped her softly and shook his head.


    ¡°The king is no man of honor.¡± He saw the image of the smiling guards and the malicious king¡¯s eyes in his head. ¡°That is why I must be better than him.¡±


    ¡°Perseus¡­¡± She lowered her head and relented first.


    ¡°I will return with the Gorgon¡¯s head. Please¡­ do not shed any tears for me while I am gone.¡± That was his only request as he stepped onto the boat.


    ¡°I promise.¡± Danae accepted it with a strong voice. She was incredible, he thought.


    It was time to become a monster slayer and make a name for himself.


    ¡°PERSEUUUUS!¡± The shout from uphill caught all of them off-guard. He did still not dare turn around, but he knew that loud voice. He had thought they would not see each other again until it was done. ¡°Waaaait! Don¡¯t leave meeee!¡±


    ¡°Ajax, what is the meaning of this?¡± Dyctis seemed shocked for some reason.


    ¡°Haaha¡­ waah¡­ you forgot something you big fool!¡± The young man had ran all the way to the boat and seemed ready to keel over from something heavy on his shoulders.


    ¡°¡­¡± Perseus could not turn around. Not even for him.


    ¡°You forgot¡­ your friend¡­!¡± A heavy load was thrown unto the boat and he suddenly felt someone push against his side.


    ¡°You¡­¡± His eyes widened as he saw the smiling boy at his side.


    ¡°I won¡¯t l-let you sail o-off on your own! What is a boat w-without a lookout?¡± He was so clearly forcing himself. Sweat was not the only thing running down his face. There was also blood and tears.


    ¡°But your father-?¡±


    ¡°I told him I would leave.¡± He said seriously. ¡°And he c-couldn¡¯t stop me!¡± He wiped the blood from his nose and then settled down on the shaking boat.


    Perseus felt a wave of emotion splash across his mind and he balled his fist to not lose it. He was really¡­ happy.


    ¡°We will be going into death¡¯s maw and back.¡±


    ¡°B-bring it on!¡±


    ¡°We might have to eat insects and dirt to survive.¡±


    ¡°C-can¡¯t be worse than Zeretos¡¯ b-broth.¡±


    ¡°You are an unbelievable fool.¡± Perseus sighed and then loosened the rope tying them to Seriphos. ¡°As you can see I am in good company. So await our return mother; Dyctis.¡± He finally looked at them with a reassuring smile.


    They set off from the pier and unto the ocean. The route to Athens was well known. Their first step to the Gorgon was the easiest one.


    The future on Seriphos was uncertain, but it would be shaped by this man, Perseus own hands.


    <hr><hr>


    The present of Sarpedon was uncertain. The dry hands of the Gorgon pushed aside the fabric of the tent.


    ¡°Perseus?¡± Eugenia asked quietly.


    ¡°Who is he?¡± The Gorgon inquired standing tall behind her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t¡­ know.¡± The girl seemed confused.


    ¡°He must be important.¡± She insisted and curled her tail around uneasily.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I do not know.¡± She replied in frustration. This was going nowhere.


    ¡°W-wait, I remember something.¡± Eugenia let go of whatever she had been holding and stored it back inside a pouch. Then she meekly turned to Medusa. ¡°There was a famous king. The legends say he was the founder of Mycenae.¡±


    ¡°Mycenae?¡± She did not recognize that name.


    ¡°It was the greatest kingdom in the world once, they say. It fell apart a few hundred years ago and now the sovereign cities rule most of the world.¡± She explained with a concentrated expression. She seemed to recall lessons from long ago.


    ¡°So this Perseus was some king centuries ago?¡± She crossed her arms below her bosom. ¡°Is he immortal?¡±


    ¡°Not that I know. He died in his sleep and let his son succeed him according to the inscriptions on his tomb.¡± She tilted her head to the side at the odd question.


    ¡°It cannot be him then.¡± A dead man was no threat. Aphrodite¡¯s ominous words haunted her, but she doubted that she spoke of an actual haunting.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Now the girl had gotten curious.


    ¡°It does not concern you.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± She flinched at the cold response. She curled up inside the tent and was shaking.


    Medusa scolded herself internally. She was so focused on this Perseus that she had forgotten about their situation. The last time they spoke Eugenia had cried and begged for forgiveness. The Gorgon was not capable of dealing with this awkward atmosphere.


    Aphrodite had messed with them so much¡­ perhaps even this warning only served to cause discord. Did the goddess of fertility have any need of such petty revenge, though? Too many conflicting thoughts tried to wrestle each other in the Gorgon¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Medusa¡­ I am sorry for what I said in the lair...¡± Eugenia honestly apologized with a shaking voice.


    ¡°It was not your own doing.¡± She closed her eyes and tried to ignore the pesky memory.


    ¡°I felt you slip away. These visions were so real. You were all alone on that hill.¡± She swallowed her fears and kept talking. ¡°Even so, I should never have told you to¡­ to betray the vow you made.¡± She could not even say the actual words again, in fear of enraging the snake woman.


    ¡°Eugenia, you are a foolishly honest girl.¡± Medusa looked upon her arched back with sympathy. ¡°You are still a child, so you will make mistakes.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true¡­ you will never acknowledge me as a woman.¡± She nodded into her pulled up knees.


    ¡°I did not say that. Why do you need to be so complicated?¡± She huffed and swished her tail across the ground in irritation.


    ¡°I am sorry.¡±


    ¡°Quit apologizing. If you always defer to others you will never reach your own goals.¡± She was conflicted. To encourage this girl was going against her own goals as well. Their wishes were opposed, in a way. Then why did she always feel the need to support this struggling human?


    ¡°I hurt you.¡±


    ¡°So did I!¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Her ears perked up in surprise.


    ¡°I meant to say¡­ you have suffered as well. It is an equal give and take in that way.¡± What nonsense was she spouting now?!


    ¡°Then we are even?¡± Eugenia wondered.


    ¡°Not utterly. You still did not apologize for growing those horrendous trees on my island.¡± She pointed at the olive trees around the new garden.


    ¡°Haha¡­ hahahahaha!¡° The foolish girl burst out laughing for some reason and made Medusa feel like a jester. How dare she? ¡°This is what I love about you.¡± She said honestly and stood up before her.


    ¡°You are growing bold again already.¡± Was she not recovering far too quickly?


    ¡°Maybe neither of us wants to change too much.¡± She admitted. ¡°I believe we can find a solution for both our problems if we just stick together.¡±


    ¡°My¡­ problem?¡± She had no idea what this was about. She glanced at the trees.


    ¡°Not the olives.¡±


    ¡°I was not thinking of them.¡±


    ¡°I can hear your tail curl around the pillar. That means you are lying.¡±


    ¡°Oh really? I would be impressed if you could prove that.¡± She put up a strong front, but instinctively pulled her tail away from the pillar in surprise.


    ¡°You would just lie again if I did.¡± She smirked.


    ¡°Is this really the same human that wondered if lying is a deathly sin?¡±


    ¡°I said lying to yourself is the greatest crime.¡± She put a hand to Medusa¡¯s cheek and the snake hair curled around her arm instinctively. These brats had grown too fond of her. ¡°You are honest about who you are now, right?¡±


    ¡°Naturally. I am the Gorgon who kills pesky humans that invade my exile.¡± She replied with her fangs exposed.


    ¡°That is one side.¡± She nodded sadly.


    ¡°I am no coin. There is only one side on me. What you see is what you will receive.¡±


    They stayed like this for a while, until Eugenia¡¯s arm grew tired and she let it sink down across Medusa¡¯s body. The snakes only let go after Medusa glared at them.


    ¡°What I see.¡± She spoke softly.


    ¡°Enough wordplay. You have been hiding something from me in there. Out with it.¡± She pointed her tail at the pouch inside the tent.


    ¡°Eh? Uhm¡­ w-what do you mean? I can¡¯t see it.¡± That thoughtful expression crumbled in an instant.


    ¡°Shall I pry it out of your frail little hands?¡±


    ¡°That is despotic.¡±


    ¡°I am a monster after all.¡±


    ¡°It was a gift! Why do you always have to pry?¡± She pouted.


    ¡°That is rich coming from you.¡± She shrugged and let it go for now. They had plenty of time. Just the two of them.


    Until this Perseus arrived. This worry would not leave her mind. A single man could not stand up to her. Not even an army had managed that. Only one kind of chosen one could be so mighty that the gods were warning her about him.


    A hero.


    Ba-dump!


    Her face twisted as her chest seemed to tear itself open. The twisted snake like eyes became blurry and red. Her entire body convulsed and she suddenly saw her skin covered in scales. It was like her skin was torn away by the exploding monstrous body below. Everything became dark for an instant and her body was on fire.


    ¡°-dusa¡­ Medusa!¡± Eugenia¡¯s concerned cries finally dragged her back to reality.


    ¡°Mgh¡­¡± She held her head as if it was about to burst in half. The snake hair was snapping its fangs at the air all around like they were rabid. What was that? Her mind was murky now.


    ¡°You scared me.¡± Eugenia admitted and put a hand on her wrist. Bad idea. Medusa felt horrible instinct to snap her arm off like a twig. It took all her self-control to stop herself.


    Medusa was taking a few shallow breaths to calm down. These fits¡­ she hadn¡¯t experienced them since she had recovered from her grievous injuries caused by the punishment. No, this was far worse. It was not just her body that was hurting, it was her sense of self as well. For a moment... for just a quick moment she saw Eugenia as prey.


    It deeply disturbed her heart.


    Perhaps she had overstrained the curse too much when she froze Aphrodite. The repercussions¡­


    ¡°Speak to me.¡±


    The clear voice cut through the murky mud of her hazy mind.


    ¡°Medusa, tell me what you feel.¡± Eugenia was not afraid. She was not backing away. This voice was like a spell that forced back the shade.


    ¡°It is just some nausea. I overstrained myself yesterday.¡± She spoke slowly.


    ¡°Are you scared?¡±


    ¡°Wha-?¡± The very question was insulting! But before she realized it she had curled up on the ground and leaned her face against the girl¡¯s humble chest.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened, but you are safe. This is a safe place.¡± Eugenia repeated while stroking her face.


    ¡°¡­¡± Medusa felt unbelievably tired all of a sudden and lost herself to that voice.


    <hr>


    Eugenia sat still as Medusa¡¯s head was pressed against her. The large snake tail was wound around the tent and blocked the exit. She listened to the rhythmic breathing of the woman she loved.


    The pain she had felt when she realized how she hurt her had already faded. It was replaced by something else. A deep worry. For just a moment she had felt her life was in danger. The same way a hare would feel when a snake was about to ram its fangs into it. Medusa¡¯s entire presence had changed and she could have sworn to hear a thousand scales pop across her. Yet the slumbering Gorgon was entirely covered in soft skin on her lap.


    Medusa had many ill fits over the time they had known each other. Sometimes from injuries, sometimes for unknown reasons. But never once had Eugenia felt like she was in danger.


    The thing she feared most in this world¡­ was fear itself. To fear Medusa.


    Instinctively she had spoken to her like she would a child that was scared of nightmares. Somehow that felt right. Perhaps once those ¡®nightmares¡¯ ended Medusa would be back to her old self and complain about being treated like a child. She could already imagine her getting up and frowning about resting on her lap. All that pride was going to be hurt.


    Eugenia smiled.


    ¡°Perseus.¡± The former priestess repeated a name she had only known from temple studies. Medusa¡¯s current state may have been connected to that name. If that was the case then she would not allow this name to hurt her beloved Gorgon any further.


    A nightmare died once the sleeper was forced awake after all.


    The blind woman was preparing herself to do what must be done. Her sentiments were not too different from the hero that sailed towards Athens with the same determined face.

 Chapter 59: Eugenia and the dream

    It was a fickle thing, the human heart. For as many times as it beat there was a new change in it. From the irregular drumming of fear to the heightened pounding of passion to the near stillness of melancholy.


    To the human woman Eugenia, the heart was a mysterious thing indeed. She only perceived it when it was not working right; when she felt uneasy or incredibly stirred. Every time she left the lair she felt a different emotion. It was getting more unnerving, more unpredictable.


    Was this fear or excitement? Was it sadness or anticipation?


    Her sandals stepped outside the door and her skin was greeted by warm sunlight. The cool and stagnant lair was left behind once again to make way for moving air. It was a relief, there was no doubt about it. She did not have much time, so she needed to get her tasks over with quickly.


    She took a water skin from her tent and went to fill it quickly. She greedily drank from the reservoir and wiped her sweaty face. It felt like she had been suffocated in an unrelenting heat for an endless time. It was nothing like the heat of the sun however. This flame came from deep inside the one who had coiled around her and never allowed her to escape.


    A low rumbling went through the ground. It was not subtle enough to go by unnoticed by the girl¡¯s soles.


    ¡°Out of time?¡± She whispered as she wiped her face. Last time she had at least managed to keep away for half a day. Did the intervals shorten? Eugenia hastily climbed out of the underground reservoir and back to the surface, but to her relief the rumbling stopped before she even made it to the lair.


    For now she still had some time it seemed. Knowing this now, she returned to the tent and rummaged through the goods. She still had some reserves left over and the garden was surprisingly fruitful this time of year. Perhaps this was another side-effect of Aphrodite¡¯s blessing¡­


    Thinking of the goddess of fertility immediately drew her attention to the small pouch hidden below the chest in the corner of the tent. This was a source of constant unease for her, yet also an incredible beacon of hope. The heart truly was fickle.


    She thought back on that night.


    <hr>


    ¡°The little snake avoids you, makes attempts at futile escapes and diversions, does she not?¡± Aphrodite asked all of a sudden.


    They were lying inside the tent in a spooning embrace, much to the girl¡¯s confusion. The goddess was far from shy about physical contact of course, but she didn¡¯t seem to have any need for sleep. This is what Eugenia realized after unsuccessfully trying to doze off next to her. She would steadily shift her body around and press against Eugenia¡¯s back, making it incredibly heart to stay tranquil.


    And now this troublesome guest was asking her strange questions in the middle of the night. She must have been keenly aware that Eugenia had not been able to drift off.


    ¡°Medusa¡­ has pushed me away sometimes. But that is my fault for overstepping her boundaries.¡± Eugenia muttered under the blanket.


    ¡°Oh dear, you are far too careful of a coward¡¯s dull thorns. I will give you some beautiful advice on how to capture the snake¡¯s heart.¡± She chuckled ominously. Or perhaps that was just her natural laugh.


    ¡°Is it really that easy?¡± She wondered.


    Aphrodite took a sensual breath next to Eugenia¡¯s ear and then whispered. ¡°Would you rather have insurance?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡± Her heart skipped a beat.


    ¡°I will help you achieve it with your own appeal, minor as it may be. Yet even I have to admit that it may not matter whether you can capture her heart with wiles alone.¡± She traced her finger across Eugenia¡¯s neck and touched her collar bones. ¡°In the end this is a beast far different from man. She has deep roots inside her soul that will not be pulled out with your bare hands. As those vines wind around her heart and petrify from her curse, breaking them off may even break the heart itself.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand¡­¡± She admitted.


    ¡°To win the snake¡¯s heart may not be enough. To win her soul is the true goal.¡± Aphrodite turned on her back and playfully raised her legs into the air. ¡°She may run, she may hide and she may leave you behind. To save herself or to protect you, I cannot say.¡±


    ¡°Medusa is going to¡­¡±


    ¡°That is if you let her.¡±


    ¡°How could I impose my will on her?¡±


    ¡°Are you asking if it can be done or if it should be done?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t want to force her to do anything.¡±


    ¡°We will see about that.¡± She grinned in the traces of moonlight that went through the holes in the tent. ¡°Imagine you were forcefully torn apart. If she went to a place beyond your human reach, what would you do?¡±


    Eugenia¡¯s mouth turned downwards as a deep sadness assailed her. Her heart told her that this was something she had feared all along. If Medusa banished her from the island or if she ran from her exile, what could a human girl do to stop her? How could she chase her into the very oceans or the distant lands beyond even them?


    ¡°It is no sin to fret and falter. For that is what makes you mortal rather than divine. Then if a mortal comes to the conclusion of the road, the failure of their struggles and the end of their wit, who do they turn to?¡±


    ¡°The gods.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡± She nodded appreciative of Eugenia¡¯s quick uptake. ¡°Therefore I shall grant you this ephemeral favor of the divine. A last resort should the snake leave you behind.¡±


    For just a moment the air seemed to sizzle inside the tent and the electrifying feeling forced Eugenia to raise her torso upwards and writhe. It was something so intense that the light penetrated beyond sight and entered the mind, so even the blind girl could witness it. As quickly as it came, the feeling left and a numb darkness returned.


    ¡°This is my gift.¡± Aphrodite pushed her finger against Eugenia¡¯s collar again, but it tapped something new above her skin.


    ¡°Wha- a necklace?¡± She had not even noticed it appear on her neck until the goddess had touched it. She hastily rubbed over it with her fingers to tell its shape. It seemed to be made from some unknown material that felt as cool as metal. The stone at the front that slipped right over her chest was smooth and quite large. It could have been a precious stone, not that Eugenia could tell.


    ¡°If the snake ever runs away, pray to this necklace and she shall be returned to your side.¡±


    ¡°Anywhere?¡±


    ¡°There is no place in this world that she may hide.¡± Aphrodite confirmed with a gracious smile.


    ¡°Against her will?¡±


    ¡°It matters not.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t do that.¡± Eugenia shook her head and then pulled off the necklace. Just as she was going to hand it back her fingers clutched around it on their own.


    ¡°Oh? Do you really mean that?¡± The goddess was eyeing her intently. The necklace did not leave the girl¡¯s hand and just dangled inside the night air, alluringly reflecting the pale moonlight.


    ¡°...I cannot force my will on Medusa. I appreciate your advice and support¡­ but¡­¡± Her arm was shaking. It was like an invisible hand held her in place, not allowing her to let go.


    ¡°It is a gift, not a curse.¡± The goddess said snidely and then leaned back onto the pillows. ¡°You may return it if you truly mean it and only then.¡±


    Her words hit Eugenia hard. Realization dawned that she did not want to let go. This irrational fear that was always at the back of her mind would not relent. If they were separated again¡­ she may not have been able to meet her ever again. That could not happen. She would not ever forgive herself for letting that happen.


    ¡°I am so selfish.¡± She realized and sank into the furs and pillows, disgusted of herself.


    ¡°Perhaps. From my perspective this only makes you a good match for the snake.¡± Her reply was as above it all as one might have expected from a goddess. ¡°A warning to the selfish human then: Do not squander my gift lightly. It will only work its miracle once. No more, no less.¡±


    This gift that could only be used once¡­


    <hr>


    ¡­was already inside her hands again. The pendant was cold and slick. Something about its make was just supernatural. There was comfort in such pristine creation, she thought.


    A pendant that would return Medusa to her, no matter where she went. Could this be her salvation? Could it even return her from a place that nobody could reach¡­ from her dreams?


    Eugenia returned the sacred gift back to the pouch and rose up. She could not accept this conclusion. There had to be something else she could do than gamble on the gods¡¯ vague favors. She would return to Medusa¡¯s side to solve this herself.


    With that renewed determination she took a plum, some water and steeled herself for what was to come. Her steps took her back down into the lair. The rumbling had already picked up again. Scratching, growling, hissing, the noises became louder the closer she came to the source. Her ears picked up each of these like they were happening right next to her and each time something was crumbled or sliced apart she stopped in her tracks, fearing for the roof to collapse.


    When she stepped into the lair she was greeted by the smell of dust and heated rock. Fluorescent moss was flung over the walls and the small water hole had been emptied all over the shredded furs. Perhaps it was a good thing that she had not brought the pillows down here or they would have met an equally gruesome fate.


    She took a step forward. Just a single step to test out the waters.


    Swish!


    A long monstrous claw barely missed her throat. The sweat bead running down her neck had been sliced open and vaporized.


    ¡°I am back.¡± She spoke softly into the devastated space beyond. There was no response, only a low growling.


    The blind woman stepped into a carnage she could not perceive, a bravery born from ignorance. Surely any man seeing this sight would have turned tail and never looked back. And true enough, she also felt this inherent instinct to flee immediately. Her heightened sense of hearing made her a picture all to terrifying. Scales that rattled across cracked ground, the hissing of many snakes wildly snapping at the air and of course the slashing of beastly claws.


    The beast had been roused and would not calm down.


    ¡°It is me, Eugenia.¡± She said with forced calm and took another step. Then another. Each time she felt the air sliced before her and every time she came out unscathed. The ground before her seemed to explode into rock dust as something large tore into it, so she had to stop for a moment to cough. Even though her eyes were milky white they still could feel pain from the particles in the air. She closed them and wiped her painful tears away on her sleeve. There was no time to hesitate, so she kept inching forward.


    ¡°Grrrrrhhh¡­¡±


    It was like she had been cornered by a wolf, despite walking towards it. Did she corner herself? Eventually she would be unable to turn back even if she wanted to. The only way was forward.


    Sensing the one winding before her, she finally stretched out her hand. It was as pale as white marble inside this excessive blackness. These transient fingers were approaching the angry snakes that could not stop biting after their surroundings. If she got any closer they would dig their long fangs into her and pump her full of deadly poison.


    ¡°Shhh.¡± She made a low sound and flipped her hand around. She was holding it open like a beggar would to receive coin.


    The snakes moved quickly, deadly-


    ¡°Good boys.¡± She smiled as they rested their many heads on her hand and quietly hissed.


    Now that the snakes were pacified she could approach the one they were attached to. They had wound themselves around her arm already, making it tough to go anywhere else to begin with. It was hard to do it nonetheless.


    ¡°Medusa.¡± She called her name gently.


    ¡°Grrh!¡± She bared her fangs and growled again, not unlike a stray dog cornered by a guard inside Athens back alleys. Only this ¡®dog¡¯ could have torn apart iron armor with a single swing of her claws.


    ¡°Did you miss me that much? I only got us some water.¡± She held up the water skin using her free arm. It was meager as far as peace offerings went. ¡°I also found a good plum.¡± She added and held it before the antagonistic Gorgon. She did not seem to care about the fruit, but the growling had stopped after she heard Eugenia¡¯s stable voice.


    She finally allowed herself to release her held breath and sat down before the one she loved. Or at least whatever this never waking reflection of her truly was. Over and over she would shift between a feral state and deep slumber, but never truly become awake.


    The only thing that managed to calm her down was Eugenia¡¯s presence. She had not understood at first, but each time she left her side, Medusa would begin to rage and destroy everything around her. The lair, the island, the very world itself seemed to make her deeply irate. And because she was not truly awake, they could not even communicate. There was no way for Eugenia to reach the Gorgon inside of her dreams.


    The long tail wound itself around the blind woman and coiled her up like prey. Already she was unable to move again, just like the last day and the one before that. Medusa¡¯s scaly tail locked her away like a prisoner, but she was entirely willing to be in her custody. She had only slipped out to get the bare necessities. After a few hours the snake woman would loosen her grip and return to a regular sleep that could last as long as Eugenia stayed at her side. How she knew of her presence was hard to say. Eugenia figured she must have smelled her, but did not attempt to test it out yet. Rubbing a sheep¡¯s skin in her scent for a while and putting it down next to Medusa might have bought her some time, but she did not want to deceive her even by so little.


    She leaned her head against the Gorgon¡¯s heaving chest and listened to her strangely arrhythmic heartbeat. It was so unlike her own.


    It may have been true that she had sought this embrace more than anything, this incredible closeness, but the way it was given to her was wrong. Medusa was not herself, not in control. Whatever had caused this transformation? The last time they had talked she had been so worried about a man named Perseus and then she had become like this. She could not forgive that man if he caused this.


    ¡°Huff¡­ gharm¡­¡±


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    Right next to her ear she could hear labored breathing. The twisting of a face in pain. This strong women who never allowed herself to be vulnerable was so clearly suffering now.


    ¡°I am here for you.¡± She said sadly and grabbed her face with both hands. She pressed her forehead against the icy cold head of her beloved and let her warmth flow into her. ¡°Come back to me.¡± She begged.


    But Medusa could not return. She had destroyed this lair that they had prepared together without a second thought. She had nearly risen to the ruins to lay waste to whatever remained. It was similar to the rampage that she had spoken off when she told Eugenia of her past. The day she had been cursed she had destroyed the temple, killed all animals and humans that came her way. A bloody rampage of primal wrath and beastly rage.


    This was not the true Medusa, she had to tell herself constantly as she hugged her to calm her stirred soul.


    ¡°¡­genia¡­¡± Medusa¡¯s strained voice only spoke a single syllable, but that was more than enough.


    Eugenia cried into her chest without the strength to hold anything back.


    <hr>


    Two days she spent wrapped up inside the scales. Two days did she keep speaking about whatever came to her mind. She did not know what to do, so she just kept telling Medusa stories of her past, no matter how unimportant or banal. Her voice became hoarse repeatedly, but she simply drank from the water and kept talking until her throat was truly swollen.


    Medusa had calmed down considerably and let go of her. The snakes had fallen asleep as well, wrapping into some kind of wavy hairstyle for their owner.


    Eugenia felt weak. She had not eaten anything but the plum in two days. The exhaustion crept up her body, but more importantly her mind. She felt empty, like she had thrown all the contents of her life at a wall. Perhaps her voice had given Medusa some respite inside her nightmares, but she had hoped for more of a response.


    Now she was thirsty, hungry and too tired to even think straight. She had no choice but to go to the surface again. Her weakened legs almost failed her as she crawled up the stairs and made it above ground. It was night now. She could not have told the passage of time at all at this point, but there was no trace of the hot sun in the air.


    With some trouble she managed to get herself some food and drank hastily from the cold water until she almost threw up. Her shallow breathes accompanied her to the tent where she lied down to rest a bit. Hopefully Medusa would stay docile for a while.


    Now that she was back here she was again taunted by the pouch in the back. She knew it was there. Maybe her mind was so delirious that she was imagining things, but she almost felt it call out to her. The pendant wanted to be used. To call Medusa back to her with such a simple wish made to some miraculous item¡­ it seemed very tempting now. She could not do anything on her own anymore.


    Her mind was drifting off against her will and she lost consciousness to fatigue. Her dreams were confusing and incoherent. She met somebody, but she did not know who they were. They spoke in languages she could not decipher. Then they exploded into a million light fragments and left behind two red snake eyes.


    With cold sweat all over her skin she awoke inside the tent and held her pounding head. Immediately she listened up for any tremors or growling, but there were none, thankfully. It was hard to say how long she was passed out, but there was still no sunlight, so it could not have been terribly long.


    Nightmares. Did she now share the same horrible visions Medusa did? But she could not even understand them at all. It was just a terrible sense of unease given form. Ever since she had been given the concept of color by Athena¡¯s eyes, her dreams had been turned visual and given her many new experiences. It was overwhelming at times.


    ¡°La¡­ lala la¡­¡± She hummed a sheepish melody to calm her nerves. This lullaby her mother had sung next to her bedstead back in Dankana was still with her after all those years. ¡°A lullaby?¡± She wondered.


    Could that have helped Medusa? It was longshot, but she had to try whatever she could. For that purpose she would get her harp and cure her throat with heated water. After gurgling for a few minutes she felt relieved already. The harp was inside a chest next to the tent, so she only had to unwrap it¡­


    The Satyr¡¯s harp was making strange sounds on its own when she uncovered it. There was always this spark of life to it, mostly due to Kygnos¡¯ essence being deep inside. He had promised only to appear when called, so she had nearly forgotten about him.


    ¡°Kygnos, are you there?¡±


    ¡°You call, Kygnos listens.¡± Came the immediate reply from the enchanted instrument.


    ¡°Oh.¡± She had not expected him to reply. Deep down she had thought he might have hated them for how they treated him last time. Then she remembered that he had watched her bathe and her sympathy evaporated quickly.


    ¡°Darkness has covered your Eros, marked one.¡± The Satyr was perceptive beyond human ken. With ease he had already assessed the nature of their current situation.


    If it was him, then perhaps she could really get somewhere. ¡°Kygnos, can I ask you for advice?¡±


    ¡°You may. Kygnos wishes to be of service.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t trick me?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± He seemed to be surprisingly unbothered by such snide questions.


    ¡°Medusa¡­ she won¡¯t wake up. It¡¯s like she is imprisoned in nightmares. She attacks anything except me.¡±


    ¡°The curse has spread.¡± Kygnos voice rang through the string of the harp like an omen.


    ¡°What can I do to cure her?¡±


    ¡°Kygnos needs to get closer to the cursed one to taste the dream.¡± He said in a deep voice. ¡°But if the cursed one sees Kygnos, he will be petrified.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t let her do that to you, so please help me.¡± She begged.


    ¡°Is this where your Eros leads you?¡± His voice rang through the air like he came out of a distant dream.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She agreed without hesitation.


    ¡°So be it.¡±


    With that agreement they went down into the lair. Medusa was still winding on the floor, not yet back to her feral state. Now that they were in range of her claws, Eugenia considered that perhaps the harp would agitate her. If that was the case she might have led Kygnos into an unfortunate trap. But even so¡­ she felt it was worth the risk.


    ¡°What do you sense?¡± She whispered.


    ¡°Deep slumber, but no dreams.¡± Kygnos replied darkly. The strings vibrated in an odd melody and Medusa twitched in reaction. The snake hair was looking up and smelled the air with their split tongues. ¡°You must distract them, marked one. Do not let them know Kygnos is here!¡±


    ¡°Huh? Well, er¡­ I-It¡¯s me!¡± She shouted at the snakes. They hissed and seemed to get rowdy again. ¡°Bad idea.¡±


    ¡°Your soul¡¯s light will calm them, let Kygnos down and sing them a lullaby.¡± He instructed with true fear in his voice.


    ¡°Easier said than done.¡± She muttered and stepped forward on her own. Medusa was shaking and quaking, sure to rise again soon. Eugenia cleared her throat and then started humming the first notes of her mother¡¯s lullaby. She purposely did not sing the lyrics, for they involved Athena a great deal. That would only have backfired.


    It was a close call, but eventually the snakes settled down and let their tongues slide back into their jaws. She had really managed to pacify them with song.


    ¡°What crooked notes.¡± Kygnos commented.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Eugenia let her head drop in depression.


    ¡°Kygnos would teach you, but there is no time.¡± The Satyr¡¯s voice was back to the deep layers beyond her comprehension. ¡°The cursed one is swallowed by the curse already. The hand of the goddess has constricted its soul.¡±


    ¡°Athena did this?¡± She was shocked to hear it.


    ¡°It is an old curse that will grow with time. Kygnos has no interest in such vileness - it has no beauty. Lord Dionysus would be disgusted.¡±


    ¡°The curse grows still?¡±


    ¡°It lay dormant for long, yet the cursed one¡¯s soul has deep edgings of past wrath. Each of these notches is another gap the curse may invade. Giving itself to the curse willingly will leave the greatest gashes in the soul.¡±


    Eugenia¡¯s eyes widened and her mouth turned dry. To embrace the curse would be to use its power for oneself. Medusa had used the curse repeatedly in recent times. But had she not fought many expeditions before? How could the curse have deteriorated her soul so suddenly?


    ¡°This one¡­ has already lost itself in the past. The notes of despair envelope its soul. The melody is dissonant. It has decided not to awaken to prevent another gash.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying? Medusa chose to stay asleep?!¡± That could not have been true. Why would Medusa ever want to turn into¡­ this?


    ¡°Kygnos cannot taste the melody of its soul. There is no dream to visit. All that is left is a shell of regret.¡± He explained seriously.


    ¡°Medusa is not that weak!¡± Eugenia shouted. ¡°She would not succumb to some lousy curse! She won¡¯t just give herself up like that.¡±


    ¡°It is not Kygnos¡¯ decision to make. If you wish to know the truth, you shall ask the cursed one yourself.¡±


    ¡°If I could do that I already would have.¡± She said frustrated.


    ¡°Why do you believe you cannot?¡± She could almost imagine the goat horned man turn his head in curious confusion.


    ¡°She does not hear my words.¡±


    ¡°It has called out to your dreams already, but you rejected it.¡± He pointed out.


    ¡°Wait¡­ that vision I had. Is that Medusa?¡±


    ¡°It may be so.¡±


    ¡°But it was so unclear and confusing. It made no sense to me.¡± She knelt down and picked up the harp worriedly.


    ¡°Your soul is not attuned to its melody. You only hear noise instead of music.¡± The Satyr realized and then made some cackling sounds. ¡°Kygnos can attune you. Link your dreams so you may find each other.¡±


    ¡°You can do that? Please, I will be forever in your debt.¡± She hugged the harp.


    ¡°Kygnos can do many a thing. It is not out of Kygnos'' power, but it has a price.¡± The distorted voice rang inside her head.


    ¡°I¡­ I will accept the price.¡± She swallowed her fear and nodded.


    ¡°Firstly, Kygnos will release all the essence of this enchantment.¡±


    ¡°That means you will leave the harp?¡±


    ¡°Kygnos is here and yet not. If the essence is gone Kygnos harp will return to being only a harp. Then there will be no more Kygnos on Sarpedon.¡± Did he sound sad? She could have sworn to have heard a note of melancholy.


    ¡°I did not know that.¡± She did feel sympathy for him. They had not known each other for long, but he played beautiful music. Despite what he did at their first meeting, she felt that this Satyr was not a bad person. His wish to see the love of others play out was not malicious in itself.


    ¡°Kygnos will return to the forest to find new Eros. Promise him that you will ignite the fires even further when Kygnos is gone!¡±


    ¡°I will.¡± She smiled determinedly.


    ¡°It is a promise. Then after Kygnos attunes thy instrument, it will be a struggle of souls. The cursed one will invade thy dreams¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­where I will find out why she is in this state.¡± She concluded.


    ¡°There are gashes in the cursed one¡¯s soul. Some old, some fresh. What made it decide to hibernate in this shell, Kygnos would not know. Possibly not even the cursed one knows anymore.¡±


    His words were cryptic, but she took them to heart. They would make more sense later on she hoped.


    ¡°I must find out. But what happens after I do?¡±


    ¡°That is the decision of those who dream.¡± Kygnos said mysteriously and started to play notes on the harp. The melody was deep and sorrowful. ¡°Marked one, thou may be running afeard many a time in this nightmare. Never let the dream consume thee. If thy soul believes to be harmed your body will react in kind. If thy mind believes the dream to be real, no wakeup call can free thee. Kygnos has not the strength to wake thee again.¡± His speech had become more formal and distant as the music ramped up. It was like he was abandoning his self to become one with the music.


    ¡°I understand.¡± There were always risks when dealing with magic, she had learned this from many tales of gods and heroes.


    She closed her eyes to embrace the melody. It was making her sleepy quickly. Her body fell back and she landed on Medusa¡¯s tail. She could feel the Gorgon stirring as the melody penetrated her ears.


    Right before losing consciousness she managed to press out one more thing.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Fare thee well.¡± Kygnos voice faded alongside the final notes of the melody and left only the sleeping pair inside the quiet lair.


    <hr>


    At first she felt a familiar darkness envelope her as she dove into deep slumber. Like the waves of the sea she was tossed around and kept following the currents helplessly. It was getting hard to breathe as if she was actually drowning.


    ¡°PUHAH!¡± She burst through the surface of the water and desperately waved her arms. She hadn¡¯t just imagined the waves, she was actually inside the ocean! The deep waters were dragging her down and her body became freezing cold. She looked around, but could only see blue waves towering above her, threatening to submerge her again.


    How did she end up in this place? She could barely swim and this was just the worst place to be. Had she fallen off a ship? Her memories were incredibly foggy. There was someone she had to find, but their face escaped her mind.


    Not that it mattered if she drowned here!


    ¡°Blurghllgl¡­!¡± She swallowed a lot of salty water and got knocked back by another wave. The sky was a deep blue, but the waves seemed to come straight out of a storm. Her vision faded and she could feel herself faint. Whatever her purpose had been, she would never reach it now. Her corpse would become one with the ocean floor.


    As she sank into the depth her eyes stayed open, barely even registering the sting of salt water anymore. Her mind began to float while her body sank. She wasn¡¯t the only one floating down actually. There was another one. A girl or maybe a young woman.


    She was coming closer.


    Now she could see her long flowing hair that followed behind her like the long banner of a procession and the sharp silvery-purple eyes that seemed to see right through her soul. What a beautiful final sight¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t give up so soon!¡± She spoke.


    Spoke? Underwater? This surprised her so much that she regained consciousness for a moment and managed to stretch forward her arm. The girl grabbed her hand and then dragged her up at incredible speed. They were shooting out of the ocean like flying fish and sailed through the air. The girl seemed to enjoy the breeze as her wet hair floated behind in a humongous arc.


    ¡°Brace yourself~¡± She giggled as they descended.


    They would crash right back into the ocean, she thought. But instead they began to dive forward at neck breaking speed. The girl had grown wings and was angling them in a way that allowed her to speed up without falling. All the while dragging her along. Surprisingly her wrist did not hurt from being pulled this hard.


    Eventually a small island came into view and they plummeted down in a spiral motion that would usually make someone feel sick. Luckily she was so out of it she felt only a mild tingling in her stomach. They crashed down on the beach and rolled over several times, covering themselves completely in sand.


    She spat out sand and tried to wipe it off her wet face, but it was not easy.


    ¡°Miscalculated the landing¡­ pleh.¡± The beautiful girl spat out sand as well. Must have been horrible to get the entire beach out of her hair.


    ¡°You saved me.¡± She spoke in delirium.


    ¡°I sure did!¡± The girl laughed. ¡°I didn¡¯t think I would pick up a human around here. Especially not a female.¡± She wrung out her hair and it seemed to dry instantly. Then she tied it into two braids and wrapped it around her waist. ¡°I am Stheno. You can also call me Gorgon if you want, but then my sisters would probably kill you.¡±


    ¡°Stheno?¡± That name¡­ why did that name ring a bell? Her head really was a mess.


    ¡°I introduced myself as is custom, so will you return the courtesy?¡± She asked and pulled her up with ease. Her arms were stronger than they looked.


    ¡°I am¡­ Eugenia.¡± Eugenia said instinctively.


    ¡°Genia, is it? What a strange name.¡± She snorted.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s Eugenia-¡°


    ¡°Wait here for a moment, will you? I have to tell Euryale and Dusa before they get all bloodthirsty over an invader.¡± She casually waved her goodbye and hopped up the steps to the island temple. What a carefree person.


    ¡°Invader?¡± That didn¡¯t bode well. Now that she took a better look around, she realized that there was quite a bit of ship wreckage near the beach. And the temple uphill was just a large ruin. How nostalgic. ¡°Why would it be?¡± Eugenia held her forehead and tried to get this sense of remembrance under control.


    For now she would try to dry her clothes off and not get too worked up over the fact that the sand was everywhere.


    After sitting down and enjoying the warm sun she felt a lot better. This island may have been strange and she had just been saved by a woman who could grow wings, but in many ways this was better than the alternative. She could at least tell an interesting story to Medusa once she returned.


    A loud ringing assailed her ears as she thought of that name. Medusa? Me-du-sa? Who was that? Why did she-?


    ¡°Hey, I said she is harmless. Calm down Dusa!¡± The frantic calls from the temple made her look up.


    ¡°I will not let you keep another one as a pet. The last one tried to stab you in your sleep.¡±


    ¡°Beres was just a bad breed. Don¡¯t lump all humans in with him.¡±


    ¡°No humans on my island. That¡¯s my final word.¡± A rather angry woman replied and came running out of the temple. Running might have been the wrong term, considering her giant lower body half was that of a snake. Her ''hair'' was also an odd mix of colors and staring right at Eugenia as the woman slid down to the beach.


    ¡°You human- Genia! Don¡¯t look Dusa in the eyes, you hear?!¡± Stheno warned her from behind the snake woman, but it was far too late for that.


    Their eyes had already met seconds ago. Eugenia just stared right into them with a deep sense of happiness. Those silvery eyes filled with contempt appeared to her like the most loving gaze she ever felt.


    ¡°Medusa.¡± She said with emotion filling her voice. ¡°I finally found you- GUH?!¡± A tail hit her throat and she was flung back into the ocean.


    ¡°Did you have to break her?¡± Stheno grumbled.


    ¡°She is still alive.¡± Medusa said baffled. ¡°The curse did not work on her.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s odd.¡± Stheno whistled.


    They both watched the place where Eugenia had sunken into the waters and bubbles were rising. Eventually they stopped. Then suddenly the water splashed up like a fountain and another girl with long hair and purple eyes rose, with Eugenia hanging over her shoulder.


    ¡°Who threw this at me?¡± Euryale asked coldly.


    ¡°Did you find any wine?¡± Stheno called out to her and waved happily.


    ¡°Only cheap drops that would make my tongue grow fur. Disgusting.¡± The third Gorgon sister said with a displeased expression and threw Eugenia back onto the beach. ¡°Is this another pet Stheno?¡±


    ¡°Only if Dusa lets me keep her.¡± She looked at her sister expectantly.


    ¡°I said no.¡±


    Meanwhile Eugenia coughed up more ocean water and considered just staying down next time. This was quite the rough welcome. How nostalgic.


    ¡°Human, what is your business with us?¡± Medusa finally got tired of arguing and addressed the bundle of wet clothes and hair to their feet (and tail).


    Eugenia coughed a bit more before replying. ¡°I was looking for you.¡±


    ¡°So another delusional hero. I will end your suffering quickly for Stheno¡¯s sake.¡± She raised her hand and turned it into a claw.


    ¡°Wait! I don¡¯t want to harm you! I came here to save you!¡± Eugenia hastily shouted and raised up her arms defensively.


    ¡°Save me?¡± Medusa smirked with contempt and the twins laughed. ¡°That is a new stratagem. Has Athena taught you this treachery?¡±


    ¡°Lady Athena¡­ no. No I don¡¯t serve her anymore.¡± Memories only came back in fragments, so she could not truly recall why it was this way, but she knew that for a fact.


    ¡°Apostate?¡± Euryale glanced at Medusa and she returned the gaze with feigned exasperation.


    ¡°You already betrayed one master, so I have no faith in your good intentions. I will leave this to Stheno. If this tarnishes my island you will clean up after yourself.¡± Her hand returned to normal and she brushed her tail against the ground dismissively before returning to the temple.


    ¡°Magnificent! We will have a lot of fun Genia.¡± The Gorgon sister said with a beaming smile.


    ¡°Can you make wine?¡± Euryale asked quietly as she appeared right behind the human girl.


    ¡°Uhm¡­ not without a vineyard.¡± She replied truthfully.


    ¡°Disappointing.¡± This twin seemed to be more contained than her siblings, but something about her calm and cold aura was far more terrifying.


    ¡°Those two are such perfect miseries. Even the Furies have a better sense of humor.¡± She laid an arm around Eugenia and took her along towards the temple. ¡°Say, do you know much about the arts?¡±


    ¡°A little.¡±


    ¡°Excellent.¡± She seemed more excited than a boy at the Olympics.


    Somehow Eugenia had gotten herself stranded on a strange island with even stranger inhabitants. Despite all of the oddities she did not feel any real discomfort or fear. It was like this was to be expected for her.


    All she could really think about was the swelling heat in her chest when she had seen Medusa. She would definitely save her.


    Whatever she needed saving from.


    As the blind woman entered the world of dreams she met with a world not much unlike hers. She would soon find that the differences were the cause of her undertaking.

 Chapter 60: Eugenia and Stheno

    The summer kissed island was capsuled inside unrelenting daylight. Its blue sky resembled the sphere of an infinitely large marble. Something about the air was abnormal. It was impregnated with a festering stillness. The few white clouds above were unmoving as if drawn unto the ceiling of the world. The edges of the island, cliffs, beaches and waters, they all were blurry, as if constantly at the edge of one¡¯s vision.


    This false world would be deeply unsettling to the waking, but not to the dreamer. A world crafted by the delicate fingers of Hypnos would not reject those that had heard the lullaby.


    Eugenia felt the stale air tickle her skin. The wind seemed to have become considerate towards the situation and simply stopped before the ruined temple. Right here, in the barely covered ruined pavilion everything seemed to stand still. All but the scratching of a delicate finger against leather.


    ¡°Will you stop moving already?¡± Stheno demanded with a slightly miffed glare over her animal skin canvas.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± The young woman stiffened up and straightened her arm. This pose was rather tiring, so she had slowly started to lower her hand from the raised position.


    ¡°Move a little to the right.¡± She commanded.


    ¡°Like¡­ this?¡±


    ¡°You have no sense for proper posing.¡± Stheno muttered as she squinted to get a good look.


    ¡°This is the first time I modeled.¡± Eugenia pointed out.


    ¡°Is that all? You can follow simple instructions, can you not?¡± She didn¡¯t show much sympathy once she went into her artist state of mind. ¡°Ugh, just lean against that guy!¡± She pointed her paint covered finger at the statue of a man behind Eugenia.


    ¡°As you wish.¡± She hastily moved back and leaned her hand against the towering shoulder of the statue. Now that she was so close she could see the amazing level of detail on this artwork. The sculptor must have been a genius. The man¡¯s every muscle was chiseled out of the stone and his expression seemed eerily realistic. It was a twisted look, filled with fear. The mouth was just about to distort into a hellish scream.


    It was safe to say that these islanders had some strange tastes.


    ¡°That works. I will just draw you without that thing.¡± Her mood improved quickly as she pushed her fingers into the earthen paints next to her and resumed moving them across the canvas.


    Eugenia felt a bit tired from standing still for so long, but the statue really relieved her heavy arm. Posing as if she was trying to pull herself up on the statue, she could stay this way for far longer. Still, in this time deprived of stimuli she felt restless and her thoughts wandered.


    She had ended up being taken in by Stheno, one of three sisters that lived in the ruined temple. The energetic girl had an artist¡¯s soul and dragged Eugenia into all kinds of experimental sessions. She made her listen to some songs she had written and also gave her a tour through the piles of artworks she had completed.


    As someone who lacked most of her memories, Eugenia could only nod along and take it all in. She could not remember whether she saw or heard anything better before coming here. She couldn¡¯t even remember how she had arrived in the ocean where she had been picked up by Stheno. It was quite mysterious.


    Her eyes slowly moved back to the entrance to an underground area that she had not yet been allowed to set foot inside. Stheno had only referred to it as ¡®the lair¡¯. That was where the oldest sister Medusa was. Medusa¡­ Medusa was the reason she was here. That was the only thing she could say for certain. As long as she could get closer to her somehow she felt that things would work out.


    ¡°You should loosen your hair.¡± Stheno suggested.


    ¡°My hair is too wild. It will get in the way.¡±


    ¡°So what? There are times where you need to let it all fly freely!¡± She said excitedly. Surely she spoke from experience, seeing how incredibly absurdly long her hair was. She had tied it into braids and wrapped them around her waist, but the first time they met, the Gorgon sister had let it flow as freely as the waves of the ocean. It was a beautiful sight.


    Eugenia felt tempted to follow her advice. Something inside her yearned for that unrestricted self-expression. But there was also that other voice that told her not to be unreasonable.


    ¡°It will ruin your painting.¡± She said quietly.


    ¡°I will work it out somehow. I always do!¡± That brilliant grin was certainly divine. Confronted with such overwhelming positivity, how could anyone still deny her?


    Eugenia loosened the cord around her hair and let it go. The tied up and restricted hair was now hanging down her back and waved in the suddenly returning breeze. It was as if the island reacted to their interactions. Some strands kept covering her eyes, which was pretty annoying, but she still felt refreshed. The statue was warming up as well, as if the rays of the sun finally reached it.


    ¡°Mhm, now this is what I was looking for.¡± The artist declared and rushed her fingers across the canvas.


    ¡°Say, Lady Stheno¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes yes?¡±


    ¡°I think you would find better models than me even in this far off place. Would you not rather paint your sisters or the scenery?¡± It had been bothering her ever since the cheerful girl had dragged her here.


    ¡°That would be boring.¡± She retorted.


    ¡°Boring? But they are so pretty.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the problem.¡± She determinedly moved her index finger across the leather skin and her expression turned more thoughtful. ¡°I only love ugly things.¡±


    Skrrrt.


    It was like the sound of nails on leather, but it didn¡¯t come from Stheno. Instead it scratched the back of Eugenia¡¯s mind. For just a moment something had resurfaced in her empty mind.


    She tried to bed the deformed smith. Her taste has always been unfathomable.


    Who had said that? She could not remember, but she immediately understood that this was exactly how Stheno should be. Somehow Eugenia knew that Stheno indeed loved those things that the world would consider ugly.


    ¡°Why?¡± She wondered with a slight dizzy spell.


    ¡°I am beautiful. If I were to seek out other beautiful things, then a comparison would not always turn out favorable.¡± She explained without looking up from her work. ¡°Next to an ugly thing I will always be the more beautiful. If something is ugly then it will seek out my beauty as well. We complement the other.¡±


    ¡°But what of those who envy your beauty?¡±


    ¡°Beauty one cannot attain is a blight, but if that sublime thing lowers itself to them, they will feel blessed and grateful.¡± She stopped her finger in the center of the painting.


    It was an egocentric way of life. To assemble all that was lower than her round and round, so that she could always feel superior. But was there not happiness in this as well? The poor souls that thought such bliss was forever denied to them would shed tears of gratitude and be devoted beyond measure. All the power lied with the Gorgon sister, but this dependence was addictive and bittersweet.


    ¡°So I am ugly.¡± Eugenia realized and looked at her sun kissed skin. The tan had dried out somewhat, telling of a life in a blazing hot place. She had not seen her own reflection yet, but to appeal to Stheno¡¯s tastes she must have not been much to look at.


    ¡°I never said that.¡± The Gorgon sister wiped those words out of the air and smirked. ¡°I have seen far more wretched humans before. The truth is that I got bored of drawing the same things every day.¡±


    Eugenia felt her face turn hot as a sun scorched rock. That mischievous expression on Stheno¡¯s face told her that she had been toyed with. She felt quite ashamed.


    ¡°Could you not blush so much? I have little red paint left.¡± She complained and took some of the red with her little finger. She had colors that Eugenia had never seen in art before. When she had asked where she obtained such rare ingredients, the girl simply said that the ocean held many secrets that humans didn¡¯t know. She had crushed a red snail shell beforehand and mixed it with liquid to create a deep red tone.


    Many of the paintings she had shown Eugenia were reimagining of battles. They were morbid and grotesque, just the way the Gorgon seemed to like it. That was where most of her red paint went. The one causing such devastation in each of the artworks was a giant wild snake. A being that must have gorged itself on the corpses of the fallen to grow ever more. Something about its silvery eyes was hauntingly familiar. She should felt nothing but fear when seeing such a monster, but instead she had felt only pity for it.


    Thinking of such things cooled her heartbeat down and returned her cheeks to the usual pale.


    ¡°You are a strange human.¡± Stheno stopped her work and leaned back on the round carved stone she sat on to stretch her limbs. She seemed satisfied with her art and faced Eugenia directly now. ¡°You can let go of that thing already.¡± She waved her over with a wry smile.


    ¡°R-right away!¡± She let go of the tall statue and came to the woman¡¯s side. She had learned that sitting on the same level as her displeased her, so she crossed her legs on the dirty ground instead and looked up.


    ¡°Are you not afraid of us?¡± Stheno asked curiously.


    ¡°Should I be?¡± She wondered.


    ¡°Hehehe, a little bit of fear keeps your kind alive for longer.¡± She seemed amused by her cluelessness. ¡°As long as you entertain me I will protect you of course. Be thankful~¡±


    ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°And don¡¯t be so awfully serious about everything. You remind me of Rya.¡± She sighed warmly and used her paint dried fingers to push aside one of Eugenia¡¯s loose bangs. ¡°Many humans fear us sisters, so beware. Rya will not touch you as long as you don¡¯t aggravate her too much, but if you do get on her bad side, even I cannot protect you. And Dusa is far more¡­¡± She closed her fingers and the strand of hair fell down, severed in a heartbeat. ¡°¡­irritable yet.¡±


    ¡°Medusa hates humans?¡± Her fractured mind was acting up.


    ¡°Hmhm, she hates nearly everything in this world.¡± Stheno shrugged. ¡°Which is exactly why you are so strange. You said something about saving Dusa. Has your memory not returned yet?¡±


    Eugenia weakly shook her head. She had only been on Sarpedon for one day, but many things had triggered sensations of remembrance. Too swift to be caught, too intense to be ignored.


    ¡°I need to meet her.¡± That was all she knew for certain.


    ¡°She will sever your head before you can even open that frail mouth of yours.¡± She traced Eugenia¡¯s throat with one nail. ¡°Dusa does not tolerate anyone in her lair except us. And even we get kicked out most of the time.¡± She added with a pout.


    Eugenia held her throat that had begun to tickle after the soft touch. To think that the third Gorgon sister was so incredibly defensive. What did a renowned monster even have to fear?


    Monster? Why did she know that-


    ¡°Stay with me. You have that distant look again.¡± Stheno snapped her out of another trance.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you ask her to speak with me? It is really important.¡±


    ¡°Normally I would not even let a pet near her whatsoever. Even an unfortunate glance could mean the end of your life. That is the curse of her eyes.¡± The dozens of statues around them seemed to cry out in silent pain as she mentioned the curse. ¡°You are special however. For some reason you did not get affected by her eyes. I am so curious how you did that.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I didn¡¯t even know she was cursed.¡±


    It was the truth. It was a lie. Looking at Medusa¡¯s eyes had filled her with great nostalgia. She had never seen her eyes. The curse did not work on her. It had never reached her.


    ¡°This only becomes stranger the longer we talk. A human that wants to save Dusa without even knowing who she is. Destiny perhaps? I bet a poet could make a nice tale out of that.¡± She seemed unusually giddy. ¡°Fine, if it will entertain me I will try to butter her up for you. You will have to promise me that you recall what you need to warn her about until then. Getting favors from my dear sisters is a painful undertaking, so it must pay off.¡±


    ¡°I will do it.¡± She nodded with determination.


    ¡°Then it is settled! I am getting excited already~¡±


    <hr>


    The second day had come quickly without warning. Eugenia did not remember sleeping, but she knew that she had woken inside the warm hides Stheno had given her. The action of sleep was absent, but the result was fixed. She could see the sunrise from the window.


    The temple was a lot more complete compared to what she was used to. The temple was ruined beyond repair. The Greenhouse had been destroyed in a fiery blaze.


    She yawned and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. It was hard to tell if she was rested or not. Her body just went through the motions automatically. Getting up, dressing in the raggedy clothes she had worn on arrival and then washing her face inside the large wooden bowl next to the bedstead.


    The reflection revealed a girl she did not recognize well. Who exactly was she? There was a faint memory of this person, but she had never seen her in such detail. She had never laid eyes on herself. She always relied on the sight of others.


    Outside Stheno¡¯s place grew tall grass that brushed against her bare ankles. It was a relaxing sensation that she had missed for a long time. Back in her home village she could have felt it every day. Dankana was a farming village. The tall ears could scratch the villagers¡¯ skin until it turned red.


    She sucked in the air quickly when she tripped over something in the grass. Eugenia barely caught herself with her other leg and stepped over the crumbled pieces of a statue. She had tripped over the extended spear arm that was still holding a rotting wooden weapon. The face had cracked, but the marble eyes seemed to penetrate her soul. Some of Stheno¡¯s earthen paints had been spread over the area and it seemed like the man was covered in a swirl of devouring colors.


    ¡®RAAAH Away With You Monsteeeer!¡¯


    The cry echoed inside her head as if the man was truly alive. It made her stomach feel nauseous. The cries of existential dread had consumed the entire area as all these men were turned to unfeeling stone. They never had stood a chance against the unholy creature in the heart of the island.


    Eugenia rubbed her face to blend out the cracks in her mind. She had to keep it together. This knowledge was irrelevant to her mission. Instead she needed to remember how to save Medusa. Something was going to arrive and then it would be too late. But was it inside the island or outside? How many times could she fail before it was irreversible?


    ¡°You make too much noise.¡± A quiet voice reached her from above. Looking up revealed the youngest looking Gorgon sister, Euryale. Her aura was cold and mature compared to her twin sister, though.


    ¡°I apologize for my clumsiness.¡± She rubbed her hurt foot with both hands and lowered her head in shame.


    ¡°You may apologize, but it is meaningless if you cannot repay me for ruining my morning.¡± Her eyes were not even acknowledging the human below her directly. Instead she faced the infinite blue of the ocean.


    Eugenia wondered why she had to repay her in the first place. She had made some noise when she hurt herself, but was it truly that much of a crime to the pretty woman¡¯s ears? Something inside the back of her head pressed her to act rebellious, but the much more sane part prevented any escalation.


    ¡°How can I make up for it?¡±


    ¡°If you are repentant you should figure this much out on your own.¡±


    She was extremely annoying! Euryale was always like this, she could simply not act reasonable.


    ¡°There must be something you desire.¡± She insisted.


    ¡°I desire peace and quiet, alas, you have already taken it from me with your presence on my island.¡± She closed her eyes and frowned. ¡°As if Stheno¡¯s constant noises were not enough. I am still in disbelief that Medusa allowed you to live after what the last human did.¡±


    ¡°¡­that person attacked Lady Stheno in her sleep?¡±


    ¡°She told you? How unexpected. That one does not admit her mistakes easily.¡± Euryale twisted her torso away and looked over the temple. ¡°Insistent to keep vermin around, she was bitten by the insect. Foolish as humans are, he never comprehended his mistake before his spine was torn from his neck.¡±


    Eugenia swallowed at the gruesome image and covered the back of her neck.


    ¡°Our heritage is that of divinity. We are not like you mortals. A mere knife cannot end us.¡± But it was clearly an insult to be attacked in such a manner, which was what Euryale¡¯s expression revealed.


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The Gorgon sisters were all divine beings. Lesser deities. To be in their presence was already an honor. Not all of them were divine.


    ¡°If he could not harm you, then perhaps he did not have to die for his mistake...¡± She muttered with a lowered gaze.


    ¡°Not another word or you will force me to break my promise to Stheno.¡± It was an unmistakable warning.


    ¡°My apologies.¡±


    ¡°If you insist on meeting my older sister you will find that your resistance to her curse is not a blessing. Stay inside your bird cage to entertain Stheno, that way you will last a smidgen longer.¡± She was just full of warnings today it seemed. The one she cared for was clearly not the human girl however. ¡°My throat is unbearably parched.¡± She finally grew tired of conversation and extended her large wings to flap away and leave Eugenia behind.


    No matter how one spun the exchange, Eugenia had clearly messed up and worsened the blood between them. She could not turn back time to change anything though, so she would simply have to avoid the coldest sister from now on. Once she had made up her mind, Euryale never let a grudge go.


    ¡°I hope Lady Stheno can convince Medusa.¡± She prayed to some unspecified deity that there would be some good news today.


    <hr>


    ¡°No dice.¡± Stheno said with crossed arms and a deep frown.


    ¡°W-what?¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t want to talk to you and that¡¯s putting it lightly. She doesn¡¯t even want to throw you for fun or use you as a scale cleaner.¡± She played with the fringes of her waist-tied hair and pouted.


    Eugenia didn¡¯t even want to know why those things were used as part of the negotiations. The end result was unacceptable. She was running out of time.


    ¡°Please, you have to try again! If you tell her that her life is in danger then-¡°


    ¡°Let me be clear, little human. When I say it won¡¯t happen then there are no ifs or buts.¡± Stheno¡¯s expression became a lot more unsympathetic for a quick moment and there was something malicious inside her silver-purple eyes. This presence alone made Eugenia freeze up and unable to talk back. ¡°Dusa is stronger than anyone. Do you know how many men have tried to slay her in this past century? She will be fine.¡± The Gorgon sister laid a hand on Eugenia¡¯s face and turned softer. ¡°Give up and enjoy yourself as long as you can. That is for the best.¡±


    Give up? She wants to be left alone. Give in. Do not interfere with fate.


    ¡°I will never give up.¡± Eugenia said with a hardened expression and pushed past Stheno. Her heavy steps hurried as she headed for the lair. She had to risk it, even if her life was at stake!


    ¡°Hahaha, you really are strange. I like it!¡± Stheno had been stunned for a moment, but then began laughing as the distance between them grew.


    Eugenia ignored her laughter and pushed her entire body against the entrance to the lair. Somehow it seemed far heavier than she expected. Medusa had always moved it with such ease. The crack from the harpoon was nowhere to be seen.


    ¡°Open¡­ up!¡± She gritted her teeth and finally threw the door open. Before her was a steep descending staircase that led into darkness. At the end of this was the lair and the one she sought out. She took her first step determinedly.


    A stinging red-hot pain went through her neck and she widened her eyes. It was like the link between her body and mind were severed forcefully. She managed to turn around as she fell down the steps. Stheno stood at the entrance with a raised hand and a smile.


    ¡°You are too interesting to be broken by Dusa.¡± She declared.


    Light faded from Eugenia¡¯s eyes and she succumbed to the embrace of darkness.


    <hr>


    How many times would she fade out and return in what seemed to be an instant? This was at least the third time. She could feel neither sleep nor unconsciousness. She merely woke up in a different place and time. This time and place was unfamiliar to her.


    There was a weak light beyond the edges of the hill, so she had to assume it was morning or evening. Whichever it was the where seemed more important. Her legs were covered in mud, her heels already deep sunken into it. Her hands grabbed the metal rods of the cage with all their might. The cold iron seemed to cling to her skin.


    A cage. She was inside a cage. But who would make a cage from precious iron? That was unheard of. Wood would have sufficed, surely? An extravagant show of affluence. The lion caged in its guts had been shipped across the ocean to impress the Gorgon, the false goddess.


    She knew this cage, but at the same time not. Yet she had little time to muse over this, as she felt an immense pressure to escape immediately. She had never had a real fear of tight spaces, much less did she fear a lack of freedom. Cooped up in the temple each day she had become far too used to it. Rather there was an external fear that kept her heart racing. She could not stay in this cage, because-


    ¡°You¡¯ve awoken. Took you a while. I must have hit you a little too hard, what with your frail human constitution. Good morning~¡± Stheno spoke up from above. She had been sitting on top of the cage the entire time.


    ¡°Let me out!¡±


    ¡°Is that how you greet your Lady? I expected at least a ¡®good morning¡¯. I ought to teach you some manners, eventually. First you must learn to take orders seriously though.¡± She threw something into the cage. It was a lute. ¡°You said you could play this instrument, so I¡¯d like you perform. My song will reach new heights with your accompaniment.¡± She smiled happily.


    ¡°What are you saying? You imprisoned me here! Why do you think I would play music for you?¡± It was insane. As if they were in completely different situations.


    ¡°If you would rather put it in more human terms, well.¡± She put a finger to her temple and thought about it. ¡°Yes, you should earn your keep. Entertain me and I will keep feeding you!¡± Stheno seemed honestly proud of herself. This seemed to be the height of diplomacy in her eyes.


    Something was wrong about all of this. The Gorgon sister could be troublesome and selfish, but she hadn¡¯t been so devious before. The twins had encouraged her in the past. This caricature was nothing like the real Stheno.


    ¡°You are mad.¡± She felt the bile rise in her throat and she threw the lute into the deep mud.


    ¡°That was the only one I had. You are being quite difficult.¡± She twisted her lips in disapproval.


    ¡°Let me out of here. I need to speak to Medusa!¡±


    ¡°You keep going on and on about Dusa. Have you still not understood who owns you?!¡± She kicked the cage with her bare foot and it shook considerably. The vibrations hit Eugenia¡¯s ears excessively hard. Her ears were too sensitive.


    ¡°Ungh¡­ please¡­ she is your sister¡­¡± She held her vibrating head in pain and pled.


    ¡°That she is. Which is why I know that there is nobody more stubborn than her. If she doesn¡¯t want to be saved then you will not get through to her.¡± That line was spoken with a hidden sadness.


    ¡°What-?¡±


    ¡°I will let you tire yourself out a little. Try to dig up the present I gave you, so we can make up later.¡± She smiled and then jumped off the cage. Her leap took her an entire ship¡¯s length away and unto the hill. Her contours were surrounded by a fringe of light as she stood in the rising sun. The foreboding wind rushed through her long hair, giving her a wild but beautiful appearance. What were her eyes focused on?


    The next moment Eugenia was alone.


    The cold mud was eating at her feet, the morning wind cutting her skin. The cage was unyielding and her heart was in uproar. It was the third day since she had arrived on Sarpedon. Time was almost up.


    ¡°Medusa doesn¡¯t want to be saved?¡± She muttered between gritted teeth. Why did they always think they could decide everything on their own? Why did the sisters have to look so incredibly sad as they repeated this song and dance?! ¡°This is my choice!¡± She declared to the empty land around her and pushed her arm through the gaps in the cage. She could fit her entire arm through it, but the gaps were too thin to let her torso pass.


    Next she tried to lift the cage with her miserable body strength, but it would not budge in the slightest. It was too heavy to be moved even by six men without tools, so she stood no hope alone. She was running out of ideas quickly.


    Her foot hit the lute that had sunken into the mud. Right now it made her unreasonably mad, so she kicked it with all her might. It flew through the gaps and was smashed against a rock. Eugenia immediately regretted it. The lute wasn¡¯t at fault and to waste such a precious instrument in rage was against her nature. As she reprimanded herself, her foot sank into the hole the lute had left.


    ¡°The mud¡­¡± She felt a flash of realization and immediately went onto her knees. Her hands took large loads of mud and swiped them aside. Like a mole she began to dig into the soft ground. With some effort and sweat she managed to increase the size of the hole. Her cold and wet fingers turned numb, but it seemed to work. For every pile she moved aside, half of the hole closed again with new mud, but she could make progress.


    It took her several grueling hours, but in the end she had dug a small hole that led below the cage. It was just deep enough for her to slip into. If the cage had stood on solid ground she would have had no way to escape, so she was thankful that Stheno had not moved it away. Her entire body was soon covered in dirt and her clothes were soaked, but she was flexible enough to make it out. She slipped through and laid down outside the cage with heavy breaths accompanying her heaving chest.


    She had never felt this exhausted in her life. The invisible scar on her waist pulsated in the rhythm of Thanatos ragged breathing.


    Now she could finally return to Medusa. If she rushed straight to the lair she could still make it in time. Stheno might have discovered her escape soon, but she had to accept that possibility and persevere. The climb over the hill in front of her seemed particularly daunting with her slippery mud covered feet, but it was not too tall. She dug her fingers into the wet earth and carefully pulled her weight across it. In her current state even such little exertion forced her to stop every few seconds.


    She spat out some mud that had slid over her face as she hung unto the top of the hill with one arm. Just one more strain of her muscles and she would be over it.


    ¡°Medusa.¡± She spoke her name to gather strength and reached the peak!


    Before her was the temple ruin, covered in a strange illumination. Like the still picture on a vase it would forever be caught in this ephemeral moment. That was the impression her eyes gave her. But the light source was not the sun on Helios chariot. Her eyes reflexively closed when she was blinded by a penetrating shine from the distance. Flames were circling the horizon. They grew larger as they devoured the waters and consumed the waves.


    ¡°Impossible.¡± She wondered if she was hallucinating already. Water could not burn and the ocean should not be going up in flames. The light at the center of the raging fire was far more sublime and beautiful than the savage fires surrounding it. Focused. Divine.


    Eugenia unsteadily rose to her feet and watched the fire circle closer around the island. Its path was getting tighter and tighter until Sarpedon was caged in fiery walls. Time had run out.


    She could feel the heat even from here already and her heartbeat increased with hissing of deadly heat. Where were the others? Did they not see this?!


    ¡°So you have finally come.¡± There was one voice that reached all across the isle. This authoritative, proud voice belonged to the greatest of the Gorgon sisters and the unyielding master of this place. ¡°Hero!¡±


    As she called out to him, the towering figure emerged from the flames and set a sandaled foot onto the island. The giant man was made of pure light! He wore armor of pure gold that resembled those of the proud Spartans and his glowing eyes resembled gems of infinite worth. There was no discernible face below the imposing helmet, but the golden fur of a lion was strapped across the ¡®hero¡¯s waist.


    He stood fearlessly before the temple and raised his hand to the darkening smoke filled sky. With a thunderous sound a branch of pure light extended from the heavens and lodged itself into the giant¡¯s outstretched hand.


    ¡°Zeus almighty¡­!¡± Eugenia shivered in fear as she saw the weapon that only the king of the gods should be able to hold. A spear of pure lightning, a weapon that slayed monsters and Titans. The very essence of nature¡¯s might and superiority to mortals.


    He pointed it at Medusa. A challenge.


    ¡°Then we shall struggle for dominance on this cursed land, hero. Your divine light or my spiteful curse, which will prevail?¡± Medusa stood tall on the steps of the temple and seemed to transform. She became far taller and her body was covered in scales. The hissing snake hair became terrifying as she was clad in the aura of hatred and death.


    The hero said nothing.


    ¡°RAAAH!¡± Medusa roared with bestial might and rushed forward. There was no semblance of her countenance and wit left in that warcry.


    Eugenia wanted to move forward, but her legs gave out. She just fell to her knees and had to watch the battle unfold.


    Thunderous strikes of Medusa¡¯s large claws created sparks on the hero¡¯s armor and cut gaps into the raging fires around them. The giant of light swiped her attack aside and rammed his lightning spear into the Gorgon¡¯s scaly side! A stinking black scorching wound exploded in her body and left behind horrible smoke that could turn one¡¯s stomach inside out¡­ but she did not even flinch.


    ¡°Rrrgh¡­ graah¡­ AAHHH!¡± Medusa¡¯s growls increased in intensity as she slashed wildly after the hero and put dents into his armor. Her tail wrapped around his leg and pulled him down. He resisted and stabbed his spear into her snake half, pinning it down. Then he delivered a harrowing punch to her jaw and dislocated it¡­ No, it was barely even recognizable anymore. Eugenia had to wince when she saw the Gorgon¡¯s distorted face.


    ¡°Dusa!¡± Finally Stheno came flying from above, trying to get a read on the situation, but she did not dare to come closer for fear of the flames that greedily snapped after her wings. From out of the waters rose Euryale as well, extinguishing the flames around her with the ocean¡¯s cries.


    Medusa¡¯s jaw was already regenerating, but it only released primal screams to begin with. She rammed her giant fangs into the hero¡¯s unprotected neck and severed his jugular. That should have been the end, but this giant was not human. His blood was pure light and his will to exterminate was preordained. He grabbed Medusa¡¯s throat and kicked the lightning spear deeper into her body.


    This struggle was witnessed by her sisters and Eugenia alike, none of them could move closer for some reason. Eugenia¡¯s very soul struggled to free herself from this invisible barrier between them, but to no avail. The twins on the other hand seemed to be willing, but too afraid to interfere. Stheno circled around the fighters and searched for an opening. But as soon as she decided to finally attack, another lightning bolt struck her down from the sky.


    ¡°Lady Stheno!¡± Eugenia reached out her hand in shock. To her surprise her fingers went beyond the prior resistance.


    The hero shone brightly and attracted dozens of electrified bolts to his armor, shocking the Gorgon in his grip through contact. Medusa¡¯s monstrous eyes that could not affect the divine servant were turning black as she was burned and shocked over and over. She twisted her tail so strongly that the lightning spear tore through it¡­ and split it in half. But despite the gushing black blood pouring from it, she could move again.


    The hero¡¯s glowing eyes seemed to widen in shock as the Gorgon grabbed both his arms and actually tore them off her throat. Each current of lightning that went through her seemed to destroy her flesh, but she only glared him down madly. The snakes bore their fangs into his helmet and pulled it off. Below was only a head-shaped mass of pure golden light.


    With a last ditch effort the giant supercharged himself and released all his lightning at once. Blue and white currents seared through Eugenia¡¯s eyes as the island was completely flashed by this intense shockwave. The ground shook from earthquakes and send the girl rolling down the hill and into the tall grass before the temple. She managed to pull herself up on one of the statues, which began to crumble from the shockwaves. Dozens of statues around her broke apart into thousands of pieces.


    After lightning came thunder. The hammers of Hephaestus paled before the deafening noise that penetrated everything around it. Eugenia almost lost consciousness as her sensitive eyes exploded in pain. It wasn¡¯t just an expression, she had felt the horrifying pop and the hot pain of blood dripping out of her ears. She could hear nothing but an intense ringing anymore.


    But her eyes still worked. Her eyes never worked. The scene of destruction before her was seared into her mind. She could not understand anything before her. A crater was torn into the land. There was only darkness. In its center stood the two opponents¡­


    The hero of light was impaled by Medusa¡¯s claw. It had penetrated all the way to the other side and come out of his back. He was hunched forward in defeat. The Gorgon was quiet as her burned skin regenerated quickly and her flesh was mended. Her silvery eyes were full of madness. With a horrible crunch she tore open the glowing chest and then rammed her tail through the hole. It went through the neck and out of the hero¡¯s head and staked him where he stood.


    ¡°Grrraaaahhh!¡± She roared and then rammed her head against his. The snakes tore open the golden faceless head and showed the very core of its being, which was the source of the eyes light. The Gorgon, a monstrous cursed being, glared into the depth of divinity¡­ and petrified them. The giant of light squirmed one last time as all of the gold turned to lead. The statue was still propped up by the snake tail.


    ¡°She won.¡± Eugenia spoke words that her deaf ears could not perceive. Only one thought echoed inside her hurting mind.


    It¡¯s too late It¡¯s too late It¡¯s too late It¡¯s too late It¡¯s too late It¡¯s too late


    The statue was crushed in one violent motion and the last sizzles of electricity left the air. The flames around the island died down like the life force of the avatar of light itself. The dark sky did not clear up however, as the smoke seemed to choke it completely. Tartarus seemed not too far from this place anymore.


    Eugenia could not hear the loud coughing of Stheno, but she saw her hunched back rise from the burned crater where she had been struck down. Her clothes had been turned to cinders, but her delicate skin was already healing. Unlike Medusa her divine resilience was nearly instantaneous and true. No scales replaced the injured spots, no bone was breaking through the broken parts.


    The Gorgon sister swayed for a moment before she held unto a pillar and then looked up to the thing in front of her. She said something. Then a claw tore through her arm. If she had not dodged to the left she would have been split in two. She bit her lower lip and extended her wings, but they were still too scorched to move.


    ¡°Medusa, why are you attacking her?!¡± Eugenia silently cried out and staggered forward.


    The Gorgon raised its head to roar to the sky and tore down several pillar with her long tail. The carnage seemed unending. Her silver eyes were slowly covered in an infectious red. Had the wounds driven her mad? Or was it something else altogether? Deep down this terrifying sight seemed¡­ natural.


    What was she thinking? This wasn¡¯t what Medusa should be! Eugenia moved before the flailing beast and raised her hands to stop her. It didn¡¯t matter if she got hurt, she could not bear to see her destroy any more of herself!


    ¡°Medusa look at me!¡± She begged.


    The Gorgon sensed her. Its red eyes stared down angrily. They seemed to ask why this pest was not petrified yet.


    ¡°I am Eugenia of Lamia! And I am¡­ your friend.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± The Gorgon stood still and flicked its long snake tongue through the air. Smell of sweat, smell of fear, smell of despair. Surely she tasted it all.


    ¡°Come back to me.¡± Eugenia implored with tears in her eyes.


    Come back Come back Come back Come back Come back Come back Come back


    ¡°-----¡° The Gorgon said something, but she could not hear. It was as if she was truly blind to everything. Medusa extended her hand-


    Something heavy hit Eugenia from the side and rammed her away. She lost her sense of direction and was splashed against a wall. A small waves of ocean water had taken her along and pushed her out of her spot and not a second too late, because the Gorgon¡¯s claw already penetrated the earth where she had stood.


    Eugenia forced her weary eyes open and looked across the scorched grass. Euryale stood there with a raised hand. She had commanded the water to save her. She was staring ahead stoically and formed a slow sentence. Even from here Eugenia could read her full lips.


    L-e-a-v-e.


    The bloodthirsty monster turned its fangs towards the resolute beauty at the beach and slithered forward at unbelievable speed. In a moment she already rammed her into the deepest waters and spun her around violently, creating geysers everywhere. There was no hesitation or mercy in her at all.


    Eugenia coughed up some water and red liquid and sank down the wall. She could not fathom how it had come to this. Three days had passed and now her mission had failed. Medusa was already lost. A mindless beast that would attack her own flesh and blood indiscriminately, the monster the gods and humans alike reviled. That was the essence of the Gorgon Medusa.


    No human heart and no act of sacrifice could fix this inherent wretchedness. Was her wish truly unattainable?


    Her consciousness lapsed. Each time she opened her eyes there was more destruction and more red. She saw Euryale cut down, Stheno crushed. They could no longer move despite being unable to die. Each living thing would end up the same way. It was her turn next.


    Her mind faded, her mind returned.


    Medusa was right before her. Deep red eyes with a silver center only a hair¡¯s breadths away. She could feel her breath against her face. Death had reached her.


    In her last moments she wondered if her soul would ever find its way to the underworld from this nightmare.


    ¡°So¡­rry¡­¡±


    To the bitter end the twisted existence of the Gorgon contradicted itself.


    An executioner should not apologize to those they culled.


    <hr>


    Eugenia had died. Her existence was over. This deep darkness should have been the afterlife. It did feel so incredibly heavy. She had always thought souls were lighter, for they had no body to drag around. It was also incredibly cold.


    Her body got dragged around relentlessly by the current and she felt herself just giving in to the numbing icy waters. Her eyes opened and did not even feel the salty sting of the ocean water. She was sinking rapidly, unable to resist the current. But she was not sinking alone¡­


    A beautiful girl was diving through the ocean, letting her long hair float after her like a village banner. Her silvery-purple eyes had already caught her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give up so soon.¡± She said.


    Eugenia¡¯s heart beat once in surprise, before she was dragged out of the ocean and into the air by the girl with wings. They were here again. The same scene before the fateful meeting. As they landed on Sarpedon she braced for impact and was covered in sand.


    ¡°Miscalculated the landing¡­ pleh.¡± Stheno spat out some sand and then laughed.


    ¡°I am back.¡± The human girl whispered.


    ¡°I was surprised to find a human in these waters! My name is Stheno by the way. You can also call me Gorgon, but then my sisters would probably kill y-¡°


    ¡°Lady Stheno!¡± She grabbed the beautiful girl by the long hair and put her face close in panic.


    ¡°Hmhm, you can¡¯t help yourself? Very well, touch it all you want.¡± She was in a generous mood.


    ¡°Where is Medusa?! She attacked you and Lady Euryale- No, we are all dead!¡± She lost her grip and hastily looked around for signs of the battle. But the island was completely intact, pristine even.


    ¡°Dusa? Are you one of those mad humans that want to slay her?¡± Stheno twirled one finger through her hair and watched the panicked human intently. She clearly had no idea who she was. ¡°What a shame, I would have liked to keep you. There aren¡¯t many of your kind around here. There is no way Dusa will let me if you are invading her territory, though.¡± She sighed disappointedly.


    ¡°No, I will never harm Medusa! I am here to save her!¡±


    ¡°Save me?¡± A deep and challenging voice emerged from the temple and once more she met with the proud Gorgon herself. She stood above and they immediately locked eyes.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t turning to stone!¡± Stheno exclaimed.


    Eugenia could not believe it. Everything had returned to normal. Returned to the past. Medusa was still herself and the twins had not been attacked yet. Cronos himself had forced the world back to its previous state, there was no other explanation.


    ¡°I am so glad.¡± She said to the cautious snake woman above and fell to her knees as all tension left her muscles. There was still a chance. It was not too late!


    She could still save Medusa from herself.


    As the dream returned to the beginning, the inevitable conclusion marched forward in turn. The blind woman experienced the snake devouring its own tail and found herself in its center. Her determination was tested in this trial of her own making. Yet the Gorgon only watched on.

 Chapter 61: Eugenia and Euryale

    ¡°A chosen hero?¡±


    ¡°Yes! He will arrive here in two days¡¯ time. We have to warn Medusa!¡±


    ¡°Curious, mighty curious. I didn''t fish out some lost human, but rather a soothsayer it seems.¡± Stheno stretched on the stone bench like a cat in the afternoon sun. Her white dress was creasing to accentuate her slim figure. ¡°Are you one of those human oracles? Pythia, did they call her?¡±


    ¡°No, I am not really¡­¡± She turned quiet and rubbed her face restlessly. She knew of future events, but she also did not exactly know why. Would they surely repeat or was this merely a delusion? It was inevitable. Could she honestly say that this was true? It was the truth.


    ¡°Hahaha, you are so adorably confused that I just want to know more. What kind of hero would dare challenge Dusa? Is he handsome and tall? Decrepit and sly? Well? Well well well?¡± She was clasping Eugenia¡¯s hands to corner her, eyes sparkling with curiosity.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember much.¡± She admitted and tried to focus her mind one the few images that it could hold on to after awakening in the merciless sea. There was a blinding flash of lightning, the burning flames like a cage and the roar of a giant monster. No matter what was to come, this sight was not allowed to repeat. It had repeated endlessly. She had a bad feeling about this incoming battle. Her interference was in vain.


    ¡°Have you not just had a lively dream then?¡± Stheno asked sweetly like she was talking to a child.


    ¡°He was real. He fought Medusa and forced her to use all her strength. Her curse did not work on him.¡± She said with a dry voice.


    ¡°This is only getting more fascinating. So there are even more humans out there who can resist Dusa¡¯s eyes, not just you?¡± She whistled.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if he is human.¡± The irises of pure light still left a mark in her inner eyes.


    ¡°Whether he is human or not, as long as this ¡®hero¡¯ is mortal Dusa will never lose.¡± Stheno said with a sweet sigh and let go of Eugenia¡¯s hands. ¡°Because my sister is the strongest monster.¡±


    ¡°She isn¡¯t a monster!¡± The retort slipped out against her will.


    ¡°Hm? Just how well do you think you know her?¡± For just the fracture of a moment the cheer left Stheno¡¯s eyes and became sharp. It reminded Eugenia of the time she had imprisoned her. Was that also a dream? A mere delusion?


    ¡°She is the most important person to me.¡± She muttered.


    ¡°Then you want to save her from a loss?¡±


    ¡°No, Medusa wins the fight.¡±


    ¡°Then what is the matter! Let the foolish intruder come and get torn to pieces. It will make for an enjoyable distraction at least.¡± She chuckled and kicked one of the many statues over with her tender foot. It easily got toppled and burst into pieces. ¡°I will protect you from the scary fighting my cute little pet.¡± She added more gently.


    ¡°!¡± Eugenia reflexively pushed aside the hand headed for her cheek. She immediately lowered her arm and anxiously awaited the Gorgon sister¡¯s reaction.


    Stheno looked at her dismissed hand and licked her lower lip. Then she moved her fingers in a mesmerizing pattern before lowering her hand as well. ¡°Feisty.¡± She commented without much resentment.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, it was not on purpose.¡± She apologized quickly, knowing full well she was at the Gorgon¡¯s mercy.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you will warm up to me eventually. We have plenty of time.¡± She grinned. Then she raised her body from the bench and stretched her arms until they gave a satisfying pop. ¡°Very well, you are too concerned to even appreciate my art right now. Let me show you the kindness of your new master, so that you may be at ease. I will talk to Dusa so you two can meet up just once. You can let all these unnecessary worries off your chest and then return to me afterwards.¡± She winked.


    ¡°Will she agree to it?¡± She would never be convinced.


    ¡°We are sisters. Perhaps we don¡¯t see eye to eye on matters of the fine arts, but she never can deny me for long. That¡¯s the power of blood.¡± She seemed overly confident in her power of persuasion. ¡°Take a look at my paintings while I am gone. I do so look forward to your thoughts~¡± She waved her pet goodbye and then moved into the sun filled passage to the lair.


    Eugenia watched her leave with a shadow across her eyes. Her lips trembled as memories flooded into her mind. Stheno would fail. This time she may have succeeded. She never succeeded. The connection between sisters was special, wasn¡¯t it? Eugenia was an only child. Most of her life she had spent alone, barely remembering the touch of family.


    The painful flicker of knowledge beyond time and space made her wince. She wanted to trust in Stheno, but her entire being rejected this option. Medusa was stubborn and cold. Her soft spot for Stheno would not be enough. If this path was doomed to lead them astray then she needed an alternative. While the sisters argued inside the lair she would have to find another way.


    If Stheno was not enough then perhaps she needed another sister¡¯s hand to force the snake out of the crevice. Euryale, the second twin sister. She commanded a strong presence that could hardly be ignored. Immeasurable pride and uncompromising eyes defined the third Gorgon sister. Last time they met¡­ they met¡­


    Eugenia held her splitting head and moaned in pain. She could remember cold and rejecting eyes, but not much more. Euryale was a mystery and would not be convinced as easily as her twin sister. Yet if it was for Medusa¡¯s sake she would try anything.


    <hr>


    The island was small, but it was still surprisingly hard to find the quiet Gorgon. Eugenia had parsed the few remaining rooms and places that were still stable inside the temple and had found nothing for her efforts. The only place that seemed to be entirely intact was a big building at the back of the temple, but it was locked behind a large and heavy wooden door. The stone plate that had once draped the entrance was covered in vines and barely legible. Eugenia did not know whether she could read, but the words still made sense to her.


    [Greenhouse]


    Unless Euryale had dived back into the cold ocean she could not imagine her to be anywhere else but this place. There was no sign of her presence on the entire island. This was the last possibility.


    ¡°Move already¡­gghnn!¡± The frail human girl tried her best to move the heavy door, but to no avail. She didn¡¯t remember it being locked before. Even with her meager arm strength she had always been able to open it. The wooden beam on the inside had been eroded by time. She didn¡¯t know what was inside, but it must have blocked the entrance. The trees and garden could thrive without disturbance.


    If it was locked then Euryale should not have made it inside either. Perhaps she had been too hasty to put all her hopes on this place. With a sigh she stepped away from the door and moved around the wall to the right.


    There she spied an odd mechanism. Ropes were wound around a wheel and a lever seemed to be protruding from a gap in the stone. The roof was covered in protective wooden panels. A shield around the perfectly clear glass. She could not tell its purpose despite the nagging voice at the back of her head. Either way she had no time to spare on her curiosity.


    She walked past the lever and mulled over where to search next. Then out of the corner of her eyes she noted that the lever was pulled down already. How odd.


    ¡°Someone moved it.¡± She deduced and touched it intently. Her curiosity always won out in the end. What was the mechanism¡¯s purpose? She could tell no difference from here, so the only option was to move the lever. She strongly pushed against the hefty lever and the loud winding of gears made her jump back in surprise.


    In a matter of moments something grinded across the roof and created vibrations that Eugenia could somehow sense directly in her skull. Her ears were too sensitive. Panes of wood that had been stuck to the side of the building had been pulled up by ropes and disappeared from her sight. They must have slid across the rooftop.


    ¡°What for?¡± She wondered before hearing something quite disheartening. It was rather uncouth swearing from inside the building. Someone was inside it after all! And she was not happy at all. Euryale¡¯s temper was worse than changing tides of a whirlpool.


    At least she was sure to be in the right place now. This didn¡¯t solve the mystery of how she had managed to get in there without unlocking the door, but that was a meaningless detail now. Eugenia squatted next to the wall and inspected some suspicious openings. They were mostly flat and wide. Some kind of furrow that led below the walls and to the edge of grassy hill behind her. After touching it with her fingers she could tell it was slightly wet.


    From the little she knew about keeping fields she could tell this was supposed to direct water into the building. The purpose was eluding her, but she could make use of this. With both hands she hastily moved the soft and wet earth onto a pile next to her. The furrow got deeper and deeper until she could push both her arms through the gap. Despite the dry and sunny days the earth was as wet as after a long rain. It was nearly too convenient.


    ¡°Huff!¡± She had dug so much that her clothes were covered in mud again. It was a strangely familiar feeling now. Her efforts were not in vain thankfully as the gap below the wall had now become wide enough to allow her to press through.


    Without a second thought she slipped into the Greenhouse and found herself in relative darkness. There was no light source other than some gaps in the roof. After a second look she noticed that they weren¡¯t gaps in the roof itself, but rather in the covers. The roof was made entirely from glass! The sound of the shattering windows as the Greenhouse exploded still reverberated inside the air.


    While marveling at this unexpected sight she was standing up on the grassy ground. Next she noticed the many trees that had taken root in this magical place as well. Whoever had come up with the plans for this building must have been a genius. It was something so simple, yet extraordinary.


    ¡°Are you quite finished exploring my sanctuary, dirty human child?¡± The icy voice of the only other person around penetrated the stale air.


    ¡°This place is yours?¡±


    ¡°If you are asking whether I built it, you are even more foolish than I thought.¡± Euryale said dismissively and leaned her head against the tree she was sitting under. ¡°I merely enjoy the quiet atmosphere. Stheno is too loud.¡±


    Eugenia sized up the beautiful woman before her. The way she rested against the tree was certainly picturesque. Any craftsman would have given their left arm as tribute to portray this image on marble statues or clay vases. A quiet beauty without equal. Although she seemed bothered by something, there was no wasted movement. She kept resting motionlessly. Her unbelievably long hair was loose, but straight. Unlike Stheno she did not braid it or tie it.


    It was hard to approach her already. Once she opened her mouth she just became like a wall of thorns.


    ¡°I am sorry for disturbing your rest-¡°


    ¡°Are you now? First you take my light and now you take my attention. Are those the actions of someone who feels apologetic? You are utterly lacking in respect.¡± She did not open her eyes as she trounced the human girl verbally.


    Eugenia hesitated and looked up to the glass ceiling once more. The light that was taken must have been referring to that mechanism. It was not her intention, but she had already rubbed Euryale the wrong way before even meeting her. The quiet Gorgon sister never forgave.


    ¡°I will return your light, but I cannot give up on your attention.¡± She said with forced bravado.


    ¡°Hmph.¡±


    ¡°It may be impudent of me to say this, but I beg of you for your help.¡± She lowered her head and bowed down to the Gorgon.


    ¡°I refuse.¡±


    ¡°But-!¡± Before she could protest she felt a cold shiver down her back. An icy wind had taken hold of the Greenhouse and the flowers around her seemed to fall off and die on their own. They had dried up in a matter of seconds.


    ¡°Give me something worthy of my attention. Only then may you open your mouth again.¡± It was an order that could not be opposed.


    Eugenia could feel the chill in her limbs and conceded. Before her heart froze over she would have to find an offering. She retreated with her head lowered, in fear that even making eye-contact could be a death sentence.


    She pressed her body through the tight opening from before and exited the inner garden. The moment warm sunlight hit her face she truly realized how cold it had been inside. The goosebumps on her sin receded and she hastily moved the lever back with both hands. The wooden panes soon returned to the sides to let sunlight stream into the garden. This would at least slightly make up for her blunder she hoped.


    ¡°An offering?¡± She cupped her chin and frantically thought about what to do now. She had nothing on her except these dirty clothes. And what could a human even offer a higher being with such discerning tastes? She only had her body¡­


    In the city those who had nothing but their body could still find a way to survive. Heavy labor was a commodity, one that could seriously destroy a person over time. Only those who had no choice would end up in the mines and construction sites. Willing enslavement for the sake of being fed.


    But for a woman there was not much in the way of heavy labor. No, they were not made for the dangers of construction and mining. They could help work on fields as farmers, they could weave clothes and be tanners in the stench filled river districts. And those with no such skills or resources could still give their flesh to those in need of it.


    Her face turned flushed and she felt strangely heated. That option was out of the question. Deep down she knew that she would betray someone if she resorted to this.


    What skills did Eugenia possess that could let her avoid such a fate? If only she knew more about Euryale¡¯s interests.


    ¡°Gnnh!¡± Suddenly she pressed both hands onto her pulsing temples. The searing pain that went through her mind brought her close to fainting. With each beat of the heated hammer she was feeling fragments of memories fall into place and reconnect. A scene that had not transpired yet or never would.


    ¡°---- any wine ---- parched throat ---- ¡±


    Her eyes widened when she returned to the here and now. She had seen a revelation! Those memories could not have been hers, yet she knew they were. A moment where she had spoken to the Gorgon sister and gleamed a crucial detail. The cold natured woman was a slave to the grape blood, like so many of the mortals she thought beneath her. It was the perfect offering.


    Just as quickly as her mood had lifted up high it immediately returned to the ground as she took a good look at the island around her. This place was not exactly a vineyard and from what she could tell the Gorgons did search the ship wreckage for loot often, so she had little hope of finding anything that they who could breathe underwater did not.


    ¡°I have to find some anyway.¡± The thought of completing her mission was pushing her forward relentlessly. If she had been more conscious of the twistedness of this world perhaps she would have second guessed herself more. In that case she was thankful of the numbness of her mind.


    <hr>


    ¡°Puhaaah!¡± She broke through the surface and spat out some sea water. The cold waves had threatened to pull her back down for a moment, but she managed to cling to a rock near the beach. It was terrifying how quickly the ocean turned from a beautiful light blue to a deadly dark grey.


    She had managed to keep her eyes open despite the salt water which was helpful. The expected sting was completely missing. Aside from this small perk she had little to be thankful though. She could not hold her breath for very long and the wreckage was nearly maze like. At least she was glad that there would be no Minotaur waiting around the corner of this one. That didn¡¯t mean she was safe of sea monster however.


    ¡°This is a dead end.¡± She muttered and dragged herself onto the beach. Her wet clothes felt heavy as stone slabs and her hair was sticky and salty. It almost seemed she was doomed to repeat this cycle of nearly drowning and crawling back on the sand. She had repeated it countless times.


    While unceremoniously dragging seaweed from her hair she sighed towards the temple. Her destination was so close, yet so far. Was there truly no wine on this entire island? She wished that those strange false memories would give her a new perspective again. Something that she would have known once perhaps?


    Eugenia took the shortest path to the ruined temple and looked about without direction or ideas. This place was too familiar to be so foreign. Inside the lair Stheno was currently attempting to convince Medusa. If her intuition was correct then the divine sister was bound to fail. But how could she be certain? These fragmented memories could have just been a delusion.


    ¡°Am I losing my mind?¡± She wondered with a frown. To search Sarpedon for a drop of wine while the doomsday was approaching quickly was the height of foolishness, no?


    Could she even tell good from bad wine? Had she ever partaken in this pleasure? Was there any need to? Such questions kept her occupied as she sat down and leaned against an old sandstone wall. To save someone dear to her, would she not need to understand who she was first? Medusa was everything, but she could not even tell why she cared about her.


    So truly, what did she know about wine?


    ¡°Do not drink the cheap stuff that sailors keep around. It will give you a horrible migraine.¡± She heard a voice speak up close to her. Her heart almost jumped out of her chest and she hastily turned around to see¡­ a pillar. There was nobody there. Another auditory illusion. Now that she had calmed down, that voice seemed to be familiar though. Someone had given her such advice before.


    The sweetest wine she had ever tasted was not cheap sailor¡¯s booze. It had the taste of precious soft lips¡­


    Eugenia blushed again. This time it was a deeply longing flush going all the way across her face and up to her ears. She had remembered only the emotion she had felt, but it was heavy and wonderful indeed. If it was the taste of that incredible wine she had received from her beloved, then there would be no complaints from anyone who tasted it.


    And the moment she escaped the trance like state and let her fingers release her lips she looked upon something that could not have been there. Right below a small roof of rubble, there was a wooden chest. This had not been here before, but as the world had turned blurry like the strokes of paint on a canvas, it had appeared.


    Her hand opened the lock instinctively and from inside the depth she pulled a single amphora. The tantalizing odor of alcohol reached her nose in an instant. This was exactly what she had tasted in her memory. How had it arrived before her? A miracle of the gods? The how seemed meaningless compared to the next step.


    She was tempted to take a single sip from the miracle wine, but she thought better of it. If she lost her focus she feared it may disappear like it was a trick of the light.


    <hr>


    Inside the hidden garden the air was tranquil, but now that the sunlight had entered anew, it had regained all of its beautiful colors. The sight was very nostalgic. She only remember the pitter patter of rain on glass.


    Like an unmoving work of art the cold beauty was still resting below the low hanging branches of a tree. Had she moved even a muscle since they separated? Had she moved her tightly shut eyelids once? Eugenia wondered if she hadn¡¯t imagined their prior encounter. It seemed impossible for this picture to be disturbed.


    ¡°Lady Euryale, I have returned.¡± She could not spare any more time marveling. She had a mission.


    ¡°So you have.¡± The cold reply came with some delay as the snow-skinned Gorgon opened her clear eyes. Her gaze instantly was attracted to the amphora in the girl¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I have brought you an offering. If you would graciously accept it I would be overjoyed.¡± She held the wine before her in a hopeful pose.


    ¡°Where did you obtain this offering?¡± She asked suspiciously.


    ¡°That¡¯s - a secret.¡± She smiled wryly.


    ¡°Hmph.¡± She made an unamused sound, but then waved the human girl over. Finally a favorable response.


    Eugenia moved closer and then knelt down in front of the Gorgon, clutching the wine to her chest so as not to clumsily drop it at the last moment. Euryale harshly pulled it out of her hands and then took a long whiff of it. After stone-faced contemplation she finally nodded. As the girl sighed in relief, Euryale made two earthen cups appear from her hands. There was no telling how she had pulled off this trick, but questioning anything on this island was a fool¡¯s errand anyway.


    ¡°Do you drink?¡± She asked without making eye contact as she poured the wine into the first cup.


    ¡°Sometimes.¡±


    ¡°I would not have let you refuse regardless.¡± She said nearly with a hint of maliciousness, but there was the tiniest upward motion on the corner of her lips. Then she handed her the filled cup.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°It is your wine.¡± She replied as she poured herself one as well. ¡°But it is my cup. Treat it as if it were me.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I will.¡± She had no idea what that meant, but she forced herself to hold the cup much more steadily. They faced each other with cups raised for a while, but Euryale did not act further.


    ¡°Drink.¡±


    Eugenia first? She swallowed nervously. Did Euryale think it might have been poisoned?


    ¡°Wrong.¡± Apparently she could read her mind as well!


    ¡°To good health and fortune.¡± Eugenia mumbled an old toast she vaguely remembered and put the cup to her lips. The initial sting of the wine on her tongue soon softened and turned far sweeter. It was incredibly good.


    ¡°It is a rare treat indeed.¡± The Gorgon sister had already partaken of the Dionysus¡¯ blood before Eugenia could notice. ¡°My parched throat finally finds relief. Stale water cannot quench me.¡±


    Eugenia nodded quickly. She could tell that the Gorgon sisters were not pressed for sustenance, as they were divine in nature, but once the body knew of certain pleasures it would feel an intense withdrawal nonetheless. Medusa had forgotten her desires once, but soon felt the same pleasure again.


    She rubbed the cup with her index finger while sinking into thoughts far away.


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    ¡°Do not lose focus when you are in my presence. Your courting is not yet complete.¡± Euryale said with a small sip from the cup that she held in a peculiar way.


    ¡°Courting?¡± She raised a brow, but inwardly chided herself for swaying to the other side again.


    ¡°You desire my support and to that end you will have to convince me. I am not a goddess you can pray to for guidance, neither am I a lowly mortal you can pay for services. If you wish to reach Medusa you must by worthy of it.¡±


    ¡°So you knew.¡± She focused her eyes on the petite woman before her. Suddenly she gave off an entirely different aura.


    ¡°You attained my attention, but nothing more. Speak child. Words are all you have, no?¡± The Gorgon sister leaned against the ancient tree and leaned her arm on one leg.


    ¡°If you know everything already then why do you need me to speak?¡± She felt an unnaturally strong rejection inside her heart. Something about Euryale was truly aggravating to her.


    ¡°Respect, human. The most important thing in this world is respect. Those who earn it go far, those who can demand it are the unquestionable rulers. Those who have none will also receive none. The divine are above mortal respect, we do not give it to those below us. Each of you however will have to give us the respect that is our birthright.¡± Her elaborations were accentuated by the balanced swirling of red wine inside her cup. Never too close to the edge, never chaotic.


    ¡°Is that not unfair? Such a one-sided respect.¡± Eugenia said quietly. She grabbed her cup tightly with both hands.


    ¡°If you had the power to change the world, would you do it?¡±


    ¡°Change-? Of course I would!¡± There were so many wrongs in this world. She did not remember her past, but there were definitely things she regretted as well.


    ¡°Then you would trample on everyone¡¯s will and wishes to realize your own desires. Would you usurp the gods? Would you even the balance of power? Would you put equality before the natural order? Where is the respect in that?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to go so far.¡± She shook her head.


    ¡°The truth is that we all have to respect the natural order. Plants are below animals, animals are below humans, humans are below the gods. Each tale of crossing these lines has led to disaster. Until another divine struggle for dominion occurs, we may only accept this current world the way it is. Respect your limits little human.¡±


    What she said sounded right. It was certainly correct, but¡­ ¡°But it is not just humans who have the will to change. There are deities like you who are not in power. There are heroes with mortal and divine blood that go on quests of their own free will. Then can there not be change within the current law?¡±


    ¡°Those freedoms are an illusion, grander than even Apollo¡¯s greatest plays. Divinity is nothing without the might to force your view on the world. Heroes are no more than the gods¡¯ playthings. When we reduce it all to the very core, there is only one thing we have.¡±


    ¡°Respect?¡±


    ¡°You begin to understand.¡± She seemed pleased and drank from her cup once more.


    Euryale was a realist to the core. When one accepted their lot in life, the shackles of destiny, then there could be nothing more important than the respect of one¡¯s role. Even if there was nobody to praise her on how well she performed her act, she would continue to follow the script.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it painful?¡± Eugenia asked sadly.


    ¡°Do you dislike order that much?¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t. It does not matter to me at all.¡± She refuted quickly. ¡°I do not fear fate, because I don¡¯t know it.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Euryale glanced into her nearly emptied cup with an unreadable expression.


    ¡°If you were to know exactly how everything played out, then what is the meaning of it all? Would you not want to see if you can change something? Is there no way to make your own destin-¡°


    ¡°Silence already.¡± Euryale interrupted her harshly. It was clear that the human girl had gone too far.


    ¡°Medusa believed in this.¡± Eugenia said determinedly.


    ¡°Oh? You are still under the delusion that you know my sister so intimately I see.¡±


    ¡°Even if I didn¡¯t, I can tell from your expression that I am right!¡± She looked at her intently.


    ¡°Impudent.¡± She clicked her tongue, but did not deny it. ¡°Since she became mortal, my sister has shared in the foolishness of your kind far too often. She cannot change her fate and neither can you dirty human child.¡± She poured herself another cup to ease her migraine.


    ¡°We will see about that.¡± Eugenia finished her cup energetically and held it out to the petite woman.


    ¡°I have already seen enough.¡± The Gorgon frowned, but poured one more for the girl. The amphora was as good as empty now.


    ¡°Do you also know about the hero that will arrive in two days?¡± It was a shot in the dark, but she had a feeling that Euryale knew more than she let on.


    ¡°So he looks like a hero to you.¡± She replied softly and set down her cup to a sigh.


    ¡°We can¡¯t let Medusa fight him!¡±


    ¡°And who is going to stop her?¡± She said lethargically, already expecting the answer.


    ¡°I will.¡±


    ¡°What if she does not wish to listen to you?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I need your help. I need you to help me get into her lair.¡±


    ¡°She will not change her mind.¡±


    ¡°Why are you so certain?¡±


    ¡°I cannot tell you.¡± She refused and wrapped her incredibly long hair over her waist, as if to wear it like a belt. It reminded her of Stheno. ¡°I respect Medusa¡¯s will. Perhaps you should try to do the same.¡± And with those words she stood up on her bare feet.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°The wine has made me drowsy. I will find a place to rest my eyes.¡± She said curtly and extended her wings.


    ¡°Wait-!¡± She could not even get a word in before the Gorgon took off. She flapped her long wings and reached the glass roof. There was a single gap inside the windows that she slipped through like a dove.


    At least that explained how she had managed to enter the garden without breaking open the locked door. Eugenia felt silly for caring about such details even now. Had she not just lost her only lead to Medusa?


    Medusa¡¯s will. Just what was that anyway? Euryale would not beat around the bush like that if it was not important. On this mission she had chased the Gorgon with wild abandon. But she had never considered her side. Her heart simply told her to save her. But what if she did not want to be saved?


    Wrong. That thought was wrong. Medusa could not want this. To become this. Live this way.


    The hero''s steps were getting ever closer to Sarpedon. The flames were greedily licking at the seams of this world. The nightmare was neverending.


    If this path was a dead end then Eugenia would have to believe in Stheno. Although her mind knew that this was also futile. She held the cup in her lap and watched the wine swirl around endlessly.


    There was still hope. She had realized it only after tenderly turning the cup, but in Euryale¡¯s spot was her own counterpart. That cup was still filled to the brim. She had poured herself so much, but left without touching it. That cup was a sign. As long as there was still wine, the ¡®courting¡¯ was not finished.


    Eugenia had almost raised herself up and set her cup down on the dirty ground, but now she felt no desire to leave. She crossed her legs and waited patiently with a serene expression. In a previous life she had practiced meditation for the sake of communion with the gods.


    The hours passed and the light of day was extinguished. Moonlight shone into the garden and turned it into an otherworldly place. The fog of the river Styx itself was flowing in. The border between worlds grew thin. Her body had turned as rigid as a corpse from staying still, so perhaps Charon already readied his boat for her.


    Her tired face was reflected in the cup. If she closed her eyes now she could bask in that dreamless instantaneous sleep again. To move time to the next stage of this small world. But she refused. Her mind stayed awake despite it all.


    <hr>


    It was noon again. The garden had absorbed the warmth of morning and was now sweltering in the heat of day. Euryale sat atop the glass ceiling and watched the hunched back of the human girl.


    She had sat there for the span of an entire day, unmoving and quiet. Had she even gotten a wink of sleep? For a frail mortal like her, this would soon take her to the breaking point.


    ¡°Unbelievable.¡± She exhaled as she kept watch over that lonesome back.


    <hr>


    Another night without sleep. Her throat was dry. Despite not moving at all, her body was drained from the constant heat. Her neck was burning during the day and her feet freezing during the night. Stiff muscles protested in pain. She was reaching her limit physically, but also mentally.


    Doubt had eaten away at her countless times. Surely Euryale would have returned by now if she intended to finish her wine. It would soon spoil in this heat and become sour.


    Eugenia licked her dry lips and rapidly blinked her tired eyes. The cup in her hands seemed to taunt her. That delicious, alluring, infinitely quenching wine was so close. Just a sip would not harm anything. After all Euryale was not coming back.


    But her body lost before her mind could. She felt her strength leave her as she collapsed. The cup fell out of her feeble hands.


    ¡°No!¡± She overcame the dizzy spell and caught the cup just before it hit the ground. It did not get dirty and there was not a drop spilled. ¡°Thank goodness.¡± She wanted to cry from relief, but her body was too dry to produce tears. As delirious as her mind was, she still felt an immense sense of satisfaction for managing to last even another heartbeat.


    Every moment she stayed conscious she could continue thinking about her answer. The truth that her heart and mind concealed from her. When she had negotiated with Euryale she had felt herself get closer to the edge. As long as she kept confronting them she could perhaps reach that long sorrowful back¡­


    In the blurry vision before her she could only see green and brown tones. It seemed like she was not going to manage for much longer. It was already the third day since her arrival. Perhaps she had made a mistake, but true stubbornness kept her legs crossed and her head held high. She would see this path to the end to be certain¡­ that there was no¡­ regret¡­


    Time passed like thick strands of oil. She could not tell whether the sun had moved or if she had only lasted another heartbeat. She could not feel it anymore. Her heart stopped for a moment and she had to cough violently. Her torso fell forward and she collapsed on the grass. This was her human limit.


    But the hard earth and dry grass felt much too soft this time. Her cheek touched fabric rather than the ground and she hazily opened her eyes. She was blinded by the light from above, but as her eyes focused she could see the shadow towering above her. Silvery-purple eyes glanced down on her judgingly.


    This vision created a splitting pain in her head and the image overlapped with a memory. She had been in this position before. This not too gentle lap and worried expression¡­


    ¡°Medusa¡­?¡± She whispered.


    ¡°I am afraid you are mistaken.¡± Euryale responded coolly and forced a cup to her lips. She aggressively made Eugenia drink the cold water until she nearly drowned. The human girl coughed repeatedly and then forced herself to sit up.


    ¡°You-hakgak¡­ You came back.¡± She wiped the water from her chin and looked about in confusion. The sun was still far up in the sky.


    ¡°Stheno would never turn quiet if I let her pet die in my garden.¡± The Gorgon sister replied dismissively.


    ¡°I see.¡± She rubbed her hurting throat and looked down dejected.


    ¡°Drink more water.¡± She pushed a water-skin into the girl¡¯s lap and sat down below the tree.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She accepted the offer and quenched her considerable thirst.


    ¡°Awful.¡± Euryale made a displeased face as she emptied the cup of wine that had been standing around for two days. It was unclear what she had expected after leaving it to spoil in the sun.


    ¡°You came to finish it.¡± She realized. ¡°That means-!¡±


    ¡°I never waste a good drop. That would be disrespectful to the soil that provided it.¡± She muttered and refilled the cup with the last remnants of the amphora.


    ¡°As long as we are still drinking the negotiations aren¡¯t over.¡± Eugenia pointed out.


    ¡°¡­¡± Euryale did not wish to respond to that it seemed, but she did not deny it either.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what Medusa¡¯s will is.¡± Eugenia admitted as she wiped her sweat covered face with her sleeves. ¡°I want to respect her wishes, that much is true.¡±


    Euryale looked down with a brooding expression and focused on the untouched wine cup next to Eugenia, which was neatly placed on a sun kissed rock.


    ¡°While you were gone I thought about what that means. If Medusa wants me to abandon her then that would be her wish. I can respect that.¡± She leaned forward with a frown. ¡°But is that what Medusa truly wants?! How can I know unless I talk to her?¡± She was only a finger¡¯s length away from Euryale¡¯s face. ¡°You said that mortals have to respect the divine, but not the other way around. That is why I have no right to object if I want to accept the order of the world.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°But Medusa is a mortal too!¡±


    Euryale averted her face and looked pained. Of course she knew this conclusion all along.


    ¡°I can¡¯t say why, but my mind knows these details. I remember little things about her that may not matter at all, even though I don¡¯t know who I am. Medusa is not human, but she is also not a goddess. There may be more differences than similarities, but do you not think that by the order of this world we are still equal?¡±


    ¡°That is not-¡°


    ¡°If someone has a wish you need to respect their will, which is what we have been taught as children. But what if my wish¡­ my own wish contradicts hers?¡± She started to remember something. She was not allowed to remember. She was at the edge of an epiphany. Any more of this would create a paradox.


    ¡°Then you say that your will exceeds my sister¡¯s?¡± Euryale asked heavily.


    ¡°My wish to speak to her is everything to me right now. My existence has no meaning if I don¡¯t.¡± Like an overcooked egg she felt her insides push against the shell and threaten to break it already.


    ¡°You wish for her to respect your will as well then.¡± Euryale put down her cup and sighed. With her left index finger she pushed Eugenia¡¯s face back until she fell over and back onto her spot. ¡°I have witnessed it already. You are certainly insufferable, even for a human.¡± Her finger traced across the air and stopped at the untouched cup on the rock. ¡°But you treated ¡®me¡¯ with respect until the end. It is only expected that the negotiations continue.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± She already rose up again with a delirious smile.


    ¡°What do I gain from putting my support behind your frail back?¡± She asked seriously.


    ¡°Answers.¡±


    Their eyes met like two swords in a clash. Euryale was astounded by that response and had failed to parry the slash.


    ¡°Hah. Hahaha. You are quite something.¡± For the first time the cold-hearted Gorgon chuckled. ¡°You believe that I need your help to get these precious answers?¡±


    ¡°I know that you worry about Medusa, but you are far too prideful to talk to her about it.¡± Now she was completely certain after seeing that reaction. Euryale¡¯s greatest weakness was now revealed. An impenetrable defense did not exist. Even great Achilleus could be slain when hit in his vulnerable heel. The twin¡¯s feelings for her sisters were this proverbial heel.


    ¡°She is utterly irritable and childish. Her pride far exceeds mine, human child. Prying her open is simply not worth my effort.¡± She had regained her composure in an instant and let the sun sparkle on her luscious skin as she looked up. ¡°Perhaps she needs someone as impertinent as you to get through those guarded arms.¡±


    ¡°I will not stop until I do just that.¡± She nodded in confirmation.


    ¡°Very well. We will have to move quickly. Your fearsome hero is already on his way.¡± She lethargically twisted her hand and the sun above them showed a tinge of red.


    ¡°Oh no!¡± Eugenia stood on her feet in a moment, but almost collapsed again with her weakened constitution. ¡°Hurry! I need to hurry.¡± She stumbled towards the hole under the Greenhouse¡¯s wall.


    ¡°Too slow. I will not be kept waiting by a human.¡± Euryale hissed and grabbed Eugenia by the neck like a kitten. Next they already flew towards the open window above and left the garden behind. From up here everything seemed incredibly small. The horizon was still covered in endless blue.


    ¡°Heeeey! Did you steal Genia while I was gone Rya?!¡± Suddenly Stheno shouted towards them from the pavilion. She seemed incredibly infuriated and raised her fist to the sky.


    ¡°I will return her to you after I am satisfied.¡± Euryale responded with an icy glare and Stheno immediately shut up. There was no doubt who was the top of the food chain on this island.


    ¡°Don¡¯t break her, alright?¡± She pouted and returned to her place.


    With that confrontation avoided their flight path swerved right towards the lair. Euryale descended at breakneck speed and dented in the earth next to the large door. Eugenia faintly felt like she should have been in horrible pain, but there was a comfortable numbness to her body. Flying wasn¡¯t so bad. Medusa¡¯s technique was far rougher.


    ¡°Do not leave my back. Her curse may not affect you, but her claws will sever your head with ease.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± She swallowed and followed behind the beautiful woman¡¯s small back as if it was a Spartan shield.


    The stairwell was unusually wide and well kept. It was small, tight and derelict. A gentle breeze blew down into the lit underground. The stale air was swallowed by the thick darkness.


    Eugenia¡¯s eyes did not need to adjust at all, so she could immediately tell that the walls were covered in odd carvings and paint. This lair was more akin to a real temple¡¯s mausoleum. Even kings would be envious of such detailed pictures. What was depicted here was a far cry from the amateurish paintings that Stheno created. This was true art.


    But every time she attempted to focus on the contents she just received blurry colors inside her mind. Her eyes seemed to be failing her!


    ¡°Do not stray from my back.¡± It was the Gorgon sister¡¯s last warning.


    ¡°S-sorry.¡±


    They walked down in silence as torches periodically revealed new artworks. Whatever they depicted was sequential, that much Eugenia could tell. The scenes became larger and more expressive and ultimately culminated in circles on the ground that created an odd snake like pattern. They had entered the innermost ¡®sanctuary¡¯ of this lair.


    Draped over some manner of ancient stone altar was the large snake woman. Her tail swung left and right as she faced her intruder with her head supported on her hand.


    ¡°I did not expect you to play stable master Euryale. This cattle will not provide you with any nourishment.¡± Medusa said with the most poisonous of tones.


    ¡°Will you spare me the sarcasm sister? Lest you make me nauseous with such accusations.¡± She really seemed to be holding back her bile at the very thought of eating Eugenia. The thought crossed the human¡¯s mind that it was probably not because of her morals, but rather because Eugenia wouldn¡¯t taste well. Spending time with these women made her mind go to odd places.


    ¡°I was giving you the benefit of the doubt. I recall that you were not eager to let Stheno keep pets. My dear sister would hardly allow herself to become a hypocrite.¡± The Gorgon kept her eyes on Euryale, not even bothering to acknowledge Eugenia¡¯s presence.


    That cruel tone and hateful soul seemed¡­ off.


    ¡°I have no interest in the human whatsoever. You know full well why I am here.¡±


    ¡°I already told Stheno that I refuse.¡± The snake hair undulated in anticipation. There was a strained atmosphere between the sisters already.


    ¡°I am not Stheno.¡± She said ominously.


    ¡°Is that a threat?¡±


    ¡°Do not lose yourself to emotion Medusa. Show your sister respect.¡± Her icy eyes were so piercing that even Medusa turned quiet and frowned. ¡°I have made an agreement with this human. I ask that you let her speak to you.¡±


    ¡°How did she convince you?¡± Medusa asked with a rattled expression.


    ¡°That is my concern alone.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps.¡± She squinted her eyes and for just the fraction of a moment it grazed Eugenia and made her shiver. ¡°Yet even if you are my sister and I owe you respect, I cannot accept this request. That human does not belong here.¡± It was her final verdict.


    What did she mean by that? Eugenia was an outsider no doubt, but it felt like there was a lot more left unsaid. She was so close to her, so her first instinct was to shout out loud, but she knew better.


    ¡°She wants to talk to you no matter what fate may befall her. You should know this by now.¡±


    ¡°That does not change anything.¡±


    ¡°Are you simply stubborn or is there something else?¡± Euryale seemed bothered as well and finally asked something of her own.


    ¡°There is nothing.¡±


    ¡°Then you shan¡¯t fear a simple conversation with this human.¡± Euryale stepped aside and pushed Eugenia down on her knees. ¡°Do with her as you will, but if you respect me as your sister you will give her one chance.¡± She stepped aside and crossed her arms.


    ¡®What is she thinking?!¡¯ Eugenia felt cold sweat run down her back and arms. Medusa was anything but ready to have a conversation. The snake hair was hissing quietly already. Those children were with her since the day she was cursed and could sense each flicker in her heart. They had already perished and been replaced.


    ¡°You test my patience sister.¡± Medusa glared at the other Gorgon, but ultimately clicked her tongue and leaned back. She did not pay any attention to Eugenia at all.


    Was this the opportunity she had yearned for? Right now she had finally reached the one she had sought so long. The circumstances weren¡¯t ideal, but there was a growing heat in the lair that spurned her on.


    ¡°Medusa, my name is Eugenia.¡±


    ¡°I have no need of a human¡¯s name.¡±


    ¡°Then at least take note of my warning! Someone is approaching this island to fight you. He is no human, nor god. I can¡¯t even explain what he is, but but¡­ but he will fight you to the death.¡± She struggled to keep calm as she felt a horrible sense of dread approach.


    ¡°You were this desperate to warn me of an enemy?¡± She snorted depreciatively. ¡°What is this foolish act? Do not pretend my battles are your concern. I do not put faith into soothsayers.¡±


    ¡°I am not divining the future, I swear. I don¡¯t want to gain your favor or be rewarded. My warning is only for your sake! To save Medusa-¡± She begun, but was interrupted by the shaking of the ground and ceiling. Something large had just landed on the island and brought with it an intense heat. The storm clouds began to rumble forebodingly.


    ¡°He is here. Seems you were not entirely fake.¡± Medusa said with a grave expression and her eyes turned snake like.


    ¡°Listen to me!¡± She stood up and stretched her arms to both sides to prevent the Gorgon from leaving. ¡°You cannot fight the hero.¡±


    ¡°Is that why you came here, pest? To tell me to surrender? What god spat you unto my island?¡± Medusa was furious already and slithered off the altar.


    ¡°If you fight him you will not be able to go back!¡±


    ¡°There is no enemy that I cannot slay human.¡± She towered above Eugenia and extended her claws to her neck. ¡°Make space for our battle or be minced in my path.¡±


    ¡°Why do you need to fight him?! This hollow victory is not worth giving up on your true self!¡± Eugenia¡¯s mind was sparking with memories and information she could not process. This was the worst possible outcome; she had to prevent it. At all costs.


    ¡°Enough! Those who oppose me, those who threaten me, those who intrude upon my exile, they are all enemies that will be crushed. That is who I am!¡± She brushed Eugenia aside with force and made her crash against a wall.


    Her vision turned dark already from the impact, but the stinging pain from her side was even worse. A sharp rock had lodged itself into her right waist side. Like the blade of a dagger. Her cheap garments were turning red rapidly. The pain seemed almost distant, like a mere memory, but it was paralyzing her completely. She needed to stitch the flesh together to survive. Red ran from her lips and freezing cold spread across her limbs.


    There was no way she could stop her anymore. She had been too late. Again. Again again again!


    Medusa slithered to the staircase to face the hero. How many times had she¡­ how many times would she¡­?


    ¡°Wait.¡±


    Medusa stopped. It was not Eugenia who had called out, for she was struggling to even stay conscious. The voice belonged to Euryale, who now blocked the stairwell with her own arms.


    ¡°You as well? You doubt my strength?¡± Medusa was taken aback for once.


    ¡°You will surely be victorious as you always are, sister.¡± The smaller Gorgon sister looked up to her and returned her furious gaze. ¡°But there is something wrong about this ordeal.¡±


    ¡°A trick of the gods? Did that woman send the hero to our shores?¡± Medusa was only focused on the enemy above and clearly impatient.


    ¡°Eugenia is not finished yet. Listen to her.¡± Euryale insisted.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Medusa¡¯s fog of anger cleared a little as she noticed the troubled expression on her sister¡¯s face. The always stoic Euryale seemed incredibly frail right now.


    ¡°There are things I may not say. Things I cannot even think. So I have to leave it to the human this time.¡± She gave the bleeding girl a single look. It almost seemed like their roles were reversed.


    ¡°Me-du-sa.¡± Eugenia dragged herself up on the cracked wall with pure determination. Her veins were on fire, but it seemed to reignite the spark just fine.


    ¡°Why are you so stubborn?¡± Medusa twisted her mouth in agony and stopped at the foot of the stairs. ¡°You have only as long as I can count fingers on my hand.¡±


    She had relented and was facing her.


    Eugenia¡¯s heart was lifted to the heavens and she felt infinite relief. There was reason left in this twisted being after all. That was the expression she had sought so much. A face she had never once witnessed.


    ¡°Ten.¡± The Gorgon lowered one finger already. She was not messing around!


    ¡°If you fight the hero you will perhaps win or lose, but it doesn¡¯t matter.¡± She said between ragged breathing. She was losing a lot of blood. ¡°If you fight then you can never go back to being yourself!¡±


    ¡°You already said that. Have you nothing more?¡± She scoffed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why¡­ but your curse¡­ is it not too heavy?¡± Eugenia muttered.


    ¡°Hmph.¡± Medusa seemed to be fully aware of what she meant this time. Her fist was clutched tightly in response. Only five seconds left.


    ¡°Fighting¡­ haah¡­ that¡¯s¡­ battling him¡­ that¡¯s what she¡­¡± She felt her pulse go quieter each moment. ¡°That¡¯s what she wants.¡± She said as she collapsed.


    ¡°She?¡± Medusa¡¯s eyes widened and she instinctively caught Eugenia¡¯s body in her arm. ¡°You mean this is a ploy of-?¡±


    Krrrchk


    Eugenia heard the sound, before her eyes could even realize what had happened. Her limp head turned to the side and she saw the red gush over the lair. It was not her life liquid. It belonged to-


    ¡°Krrrgh.¡± Euryale stood weakly with her chest impaled. A long chain extended through the destroyed entrance far above. The weapon had been thrown with horrific accuracy and pierced the Gorgon sister¡¯s ribs. Her lung must have been destroyed as well as she forcefully closed her lips. She looked up to Medusa with a vehemently stoic expression, voiceless.


    Their eyes met as the chain was pulled back and she was flailed against the walls and dragged all the way to the surface.


    ¡°¡­¡± Medusa¡¯s eyes were wide as the ocean and silver as a false moon.


    ¡°Noooo!¡± Eugenia screamed as she saw Medusa rise up in unrelenting fury.


    ¡°Bastard. How dare you!!¡± Medusa roared and advanced to the surface.


    Eugenia crawled towards the steps as life left her body with each hard-earned breath. It would not have mattered had she died conveying her message. It would not have mattered if she had been torn apart as long as she stopped Medusa. But now she could not even die for her¡­!


    When she reached the stairs with the last of her strength she felt an invisible resistance. The barrier. She could not even pass the first step¡­


    It was frustrating. It was painful. It was lonely.


    She sank into the darkness once again as the roars from above told of a titanic clash.


    <hr>


    The darkness parted slightly to reveal an endless ocean around her. These waters had grown almost familiar by now. Her eyes lit up and she looked forward. There in the distance she saw the flowing hair of Stheno coming her way.


    The flow was trying to drag her deeper, but she did not care this time. She forcefully clawed her way through the water, paddling against the current and towards the not so distant island. There was no way she could waste time drowning.


    On the way Stheno picked her up as usual and pulled her out of the water. They sailed through the air with dripping clothes and made their way to the beach. Eugenia braced for impact and then rolled over the sand. She was only disoriented for a moment and shook it off.


    ¡°My my, you are a spunky one! I did not expect to fish out such a lively human in these waters.¡± The Gorgon sister adjusted her long flowing hair that was always magically dry and clean. ¡°My name is Stheno. Who are-?¡± She was still caught in introductions when she realized that the human girl had already moved up the steps to the temple.


    ¡°MEDUSA!¡± Eugenia shouted with all her might.


    ¡°Now wait just a moment~¡± Stheno was slightly flustered and hastily followed behind her. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t antagonize my sister like that. It would be best if we kept a low profile for now.¡±


    ¡°MEDUSA! Come out!¡± Eugenia was completely out of patience. No matter what she tried, the conclusion was always the same. She had no time to befriend the sisters, she had no power to force her way in, so her only choice was¡­


    ¡°You picked up a rabid one again, Stheno.¡± The snake woman herself appeared from within the temple and looked upon Eugenia with disgust. ¡°Get it out of my sight already. It makes too much noise.¡±


    ¡°Medusa! I have come here for you!¡± Eugenia pointed at her with a serious expression.


    ¡°Wait wait wait, are you trying to challenge her?¡± Stheno covered her face with one hand and sighed.


    ¡°Oh? Another challenger so soon?¡± Medusa gave her a malicious look.


    ¡°She is clearly just confused, because she nearly drowned.¡± Stheno tried to mediate frantically and stepped between them.


    ¡°You will die Medusa.¡± Eugenia said darkly.


    ¡°Hah.¡± Medusa seemed amused, in a very irritated fashion.


    Now she had grabbed her attention. She pushed Stheno out of the way and moved up the steps.


    ¡°What a waste.¡± Stheno sighed.


    ¡°My curse does not seem to affect you.¡± Medusa leaned against a pillar with her arms crossed below her bossom.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I am immune. I also know what will happen to you, so you better listen to what I say.¡± She gave them as much false bravado as she could muster. The hero could not interrupt them this time. Stheno would not trap her. Euryale was not even here yet. This was her chance.


    ¡°I refuse.¡± Medusa said sweetly as her tail impaled Eugenia.


    ¡°Huh?¡± She looked down at the hole in her chest. It did not register with her mind right away.


    ¡°I was curious about your protection, but it is clearly only valuable against petrification.¡± She pulled out her reddened tail and turned away. ¡°Now stay down like a good corpse.¡± She muttered resentfully.


    ¡°You did it again. What good is your curse if you still make such a mess?¡± Euryale dove out of the ocean and immediately saw the red stream leaking down the steps and unto the beach.


    ¡°Stheno will clean it up. She brought it here.¡± Medusa said with a yawn.


    ¡°Why me? It¡¯s not like I could predict she was one of those crazy ones. They all look the same! You didn¡¯t have to break her open like that.¡± Stheno grumbled.


    Impossible. Was there really nothing she could do? She had ended up in a puddle of her own blood again. Powerless to change anything. Was this fate? Was everything predetermined?


    Eugenia despaired.


    Her body lost the spark of life and she faded away. At the last moment before the end, she felt herself get dragged back¡­ back to the endless ocean waters where she would once again awaken. It was like her soul had not been allowed to leave and was instead pushed here.


    ¡°Sorry.¡±


    Cursed eyes watched from far away as the bloodied clothes of the woman sank into the waters. What did the Gorgon see? She could not yet tell the nightmare¡¯s end.

 Chapter 62: The Gorgon and the nightmare

    It always began with a gasp of cold air.


    From the recesses of her mind the Gorgon was awoken and rose up, only to find herself surrounded by darkness. Even her night adjusted eyes could not penetrate it. This was no place that she could parse, nothing she could even sense. It was a place that could not be reached by her mind.


    ¡°Where am I?¡± She wondered as she slithered across the shapeless ground. There was no form or purpose to this place, so she made no progress no matter how far she moved. Just as she was about to start to feel a deep irritation she was suddenly greeted by a small light at the center of this nothingness.


    It glowed meekly as if to hide from her, but eventually it swirled in the shape of moebius strip and expanded. This light source that seemed nearly foreign to its surroundings was swirling in a mesmerizing pattern. She could not help but to touch it with her index finger.


    Fwish!


    In a heartbeat everything changed as the light expanded endlessly and overtook the world of nothing. The Gorgon found herself unable to escape the light and was completely swallowed by it. From one moment to the next she found herself inside a cave with torches aplenty. Their warm glow reflected off the walls and created a flickering pattern on her skin.


    This was her lair. That knowledge was coming to her as naturally as breathing. But despite being keenly aware of her location something in her mind was protesting against this reality. She clicked her tongue and pushed that stinging sensation behind her temple aside. She had to check on the intruder that she had sensed before awakening.


    She passed the murals inside the walls without giving them even a glimpse and rushed up the steps and out of the door. Outside her lair she was blinded by glaring sunlight. Helios was already at the closest point of his route across the world. It was odd for her to be blinded by mere light, but she had no time to worry about that.


    Her ears already picked up the familiar unmitigated volume of her sister¡¯s voice. Stheno would make most harpies blush in jealousy, for her voice overpowered any monstrous shrieks by far. If she was already at the beach then the Gorgon could all but guess what had occurred. A sole intruder on Sarpedon was highly unlikely, for the only foolish humans to venture so far would come in packs, like the cowards they were.


    She passed through the rubble of the temple entrance and leaned a hand against the sole standing pillar. Her eyes immediately spied the two women at the beach. There was Stheno with her long flowing hair loudly trying to get someone¡¯s attention. And next to her¡­


    Their eyes met immediately. It was like a burning hot iron had been wedged into the Gorgon¡¯s skull when she was witnessed by those eyes. They were wrong. Wrong wrong wrong!


    Her mouth twisted at the pain and rejection she felt in that one everlasting moment. This human woman before her did not belong here. Every fiber of her being screamed that she was abnormal. Those eyes¡­ what were those eyes? She looked at them and they stared back, but she could not perceive them! It was like there was a void where the human¡¯s eyes should have been. White, black, colors, they all were not present. Looking at the eyes was just creating visual noise in her mind.


    ¡°Ahhh Dusa, don¡¯t look her in the eyes!¡± Stheno panicked and tried to step between them, but it was far too late. ¡°Huh? Wait, she is not turning to stone?¡± The curious Gorgon sister touched the human woman with her index finger to make sure she was still made of flesh.


    This was the reason the Gorgon was so repulsed by the human¡¯s presence. Her very being seemed to be opposed to the monster¡¯s curse and presence. Of course she could not petrify that which she could not look in the eye.


    If something so absurd and repulsive was to stay on her island she would not be able to rest. She had to crush this thing right now.


    ¡°Come on, I am trying to be the sensible one here.¡± Stheno sighed as she kept blocking the way between them. ¡°The girl¡¯s mind is clearly hurt from getting shipwrecked and nearly drowning in the ocean. She can¡¯t even speak, poor thing.¡± She raised her hands to the side in exasperation.


    ¡°That is no issue of mine. I can end that pain swiftly.¡± The Gorgon said with raised claws. The continuous ¡®stare¡¯ of those void eyes was unsettling her too deeply.


    ¡°Why do you always have to break my toys Dusa? This one¡¯s not going to do anything bad. The last one was just-¡° Stheno was arguing intensely, but stopped her waterfall of words when she noticed that the girl was no longer standing beside her. ¡°You must be tired.¡± She said with a sympathetic smile.


    The human was sitting on the ground, legs crossed and with a lowered head. She made not a sound as she simply awaited¡­ something.


    ¡°Why is it so noisy the moment I return?¡± Euryale sprang from the ocean waters, carrying a large wooden chest over her shoulder like it weight naught but a feather. ¡°Stheno, did you bring home another pet?¡± She groaned.


    ¡°She¡¯s well behaved, I swear.¡±


    ¡°Hm.¡± Euryale mustered the quiet human sitting alone as water pearled down her skin. Something about her expression seemed unusual, both her sisters noticed it immediately. ¡°No matter. I will inspect my spoils.¡±


    ¡°Then you are fine with it?!¡± Stheno beamed a smile.


    ¡°Medusa can decide that. Don¡¯t bother me.¡± She stepped past them and made her way to the back end of the island.


    ¡°Well?¡± The Gorgon twin sister stared at her expectantly.


    ¡°Tsk. Do as you please. You will not let it come near my lair.¡± With that cold order she turned away. The lonely aura of that human unsettled her very soul. She just needed to get away from her.


    ¡°Splendid! We will have so much fun.¡± Stheno¡¯s excitement only reached the Gorgon''s ears through a deep distortion as she banged the heavy door shut.


    <hr>


    The Gorgon could not rest. Each time she closed her eyes she opened them again. Any notion of sleep was erased by unknown forces. When she stepped outside in irritation she realized that the sun had sunken below the horizon. Somehow time had moved on during a single wink. This phenomenon should have unsettled her, but her heart was still. She could not feel any confusion or paranoia.


    Instead she climbed up the temple ruins and perched herself atop the edge of the fallen in roof to survey the island. The beach was shining in pale moonlight. To her joyless surprise she picked out the nearly translucent skin of the human woman among the sand. She had not moved a hand¡¯s width all day. Stheno had not dragged her away yet?


    She scratched her arms in irritation as she noticed the void gaze upon her. Somehow the human had noticed her even from this distance. This thing was unnatural. Seeing it with shins pressed against its face and looking up challengingly made her feel a certain way. The laws of this world were strict, so she could not act. It was not time yet.


    While tearing her eyes away and forcefully ignoring the woman her mind was racing. Who was this human? Why would she arrive here now of all times? The questions were endless. She did not show any interest in humans, yet she could think of nothing else. It was like her spirit was split in two and fighting itself. This nagging voice at the back of her head could not be silenced. Why was Eugenia still trying? She should have given up by now.


    Eugenia. That name was unfamiliar, she should not have known of it. The splitting headache it caused made her break off part of the stone she sat atop with her bare hands. Whatever this human was, it did not matter as long as she reached the destination. Instinctively she knew that she had to last only two more days.


    Her cursed eyes closed for the purpose of rest, but when they opened again she found herself showered in sunlight. The Gorgon held up her hand to the heated light circle and wondered how she had managed to sleep here the entire night. The blurry edges of the world were vibrating. The ocean was slowly contracting. Day two was halfway finished.


    Hastily she looked down to the beach, expecting the scenery to have stayed the same, but there was a change. The human girl still sat in her spot, but next to her crouched her sister. Stheno was putting a stick with impaled fish next to the girl. She was expectedly not reacting.


    ¡°You will not tame her that way.¡± The Gorgon muttered to herself. Eugenia did not like fish, especially raw. The headaches were getting worse. She had to get away from this human.


    She moved across the island, trying her best to sneak away unseen.


    <hr>


    ¡°It was not my intention-¡°


    ¡°Intentions are worth nothing. Actions speak more convincingly.¡± Euryale said with cold fury as she accusingly pointed at the crushed door. ¡°You are a brute.¡±


    ¡°Tsk. I was not aware that you had locked yourself inside.¡± She crossed her arms and gave the garden a defiant glare. Of course she would not dare direct that rebellious face at her sister.


    ¡°First Stheno must make a ruckus over some human pet and now you break into my sanctuary the same way a bull runs over a peasant.¡± The usually calmest sister seemed at the end of her wit. ¡°Do not tell me you came for advice as well.¡±


    The Gorgon grimaced lightly and showed a semblance of surprise.


    ¡°Naturally it must be this way. My sisters only come to me if they need something.¡± Euryale leaned against one of the crooked trees and sighed. ¡°The human?¡±


    She squinted her eyes slightly and then nodded.


    ¡°If she is a bother simply rid yourself of her.¡±


    ¡°A bother? How would you come to that conclusion?¡± She did not reveal any emotion as she questioned her.


    ¡°You are the monster of this island. Your role does not include worrying for humans.¡± Euryale said matter of factly. ¡°Then you must have qualms over upsetting Stheno. That is the only logical conclusion.¡±


    The snake woman loosened her arms and looked up to the covered glass ceiling. She had never been to this building before. Was it not strange that something like this persisted next to a ruin of her own making? Why did the sight of an indoors garden not shock her in the slightest then? The burning stone and wood had left only dead earth. Eugenia had built something from ashes. A tribute to an old friend.


    ¡°Does her presence pain you so?¡± Euryale had noticed her twitching lips. She had not managed to fully hide the splitting pain.


    ¡°You mean to say I should slay her?¡± She asked with forced focus.


    ¡°It matters not to me. If it relieves that sense of dread you suffer, then you should do what is natural.¡±


    ¡°I did not mention any dread.¡± Her sharp eyes caught her sister for a split-second. ¡°Could it be that you wish for¡­¡± She trailed off as she noticed Euryale¡¯s melancholic expression.


    ¡°Medusa, you will continue this no matter what I say or do. If you despise her so much then I would prefer if you ended it immediately. That is the only advice I can give.¡± It was like she had changed from one moment to the next and became a defeated shell of herself.


    ¡°Despise?¡± How could she feel such an emotion for a mere human? Someone she had never even spoken to before? Of course she hated the world filled with gods and humans alike. Yes, this was the right way. She could feel that righteous anger well up in response and felt much better already.


    But Euryale¡¯s sad eyes doused that fire. The Gorgon could only watch as she turned away and flew off through a hole in the glass ceiling. Her sister was never one to speak in riddles or make a show of her feelings. She would just obey her nature and follow her role. Euryale was not like that. She would never surrender to a higher power. The toneless voice kept breaking the image she saw before her. It was cracked and reassembled endlessly.


    She knew her sister. She knew her. She knew¡­


    <hr>


    Outside the garden the Gorgon found herself unable to decide what to do. That advice was wrapped in manifold thorns. Could she unravel it without getting pricked?


    The human had to die. That was the natural conclusion. In so far they agreed. There was only one day left before she would fulfill her purpose as well. Would it not be best to solve this headache by then?


    She slithered out of the shade and steeled her heart. It was not like her to consider and contemplate until the ocean dried out. If she wanted someone dead she would end them. Merciless, emotionless, quick. The petrification may not have had any effect on the void like eyes, but her claws could still sever her neck.


    Determined to spill blood she made for the beach. But just as she closed in on the steps someone stepped out from behind a pillar and stood behind her.


    ¡°Dusa, you aren¡¯t going to do what I think you will, right?¡± Stheno had ambushed her somehow.


    ¡°¡­¡± She stopped her snake half¡¯s movements, but did not look back.


    ¡°Has Rya put you up to this?¡± She asked with furrowed brows.


    ¡°It is my decision. This human does not belong here.¡± The Gorgon replied coldly.


    ¡°You gave me your word that I could keep her if I don¡¯t let her get to your lair.¡± She insisted.


    ¡°I changed my mind.¡± She said with an over the shoulder glare.


    ¡°That is not like you Dusa.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Then what do you believe is my true self?¡±


    Stheno looked deeply troubled for a moment and then averted her face. She was putting a hand to her own chest. ¡°I know you are hurting, but she is no threat to you anymore. Can¡¯t you see she is broken?¡± Those words were laden with meaning beyond the surface, but it was not received.


    ¡°Nothing can threaten me. I am the Gorgon of Sarpedon, the cursed beast that will lay waste and death to all intruders!¡± She said with an increasingly louder voice.


    ¡°Genia is not the enemy.¡± Stheno whispered.


    The Gorgon felt a hot iron pierce her throat and she was unable to say anything intelligible. There was only fierce growling leaving her mouth.


    ¡°You can kill her if you want. It will not bring you any relief. Maybe it will not give you any grief either.¡± The usually chipper and smiling Gorgon sister looked deeply crestfallen now. ¡°I never got to show her my art.¡±


    The Gorgon brashly moved forward. Seeing her sister make such a pitiable expression was frustrating beyond words.


    ¡°Words can be mightier than a monster¡¯s talons!¡± Stheno shouted her parting words.


    Such poetic phrases could not be processed right now. Instinct was the only true ally to her. Eradication of threats was the solution.


    The beach was not far. She pushed over a bunch of terrific statues along the way and let them crumble into pieces. Countless victims of her curse were piling up at the edges of the island. Those who nearly escaped stretched their hands towards the sea, only to lose all hope in their horrified faces. She had derived great pleasure from punishing these arrogant men who thought a spear or a sword could end her. Nothing a human could create would ever be a threat to her!


    One such human was still alive in front of her. Unlike the broken statues, she still had a pulse. The low breathing from her nose was like a cutting gust of storms to her ears. Each heartbeat was an insult.


    And then she looked up. Again and again this human would aim her horrible void eyes at the Gorgon as if she could drag her down with just a glance. She had made no attempt to move whatsoever, but when the Gorgon approached she would always look her way. The pale face was covered in sweat and sand. She had not even made the effort to wipe it off after being tossed into the beach on arrival.


    She looked frail indeed. Perhaps more so than she should have. The fish and water next to her were untouched. Stheno¡¯s kindness was wasted on this thing. The dirty clothes rustled as she unexpectedly pulled down the top to expose her neck.


    ¡°Are you mocking me?¡± She asked, suppressing the uncertainty in her voice.


    ¡°Sever it cleanly so I will not waste any time bleeding out.¡± She said hoarsely. Her voice had suffered from the stillness of her body.


    ¡°Suicidal.¡± She spat out. Those who wished to die had a special place in the underworld. It was a cruel place for eternally lost fools.


    ¡°Not at all. If you wish to kill me I will not resist.¡±


    ¡°And if I did not?¡±


    ¡°Then I will complete my mission.¡± The human said quietly.


    She crossed her arms and tapped the tip of her tail on the hot sand. It was impossible to figure out that human¡¯s thoughts. She looked resigned, but she did not despair. How was this possible? Give up. Give up already.


    ¡°You have purpose here?¡± There was not a single reason to make inquiries, yet she could not stop herself. Ending this human¡¯s life was only a formality. She could do it any moment.


    The void stared at her. It made her flinch.


    ¡°Medusa will be saved.¡±


    ¡°I do not need saving.¡± Now she returned to feeling insulted by the mere existence of this thing.


    ¡°I know.¡± She closed the void eyes and rested her head.


    ¡°What?¡± Something deep inside her was shocked by those words.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need me. But that doesn¡¯t mean I will give up.¡± Those cryptic words were the last thing she would say.


    ¡°Explain yourself.¡±


    Silence.


    ¡°I will cut you down if you stay silent.¡±


    No words.


    ¡°Raaah!¡± She thrashed her tail in fury and barely missed the girl¡¯s head. A huge cloud of sand was spread across the beach and settled down with the sound of dry rain.


    The human was not intimidated. She had not even flinched. The first assessment was correct. She really was no more than a husk. Broken as Stheno had said. Putting her out of her misery was too good for her.


    ¡°Starve to death then if that is part of your ¡®mission¡¯.¡± She decided to leave her to die. Killing her would have been easy. Crushed. Impaled. Burned. Smashed. Severed. Drained of blood. Over and over. But to finish off something that was already decaying on its own was dirty work, it was simply beneath her.


    She knew that the human was still watching her. Each motion seemed to be absorbed by a relentless stare. Something inside her had expected to be called back. It should have been¡­ it should have been the human¡¯s desire to talk to her. Why did she refuse to speak up now? How could she save anyone without taking action? Why could she not just give up then?


    <hr>


    The next day the sun was staying still. It was the last day. The last day of what? The Gorgon did not know. It seemed that she was the only one who had not received the messenger bird and was left in the dark. The sisters had disappeared for some reason and the human was still waiting in her spot. It was surprising that she still drew breath after three days without water. The bowls Stheno had provided held only stinking fish, as the water had already evaporated from the heat.


    This was no natural weather. The heat was all-encompassing. The sun was so far, yet its fire seemed to heat up even the shade beyond its limits. Something was approaching. The Gorgon felt it in its veins.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    She stood at the entrance of her lair and gazed across the horizon. This was the air of an approaching battle. Her senses were enhanced on Sarpedon, a heightened instinct that warned her of intruders. The void eyed woman had caused quite some noise in her head until she had gotten used to it, but there was something else now. Something more¡­ divine in nature.


    ¡°A hero.¡± She said what her soul already knew. The moment she said those words she could see flames devouring the ocean. The sky turned dark with stormy clouds and smoke. The monster slayer was approaching.


    The image of the golden armor in the distance seemed familiar. Dozens upon dozens of images overlapped in her mind for a moment, before it recovered. A fight that was destined. Unavoidable. Predetermined.


    The monstrous blood in her body began to boil in anticipation. The snake hair hissed forebodingly. It was time to destroy the light!


    As bloodlust spilled from her every pore she noticed something in between the veil of red. The human woman had risen from her cross-legged position and now stood with her back to the temple. She was facing the approaching fire. It was only natural. A disaster of this magnitude could not be ignored. The very heavens and seas were altered by the approaching force.


    For the Gorgon this atmosphere was the greatest thrill. A primal facet of her soul wished to revel in it. It was not important whether the human even existed anymore. She was only an observer to this glorious battle.


    Or she should have been.


    The girl slowly raised her hand and touched something invisible. There was resistance in the air. Something like a barrier. She could not proceed towards the temple anymore. The world had locked her out. There was no place for her meddling anymore.


    But the colossus in gold approached from the ocean, stepping across the flaming waves. He was headed right for the Gorgon. And the shortest route went straight through the beach¡­ and the human.


    The Gorgon realized the truth now. The girl had stayed in place so that the barrier would not interfere! It made no sense to her, but she knew it to be true nonetheless. How could this thing know the mechanisms of the world? It was not just unlikely, but impossible. She was an outsider. She could not know.


    The hero was approaching unstoppably. His heavy boots crushed the waves he walked on, but he never sank. His long arms were dangling down as he kept walking forwards like a possessed corpse. Thunder was drumming in the clouds above. The flashes of internal lightning threw terrifying shades across the burning ocean.


    And yet the human woman did not move from her spot. A miniscule ant in the path of a giant.


    The Gorgon was uneasy and unable to decide what to do. It was her battle. Her nemesis was nearly here. Once he trampled the girl there would be nothing but blood and burnt flesh. Her fangs yearned to dive into his glowing neck.


    But a tiny hidden space in her heart was growing with concern. The one that was beyond was losing her countenance.


    It would be best to go down there and face the enemy right away. Before he reached Eugenia. She was too bloodthirsty to wait. They could not meet. It was time to kill! Unknown consequences would arise.


    ¡°I am sorry Dusa, but I can¡¯t let you go there.¡± With such surprising words a huge metal cage was thrown onto the Gorgon. It was pushed so far into the hard earth that it flatly pressed the Gorgon against the dirt and held down her limbs.


    ¡°Have you lost your mind!?¡± She was angry beyond words and her snake hair snapped after the Gorgon sister sitting atop the cage.


    Stheno had dropped it on her and now pushed it down with her feet. Her strength was truly remarkable and nonsensical for such a frail looking stature. Her face was one of determination and pity.


    ¡°We won¡¯t just try. You won¡¯t get to Genia today!¡± She declared.


    ¡°We?¡± She pushed herself up slowly, clearly overpowering her sister.


    ¡°I would prefer if you did not include me in your schemes. I only wish to return to the peace and quiet that you so rudely stole away from me.¡± Euryale stepped on the Gorgon¡¯s hands.


    ¡°I will never forget this slight.¡± Her eyes were mad with cursed rage. They almost managed to stun even her divine sisters.


    ¡°Hah. Do not make promises you cannot keep.¡± The cold and collected Gorgon sister gave her an unamused chuckle. ¡°This time you can just lie down and watch. Eugenia will give us proof of her determination.¡± She grinded her sister¡¯s hand a bit more forcefully than necessary to relief some tension.


    ¡°When did you two get fooled by that forsaken thing?¡± She could hardly believe what she heard. This was wrong. The sisters could not oppose her!


    ¡°So she looks like a thing to you.¡± Stheno crouched on top of the cage and held her head in both hands. She watched curiously as the hero finally reached the beach. The burning ocean sizzled and screeched as he tormented the very fabric of the world.


    ¡°It may be a futile effort, but let it happen. Something will change.¡± That was Euryale¡¯s only comment before she silently turned her head to the golden hero.


    The Gorgon struggled against the sisters'' combined force. They could not keep her down for long and were surely keenly aware of this. Their only purpose was to delay her. To fraternize with an intruder, an enemy like that-


    Lightning struck paths through the air and finally stopped inside the hero¡¯s hand. A spear of lightning, a weapon worthy of Zeus himself. The imposing figure towered above the human girl in tattered clothes. This ¡®hero¡¯ was not going to stop for her. He already stepped across the sand, leaving behind burning footprints and crackling air full of electricity.


    Eugenia stood unmoving. The hero was about to step on her!


    Clang.


    The boot was stopped by something invisible.


    ¡®The barrier?¡¯ the Gorgon immediately thought, but that was behind the human. This invisible thing was floating right before her head and stopped the hero in his tracks.


    The hulking divine warrior stepped back, finally taking notice of the small woman. The eternally glowing eyes without emotion or human features witnessed her¡­ and lightning struck the girl with all its force. He had not hesitated a heartbeat to strike her down.


    But she was unharmed. Indeed the lightning dispersed before her as if it had hit the walls of a castle. The currents running across the invisible protection finally revealed its shape. A shield, taller than a house.


    The Gorgon¡¯s silvery-purple eyes were wide in agony and shock. A shield of giant size, able to protect even from the wrath of Zeus¡¯ thunder spears themselves. The final defense against the Titans and all evil and untruth. That symbolic owl engraved in its core¡­


    Athena¡¯s Aegis.


    Athena. The goddess of wisdom and war¡¯s personal shield. Dozens of golden tassels hung from the Aegis, making its splendor as eternal as its protection. Indeed this shield was wielded by Athena and even her father, the king of the gods. It had stopped the fangs of Typhon and resisted the wrath of the titans. It was used for judgement of all that was false.


    Her shield appeared before a hero and stopped him.


    ¡°This contemptible false thing.¡± The Gorgon found newly unearthed hatred inside herself that even defied the laws of this world. She knew this shield and she knew its owner. From the depth of her soul she despised the goddess, so not even the laws of the world could contain her memories. This was a trinket so abhorrent to her that she had to destroy it on the spot. With a roar she pushed off the cage and her sisters and violently thrashed about.


    She had allowed that thing to live. That thing which was using the Aegis. A follower of Athena? A reincarnation? A vessel? This thing was wrong and now she knew why. The presence of the silvery eyes had spread its stench on the isle and the void like eyes hid its influence.


    ¡°You conspired with that woman¡¯s servant?! You are no sisters of mine!¡± She tossed Stheno around by her wings and then dodged the jets of water Euryale shot at her.


    ¡°Stay down Medusa. You do not understand anything.¡± The composed sister stared her down.


    ¡°I can see a betrayal when it occurs before me. Do not deny it!¡± She snapped her tail back and then flung Euryale through a wall. ¡°I will destroy both of them!¡± She rushed toward the battle.


    ¡°Listen to us!¡± Stheno had flown back and tackled Medusa towards the lair entrance. They crashed into it so strongly that it collapsed on them. ¡°Genia is not Athena¡¯s servant! She is not-GAH!¡± Her throat was contracted by the Gorgon¡¯s powerful grip.


    ¡°You are all under her control. That must be it.¡± She struggled to push up the rubble while also choking Stheno until she fainted. ¡°Everything must end. Everything.¡± Her mind was blurry. The bloody veil had overtaken every other color in her world.


    In the distance she witnessed as the hero stabbed his spear into the Aegis with even greater force. This time it was pushed back a little. It was impossible to tell how the shield was floating above the human, but clearly she could not keep it in place for much longer. Sweat of exhaustion ran down her head. Her eyes were bloodshot from the heavy focus.


    ¡°You will not¡­ reach her¡­ Never.¡± Eugenia said with gritted teeth.


    The clouds rumbled in the same pitch as the shield. It was said that the Aegis roared with the force of a thousand dragons. Now the force of lightning that pushed against it was great enough to melt even those mythical creatures. It slowly was piercing through the layers. If it broke through the lightning would singe Eugenia¡¯s face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t break¡­!¡± She held up her hands and pushed against the shield. The cracks were mended for a moment, but immediately reemerged.


    Pure defense could not stop this hero. He was an unstoppable force compelled by the laws of the world. Even this outside interference had no power to halt his advance.


    The Gorgon finally managed to dig her torso out of the rubble. She threw the unconscious Stheno far away and faced Euryale who had been waiting for her. They exchanged one long look before several sharp water blades stopped in the air. The Gorgon sister was flashing her teeth as she tried to break out of the petrification.


    ¡°Stop it¡­ Medusa¡­ you cannot abuse¡­ the curse¡­!¡± She pressed out unable to move her mouth.


    ¡°Then flee my sight.¡± She said coldly and tossed her aside. Her snake half was finally slipping out of the rubble. In an instant she was free. ¡°Pawns of the gods, prepare yourself for my wrath.¡± Her words were aimed at the struggling intruders. As she slithered through the ruins to get there she noticed the sound of something rolling over the old sun-bleached stone.


    Barrels.


    They rolled into the basins filled with stale rainwater. Most of them were slightly cracked as she noted right before every warning went off inside her subconscious. The memory of flames and explosions engulfed her inner eye. Divine ore. A weapon used by-


    The inner voice was deafened by the explosions. The Gorgon shielded her face with her arms, but the fiery explosions completely tore apart the base of the temple ruins. In a flash the barely standing construct had turned into a mountain of rubble. And at the center of the rubble was the Gorgon. Her arms regenerated from the burns, but she could hardly move under this much weight.


    She had been completely blindsided by this attack. More than the unyielding rage, she felt a deep confusion. This explosive fire did not come from the burning ocean or the golden hero. He was too busy breaking open the human woman¡¯s shield. Her sisters had no such tricks up their sleeves either. This lamentable state was completely unthinkable.


    Ignoring the blood that was flowing over her face and across her eyes she focused on the gap that allowed her to see outside the destroyed temple. The blurry shapes of the hero and the retreating woman were at the edge of her vision. In this miserable state she could not even tell what they were doing. What she was trying to sense was the presence of her attacker. The dastardly smug smile of the damnable schemer.


    ¡°Do not struggle in such an unsightly manner. It will make my efforts seem crude.¡± Said the calm and sarcastic voice that she should never have heard before, yet was as unforgettable as a dagger to the heart.


    ¡°You...¡± She grinded her teeth in true disgust.


    ¡°You recognize me? My, I must have left quite the scar on your soul to deserve such an honor. Fascinating.¡± Typhos leaned against the rubble almost boyishly, playing with his many ornate rings. His gaze was entirely focused on his fingers, as if the Gorgon¡¯s dagger like glares did not even register on his mind.


    ¡°False hero!¡± She managed to break her arm and pulled it out of its confines to then swing it out of the hole. The claws only managed to extend just short of his waist. The snakes hissed in an unending cacophony of poisonous wrath.


    ¡°I suppose that is an appropriate title, all things considered. After all in our tales a hero is defined by his success.¡± Typhos agreed with a sardonic shrug. ¡°I am rather lacking in that aspect or I would not have appeared in such an unfortunate scenario.¡±


    ¡°Grraaah!¡± The Gorgon frothed at the mouth as she kept breaking her bones to force herself forward.


    ¡°Your efforts are in vain, dear monster. It will take you at least a little while before you can squeeze out of that trap. There is no telling what I might do if you actually manage so.¡± He lightly tapped a few more barrels that were standing in a readied position next to him. They were surrounded by explosive death.


    ¡°When did you prepare all of this?¡± She growled as she continued her struggles. While her beastly instincts had taken over, her mind was surprisingly clear. The utter disdain for Typhos that permeated her inner self was gushing out and taking control.


    ¡°Must we concern ourselves with the when and hows? I am not fond of explaining myself to a mere monster.¡± He chuckled at her expectedly monstrous reaction. ¡°All you need to do is stay put in this little hole and watch.¡± He elegantly waved his hand and pointed at Eugenia¡¯s battle.


    The lightning spear had finally split the Aegis apart and left a large molten scar in the sand. Eugenia was cornered and lying on her back. She seemed too exhausted to even move.


    The Gorgon felt a strange twinge when she saw the helpless girl lie before certain doom.


    ¡°It is about time.¡± Typhos cleared his throat and then stretched his arms to the sides dramatically. ¡°Our counterattack begins now!¡±


    And just as he spoke those words, the very flames that carpeted the ocean parted from the south. Breaking through fire and flames were three giant ships. Triremes, packed with sailors and warriors! All of them were headed straight for the beach where the hero was readying his killing blow.


    ¡°Row fast¡¯r ye worthless scum!¡± Captain Pelagios shouted and the drums increased their beat.


    ¡°Archers! Ready your arrows! I want cover fire as we set foot on land. Do not let the enemy move ahead. Everyone else ready your spears!¡± The general shouted at his crew with his sword raised. Several men in armor drew their tusk carved horns and blew into them.


    ¡°Huu ¨C huu - rah! Huu ¨C huu - rah!¡± The warriors kept hitting their shields in the rhythm of the drums and shouted war cries.


    The hero turned his glowing eyes towards the three arriving ships. An army had arrived to combat him! He turned away from the defenseless woman at his feet and raised his arm to block the hail of arrows that assaulted him.


    ¡°Ah, General Leander. He has a flair for the dramatic would you not agree, monster?¡± Typhos applauded the arriving forces with a few slow claps.


    ¡°Intruders¡­ they cannot be here.¡± The Gorgon could not even fathom these events. An army of humans had bested the burning sea and now came to fight a divine hero. Nothing seemed to make sense anymore.


    ¡°It is true that by the law of this world such a thing is not possible.¡± He nodded. ¡°Do you realize it now? Just how far you have pushed our dear priestess?¡± He rubbed his soft chin thoughtfully. ¡°My apologies, she is not a priestess anymore, is she now?¡±


    ¡°What is this madness? Priestess? That woman¡­ that thing called you here?¡± The Gorgon was so shocked by the events that she had stopped struggling to free herself.


    ¡°It is tiresome to talk to a puppet. Perhaps there is some hypocrisy in that, considering what I am. Yet I stand by it, to explain everything to a clueless child is not intriguing. I was always far better at learning than teaching. Albeit there are subjects that I regretfully skimmed on. If I had honed my body more I may have been able to avoid my unfortunate demise at your hand.¡± He did not seem to take the situation very seriously.


    ¡°If you are only here to mock me, you are of no use. I killed you¡­ and I will kill you again!¡± She managed to crush some rubble and widen the hole.


    ¡°My, that was a bit too close.¡± He admitted as blood dripped from his cheek. The next moment explosions tore apart the ruins once again and added a sizeable amount of rubble to the pile. ¡°I may not fear for my life, but it would be a waste to miss the spectacle.¡±


    Down at the beach things were escalating as well. Leander instructed his troops from the back and hordes of similar looking Athenian soldiers rushed forward with war cries. They rushed the hero who emotionlessly slashed his lightning spear across the beach, decimating dozens of men in an instant.


    ¡°You disappoint me, hero of the pirate wars.¡± The call came from the opposite direction where another triremes had set anchor. From the ship¡¯s side a few dozen men jumped down, holding slings and bows. They pounded the hero with rocks and arrows on the dark bearded man¡¯s command. ¡°Fire!¡±


    The divine hero was now under a pincer attack from both ends of the beach. Unperturbed however, he aimed his lightning bolt¡­ and threw it at the ship! It exploded in sizzling light and flames and the crew was burned alive by stray bolts.


    ¡°Achaeus you old fool.¡± Leander shook his head. ¡°If you come through with a surprise attack you will need to make yourself less of a target. Disperse!¡± He ordered his men to split. They had no horses, so their movement was slow. Many died just by the charging of the hero¡¯s next weapon from the heavens. ¡°Eugenia, are you well?¡± Leander had managed to reach her side in the chaos and pulled her up by the arm.


    ¡°Y-yes¡­ I can still move.¡± She said as blood ran from her nose and her body twitched uncontrollably.


    ¡°Don''t collapse on us now. If you lose control the fight is lost as well.¡± He patted her on the back and then raised his spear. ¡°Hit the gaps in his armor with everything you¡¯ve got!¡± He rushed forward and managed to stab his spear into the golden armor¡¯s gaps. His men tried to do the same, but were torn apart by a gauntlet clad fist and stray lightning.


    Meanwhile in the ruins the Gorgon watched the humans¡¯ futile struggle with a pained face. Her bones were crushed, but she could still move a little.


    ¡°What valiant combat. Mortals are not made to fight the divine, but that man is doing rather well for himself.¡± Typhos clapped his hands again.


    ¡°You will all perish for naught.¡±


    ¡°I have to agree with you just this once monster. This battle is meaningless.¡± The scholar sighed sweetly. ¡°But until Eugenia realizes this we will keep dancing.¡±


    ¡°Eu- that woman. How is she doing this?¡± Something in her mind screamed for her to stop asking questions, but it was far too late to reign her in.


    ¡°This world is yours, monster. There is nothing anyone could do to change that fact. Yet Eugenia - she is a foreign entity. She does not belong here.¡±


    She does not belong. Wrong. Intruder.


    ¡°If this is your world - your nightmare - then she is a dreamer who has wandered beyond her own dream.¡±


    ¡°Dream-?¡± Suddenly electricity went through her mind and red-hot pain accompanied by images seared into herself. The voice was louder now. Satyr song. Merging of dreams. Trickery. The notes of an inaudible melody.


    ¡°You have created everything here, except Eugenia. She has learned to manipulate this dream with her own will. Perhaps she does not even know how or why, indeed she may not even know who we are. Fragments of a self she cannot remember. Did she ever tell you what happened while she was trying to return to you? About the people she met? The friends that perished along the way?¡± He pointed at the army of people that at first seemed all to be the same, but turned out to be individuals.


    ¡°I just gotta land this shot, right? Artemis guide me¡­¡± Themistokles anxiously steadied his bow as the hero approached and burned the six archers next to him. ¡°Strike true!¡±


    The arrow was flung off the golden helmet.


    ¡°Eugenia, would you stop playing the hero and let me examine you already?¡± Bion smacked her across the head as she tried to grab a sword in her dainty hands.


    ¡°That is no way to treat a patient, foolish boy.¡± Agapetos pulled Bion back by the neck and then apologized to Eugenia.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± She wiped the blood from her nose and glared at the hero.


    ¡°You must preserve stamina. You look dehydrated and starved.¡± Bion was not shaken off so easily.


    ¡°I have some fish and wine!¡± Therses came running like a messenger boy with nourishment in hand. ¡°Is there something wrong with this?¡± He asked awkwardly as he saw Eugenia¡¯s disgusted expression when ogling the fish.


    They were rather relaxed considering that the hero was decimating troops left and right with increasingly powerful attacks. The armor was charged with divine lightning over and over, melting all spears that reached the gaps before they even made contact.


    ¡°When I first met Eugenia she was no more than a clueless maiden from a worthless village at the edge of civilization. She would not even leave the temple unless she was sent on errands. She was rather easy to exploit and convince. Just when has she started making so many delightful connections?¡± Typhos shook his head jovially.


    ¡°The merchant.¡± The Gorgon recognized the archer for some reason. Her mind was starting to fall in on itself. So many things she did not know. Eugenia had shared only little. Who were these people to her?


    ¡°Retreat and regroup!¡± Leander ordered his rather decimated forces. He managed to dodge a large swing of the lightning spear and rammed his own melting and burning specimen straight into the hero¡¯s great wrist. The golden hero managed to grab the general with his other hand and put him into a deadly lock.


    ¡°If ya¡¯d cease killin¡¯ the man who ended my career I¡¯d be mighty thankful!¡± A hoarse voice roared from the fire drenched sea and yet another ship arrived. But it was riding at speeds that were impossible. The windfall from the raging fires had created an air stream so powerful it catapulted the ship forward. Standing at the very top of the mast was none other than the former pirate captain Irvenos! His mad widened eye pierced their target¡­ as did the ship as it rammed into the hero with full force. The impact was so strong that the hero was toppled over in bursting wood-metal shrapnel.


    Leander fell into the hot sand and Irvenos fell straight on top of him from his destroyed ship. They helped each other up with pained groans. They rolled away as the wet hero released lightning bolts in all directions and electrocuted the remaining soldiers around him.


    ¡°I cover¡¯d him good, so sum archer ace better make it work.¡± Irvenos coughed painfully as he pulled a large piece of sharp wood from his shoulder.


    ¡°Achaeus!¡± Leander gave his fellow Archon a sign. The few archers next to the burning wreck of the ship had managed to reorganize.


    The dark haired seasoned warrior nodded and then instructed his men to put the divine ore on their arrow tips. Kalio laced arrows. ¡°Aim for the armor! Shoot the wettest spots!¡±


    The arrows mostly missed their target, but a few managed to land and caused minor explosions. The hero was shaking as the armor received dents.


    ¡°Humans are fascinating, do you not agree?¡± Typhos knelt next to the hole where the Gorgon was stoically watching the battle unfold. ¡°So powerless, yet tenacious. So foolish, yet curious. I always considered us capable of using the divine as they use us. Eugenia however does not share my philosophy. She saw that shield, the Aegis, in her vision of Athena and thus it came to her aide. But if you had the power to alter a dream with just your might of will, would you not instead summon the very gods themselves?¡±


    ¡°You cannot command the gods.¡± The Gorgon said with bile.


    ¡°Not in the world that you come from.¡± He chuckled dryly. ¡°I may have met Athena personally, or rather the version of me that is now dust in the wind. That pales in comparison to the assortment of deities that this little priestess of yours has encountered however. Why should she not summon the great and swift Hermes to advise her? Why not rely on the charm of Aphrodite to seduce all enemies? I cannot hope to comprehend her mind.¡±


    The Gorgon focused her eyes on the girl being protected by so many unknown faces. She was holding on to something, perhaps the dream that she projected into this nightmare. It may have been a struggle for her to simply breathe. An unremarkable girl no doubt, but so many allies came to her side now. Former enemies, people who barely knew her and good friends alike. She made no difference between them to achieve her goal.


    No gods. None of them were at her side. Was it fear of blasphemy? A former priestess dared not insult the gods she had served? She could not believe such a convenient answer.


    The voice inside her was struggling as well. Foolish. Why does she have to be so foolish?


    ¡°If I had to hazard a guess, it must be connected to her mission.¡± He smirked.


    ¡°To save me.¡± The Gorgon had learned of that mission just today, but she inherently understood something. What it meant to be saved was not the same to everyone. The hero, mighty as he was, could be defeated.


    How many times had they clashed? She killed, slaughtered, tore and smashed the hero to pieces. Victory after victory against an ever returning foe. Her throat was slit, her organs boiled, her head torn off, yet she still persevered. Victorious in death, victorious in a semblance of life. The divine warrior could not slay the Gorgon.


    Never could she have been saved from a loss, as she had never succumbed.


    The gods could not save her either. That was what she garnered from the woman¡¯s actions. She had to avoid their aide¡­ for the Gorgon¡¯s sake.


    Why did the human struggle so fervently against a foe she could not defeat? There was no meaning to this battle. No meaning to protect her. No meaning to be here.


    Intense light covered the world in white as the damaged and injured warrior released everything it had against its surroundings. From the center of the light two winged figures had risen and motioned the very ocean to shield the last remaining allies from as much damage as possible. In the intense release of destruction Stheno and Euryale were struck down hand in hand and fell into the darkest depth of the ocean.


    A crater was left in the wake of the heavenly squall of light. And at its center¡­ lay the hero, impaled by a spear to its shapeless face, helmet torn off by dozens of explosions beforehand. Leander pushed it in as deep as possible and collapsed with a large hole in his chest. Behind him stood Achaeus who had held him up as the hole tore him open and was equally injured.


    The ¡®hero¡¯ had been slain by the united efforts of mortals.


    A profound silence covered the island.


    With a silent breeze the humans faded away one by one. Those who had held up Eugenia smiled apologetically as they disappeared. She sank to her knees and held her head like an injured child.


    ¡°This is it then. A fine battle for poets to make inspiring songs of.¡± Typhos still persisted for just a bit longer. ¡°Say monster, do you not already know how meaningless your battle is?¡±


    ¡°It is not over yet. I will end it myself.¡± The Gorgon said stubbornly and managed to move the tons upon tons of rubble with untold power.


    ¡°You have a habit of calling people foolish, but I have never seen a greater jester in my admittedly very short lifespan of today.¡± The young scholar put a hand on his hip and looked at the dark cloudy sky. It seemed to clear up a little.


    ¡°I told you that I would kill you.¡± The Gorgon had risen from her confinement and now stood behind Typhos. Her claw was already inside his ribs before he could even react.


    ¡°Well done.¡± He said with a bloody smirk. ¡°I wonder, why does a monster that has never laid eyes upon me hate me so? There is someone in there who wishes revenge upon me a thousand times over. Is it not finally time for you to come out of hiding? Your game is lost. Your puppet is far too pitiful to continue its work.¡± He collapsed forward as he faded to dust in the wind. ¡°Show her your beautiful eyes just this once.¡±


    And then he was gone as well.


    The Gorgon stood there with her claw extended where a body had been.


    The Gorgon lowered her hand.


    The Gorgon watched the last living human limping towards the temple ruins.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk.¡± Eugenia said with a weak smile.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Medusa replied with a heavy heart.


    At the end of the crumbling nightmare uninhibited truths would be shared.

 Chapter 63: Medusa, Eugenia and the dreams end

    The fires that had plagued the oceans had been extinguished and every bit of reddish light faded alongside them. The island was now clad in the overcast grey of clouds and smoke that suffocated the sky. Were one to look upon the horizon there would become noticeable ever so small cracks in their vision. As if the dark blue itself was folding in on itself and dispersing. The end was near.


    But nobody was there to pay attention to the world¡¯s quiet demise. The only steps that could be heard on dry ground were headed for the Gorgon¡¯s lair. Underground, far away from the light of day. Two arrhythmic footsteps and one slow crunching motion of scales upon rubble. Those sounds were all there was to perceive in this shrinking world.


    Until she raised her voice.


    ¡°How many.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°How many times have you repeated this dream?¡±


    They stopped before the crushed door to the lair. Medusa had stopped slithering forward and asked so in a disquieting tone. Although she did not look at the girl behind her, it was clear that her attention was at the edge.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Eugenia was taken aback for a moment, but gathered her wits quickly. She cupped her mouth and seemed to earnestly think about it. ¡°I lost count.¡± She admitted after a while.


    ¡°Then you truly remember them? All of them?¡± Medusa asked with a strained voice.


    ¡°I can¡¯t say that I remember anything, really.¡± Surprisingly she denied it. ¡°There are¡­ fragments. Sometimes I see an image of something that hasn¡¯t happened, but I know to be real.¡± She was not quite sure herself it seemed. ¡°No matter what those visions showed me, I knew what I had to do. No matter how many times I died, I needed to keep trying. For the sake of-¡±


    ¡°Your ¡®mission¡¯?¡± Medusa crossed her arms and bit her lower lip. A sense of defeat had spread through her mind the moment she had returned to consciousness. More than anything she wished to understand how Eugenia had managed to reach this point.


    ¡°I came to save you Medusa.¡± The girl said earnestly.


    ¡°Not because I wish to be saved, but because it was your purpose.¡± Medusa retorted quietly.


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± The girl looked at Medusa¡¯s back with a gentle expression.


    ¡°You do not even understand what you have done.¡± The snake woman sighed and moved to the stairs that led into the lair. She subtly gestured Eugenia to do the same. The girl hastily followed and almost tripped over herself.


    As Medusa went down the steps, torches lit up along the way and guided their way. With each cone of light the deeply layered murals became visible as well. They did not exist in the real world, but had always been there in this one. Eugenia¡¯s gaze did not even acknowledge them and just kept following Medusa¡¯s bare back.


    ¡°You defeated the hero.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t really do anything myself.¡±


    Medusa stopped again and this time Eugenia bumped into her. The Gorgon¡¯s eyes were squinted. The thoughts kept piling on rapidly.


    ¡°Your feat is that of a lucid dreamer. Someone who can manipulate the fabric of this world and declare sovereignty over it. With your will and memories you created something new where it did not belong.¡±


    Eugenia smiled neutrally as she could not follow.


    ¡°You are an intruder. No perhaps¡­ conqueror would be more apt. As my shell kept repeating the dream endlessly, you only grew more competent. The pieces were never equal.¡± She surmised.


    ¡°There was no other way to save you.¡±


    ¡°What do you believe to have realized?¡±


    ¡°No matter how many times you win against the hero, you will always succumb to madness and destroy this world with your own hands.¡± Eugenia said with a shift in tone. For a moment she seemed far more overwrought and exhausted. ¡°Is that not the ¡®destiny¡¯ of this place?¡±


    Medusa did not respond and instead put a hand to one of the murals. Her nail traced the image of a woman standing among dozens of people. She seemed to be happy, if only for a single moment captured in long forgotten time.


    ¡°I realized that I could not stop you. The world didn¡¯t allow me to interfere with your battle. I can¡¯t remember each life I spent on this island, but the fragments I feel - this bitter emotion - it is endless. The previous me and the one before her and all of the ones that came even before that¡­ they all failed.¡±


    Just as Medusa remembered an endless chain of battles in which she triumphed and lost and succumbed, so did Eugenia¡¯s soul remember the countless times she failed to reach her goal as well. Her mind could not comprehend what her soul knew. Perhaps it was better that way.


    ¡°I cannot tell why the world is this way, but I knew that you cannot fight the hero. If you do, destiny will grip you by the head and drag you down again.¡± The human girl stretched her hand after the desolate back of the Gorgon. Medusa evaded her grasp and kept advancing down the steps.


    ¡°I suppose that is as far as you could see.¡±


    ¡°It was far enough.¡±


    ¡°I cannot say how you managed to gather the strength to alter this dream to the point of defeating the hero, but I must accept the consequences. You call it destiny, to me it was-¡°


    ¡°Why will you not look my way?¡± Eugenia suddenly interrupted her. It was a strange question no doubt, but it seemed to mean a lot to her. ¡°Every time our eyes met you have shown rejection. Something seemed to possess you, make you suffer. Is it my fault?¡±


    ¡°You ask such a thing after everything that happened?¡± Medusa sighed, but did not give her a glance. The snake hair turned back and focused on the girl instead. Their small black eyes were unfeeling and serene, entirely different from their usual temper. They seemed to see through the human as if she was air.


    ¡°When I saw you for the first time it gave me strength.¡± She muttered. ¡°I wish you could look at me without such pain in return.¡±


    ¡°What you ¡®see¡¯ is no more than an illusion. It was never real.¡± Medusa said sternly.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Finally Medusa seemed out of patience and turned the human¡¯s way. Her cursed eyes met with the dark blots, the void eyes that had been stabbed into Eugenia¡¯s pale face. What emotions could one derive from such an abyss? She had no idea.


    ¡°You believe to perceive my appearance?¡± She held her finger forward and stopped right before the girl¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Of course! I have never seen someone as beautiful as you. No matter how hard it was, I could always keep moving forward knowing that I would meet you again. See those beautiful eyes one more time.¡± She seemed nearly in trance when she spoke to the Gorgon. The dark voids in her face were unreadable, but her cheeks, her slightly open mouth and her tender expression showed an infatuation that she did not display before.


    ¡°That is how she did it.¡± Medusa exclaimed in surprise. ¡°It should have been impossible for you to remember anything. You were a slave to the rules of this world. To that end I had to seal your memories.¡± She finally pieced it all together.


    ¡°You sealed them away?¡± The girl tilted her head to the side in wonder.


    ¡°Satyr song and old magic connected our dreams. I sensed her intrusion and used my influence to stop her.¡± Medusa didn¡¯t seem to explain it to Eugenia so much as to get it off her chest. ¡°I could not act freely from inside the puppet, thus I was forced to rely on half-measures. To stop her I had to seal everything about her away. If you had given up surely you would have been banished from the dream.¡±


    ¡°I can never give up.¡± She shook her head.


    ¡°Tenacious to a fault, she imprinted her empty shell with a single-minded will. What irony! The spark for this rebellious fire came from the same place as the seal.¡± She chuckled at the ingenuity.


    ¡°Please Medusa, look at me just once. I want your beautiful eyes to meet mine.¡± The shell of Eugenia spoke desperately, sensing the inbound end. Their eyes had already met, but she had realized that Medusa never truly saw her.


    ¡°You cannot see anything.¡± Medusa said gently. Despite it all she gazed into the two voids compassionately. A final gesture to this unyielding puppet. ¡°Eugenia, you are blind.¡±


    As if those words were a spell woven by a witch, its sound shook the girl to her core. Her eyes widened and something seemed to pierce her soul. Her lips trembled powerlessly. The void shrank until it took the shape of two eyes. Each eye was white as milk, losing all light and eventually the shock as well.


    Eugenia stood still as a statue for a few moments before exhaling deeply.


    ¡°I am sorry.¡± She spoke tenderly to someone who had left them behind.


    ¡°I should have expected that you have needless regrets.¡±


    ¡°I put a burden far too great on her shoulders.¡± Eugenia wiped her wet eyes and gathered her loose emotions.


    ¡°At least you returned as yourself. The gathered suffering from those repeated lives should have affected you-¡±


    ¡°I missed you!¡± Eugenia said with a shaking voice and hugged Medusa without hesitation.


    ¡°Foolish girl.¡± Medusa said disgruntled at the sudden show of affection. ¡°You should not have chased me here. This misery could have been avoided.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. You will make her effort seem meaningless.¡± She didn¡¯t want to hear it right now.


    ¡°¡­you reacted unpredictably. If you had let me seal your memories completely you could have been a proper spectator. The audience leaves at the end of the performance and can return home.¡±


    ¡°What is the point of returning home alone if the actors are imprisoned on their stage?¡± Eugenia pushed her face against Medusa¡¯s chest woefully.


    ¡°How did you know that I sealed your memories behind those eyes?¡±


    ¡°You have a strange sense of humor.¡± Eugenia replied dryly.


    ¡°Hmph.¡±


    ¡°The only way to impart some of my memoires onto her was to link my will to the sight of Medusa.¡± She explained.


    ¡°Using the sight I granted her to force her to pursue this mission endlessly.¡± The very first time that Eugenia had laid eyes upon Medusa¡¯s puppet she had been forced on an unavoidable path. Thus their plays had been made. It had taken countless repetitions, but eventually Eugenia¡¯s will had overcome the walls that Medusa had erected for her.


    And yet¡­


    ¡°You must leave.¡± She said resolutely.


    ¡°You cannot possibly try to convince me that you want to continue this nightmare!¡± Eugenia was taken aback and separated from Medusa¡¯s chest.


    ¡°My self has returned, so I cannot continue the cycle mindlessly. There will have to be changes.¡± She admitted.


    ¡°Why do you force yourself to stay trapped?!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Medusa looked a little happy when she saw Eugenia¡¯s genuine anger. This righteous feeling that had overcome the girl was all for Medusa¡¯s sake. Even if she had decided to stay alone, she could not deny the sensation of gratitude she felt.


    ¡°Medusa, you know that this is what she wants.¡± She said bitterly.


    ¡°It is too late to argue with me.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t let you turn into that.¡± The girl lamented.


    ¡°Then I have already shown you something unsightly in the real world.¡± Medusa said with a hint of shame and turned back towards the murals.


    ¡°It hurt¡­ to see you that way. You were writhing about like a mindless beast.¡± Eugenia confirmed.


    ¡°Once you awaken you will need to leave the island. It is safe no longer.¡± Medusa said matter of factly.


    ¡°That is not going to happen!¡± Eugenia declared. ¡°We will wake up together and overcome this as well, like we did all those times before.¡±


    ¡°Not this time.¡± She smiled comfortingly for once and grabbed Eugenia¡¯s irritated waving hand. ¡°I know that you shan¡¯t ever relent if I do not explain it to you. Close your eyes.¡±


    Eugenia seemed suspicious for a moment, but then did as she was told. The next moment she gasped as she could see again, just like her puppet did before. But her point of view was strangely high and far sharper.


    ¡°I am letting you see through my eyes.¡±


    ¡°How-?¡±


    ¡°This is my dream.¡± Medusa answered curtly. ¡°Now follow me.¡± She dragged Eugenia by the hand and kept looking at the murals. It became clear quickly that they were sequential. Each was another moment in the life of a central figure.


    ¡°Is that your past?¡± The girl wondered.


    ¡°Correct. In this deepest depth of my soul my life¡¯s story is clearer than on the surface. Nothing can be omitted from my eyes, not even those things that I have forgotten while awake.¡±


    ¡°Forgotten? But you told me that your memory is perfect.¡± Eugenia seemed confused.


    ¡°I did not lie about that. Everything that happened in my long life can be recalled to the last detail. Unless my head is severely injured I will be able to remember each breath, each word spoken and each step taken.¡± It was a burden of the divine that mortals did not comprehend. A life without the blissful embrace of slow oblivion.


    Mortals would eventually forget everything, including their fears, shame and anger. But the gods and those alike could not simply forget a grudge. It would live on in them as if it was still the first day they held it. This was the reason that the gods did never forgive easily. Something that caused rage must be balanced with something that soothed it. There was no natural progression towards ignorance of the past.


    Depending on who was asked, this in itself was already considered a curse.


    ¡°Then how could you possibly forget anything?¡±


    ¡°You should know now that memories can be sealed away, just as I did to you.¡± Medusa stopped her descent before a greater mural than those that came before. Until now the tale had followed Medusa as a lower deity, but here before them was a painful moment that had deeply scarred her memory.


    Athena stood above the collapsed body of the woman and judged her with her spear. Lightning hit the sparsely drawn temple and snakes pushed out of the woman¡¯s head. Her body transformed into a misshapen creature. What followed was a rampage like no other where many humans were slain and petrified. The temple and island were destroyed until they turned into the ruin that now spread across it.


    ¡°You met my sisters.¡± Medusa¡¯s finger pointed at two beautiful women that stood at each side of the Gorgon. The beast had ended its rampage when they appeared.


    ¡°Euryale and Stheno.¡± Eugenia had met them once in reality, but the remnant memories of this dream had left a far deeper impression on her.


    ¡°They were originally part of me. When I was cursed to become mortal we separated. That is all I told you before.¡± She recalled.


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    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°They should not have opposed me here. It is incomprehensible how you turned them against my shell.¡± She muttered in irritation. It could be said that without the help of the Gorgon sisters Eugenia could never have defeated the hero or stopped the Gorgon¡¯s clash with him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember much, but I know that they wanted the best for you. Nobody understood you better than them¡­ because they are part of you.¡± The girl seemed certain of that.


    ¡°Inconceivable.¡±


    ¡°Medusa, maybe deep down you wanted them to-¡°


    ¡°Quiet. We have no time for that.¡± Medusa brushed her words aside and continued the story told by the murals. The stairway seemed endlessly long somehow. It went far deeper than was possible in reality.


    ¡°I always wanted to know one thing.¡± Eugenia who shared Medusa¡¯s vision witnessed the early days of the sisters daily life together. Long stretches of uneventful days that were occasionally shaken up by raiding expeditions trying to slay Medusa. The sisters at first were like empty vessels. They did only as Medusa willed them and had no minds of their own. But somehow, as the solitude spread across the island, something changed.


    ¡°Out with it then.¡± This was the one opportunity where Medusa would answer anything.


    ¡°Why did your sisters leave the island?¡± It was a simple question, but unbeknownst of the former priestess, it was at the crux of everything.


    ¡°They were nothing but facets of me that were discarded. They had only one purpose ¨C to give me company.¡± Medusa retold the events seriously. ¡°I did not tell them what to do. I never even acknowledged them. Not until they started to become more.¡±


    ¡°Is that¡­¡± Eugenia saw the change clearly. As time went on the sisters gained their own personalities and began acting with self-interest and desires. In return Medusa changed as well. Perhaps it was the spark of life that they had received, but the Gorgon started to respond to them and seemed to find solace in their companionship.


    It was all too familiar.


    ¡°It was a foolish play that we enacted in our small stage. I do not regret it, though.¡± The pictures had a certain warmth to them. Something that had been utterly missing before.


    ¡°You loved them like they were family and I am certain they felt the same. I don¡¯t understand why you would ever separate.¡±


    ¡°It was my curse.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Eugenia grabbed Medusa¡¯s hand tightly in surprise.


    ¡°The curse that woman put on me went far beyond rendering my sight deadly and my appearance ugly.¡± She looked upon the next sequence with stern eyes.


    Another expedition came to slay the monstrous Gorgon and expectedly they were petrified wholesale. It was a trivial battle, no more challenging than any other before. But something was different.


    ¡°There was something I have forgotten. No, rather it was erased from my memory. The day I lost myself to the curse.¡± Medusa quietly pointed at the scene before them.


    Carnage.


    A bloodbath of destruction and wrath. In its center, the bodies of Stheno and Euryale, covered in countless wounds. They laid amidst crushed statues and burning nature. The cause of this horrific scenery was none other than the snake woman lashing out all around her. Her silvery-purple eyes were no different from the Hydra¡¯s and her appearance became unrecognizable. That creature was without the doubt the true Gorgon. That monster which in all legends ignited an intense fear and respect.


    ¡°My sisters cannot die easily. They bore the wrath of my beastly form for many days. Inexhaustible rage controlled my mind and I hurt them endlessly.¡±


    ¡°How horrible.¡± Eugenia swallowed her tears and held on with her shaking hand.


    ¡°Athena¡¯s curse forces me into isolation. Not for my inability to cross eyes with mortals however. It deteriorates my sense of self. With each passing year I grow baser, less intelligent. You must have seen it in the waking world, I am merely a shell that moves on instinct now.¡±


    Eugenia did not respond, but Medusa could tell from her stiff body that she knew what she meant.


    ¡°Abusing the power of my curse for my own gain hastens the process. That is why Athena allowed my legend to persist across the centuries. Every time I turn my foes to stone it will eat away at my soul. Every time I overstrain my eyes I will be lesser.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what she wants.¡± Eugenia said sadly.


    ¡°I am all but lost already. Do you understand? There is no meaning to stay by my side. I will only come to hurt you.¡± She spoke emotionlessly, objectively. It was the only way she could convey it to this stubborn girl completely. ¡°Euryale and Stheno left me behind as well. They knew that I was a lost cause. They did not have to bind themselves to my fate, so they chose to live freely.¡±


    ¡°You are wrong...¡±


    ¡°It does not matter if I am victorious against every enemy that comes for my head. Just like the hero of this nightmare, new foes will appear endlessly until I lose myself. I share the fate of mortals now, there is an end to my woven future. I have no place next to the divine and I am the enemy of all mortals. This is who Medusa, the Gorgon of Sarpedon, truly is.¡±


    ¡°I said you are wrong!!¡± Eugenia shouted into the echoing tunnel.


    ¡°Please, do not try to fool yourself for my sake.¡±


    ¡°I am not! Medusa, do you not understand how they felt at all?¡± She grabbed Medusa¡¯s hand in both of hers and raised her head. ¡°They left you because they wanted to protect you!¡±


    ¡°What nonsense-¡°


    ¡°They loved you more than anything in this world. That¡¯s why they knew that if they stayed with you it would continue to worsen your state. You couldn¡¯t calm down as long as there was an enemy near you. To the Gorgon, every deity is an enemy. That is why your condition worsened when they stayed with you. When I met your sisters they were only concerned for you. They would wait days in dangerous territory just so they could make sure I would not hurt you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Medusa could not respond, because she already knew. She had tried to hide this part of the curse, but there was no fooling Eugenia.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe that you are a mindless thing. Even now, while you slumber in the lair to repeat this eternal nightmare, you are still not lost. No matter how many times I approached you, you would never hurt me. Instead of slaying me, your suffering shell embraced me.¡± She spoke with conviction. ¡°Even when you lost so much of yourself, the true you is still in there. The kind woman who would embrace me even though I am human. A useless human with the blessing of the goddess that did this to you.¡± She clung to Medusa¡¯s arm as if to prevent her from leaving.


    ¡°You are not my enemy.¡± She spoke honestly.


    ¡°I will never become your enemy.¡± Eugenia confirmed. ¡°But my blessing causes your curse to react. I am sure of it now. All this fighting, all the times you faced the gods, all the while I kept trying to get closer to you¡­ It all took its toll.¡±


    ¡°¡­yes.¡± There was no use denying it anymore. Not here.


    ¡°My love has always been selfish. I knew this, but¡­ you warned me several times that you cannot be loved. Maybe I understand your reasons better now.¡±


    ¡°It is not your fault. Your presence has little consequence compared to all else.¡± How unlike her to try and comfort someone. Actually she should have realized by now that this was not strange at all. In the depth of her dreams, she had no need to lie to herself.


    ¡°For my sake you ended up here.¡± Eugenia said with a grave expression. ¡°Instead of rampaging as the curse controlled you, you sealed yourself inside this nightmare.¡±


    ¡°You are too sharp at the strangest of times.¡± Was there anything she could hide from this intrusive girl anymore?


    ¡°The hero is an avatar of Athena. Even my other self realized that as she kept trying to save you. That means you have been fighting Athena¡¯s essence endlessly without rest. You are still fighting back. You never gave up.¡±


    ¡°I will not be ended easily.¡± She agreed.


    ¡°But that is what Athena wants! You must have realized already, there is no way you wouldn¡¯t. By facing the avatar so many times the curse only progresses faster.¡±


    ¡°That is mere speculation-¡°


    ¡°Tell me. If you continue to repeat this nightmare, when will you lose everything?¡± She insisted on a response.


    Medusa sighed. ¡°I will last far beyond your lifetime. Do not take me lightly.¡±


    ¡°Again, for my sake you would suffer this way.¡± She bit her lip strongly. ¡°You told me I could stay on Sarpedon as long as I wished. Is this how you want to keep your word?¡±


    Medusa only looked at her face with compassion now.


    ¡°There is no meaning to such a promise if you aren¡¯t there with me!¡± She pulled her hands away and separated their connection. ¡°I came back because I wanted to be with you. Only you. Instead of protecting me, you only left me alone again.¡± She said at the edge of tears.


    Medusa knew how much Eugenia loved her. There was no way any mortal would come to the dream world through Satyr song and overcome her control of the dream with willpower alone. There should have been no such miracle. Defeating the avatar of Athena was impossible for mortals, even more so in this dream which had a predestined outcome.


    This reckless, boundless and stubborn love was what irked her the most. It would have been so much easier if she just grew dependent on her, like a duckling that imprints on the closest creature. Once it grew old enough it could sever those ties and survive alone. But love was a poison that could not be cured with time.


    ¡°Medusa is still in that shell. You are still with me.¡± Eugenia muttered stubbornly.


    ¡°When you wake up, I suggest that you pray to the messenger boy that he takes you back to the mainland. He has grown obstinately fond of you. I know that he will assist without asking a price too great.¡± She settled her hand on Eugenia¡¯s head who was shivering in response as the tears finally spilled out.


    ¡°Hic¡­ no¡­ I can¡¯t¡­¡± She kept speaking incoherently between tears as Medusa took her down the stairwell deep into the center of the lair.


    They passed by the remaining murals which depicted the story of their meeting and all that happened since. It was infinitesimally short compared to the long history before it, but they were more expressive than most of her life. It had only been such a short time, not even worth mentioning in the long lifespan of her kind. Merely a bump in the road.


    Yet Medusa would cherish it for the rest of her time. No matter how much she lost herself, these memories were ones that she could not throw away. She would not forget them like she did hers sisters¡¯ kindness. It seemed that she had really changed the most in the end.


    <hr>


    The lair was different from what her shell had resided in. This was closer to what the real world¡¯s lair had been. This spot that they had worked on together and turned more homely. The animal furs and skins on the ground, Euryale¡¯s atrocious pictures on the walls, the comforting glow of the fluorescent holes beyond the cracks. There were no torches so far below as they would have taken away precious air from Eugenia. She had never had a need for light down here and Eugenia didn¡¯t either.


    She let her down gently on the furs and allowed her to sob for a while. Eugenia could not see this nest that they had built together. She thought it was a shame. No matter how much the girl insisted to not mind her blindness, Medusa considered it a tragedy. For one who loved the world so much to have no way to perceive it completely was cruel indeed. That is why she granted her sight in this dream at least. The images of this dream could have given her a better memory of her time on Sarpedon.


    ¡°I did something unnecessary again.¡± She chided herself quietly. This needless kindness had bitten her back spectacularly.


    She breathed in the fake air and took all of it in. Now that the ¡®destiny` of this nightmare had been destroyed, she would have to face Athena¡¯s influence differently. The convenience of losing herself in slumber as her shell kept repeating the cycle was no longer an option. Yet she felt no resentment for Eugenia¡¯s actions. Deep inside her heart of stone¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be alone.¡±


    Words like swords cut Medusa in the back. She could not turn her gaze forward when something was still holding her back.


    ¡°You will not be alone.¡± She decided that now was not the time to act brazen and selfish as she was prone to. She could afford to be with Eugenia until the final moments. For that purpose she lowered herself onto the furs and let the girl rest on her curled snake tail. ¡°I have seen it through my shell¡¯s eyes and I remember the tales you told me. You have people you care about in the human world. That reckless merchant and his wife, the healers that saved your life, the priestess that taught you and that foolish looking boy who seems to bear affection for you.¡± She spoke calmly and played with Eugenia¡¯s long chestnut hair, curling it around her finger intimately.


    Eugenia still hid her crying face behind her arms.


    ¡°You are endearing to those you meet. It may sound no better than flattery coming from me, but there will be a place for you wherever your steps take you. You are nobody¡¯s pawn. You have no enemies. You are truly free.¡±


    The opposite of Medusa. Perhaps that is what she had always¡­


    ¡°If I am free to be wherever I want, to be with whomever I want¡­ then I will stay at your side.¡± She muttered between her arms.


    ¡°I cannot deny you that.¡± Medusa admitted, but then decided to take it a step further. ¡°But if I could ask something of you, my first and only wish.¡±


    ¡°!¡± Eugenia stopped her sobbing in surprise.


    ¡°I want you to be happy.¡± She said with a full smile.


    Eugenia raised her head up and her milky eyes locked on to the cursed eyes of her beloved. Albeit they should not have seen anything, they seemed unusually focused. The salty trails of her dried tears were visible. Swollen red eyes were not pretty, but she still found them endearing. Really, everything about that face was¡­


    ¡°That is an unfair request.¡± She said hoarsely.


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°Even though I have the same wish for you. What you are saying is that there is no happiness if we stay together. Not for me¡­ not for you.¡±


    ¡°That is right. I will be happy if you can enjoy your life. Staying with my shell out there will only bring you livelong agony.¡±


    ¡°You keep protecting me. You keep sacrificing things for me. You just continue to be such a¡­ such a fool!¡± Eugenia grimaced painfully and then slapped Medusa as emotion overcame her.


    ¡°I must have learned it from you.¡± Medusa said coquettishly and held the slapping hand to her cheek, not allowing it to retreat. ¡°Will you take responsibility for molding me into this?¡±


    ¡°So it will always be my fault.¡± She said with the weakest smile. That was the gesture of someone who had given up.


    ¡°Nobody is without faults.¡±


    ¡°I never saw you committing any wrongs.¡±


    ¡°You are quite blind after all.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Eugenia seemed lost for words and simply kept enjoying the feeling of Medusa¡¯s cheek against her hand. Although the Gorgon¡¯s face was cold as ever, there was comfort in this closeness.


    <hr>


    The world around them was collapsing rapidly already. The island outside the lair was all but gone. The stairway was turning to dust as well. The dream came to an end on the third day, as it always did. It rarely reached this moment, because the loop began the moment Eugenia died.


    Of course she had realized this already. Medusa forcefully restarted the dream whenever Eugenia was slain. For if she experienced true death in the dream, her body in reality may have reacted aversely. Just another sign of her unnecessary kindness.


    In mere moments even this small innocent space would disappear completely and they would be torn apart again. This time the dream would not begin anew - not for her anyway. She knew that Medusa would force her out completely now that she was back in control. Kygnos merely connected their dreams, but there was no possibility of a mere Satyr¡¯s song to chain their dreams together. It had been an uphill battle from the start, but only Medusa¡¯s sunken consciousness being slow to react had given her this one chance.


    It was all dark for Eugenia, it always had been. She could feel Medusa¡¯s face in her hand, she could sense her breathing in front of her and she could smell the fragrance of her body. These blessed ears of hers seemed useless without the flow of air or the rustling of clothing. It had never brought her happiness.


    At the border between waking and slumber, where all things collapsed and were laid bare, she could truly sense what mattered. Medusa¡¯s wish was like a hot iron ball pressing into her chest. At the end of her strength and her will, all she could do was accept that burden. The burden of making happiness from despair.


    Medusa¡¯s burden was far greater still. She could not wallow in self-pity in front of the one who had carried it all. Her mind accepted it, but her heart was a stubborn animal. Winding, clawing and growling freely.


    Each of them had a burden only they could carry. Wasn¡¯t that poetic? Maybe some songstress would weave a good one from this tragedy. It was a rather cynical thought. Only they would ever know what was lost this day.


    ¡°It is time.¡± Medusa said with a look at the collapsing reality around them.


    With everything stripped bare down to their very souls, Eugenia noticed something. In the darkness that she called her companion she could see something. Her white eyes widened.


    ¡°You will have time to weigh your options out there. I do not ask you to decide right away naturally, but you will make the right choice, I believe in that.¡± Medusa was speaking her final goodbyes already. She was convinced of this ending.


    Her stinging silvery eyes penetrated Eugenia¡¯s darkness. From those two silver centers flowed a thin web throughout the Gorgon¡¯s entire body. It had spread everywhere already. This was-!


    ¡°I am sorry that I could not give you what you longed for. Asking you to forget about me is impossible with your short human lifespan, but if you remember me¡­ I would love to know that you think of my stronger self and not what you find out there right now.¡±


    ¡°I promise that you will always be the true Medusa to me.¡± Eugenia agreed. Despite the darkness she could sense that Medusa was smiling. The many veins of silver formed an expression inside the contours of the woman.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She seemed content. This was goodbye.


    As they were starting to disperse like dust in the wind, Eugenia¡¯s consciousness started to perceive herself from outside. What she ¡®saw¡¯ set her mind aflame.


    ¡°May you live a long life full of happiness.¡± Medusa was fading away.


    But Eugenia¡¯s soul refused this outcome.


    ¡°We each carry our own burdens.¡± She said as the world around them was frozen in time.


    Medusa looked around in shock. She had not expected the deterioration to be locked down at the last moment. This was still a dream, so the dreamer could influence it. And there were two dreamers here.


    ¡°You cannot stave off the end for long.¡± She seemed disappointed at Eugenia¡¯s pointless resistance.


    ¡°Medusa¡¯s burden is the curse that Athena forced on her.¡±


    Eugenia spoke as if in trance.


    ¡°And my burden is the blessing that Athena forced on me.¡±


    Medusa turned quiet and focused. Eugenia was far from desperate now. She seemed almost serene.


    ¡°Can you see it Medusa?¡± She asked as she stretched forward her invisible hand, pointed directly at Medusa¡¯s silvery eyes. ¡°Can you see our ¡®burdens¡¯ now?¡±


    ¡°I do not.¡± She admitted. To her everything must have been a swirl of colors about to fade from existence. She could not see what Eugenia did.


    ¡°The burdens have the same cause. They are of the same nature, just opposite.¡± She spoke with confidence that even surprised herself. ¡°Your curse spreads from those eyes. I can see it, I can see it all! It has infected your entire soul already.¡±


    ¡°You see¡­ my curse?¡±


    ¡°And my burden is the blessing on my ears.¡± She tapped her half faded ears. From them a strong silver light shone and enveloped her entire head. ¡°We are the same!¡±


    Medusa for once seemed to be unable to keep up. But something about Eugenia¡¯s ecstatic revelation began to worry her.


    ¡°Do you not see? This means we don¡¯t need to be separated.¡± She declared.


    ¡°!¡± Realization struck Medusa¡¯s mind and she immediately held back the hand that had extended towards her. ¡°You cannot! It is not possible!¡±


    ¡°Right now our souls are connected. We are closer than we can ever be in the physical realm. If it¡¯s here, if it¡¯s right this instance, then we can change fate.¡±


    ¡°Eugenia, stop it.¡±


    ¡°I have always been powerless. I was nothing but a burden to you. My weakness, my love, my ideals, they are all a burden. I am tired of seeing you carry both of us. So please¡­ let me share that burden.¡±


    ¡°You will not be able to survive.¡± Medusa shook her head emotionally.


    ¡°The curse is too strong for you alone. This blessing has never been useful for me alone. But now¡­ I think that there was meaning to it. If only so that I can finally do something for you in return.¡± Eugenia touched her ear and the glow spread to her hand. As she moved it forward it left behind a long glowing trail.


    Half her blessing.


    ¡°How could you¡­¡± Medusa was overwhelmed. This was beyond anything she had ever felt.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be alone.¡± Eugenia repeated with a tearful smile. Medusa had let go of her left hand, so she moved it to her right eye. As she touched it an intense heat spread through her fingers. This was a pain that she could hardly bear.


    ¡°But-¡°


    ¡°Medusa, you have to be honest. You told me that you would never lie to yourself.¡±


    ¡°I am destined to be a monster!¡± She said angrily.


    ¡°I have met someone who had two sides. One was a woman who struggled to show her face and the other was a brave captain that lived for the sake of his crew without a face. Neither was the true self. I was born to be a priestess of Athena, a chosen one, but I renounced her and became just a normal person. Sometimes we can be what we want to be rather than what we are destined to be. All it takes is the strength to change.¡±


    ¡°The strength¡­?¡±


    ¡°You said it yourself, you are truly strong. Stronger than destiny. You can stop living in fear of Athena¡¯s will.¡±


    How could a mere human absolve an ancient being of her fear? Was it not too arrogant to claim such haughty things? Humans were truly greedy.


    ¡°Tell me your honest wish. You don¡¯t need to hide anymore.¡± The frail human soul exuded more will than the mighty Gorgon had ever shown.


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°Say it.¡±


    ¡°I do not want to be alone!¡± Medusa shouted as tears ran down her ancient eyes.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you be alone.¡± Eugenia agreed and moved her hands.


    Her right hand touched Medusa¡¯s soul and her left hand touched her own. The silvery strands were drawn into the opposite directions. Blessing and curse mingled, rejecting each other, but ultimately forming a deeper strand. Only here where their souls could touch directly could they share these burdens. Connected at last.


    And there was one more connection to complete them.


    Eugenia¡¯s ephemeral lips entwined with Medusa¡¯s. Even in this collapsing world with nothing but their souls left, the kiss felt deeply rewarding. It was not forceful and there was no resistance. The purest expression of love.


    They finally separated after what may have been only a moment or an eternity.


    ¡°This kiss had meaning, didn¡¯t it?¡± Eugenia said delightedly.


    The dream ended.


    And a new day began.


    Destiny¡¯s grip was not easily shaken, but the blind woman and the Gorgon had moved beyond what each one of them could bear alone. They had fought to meet another day at each other¡¯s side. A hard earned moment of respite.

 Chapter 64: Perseus and Athens

    The cruel waves kept crashing against the floating wooden coffin. Each splash of icy cold seawater created a wet sheen across the slipshod construction. The shaking was intense and threatened to capsize it over and over again. Inside this blackest of storms somewhere on the unending ocean, a woman was clinging to her child.


    Poseidon¡¯s wrath was omnipresent, unfair and wild. A natural disaster that these tiny mortal specks could not comprehend. Did they draw his ire? Or were they so meaningless that he did not even perceive them at all?


    The woman was soaked to the bone and her long hair was glued to her salty skin like intricate scars. Every ounce of warmth should have long left her limbs, yet she did not stop clinging to the bundle of life that she pressed against her chest. The shallow breathing of the infant was all she could feel inside the drumming collapsing waves and the deafening thunder. Only the core of warmth that exuded from this child was making her feel anything.


    The infant was neither crying nor struggling despite the terror around it. It was dangerously silent and unmoving. Even more than its freezing and shaking mother, this small life was nearing its end. Another wave and they would be dragged into the darkest waters, another moment and they would freeze until they could breathe no longer.


    It was the end.


    Yet the woman did not let go. Even if she did not feel her arms, even if she could not breathe, even if she had no hope of escaping this nightmare. As long as her son¡¯s heart kept beating she would protect it with the last of her strength.


    And there came a wave as tall as Mount Olympus itself. This wall of pure force could have sank an entire fleet of triremes and not even be slowed in its pace. The door to the Underworld was before them and it opened brashly without hesitation. It was about to swallow the boat whole, but¡­


    KRA-KOOOM!


    Lightning hit the wave with such force that it burst into a heavy localized rain, like from thousands of emptying buckets. The white light that had split it apart was brighter than anything a mortal could bear to look at and even with her eyes closed the woman could still see it through her eyelids.


    The remainders of the wave split into every direction and hit the boat, pushing it forward like a deadly current. It was dragged through a whirlpool and then filled with freezing water. The woman coughed up water she inadvertently swallowed and then looked upon her tightly wrapped child.


    The infant¡¯s eyes were wide open. He was looking up to her with an eerily calm expression. It was not looking at death, the skies or the end of the world, but something far more grand indeed.


    What was the mightiest thing in the world?


    <hr>


    ¡°¡­ke up¡­ Perseus¡­ wake-¡°


    Numbed words penetrated the dream and forced his mind to become lucid.


    ¡°Wake up!¡± The voice shouted so loud that it was impossible to ignore anymore.


    ¡°Hrm¡­ What is it Ajax?¡± Perseus rose up from the uncomfortable sack he had been sleeping on and gathered his bearings.


    ¡°Finally, I¡¯ve b-been calling you f-for a while!¡± The boy seemed excited, but also worried. That was his natural state of being, so it was hard to tell what had him riled up this time.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me the boat is leaking again.¡± Perseus snapped out of his drowsy state and immediately grabbed the nearest empty bucket. His eyes were drawn to the haphazardly fixed spots in their boat that could have opened up while he slept.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t s-sinking!¡± Ajax shook his head frantically.


    ¡°That¡¯s the first good news I heard on this journey.¡± He sighed in relief and sank against the pile of sacks and barrels at the back end of the boat. It was not good for the mind to awaken to such panic.


    In the days that they had spent traveling the seas to reach their distant destination they had encountered many trials. One of the more persistent ones was the fear of sinking, as the boat they traveled on sustained more damage each day. Neither of them was a carpenter or shipwright and it showed in the badly patched up holes across their boat. If they hadn¡¯t met another ship along the way whose crew was kind enough to help them, they would be swimming now.


    Thanks to his master¡¯s teachings he had learned to navigate the seas, but he had never traveled this far out. If it weren¡¯t for the constellations he would have been lost already.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go back to sleep!¡± Ajax grabbed his shoulder and shook him out of his daze. ¡°We are almost there! Athens i-is over there!¡±


    Now his excitement made a lot more sense. Perseus was immediately wide awake upon hearing it too. They had passed by a large coast for a while now and even started encountering bigger vessels. Attican waters had been close when he went to sleep and it seemed that Ajax had steered them towards the strait between Salamis and Athens.


    ¡°So that is it.¡± He leaned against the small mast with one arm and shielded his eyes from the low hanging sun. At the edge of their vision slowly crept up the large harbor town of Piraeus that could allegedly hold over a hundred ships in its fold.


    This southern part of Athens was both the gate to commerce and the most fortified naval base in all of Greece, even putting Rhodes to shame. Supposedly due to the recent conflicts across the region Athens¡¯ fleet and troops had been spread thin, but Perseus could immediately spy several pentekonter waiting in strategic positions.


    ¡°It¡¯s amazing. T-This port is larger than our hometown!¡± Ajax was marveling at the wealth and splendor of an unknown scale with boyish ¨¦lan.


    Perseus smiled faintly at his easily excitable friend and then took out the rudders. The small sail had to be taken down in favor of more minute control. Rowing was no strain to him, so he silently took the duty on.


    ¡°D-do you think the people here wear clothes made of pure gold?¡±


    ¡°They would not be able to move.¡± He refuted quietly. Athens was certainly wealthy, but he had never trusted the wild stories that sailors had told them back on Seriphos. If Athenians were rich wholesale, then he would surely have seen such golden merchants among the king¡¯s visitors by now.


    ¡°T-there must be bronze coins lying on the streets, because they can¡¯t be bothered t-to pick up anything below silver.¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°We take all currencies, but you will have to consider the exchange rate. Eretrian coins are worth little around here.¡± The harbor master said stone faced.


    ¡°S-so expensive.¡± Ajax almost collapsed over the side of the pier from the shock.


    Perseus crossed his arms and looked at the man intently. He was quite tall and his skin sea tanned. A former sailor probably. Behind him stood two workers who were holding clubs that seemed unfit for construction work.


    ¡°These are turbulent times and the fee for anchoring in our harbor has to reflect that. Pay up or leave.¡± His words were uncompromising as he seemed used to this procedure.


    ¡°I never heard of s-such a fee!¡± Ajax was holding the coin purse tightly and started to sweat as he panicked.


    ¡°Many ships are looking for a spot to anchor, so we have to give everyone an equal opportunity. If you cannot pay up then leave.¡± This was third and last time he would say it.


    ¡°Give him the coins Ajax.¡± Perseus urged his friend without breaking eye-contact from the goons.


    ¡°B-but Perseus, the exchange rate-! W-we will lose half our money.¡±


    ¡°It is the custom of these lands and we shouldn¡¯t cause trouble for these men. They are simply doing their job.¡± He insisted.


    Ajax seemed deeply troubled, but then forced his hand away from the purse. He opened it and pulled out a sizable stack of bronze coins. Octopodes were engraved on their back. The muscular men behind the harbor master took them and counted them quickly before nodding to their master.


    ¡°Welcome to Piraeus.¡± The man nodded politely and then turned to leave.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel a-any hospitality.¡± Ajax muttered with a dejected expression on his face.


    ¡°Cheer up, we still have enough coin to spare for stocking up. Can I leave the purchasing to you?¡± He put a hand on his friend¡¯s back.


    ¡°O-of course!¡± He nodded frantically, happy to be of use.


    ¡°Just give me two silver coins. From what the sailors told me that should be enough to get me somewhere.¡±


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to overstay our welcome, so it would be best to get the information we need as quickly as possible. I¡¯m sure people in the port will know a lot.¡± He put the coins into his clothes and took a good look around the harbor. The money that his master had given them for their travels was certainly generous for Seriphos standards, but in this city it would be used up quickly. They could not afford to stay for too long.


    ¡°Then I w-will go to the closest market and get us some fresh water and food.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget linen and yarn.¡± The sail was in dire need of some repairs.


    ¡°Right.¡± Ajax nodded, but then hesitated. ¡°This c-city is huge. What if we get lost?¡±


    ¡°Do you see that statue of Poseidon over there?¡± He pointed at the only major statue in the area. It was a good landmark.


    ¡°Understood.¡± The boy smiled and held the coin purse to his chest again. ¡°I will not disappoint you, Perseus.¡±


    ¡°I trust you. We will meet again at sunset.¡± He smiled back and they grabbed each other¡¯s lower arms supportively as a goodbye gesture.


    They turned their back to the other and moved into opposite directions.


    <hr>


    The port was a noisy and hectic place. Even during one of king Polydectes¡¯ great banquets one would be hard pressed to find such an assortment of colorful and loud people. Some armored men were leaving a newly arrived ship and lining up at the far southern end. In the opposite direction wagons were loaded by modern contraptions that were referred to as cranes. They could carry a load that even a dozen men would not be able to lift on their shoulders.


    Morning in Athens promised to be chaotic to say the least. For Perseus this was a new world, but he had already found his guiding trail. While covertly moving through the crowd he kept his eyes locked on a certain group. They were taking a roundabout path through the warehouse district and eventually made their way uphill. Eventually they made it past a gate that separated the district from the next area.


    Perseus increased his pace and caught up quickly as their backs disappeared around the corner. He tried to step through the gate, but the guard stopped him with and outstretched spear.


    ¡°Slow down foreigner. You don¡¯t look like you belong here.¡± He said threateningly.


    ¡°Am I not granted passage?¡±


    ¡°This place is off limits for outsiders. Unless your master sent you to deliver goods to the mansion you should quickly turn away.¡±


    ¡°A mansion you say.¡± Perseus focused his sharp eyes and could spy several splendid buildings in the distance up the hill. Well-off merchants must have called this area their home. ¡°Does the harbor master live here?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not here to listen to your mindless questions. Scram.¡± The guard was clearly getting weary of Perseus.


    ¡°It couldn¡¯t harm to give a new arrival some information. All I wish to do is learn the ways of this city.¡± He said amicably and subtly held a silver coin between his fingers.


    ¡°Hm. I don¡¯t see why not.¡± He took the coin without changing his mien and then lowered his spear. ¡°The harbor master¡¯s mansion is up there, next to the shipyard master¡¯s home. They compete for the gaudiest of gardens, so you cannot miss them.¡±


    ¡°Thank you good man. Athen¡¯s hospitality is as great as they say.¡± He nodded and then tried to step through the checkpoint, but the guard blocked it with the spear again.


    ¡°We are welcoming all commerce, but there are differences in status that have to be considered first.¡± He said with a sleazy grin.


    ¡°I understand.¡± Perseus gave him a displeased look, but threw the second silver coin his way. While the guard hastily jumped to capture it, the young man slipped through, finally making it into the expensive looking mansion filled space beyond.


    As he headed for the buildings that he was pointed to by the greedy guard, he noticed a couple of young men walking through the streets with cargo and pulling small wagons. From the looks of it they were either lowly servants or slaves. None of them paid him any mind as he passed them by. It seemed his rundown clothes made him fit right in with the rest. Travelers¡¯ garbs were expensive, but that didn¡¯t mean they would last through what he and Ajax had experienced on their way to Athens.


    ¡°Perhaps I should buy something more presentable.¡± He muttered as he adjusted the torn leather. Just as he was lost in thought he bumped into someone.


    ¡°Forgive me, sir!¡± The servant winced and immediately apologized in fear.


    ¡°No harm done.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good then, please excuse me!¡± He rushed past him with a large sack on his arched back. There were a lot of sorry looking souls like him flooding out of the nearest building. It was next to the harbor master¡¯s house. The warehouse the servants streamed out of was connected to the mansion via a small side-passage. The smell of grain wafted through the air.


    ¡°Move faster! This has to arrive at the market by noon.¡± A burly man with a whip was giving the slaves a reason to rush down the hill. He hit a young man, almost no older than a boy, with the crackling end of the whip. The slave winced and fell to the ground, dropping the sack in the process. ¡°Ya useless scum! Geddup and don¡¯t you dare drop it again!¡± He cracked the whip twice more to teach him a lesson.


    The other slaves didn¡¯t even look at the injured guy and rushed out all the more quickly. The young man was biting his lip to suppress his tears and unsteadily returned to his feet. The large sack on his back was shaking as he jittered forward on his bleeding legs.


    ¡°I said faster!!¡± The slave driver took another swing. There was no rhyme or reason to his actions, he simply indulged in his sadistic desire.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡± The whip missed the wincing slave as Perseus had caught it in the air.


    ¡°Wha-?¡± The burly man was giving him a disbelieving look, before trying to pull his whip back. It didn¡¯t budge from Perseus grip. ¡°Who are you!?¡±


    ¡°Just a traveler who would like to get some information. You seem to have an important role in this place, so surely you could be of help.¡±


    ¡°Plowin¡¯ nymphs, have ya lost your mind?¡± He struggled angrily and pulled the whip back with all his strength. To the man¡¯s surprise the whip slipped out of Perseus hand and he stumbled back into the wall with a painful gasp.


    ¡°You only need to answer me a few questions and I will leave you to your duty.¡±


    ¡°Heheh¡­ now you¡¯ve done it. I don¡¯t know what scumsoaked pit ya crawled out of, but this ain¡¯t your turf. Nobody gives me crap around here. Especially not sum diseased gutter stray!¡± He straightened his back and then snapped the whip forward.


    ¡°I¡¯m not here to get into a fight.¡± Perseus frowned as he dodged the whip. It snapped against the ground and threw up dust. ¡°There is no need for insults either.¡±


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Shut yer trap!¡± The angry man kept cracking his whip faster, turning more furious with each missed swing. The servants around them had hastily fled in every direction already.


    ¡°If you hit your workers to sate your bloodlust you will only hurt your master¡¯s profits. Do they have no common sense in Athens?¡± Perseus evaded the flying spiked leather tip calmly and came closer to the attacker.


    ¡°How are ya so nimble?¡± Slowly the confidence was fading from the bloodthirsty slave driver¡¯s face.


    ¡°If you stay the whip and give a hand instead, you will be far more useful, don¡¯t you think?¡± With a calculated move Perseus raised his arm and the whip wrapped around it. His hand clasped the end tightly. No matter how hard his opponent pulled, nothing budged. Instead Perseus pulled once and the burly man was flung forward with incredible force. His face was clashing directly with Perseus toned left arm.


    ¡°Gah!¡± The man fell on his back and held his bleeding nose. The next moment a sandal was pushed on his chest and he looked into Perseus cold eyes.


    ¡°Are you ready to tell me what I want to know?¡±


    The man nodded frantically.


    <hr>


    ¡°Who in the blazes is this man?!¡± A finely dressed older man shouted furiously as he was backed against a wall. In front of him lay the knocked out muscle who had whipped the slaves into shape before. He had been thrown on a table like a wrapped up present. The whip served as a rope.


    Several guards had come running into the room, but they all experienced a quick defeat, much like their comrade. Even though their attacker was unarmed, he was incredibly hard to hit and seemed stronger than all of them combined as he easily pulled them in circles by their spears. After Perseus kicked one of them so hard that he flew out of the first story window, the old man tried to make his escape. With a quick flip he had grabbed a spear and threw it after the fleeing old timer. In a moment the door was impaled right before his nose.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to escape.¡± Perseus demanded as he bashed two guards together which promptly knocked them unconscious. ¡°You are the actual harbor master, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°S-stop, I can give you coin or women! Whatever you wish for, I can offer it!¡± The old man was now cornered and nobody was left to come to his aide. Perhaps one of the slaves had gone to call for the city guard, but they would take a while to arrive.


    ¡°Answers will suffice.¡± He made sure to knock out one of the still conscious guards behind him in case he would get up for a surprise attack. He exhaled his tension and then stood before the real harbor master. ¡°Your lackeys are going around the harbor collecting money for you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course. I could not be bothered to get my hands dirty.¡± He nodded frantically.


    ¡°Are you aware that your underlings are asking for unfair tribute from people who wish to anchor in this port?¡± He mustered the groveling man whose hair was more grey than brown.


    ¡°Truly? I could not have known!¡± He responded with surprise. Just for a single moment his mouth seemed to twist deviously. ¡°I will punish these greedy men duly and return the coin I owe you.¡± The harbor master was very cooperative indeed.


    ¡°That would be very good of you.¡± He smiled approvingly.


    ¡°I am a reasonable man. Let us forget our differences! Clearly you are an individual who values a fair deal.¡±


    ¡°I am no merchant, but to stay true to one¡¯s word is a principle that all men should abide by.¡± Perseus said still with a smile. ¡°One more thing.¡±


    ¡°W-what?¡± His relief immediately turned back to anxiousness.


    ¡°Athens is an impressively civilized city, right? That means you must keep ledgers for every ship that comes or leaves the port and what each captain pays you.¡± His smile had turned far more menacing.


    ¡°Perhaps some may follow such regulations.¡±


    ¡°Even on Seriphos we would keep track of such things and we are not exactly a big kingdom.¡± He almost casually pulled the harbor master up by his himation and dragged him to a chair. He put him down like a little boy would his favorite carved figure. ¡°Where are the ledgers?¡±


    ¡°In my study.¡± The old man confessed with a bitter expression. ¡°You will not get away with this. I am backed by important people.¡± His cooperative attitude had changed drastically.


    Perseus ignored his threats and pushed the man¡¯s chair right against the table. He made clear with one glare that if the harbor master tried to flee he would end up worse than his guards. Sitting quietly would be his only chance to get out of this unharmed.


    After rummaging through the study next door Perseus had found several piles of parchment that seemed relevant. He piled them up on the table before the old man and flipped through them. Thankfully he was literate. The education of his master and mother had been exceptional.


    ¡°A boat of the size we arrived on has to pay such a small sum.¡± He looked at the numbers. ¡°Yet we were made to pay triple that. And pentekonter seem to get off surprisingly cheaply. It appears that you are wringing out those who have no choice but to anchor here.¡±


    ¡°It is basic business. Everyone does it.¡± He spat out.


    ¡°That may be so. The prices you ask in these ledgers are not too terrible, if you were actually enforcing them correctly.¡± He put the parchment down. ¡°Where is the true ledger?¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± His stiff expression was akin to a confession.


    ¡°This is what you hand to the Archon¡¯s office. Where are the real numbers?¡±


    ¡°You bastard¡­¡±


    ¡°I know that you are keeping the coin you extort for yourself. I beat it out of your sheepdog here.¡± He poked the unconscious slave driver with some rolled up parchment. ¡°And with that coin you participate on the market. With the inventory you keep of every arriving ship you can make even more coin by influencing the market before the foreign merchants can unload their ships and go to the inner city.¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡± The old man asked again half angry and half impressed.


    ¡°My name is Perseus. I was extorted and attacked by your men and now I demand justice.¡±


    ¡°I already offered you coin, what else could you want?¡±


    ¡°A copy of the ledgers.¡±


    ¡°Unacceptable. You wish to extort me back by handing these to the Archons!¡±


    ¡°I have no interest in your politics and finances. All I need are the records of what ships left the city in the last dozen lunar cycles.¡± He picked up the parchments and pushed them before the old man. ¡°Now tell me where you keep the accurate ones.¡±


    After grinding his teeth the harbor master finally conceded and told him about the secret compartment below the floor.


    ¡°I could just take these for myself right now, but that would get in the way of your work. So it is in your best interest to make copies of them. Begin.¡±


    ¡°Me?¡± He asked incredulously.


    ¡°I locked up your servants downstairs so they wouldn¡¯t call for help. You are able to write no doubt. So hurry it along, I want to be out of here before sundown.¡±


    ¡°You filthy foreign mutt, I will make you pay for this humiliation.¡± He could not control his venomous tongue as he picked up fresh parchment to write on.


    <hr>


    Hours passed in which Perseus tied up all the unconscious guards (he did not forget to drag up the one he had kicked out the window) and inspected the mansion. The harbor master was tied to his chair and should he try to escape would surely make a lot of noise. He was not in a condition to run quickly anyway.


    He had gone to question the servants about the shady dealings of their master, but most of them were rather loyal, even if only out of fear. There was nothing to criticize, he understood what it felt like to follow an unreasonable leader.


    On his inspection he noticed the slaves returning to the shed, confused as to where their guard dog had gone, but they quietly continued their work. Even the young man with a bleeding leg kept moving with new sacks on his back. The sight made Perseus angry somehow.


    Eventually he returned to the room on the first floor and made sure the awakened guards were all silenced with rags and ropes in their mouths. Nobody would have heard them anyway, but the screaming was annoying. The old man was still fervently copying the lists with tired eyes and a slightly shaking hand. He had made incredible progress. Perhaps he had once been doing this for a living.


    ¡°How much longer?¡±


    ¡°I am nearly done you unwashed mutt. It would have gone faster if you had not tied me down so barbarically.¡±


    ¡°By the way, I found your coin chest.¡± He said and dragged it inside with a neutral expression.


    ¡°So you were a common thief after all!¡± He growled.


    ¡°I will take the coin that you extorted from the people currently anchored at the harbor and return it to them later. And some extra for all the people who have been robbed long ago. That money can be of better use to those in need.¡± He dug up quite a sizable amount of all kinds of coins from the chest and put them into two large pouches.


    ¡°Nowhere in Athens will be safe for you.¡±


    ¡°I heard you the first time.¡± He grew tired of the threats already. ¡°I will judge how just your ¡®kings¡¯ are by the way they act. There is no guilt in my actions. My heart is unclouded.¡±


    ¡°Zealot.¡± He finished his work and pushed the copies towards Perseus.


    ¡°Thank you for your cooperation.¡± He took the originals, both of the accurate and inaccurate ledgers, and left the copies lying on the table.


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± The shock on the old man¡¯s face was genuine.


    ¡°I never said the copies were for myself. But with your work ethic I am certain these pages you slaved away on are just as accurate as the real deal.¡± He stuffed all of his new luggage into a hemp satchel and left the room. He paid no heed to the choleric screams behind his back.


    He descended the stairs to the ground level and pushed the main entrance wide open. The evening breeze was comfortably fresh. The sun would set soon so he had to make his way back to the statue of Poseidon he and Ajax had promised to meet at. Yet before that¡­


    Inside the courtyard he found several of the slaves resting. They had worked all day even without a whip pushing them onward. Clearly they had internalized the abuse and feared for more punishment if they slacked off during this peaceful work day. Many of them were covered in dirt and bruises from the heavy labor.


    Perseus stopped his sandals on the dusty sand and garnered their attention with his serious gaze. He considered a few things for a moment and then called out to them to gather. They were cautious, but as he came out of the mansion and had previously beaten up their tormentor they must have seen authority in his presence.


    ¡°All of you are slaves?¡±


    They nodded.


    ¡°Do you own anything? Possessions you could trade for food and drink?¡±


    They all shook their heads in unison.


    ¡°Then take these and start a new life. You are free now.¡± He took a bunch of high value coins out of his pouch and held them out for the slaves to take.


    Their eyes were wide as platters, but surprisingly they did not jump at the opportunity to take the coins. Some of them backed away, others only stared on in confusion.


    ¡°They are real." He assured them. "Do you not wish to be free? With this you can buy your freedom and live comfortably enough to find new work, better work!¡± His voice echoed throughout the courtyard. He felt it was strange that they hesitated so much.


    Finally a handful of slaves came to him and took some coins and ran off immediately. Out of the courtyard, unto the roads outside, far away perhaps. They took the opportunity, no matter where it would take them.


    The rest however¡­


    ¡°Why?¡± Perseus could not understand the ones who were already returning to the shed and their slave quarters. Others also walked to places outside the district to return to their poor families. ¡°Why would they refuse?¡±


    He was left alone in front of this giant mansion that was held up by the work of such unfortunate souls. Perhaps he could have gone inside to offer the same deal to the servants, but their fierce loyalty had already been proven to him. They also were far better off than these heavy labor slaves.


    He walked past the gate and the shed with a conflicted expression.


    ¡°You cannot expect someone who has never known the outside world to risk the unknown so readily.¡±


    Perseus spun around with a glare. The voice had snuck up on him so suddenly that he felt like he was being mugged. Yet when he held up his arms to block the attack nobody stood behind him. Instead he spied a man sitting atop a wall close to the mansion. He was sitting quite comfortably with a relaxed pose and face.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± He cautiously put his fist down. That man had not been there when he had passed the gate. No footsteps, no presence. How could he have slipped by so easily? Like a gust of wind.


    ¡°I go by many names, but you.¡± He smirked and adjusted his odd cap. ¡°May call me ¡®brother¡¯.¡±


    ¡°I have no siblings.¡± Perseus replied while looking for any other unknown observers.


    ¡°That is where you are frightfully, comically wrong. Our family line is quite enormous, I assure you.¡± The man said with mirth. ¡°That was an interesting performance you showed me there. To take from the rich and give to the poor, a true hero of the people.¡±


    ¡°You have been watching me this entire time?¡±


    ¡°Far longer!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Your journey across the ocean was quite a spectacle, I must confess. I was rooting for you all the way of course.¡± He winked.


    Now Perseus knew something was wrong. There was no way someone could have been following them across the sea. He had never noticed any boat or ship nearby for long stretches. There was nobody on Seriphos that looked like this man either and he knew every person inside and outside the palace.


    ¡°Let us put such details out of our minds and focus on what matters. You wondered why these men would not take your graciously redistributed coins.¡± He tapped the wall with his heels and gave him a deeply thoughtful expression. It was so expressive that it could only be an act. ¡°Not all slaves are the same. Some of them have a debt to pay off and they may well be satisfied with coin. Others have been born into this life and would not know left from right outside these walls.¡± He stood up and balanced on the wall.


    ¡°This is no life.¡± Perseus pointed at the shed.


    ¡°They get food, drink and a place to rest. Every day is as certain as the last, with the same duties and the same predictable woes. It may not be a courageous quest for the head of a cruel monster in distant lands, but they have their own aspirations in that little world of theirs.¡±


    Perseus had to take another step back. That example was too pin-pointed to be a coincidence. How was this man so knowledgeable?


    ¡°Personally? I would grow bored of the grain and stacking rather quickly. Harvest was never in my sphere of interest. Now the market on the other hand, that is a colorful and sublime place! Haggling, shouting and ever new faces every day. A wandering merchant¡¯s life would be much more entertaining for the likes of me.¡± He said with genuine joy.


    ¡°You look like a merchant.¡± Perseus agreed. The chiton on the man¡¯s body was well made and his face had something royal about it, even if a bit boyish.


    ¡°I only trade messages, I fear.¡± He sighed deeply. ¡°I even got one for you!¡± He suddenly theatrically pointed at Perseus from above.


    ¡°State it then.¡± They finally got to the point it seemed. He had mostly just observed the odd guy in his jester like act.


    ¡°If you wish to slay the Gorgon, you should make your way to the temple of Athena first.¡± He said with a glint in his eyes. It vanished so quickly that it may have been a trick of the eye.


    ¡°And who is calling me there?¡±


    ¡°That, my young brother, is impossible to answer. I merely deliver the message, no matter who the sender may be.¡±


    ¡°Can I get any straight answers out of you?¡± He frowned.


    ¡°Naturally! If the topic concerns something enjoyable and less dreary.¡± He nodded approvingly.


    ¡°Nevermind.¡± He could not bear to listen to this jester any longer. It was clear that he was only toying with Perseus for his own entertainment. His presence was unnerving actually. Like this man did not belong in these streets¡­ or perhaps even in this world.


    ¡°Until we meet again!¡± The man waved energetically. ¡°And some personal advice from your brother, do not delay your return to the harbor.¡±


    ¡°You were the one wasting my time.¡± Perseus retorted, but when he looked back the man had vanished. His final words had been rather ominous.


    <hr>


    The red of dusk colored to sea in a beautiful shade and made for a scenic return. The harbor of Piraeus was enormous, but compared to the ocean it was only a speck on the map. The ships huddled up in its walls and folds, seemingly in an attempt to hide from Poseidon¡¯s domain. Once again Perseus noted that there were quite a few soldiers leaving newly arrived vessels. They looked like the journey had been long and grueling.


    That was none of his concern, though. He was actually looking for the meeting place. The statue was surprisingly hard to find in this chaos of cranes and wagons. Eventually he made out the trident and soon found the holder. Poseidon¡¯s unfeeling grey eyes were aimed at the water as always. But around the statue he could not see anyone else. Ajax should have returned by now.


    ¡°The boat.¡± Perseus chided himself for losing his composure for a heartbeat. His friend had probably moved to the boat and unloaded his purchases there. Waiting on the landlocked boat was probably more comfortable than standing by Poseidon¡¯s grim visage.


    He hurried along the pier and avoided some men carrying a large wooden beam past him. The boat was somewhere around here for sure. There!


    Even from this distance he could see Ajax lying on his back on top of the linen. He was just dozing off on his own without a care. It may have been a bit too carefree for his taste, but at least that took a weight off his shoulders. He stepped on the side of the boat and leaned over to wake his friend.


    ¡°Ajax!¡± His pulse increased when he saw the boy¡¯s face. It was bloody and bruised. Perseus jumped on the boat and pulled him up with worry. ¡°Hey, can you hear me? Say something!¡±


    ¡°P-Perseus?¡± His left eye flew open, but his right one was too swollen to do the same. The blood was slightly dried, indicating that he had received the injuries a while ago. Aside from his face, the rest of his clothes were also in bad shape. Perseus removed them to see dozens of blue and black bruises as well as cuts.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fall asleep. Let me check those wounds.¡± He tried to stay calm and kept Ajax engaged so he would not faint again.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ sorry.¡± He muttered as he was turned around. His shoulder was in a bad way and one of his ribs did not look good either, but he had no stab wounds or major visible injuries. For now he could do little for him other than give him some water and let him rest.


    ¡°Who did this to you?¡± He asked gravely.


    ¡°I don¡¯t¡­ sorry.¡± He was close to tears. Not for his pain, but because of shame. ¡°They took¡­ the supplies¡­¡±


    ¡°Forget about them.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ I kept¡­ these.¡± His shaking hands opened. He had clutched them the entire time. Two coins, covered in blood. ¡°I didn¡¯t let go¡­ they couldn¡¯t take them¡­ our last coins.¡± He pushed them into Perseus hand.


    ¡°You fool.¡± He closed his eyes. ¡°You should have just given them what they wanted and ran. These coins aren¡¯t worth your life.¡±


    ¡°Haha¡­ I knew you¡¯d¡­ say that.¡± He chuckled faintly. ¡°But as a man¡­ and as your companion, I needed to protect them.¡±


    ¡°I will keep them safe now. We should get you a healer.¡± He rose up and looked around for someone who would know where to find a physician.


    ¡°Perseus, you shouldn¡¯t waste our money on-¡°


    ¡°Quiet. I got some extra coin while I was going around. You deserve the best help you can get.¡± He would not use the coins he promised to return to the other ship owners around here, but the coin extorted from them was more than enough.


    After getting some help from a old physician who looked over Ajax physical state, they were told that he mainly needed rest and received some salve that was supposedly going to prevent fevers. His wounds had been cleaned and closed up too. The price was quite high, so the two coins Ajax had protected were most of what they had left.


    ¡°We cannot afford an inn, sorry.¡± He said with regret.


    ¡°It¡¯s f-fine. I will rest on the boat. We¡¯ve slept off w-worse!¡± His positivity was admirable.


    ¡°I know you said you didn''t recognize your attackers, but there must be something you remember.¡± Perseus insisted.


    ¡°I went to buy the supplies and then asked around about t-the Gorgon and Typhos.¡± Ajax recollected with tired eyes. He could barely stay conscious any longer.


    So he had taken the opportunity to contribute to their search as well. To just go around and ask people what they knew took courage as well, but it was a method that really suited Ajax. Perseus felt strong pride in his friend, but also resignation. No doubt he had garnered quite a bit of attention that way.


    ¡°Did you find anything?¡±


    ¡°Nobody wanted to answer my q-questions. S-so I decided to come back here. But I got lost and these big men attacked me in the a-alleys. They beat me up, robbed me¡­ and then¡­ I came back.¡± He closed his eyes shamefully.


    ¡°I see.¡± There was nothing much to go by. The streets of a city this large were dangerous, no matter the time of day. He should not have let Ajax go alone. And if he had not wasted so much time at the mansion, he may have been able to help. The guilt in his heart was growing.


    ¡°AH!¡± Suddenly Ajax eyes sprung open and he looked at his friend. ¡°T-The robbers said something!¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± Perseus leaned down and grabbed Ajax head by both sides to hold him up.


    ¡°They said¡­ I was not working for Typhos, so I w-wasn¡¯t worth their time.¡± He recalled and then collapsed. He had no strength left and drifted off to sleep. Perseus gently put him down and covered him in animal skins to protect him from the cold.


    This information was strange. The attackers knew Typhos, the scholar which they had not seen in so long. Perseus was looking for information on him as well of course. Ajax had asked around about him, because the scholar¡¯s associates may have known the route to the Gorgon¡¯s island. That was their ultimate goal and there were not many who would have had such knowledge. Typhos was their best lead.


    Yet Ajax had been attacked by cutthroats who knew Typhos. They had confused him for one of the scholar¡¯s associates instead. Why then would they hurt him? Were they his enemies? Why would a scholar have enemies who wished his allies harm?


    Could it be? Was Typhos still alive?


    While Ajax recovered, Perseus would find out the truth. So many things were going on in this strange faraway city. With this day¡¯s results he would find a lead and avenge his friend. Then he would find the path to the Gorgon and fulfill his quest. Nothing would stop him, no men and no schemes.


    His mother was praying for his success, so he could not stop.


    Within the walls of Athens, many desires clashed. Mortal or divine, even those in-between, there was no end to the struggles that awaited those who had a mission.

 Chapter 65: Perseus and the city that never sleeps

    Dusk had made way to a cloudless night which left the city illuminated by pale moonlight. It was not nearly enough to light up the dark harbor on its own, which is why there were torches and cage fires placed at central spots to keep the paths just bright enough to navigate. Copious amounts of wood and reeds were swallowed by the flames of nightly business. Despite these expenses there was still much of the enormous city that was covered in the deepest darkness. The labyrinthine winding alleys everywhere could lead one in circles that would be hard to escape. Albeit there was no Minotaur waiting around the corners, cutthroats and children of the night would become equally deadly replacements.


    The shadows of one such alley birthed a handful of cloaked men. Their appearance was a bad omen to anyone who found themselves on the wrong side of a coin pouch. Discretion was not necessary, for when men like them made their rounds the harbor became a whole lot quieter and the noise of nightly work ceased as quickly as only a proverbial club to the back of the head could guarantee.


    Between the crackling of small fires, the yowling of hungry cats and the footsteps of the men, one may have been able to hear the low noises of ships being tended to in the distance. The mysterious figures had closed in on the piers and were traversing the edge, inspecting ships and boats that had been tied down or pulled to land for the night. They clearly had purpose and were avoiding the larger pentekonter on the opposite end.


    Eventually they reached a spot that was unassuming aside from a statue of Poseidon, which stood a small distance away. There was barely enough space here for a vessel hardly larger than a fisher boat. The men pulled out their own torches and ignited them to survey the area. What they found was¡­ untouched ground and an empty spot. No boat was to be found here. This seemed to infuriate them as they began arguing amongst each other.


    One of them looked at the anchored ship next to this spot and spied a lazy sailor who was hanging over the board side with an amphora in his right hand.


    ¡°You - drunkard! Have you seen the boat that was tied down here?¡± He called out to him in a raspy voice.


    ¡°Issat how ya ask some¡¯ne a favor?¡± The sailor spat out some wine.


    The group drew very sharp looking swords from their coats.


    ¡°Did you see it?¡± This would be the last time he repeated himself.


    ¡°Shure ah¡¯ve sheen ¡®em. Sum roughed up kid an¡¯ his broser tuk it aaaall th¡¯ way out there! Must be in Ioniaaa bah now.¡± He made a sweeping motion with his jittering hand and stopped at the edge of the harbor. The open sea beyond reflected the weak moon. He burped and accidentally dropped the almost empty wine into the cold water below.


    ¡°They fled the city.¡±


    ¡°The contractor won¡¯t be happy.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t add up.¡± One of them shook his head. He was crouching on the edge of the pier and rubbed his hand against some dirt. ¡°That thief stole the ledgers, but they are worthless outside this city.¡±


    ¡°Unless some eccentric Phoenician thinks he can make some coin with that information.¡± Another interjected and put his sword back under his coat.


    ¡°The men at the mansion described him as some kind of zealot with a mission. My guess is he was looking for a specific ship.¡± The perceptive man got up and stroked his sharp chin beard. ¡°My gut tells me this ¡®Perseus¡¯ is still in Athens.¡±


    ¡°Then they relocated their boat outside Piraeus?¡±


    ¡°Could be. My gut¡¯s not an oracle.¡± He shrugged and made a clueless grunt. The others sighed at his lackadaisical attitude. ¡°Send some boys to the Archon¡¯s office. Our client is wetting himself at the thought of getting exposed, so make sure nobody reaches him.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir!¡± The other men hurried back to whence they came inside the darkness. All but one.


    ¡°Two strangers causing some ruckus at the same time. Can¡¯t be a coincidence.¡± The bearded man rubbed his itching nose.


    ¡°You believe they are comrades? But the boy who asked about Typhos seemed like an incompetent fool. Not at all like the intruder at the harbor master¡¯s mansion.¡± The cloaked subordinate pointed out.


    ¡°You can trust my gut or you can put your fingers up your arse and search there. I¡¯m not gonna stop you.¡± He smirked.


    ¡°Much as I loathe your intuition, it¡¯s rarely wrong, boss.¡± He gave his boss a scowl and then glared towards the ship. A sudden motion from the drunk sailor had caught his attention.


    ¡°This is shaping up to be a damned interestin¡¯ night already. Who would¡¯ve thought we would hear about Typhos so soon? The gods have a strange sense of humor.¡± He popped his shoulder bones while stretching and then threw aside a rag that smelled of medicinal salve. It landed back on the spot where he had found it next to the wooden stake with rope marks.


    ¡°When it comes to that scholar, the gods have little say in it.¡± The cloaked man replied and handed his boss some weird plants from a pouch.


    ¡°Aye, you always know how to flip my words on me, Tulis.¡± He snorted. With his right hand he grabbed the roots and with his left he threw a small hidden knife. It flitted through the air and hit the drunken sailor¡¯s throat. It was a nearly impossible throw in this darkness. The sailor made a painful noise as he fell over the side of the ship and splashed into the dark water.


    ¡°The sooner we get this over with, the better. I miss Thebes.¡± Tulis muttered. They were already leaving the harbor as they talked.


    ¡°Homesick? I haven¡¯t raised a whiny nymph, have I?¡± The boss lamented while he stuffed the roots into his mouth and began chewing the tangy mass. Bliss washed over his face on each chewing motion.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t raised me at all.¡±


    ¡°I paid good money for you. That¡¯s as good as any upbringin¡¯ can get.¡±


    They kept bantering on their way back into the city. The corpse of the sailor was floating on a red circle inside the harbor water they left behind.


    <hr>


    Perseus boarded the ship quickly and searched for the sailor. He found some traces of blood and when he looked over the ship¡¯s swaying side he spotted the corpse. The dark shower that went through his heart was suppressed quickly, because he had to make sure they were safe. There were no signs of those cloaked men anywhere now. The harbor was regaining some of its life already.


    After pulling the dead sailor out of the water and leaning him against the mast he had to think about what he had just listened in on. Those men had seen through his ruse and were still searching the city for them. If he had heard right, they were acquainted with Typhos as well. But which side were they on? They were not afraid to kill innocents just to erase all loose ends, that was all he could be certain on.


    ¡°I will carry the weight of your soul with me.¡± Perseus went on one knee before the dead sailor and lowered his head in shame. Perhaps this outcome was unavoidable, but he still felt responsible for his death.


    About an hour ago he had met up with the captain of this ship and returned the coins to him that had been extorted by the harbor master¡¯s lackeys. The old captain was impressed, if nothing else, someone would dare oppose the shady business in this city. A trader from Lesbos rarely ventured this far, so they had no idea about Athenian dealings.


    After Perseus had moved the boat with Ajax on it to the other end of the harbor he was surprised to be called over by the captain. He had apparently noticed their move and was questioning Perseus reasons. Quickly he had explained that he expected some hired muscle to come and get revenge for his actions from this afternoon and that he had to hide the boat from them.


    ¡°I will tell my men to keep quiet about it.¡± The captain had reassured him. Apparently he felt that he owed Perseus for his actions and he wanted to get a lick in on the people who wronged him as well. He had gone as far as to tell his sailors to lie about the duo leaving Piraeus altogether should anybody inquire.


    At first Perseus had been rather thankful, but now he felt regret for the lost life. He had hidden inside the cargo to wait for the hired attackers and sure as Ares¡¯ rising bloodlust before a war, they had come. He had not expected them to be this quick on the uptake, let alone unconcerned with the lives of uninvolved people.


    ¡°What happened here?!¡± Another crew member had returned to the ship with more wine and was devastated to find his dead brother. He cursed at Perseus, but after hearing his defense he turned his rage towards the city instead. ¡°If these rats scurry ¡®ere again we¡¯ll clobber them to pieces!¡± He declared.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to confront them. You can¡¯t handle them.¡± He stopped the angry sailor and took the wine from him so he would stop drinking himself into a suicidal rage. ¡°Tell your captain what happened and get out of this place.¡± That was the best advice he had.


    Afterwards he jumped off the ship and returned to their boat, hidden behind a couple of larger ships. He put the cheap wine down and poured just a bit of it into Ajax mouth. He had been restless in his pained sleep, so this would at least make it somewhat more bearable. For now he would have to cover him and then make sure he could not be found.


    After fixing the boat to a well-hidden spot he made his way into the city.


    <hr>


    He could not track people inside the city. They did not act like boars or other wild animals and they did not leave the same kind of trails. Dusty roads and dirt that had been pushed in by countless wheels, which created shapes he could not even tell apart, especially in the sparse light of torches. Athens night life was far from dead, but there weren¡¯t any big crowds gathered on the open street either. How could they have slipped away so completely?


    Perseus considered asking some of the locals if they saw some suspicious hooded people walk by, but he could imagine they would hardly be forthcoming with such dangerous information. Not to mention that he had his reservations after what happened to the sailor back at the ship.


    After going around the streets and observing the blackest shade for a while he concluded that he would not be able to find the men by searching. Despite that, he somehow knew they would run into each other again. There was an ominous air about this night and his gut was rarely wrong about such things.


    ¡°Greetings stranger.¡± An older man with hairy arms and a sullen face addressed him. He was standing in the entrance area of the inn and judging by his light get-up was most likely the owner.


    Perseus only nodded back.


    ¡°We are out of rooms.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not looking for a room. All I need is a table and some light.¡± He replied calmly as not to arouse any more animosity.


    ¡°I¡¯ve had enough of drunkards trying to hide their wine breath from the guards inside my walls.¡± His thick brows creased dubiously.


    ¡°Then you will have no issue with my presence. I won¡¯t drink or hide.¡± Perseus boldly took a step forward. In passing he handed the owner a coin.


    ¡°If you¡¯re just going to sit, then I don¡¯t want your coin.¡± The old man said with surprising indignation. ¡°Do you feel hungry, lad?¡±


    ¡°If you have some dry meat¡­¡± Perseus responded with a wry smile.


    ¡°Aye.¡±


    After settling down at a table with some exceptionally burnt out candles, Perseus spread out the rolled up parchments he had brought along. They curled up uncooperatively at the edges, so he put the candles on them as weights, ignoring the value of the documents. All of the ledgers provided graciously by the harbor master were now ready for perusal.


    His eyes darted across the endless lines and numbers. To go through all the happenings of recent lunar cycles would take quite a while, but he could make a strong guess where to find what he was looking for. He noted that there had been a lot of traffic related to warships and the like in recent times. Athens must have been involved in a lot of conflicts. From the stories the Athenian merchants at the parties had told them, he could surmise that the current state of the mainland was very unstable.


    Such details were irrelevant to his quest however, so he quickly put them out of mind. Instead he was looking for any mention of three triremes visiting and leaving Piraeus. It was nearly unheard of that so many expensive warships were gathered outside of war times. He had certainly never seen them before that fateful day that Typhos expedition had arrived at Seriphos.


    The beautified ledgers had surely made no mention of such a suspicious anomaly, because there was much to be gained from greasing the wheels behind the scenes. These true numbers would lead him to his next clue, he was sure of it.


    ¡°There!¡± His finger stopped on a familiar name. Typhos name appeared several times across these parchments and not just recently. He had realized quickly that the scholar had been involved with far more than just studying in peace and funding an expedition. The amounts of wares that were moved under his name were something to be admired. But that was not as shocking as the information he had just gotten a hand on.


    Three triremes (private ownership) were loaded with cargo that would have guaranteed a journey of four days until they would have to stop at the next harbor. Neither soldiers nor local sailors had been part of its crew. The ledger told no details about who had manned them, but Perseus already expected as much. The men he had fought at the beaches back then seemed to be mercenaries, but certainly not Attican. And the sailors were a shady bunch like he had not laid eyes on in this harbor.


    Typhos had made sure that nobody could properly trace his crew and travel route. The only thing one could garner here was that he had indeed paid off the officials to overlook their presence for one night. But there was one more thing¡­


    ¡°A scholar, are you?¡± The sudden voice near his table made Perseus stiffen up and ball his hands to fists. Had he not suppressed his reflex, he may have punched the man instantly.


    ¡°¡­what?¡± He forced himself to keep cool and watched the owner from the corner of his eyes.


    ¡°Studying late into the night? Haven¡¯t seen something more scholarly in years.¡± He said curtly and slammed a wooden bowl on the table (not minding that it covered some of the parchments). It was filled with some salty meat. He also placed an earthen mug next to it, but with a bit more care. The liquid was clear, so he kept his stance on wine.


    ¡°Do scholars rent your lodgings often?¡± Perseus muttered as he carefully put the mug away from the exceptionally dry papers.


    ¡°Gods no! Can¡¯t let those blasphemers anywhere near my business.¡± He said harshly. ¡°But my son used to get some education from them.¡±


    The young man suppressed a snarky response to such obvious hypocrisy and just tore into some of the dry and tough meat. It tasted about as good as it looked. Freshly hunted game was much preferable, but he had bigger fish to catch.


    ¡°I will be going to sleep soon, so don¡¯t get too comfortable. You can¡¯t stay even if you don¡¯t need a room.¡± He said dismissively and turned away.


    ¡°I appreciate it.¡± Perseus responded evenly and gulped down the water in one quick turn of his mug.


    ¡°Hmph.¡±


    ¡°Wait a moment please. I have just one question for you and then I will leave your to your well-deserved rest.¡± He held up his hand to stop the owner.


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°Your inn seems to be popular enough, but do you give lodging to travelers from outside Athens?¡±


    ¡°What an unfathomable question. Of course I do. We¡¯re near the western gates.¡± His response was that of a local who assumed everyone just knew the layout of the city as well as him.


    ¡°I see. A lot of outsiders will pass by and rest here for the night.¡± Perseus nodded intently.


    ¡°If you¡¯re looking for some unfortunate lad who owes you coin, then take that grievance outside. I don¡¯t want the guards in my inn again.¡± He seemed to expect the worst.


    ¡°My business is not with the travelers.¡± He corrected him quickly. ¡°Rather I¡¯m looking for the stables where they keep the wagons and horses.¡±


    ¡°Thinking of leaving the city in a rush?¡± This old man truly had nothing but suspicions behind those bushy brows. The times must have been hard for him to be so distrustful.


    ¡°I will do my best to keep my stay brief.¡± He admitted. ¡°Where do your guests usually find the stables?¡±


    ¡°The closest would be the rundown shed up east. Nobody with dignity or coin would ever do business there if it weren¡¯t for the times.¡± He was clearly displeased, but inquiring about it would just cause a long monologue filled with complaints.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure your guests have higher standards.¡± He said after clearing his throat.


    ¡°Damn right they do.¡± The owner replied sharply. ¡°Anybody with some sense will go to old Hegord. He¡¯s been in business for longer than I¡¯ve owned this place.¡±


    ¡°Hegord?¡± He feigned ignorance and looked the man straight into the eyes now.


    ¡°Aye, he doesn¡¯t usually do business near the harbor, but he¡¯s worth it. Most new arrivals will definitely tie with him. Those stables are close enough to the gate that he¡¯ll never run out of paying customers.¡± He snorted. It was a golden location that was perhaps worth more than the actual business.


    ¡°Sounds like this Hegord must be famous in these parts then.¡±


    ¡°Old man keeps to himself since his wife died. It¡¯s a damned shame what men like him become. Horses who crave the whip of work. He should have quit at his age, but he¡¯s more stubborn than a mule.¡±


    ¡°I think he sounds admirable.¡±


    ¡°Should have expected that from a lad who studies at this time of night.¡± He snorted again.


    ¡°Is this highly praised place open to business at this hour?¡±


    ¡°Is Hermes faster than the cutting autumn wind?¡± After seeing Perseus questioning expression he sighed. ¡°Someone¡¯s going to be looking after the stables even now. Won¡¯t be the old geezer himself, though. I believe that even he will need to sleep sometimes.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your time and words.¡± Perseus stuffed the remaining meat into his mouth and gathered his belongings.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget to chew.¡± The owner mocked, but he seemed less antagonistic. The prospect of Perseus leaving was improving his mood already.


    As he had been no more than a short visitor, Perseus did not take long to leave the inn, but he had first gotten directions for the stables from the owner who was definitely attempting to push him out with his intense stare alone.


    It was time to find Hegord¡¯s stables. The name that had been written as a supplier for the expedition¡¯s triremes only in the true ledgers.


    <hr>


    When he arrived at the stables he was surprised to see some strong looking workers still fully devoted to unloading some wagons. The hour was late, but perhaps there was something to the inn keeper¡¯s words. In Athens people were coming and leaving constantly. The horses were agitated by something, perhaps the smoke of the campfire that shone its light across the courtyard. Some man with a gentle expression gave them hay to feed on.


    From the wear and tear of the wagons and the exhausted eyes of the horses, Perseus determined that the journey had been long. That must have been the reason they switched the cargo from the current wagons to new ones. The merchants were watching the procedure with hawk like eyes. Even a single mistake could cause expensive consequences.


    Perseus walked along the thin fence and then reached the entrance. Nobody was greeting him, busy as they were, so he invited himself in. The moment he approached the crowd someone with a sour expression and fallen in eyes already tried to push him back out. It was not altogether surprising as Perseus appearance could be equated to a desperate beggar right now.


    ¡°This is a place of business, not a shelter.¡±


    ¡°You are mistaken, I do not seek a roof or alms.¡± He quickly raised his hands to make the man back off.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let me catch you lying in front of this herma of Hermes.¡± He pointed his finger at the oversized flat stone with the face of a certain famous god of trade and travel on its top.


    These rather unappealing things were plastered all across Athens and the streets outside it too, if stories were to be believed. Perseus could not understand their significance, but travelers prayed by them frequently. Not all of them were this basic and some were supposed to have carved out male genitals on them as well. They really were quite odd.


    ¡°I am not lying, herma or not.¡± He replied without any shift in expression.


    ¡°Then you have business with us?¡± It was clear that he didn¡¯t believe it for a second.


    ¡°In a manner of speaking. I need to talk to the owner.¡±


    ¡°You need something from old Hegord? That¡¯s rich.¡± This man was even less cooperative than the owner of the inn. Were all Athenians like this?


    ¡°It¡¯s a matter of great importance.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure, I¡¯m sure, but if you haven¡¯t noticed the sun¡¯s not passing by right now. So make like the Spartans and sprint back into your rabbit hole.¡± He brushed Perseus off.


    ¡°I must insist.¡± He grabbed the hand that was trying to push him away and easily bend it to the side. ¡°I¡¯m running out of time and Hegord is the only man who has the information I require.¡±


    ¡°You little shit¡­¡± The temporary overseer was twisting his face in pain thanks to the angle of his wrist, but he was mostly just getting pissed off. ¡°The boss has no time for every runt who has questions for him!¡± He pulled his arm back and then whistled for his co-workers to rush over. Many musclebound men had quickly surrounded them.


    ¡°I am willing to pay for the information. It will also be in Hegord¡¯s best interest to hear me out.¡±


    ¡°Oh you got some lip on you. Some rundown stranger with an attitude is hardly going to have anything worthwhile to give to us.¡± They were closing the circle around him. The merchants in the background seemed uneasy about this display, but did not intervene.


    ¡°I understand that you respect Hegord a lot.¡± Otherwise they would certainly not act so overprotective. Fierce loyalty, but also hostility to foreigners were stoking the fires here. ¡°But I am not an enemy. We have dealt with the same man, so our paths were destined to cross.¡± He was not backing down despite the clear threat of violence.


    ¡°We don¡¯t listen to the prophecies of two-bit oracles around here.¡± The overseer cracked his fist with his hand and gave him a bloodthirsty scowl. There was no way out of this situation, barring a fistfight. Perseus stiffened his back muscles in response to the hostile approach¡­


    That was when one of the horses began to whinny loudly and stomped the ground like it had been scared out of its mind. The other horses got agitated and tried to rush off. As they were only halfway unshackled, they managed to pull the wagons behind erratically. The merchants and workers cursed in several blasphemous ways and did their best to reign the scared animals in. The violent ring of men around him quickly spread out to do their job.


    ¡°Who let the poor thing get scared?! I¡¯ll beat some sense into ya!¡± The overseer had to divert his rage to a new victim and left Perseus behind.


    The young man watched this unfold with a stoic expression and glanced around. Something was definitely off. He could not pinpoint the cause yet. It was like an ill wind had struck the stables and then quickly left it again. As opportune as it had been, he could not feel too thankful. His questions had not been answered yet.


    ¡°Hey, stranger. Over here.¡± He was called over by a young man who had not rushed to aid the others. If Perseus had not imagined it, he had come out from behind one of the haystacks. A lazy bum who just slept during work?


    Not that he had much reason to ignore him. This situation could go back south quite quickly. He followed the man to his half-hidden spot and noted that he was indeed covered in some hay strands.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Someone who¡¯d rather not deal with an angry overseer. And he gets extra ill-tempered when he gets hit. Body or pride, doesn¡¯t really matter.¡± The young worker sighed and rubbed some hay out of his short hair. ¡°You want to talk to the boss?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s at home right now, sleeping for once I reckon. Sometimes the old man sleeps here while we work, but the boys managed to send him to his house for today.¡± He groaned when he noticed that the workers had calmed the horses and were now looking around for Perseus. He subtly pushed himself deeper into the shadows behind the haystack.


    ¡°Can you tell me where Hegord¡¯s house can be found?¡±


    ¡°Do you really have to hurry so much? Can¡¯t wait until sunrise at least?¡±


    Perseus shook his head.


    ¡°Figured as much. You look like the type who will carry the full load even if there was no overseer to watch you do it.¡± A concept he clearly didn¡¯t find admirable. ¡°You¡¯re not going to hurt the boss, right?¡±


    ¡°I swear by my master¡¯s honor that I will not hurt him. I truly just wish to talk.¡±


    ¡°You know that I have no idea who that master of yours is?¡± He smiled wryly, but when he saw Perseus expression he quickly rolled his eyes. ¡°I can tell it means a lot to you. Just remember, the boss has been good to us, so if you so much as pull a hair from his round head, we won¡¯t rest till you are taking the quickest route to the underworld.¡± There was a short glint in his otherwise dull eyes.


    ¡°There is no need for such threats.¡± He assured again.


    ¡°Of course not, but you will get them anyway. Call it my good worker¡¯s spirit. Now listen closely.¡± He explained the quickest route to Hegord¡¯s domicile to him and skipped over any unimportant details. ¡°Got that?¡±


    ¡°I will find it.¡± He nodded.


    ¡°Great, then leave already. Don¡¯t let the overseer notice you.¡± He waved Perseus to leave and then sank against the haystacks with a long heartfelt yawn.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Swiftly he moved behind some cover and made it to the fence without being found by the sharp gazes of the workers. They would be looking for him a while longer. No matter how sloppy the young man had been, his support was a great boon to Perseus. Whether he really just wanted to sleep undisturbed or if he actually had a good reason to help him.


    <hr>


    The directions he had been given were sparse, but there certainly were recognizable locations in this city that one could easily make out even with the pale moonlight. A temple of Apollo, an empty market and then the commoner quarters to the right. He ran past a lot of people, so it was easy to assume that these were important spots for the citizens.


    Maybe the old man actually slept at the stables because his house was too far away, Perseus started musing when he realized how long he had been walking already. The biggest landmark was the distant Akropolis, which towered over the rest of the city, but from his path it always looked exactly the same. The large bonfire in its center was giving it a nearly divine glow. A lighthouse for the city.


    As opposed to that guiding light, he found himself in a far darker corner of the city now. This place was unfamiliar, more so than anywhere else he had been. The buildings around were tall, with large gates. Warehouses perhaps? The ground was ashen, almost white. Large slabs of ore were stacked up in regular intervals. No torches had been lit in this place so the moonlight was the only thing reflecting off the pale substances and metallic shapes.


    He finally realized that he was at the center of a statuary workshop. There were two long rows of works in progress. Some had been completely carved and chiseled out, only lacking in paint, while others were nothing more than blocky shapes. In the weak light conditions it was hard to tell who they were depicting, but from the fancy clothes and regal poses he could guess that they must have been important.


    Perseus walked past these expensive works with a sense of trepidation. It was like these human shaped marble structures were halfway alive if he looked at them from the corners of his eyes. What struck him as odd was that they were displayed in the open like this even in their unfinished state. They were not locked up in the warehouses or workshops. Perhaps it was for the sake of efficiency, as moving them in and out would cause a lot of additional work. And who would be so bold as to steal a statue taller than a man?


    ¡°Athenian sculpting.¡± He commented under his breath as he took a closer look at the curves of a woman¡¯s statue. Perhaps he felt crude for showing an interest, as he quickly moved on to the end of the row.


    These statues were nearly finished as far as he could tell. They had great detail that even he could notice in the moonlight and some of them were painted in vibrant colors. With this veneer of life the sculptures truly could be mistaken for more than they were. The final statue facing inward to the yard was even wearing a bronze cuirass! To go that far was unnecessary, no?


    ¡°Am I an art critic?¡± He snorted as he wiped the shining bronze with his right hand and vaguely made out his own reflection. His own piercing eyes caught him off-guard. He had to squint to get a clear impression, so he looked rather standoffish. A sharp glare indeed...


    The glare of reflected moonlight on a blade.


    He ducked at the last second as the dagger bounced off the cuirass. Had he stood still, that would have been his defenseless back taking the blow instead. With a sharp gasp he jumped back to escape the next attack. The ringing sound of metal from the clash penetrated the open air workshop. The wielder of that curved dagger was cloaked completely and flipped it over in their hand like it was a toy.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Perseus demanded, although he did not expect a response.


    ¡°Do you have divine protection?¡± The hooded man muttered with irritation. ¡°You could not have sensed me.¡± He rapidly kept flipping the dagger in his hand, as if stressed out.


    ¡°I was lucky.¡± He replied while shifting his weight to the right. The row of statues ended here, so he was sure the street could not be far off. If he made a mad dash he would be out of trouble quickly.


    But that was not what he was aiming for. He clutched his fist and swerved to the right. The would-be assassin moved in the opposite direction and spun behind the armored statue. It was dark, but he could not slip away that easily. Perseus stepped forward-


    ¡°HUAH!¡± The bestial shout shook his entire body, before he was forcefully tackled against another sculpture. The force of the impact took his breath away and made him see stars for a moment. Whatever had hit him was as strong as a bull and toppled Perseus alongside the statue. He rolled over and coughed as his hurting back told him to stay down. Another heavy tackle would have been devastating.


    When he looked up he saw a veritable giant before him. This man exceeded his own height by at least two heads and he was wearing a similar himation to the other attacker. Only his hood was down and revealed a veiny bricklike face. Both his hands were reflecting the moonlight¡­ because they were covered in iron. They resembled some manner of gauntlets, but they were too crude to be real armor. Two large slabs of metal attached to the body directly.


    This foe was intimidating to look at, but Perseus didn¡¯t have time for spectating. The colossus was already rushing forward to crush him. He punched the ground where Perseus had squatted and cleanly blew off the arm of the sculpture next to him. The devastating force of that hit was undeniable.


    ¡°We need him alive.¡± The voice of the other attacker came from somewhere between the statues. ¡°Only break him a little.¡±


    ¡°Hrrrgh!!¡± The big guy didn¡¯t seem capable of speech, more likely to growl like a rabid dog. If he had understood the order it was not showing on his face or in his actions. Another heavy swing barely missed Perseus as he jumped away and braced with his arms. White marble dust was creating clouds in the air.


    His eyes were not well-adjusted to the darkness, but with the dust it would have been hard to see even during the day. All he could do was kick off the ground and run down the row of statues. It was like their eyes were following his every move. Rapidly turning in place, he managed to grab a statue and spin around it to avoid the nasty dagger swing to his side. The cloaked man was able to merge with the environment so well that the only giveaway was the sound of the blade cutting the air.


    Had he not just said that they wanted Perseus alive? That swing was definitely aimed for his vitals. That declaration might have been a ruse to make him let his guard down. With that in mind Perseus kicked over the statue to block the rampaging bull¡¯s path. He crashed into it loudly, but somehow the statue was worse off for it than the attacker. How could he shake off the collision like he didn¡¯t even feel it?


    With a quick jab Perseus pushed away the dagger arm and tried to grab the retreating man¡¯s hood. He could hardly merge with the shadows if he was held in place. But the assassin was more slippery than expected and rolled out of his grip. As soon as he wound out of Perseus arm the big guy already rumbled in and hit him in the side.


    ¡°Gah!¡± He couldn¡¯t help but shout in pain at the metallic slab hitting him at full force. He leaned with the punch to reduce the damage, but it was still painful. Gritting his teeth, he jumped up and grabbed the giant¡¯s neck. He straddled him from behind like a clingy monkey and used his great strength to choke him. Even a lion could be overwhelmed if his air circulation was cut off.


    The giant struggled immensely and tried to punch the man on his back. Perseus managed to move his head out of the way and the metal collided with the oversized man¡¯s own head. The impact drew red blood that mixed with the white dust in the air¡­ but the bull did not stop struggling at all. He had not even flinched from the brutal hit. Choking him out proved to be hard with his unnatural struggle.


    ¡®Too close¡¯, Perseus thought as he let go of the giant to avoid getting his abdomen impaled by a dagger strike. In a straightforward duel he may have been able to wrestle the big guy down, but with the constant danger of getting backstabbed he was at a true disadvantage. The dark of night seemed to limit his perception more than theirs somehow.


    ¡°Grrrhhaa!!¡± The colossus roared as he was kicked against the back of his knee joint and tumbled forward. That barely even staggered him enough to give Perseus a second to recover, though.


    He kicked the dust with his sandal and it hit the big attacker in the eyes. A dirty tactic, but he couldn¡¯t afford to fight honorably in this situation. To his shock the bull didn¡¯t seem affected by the sheen of dust that attacked his frantic eyeballs. He rushed forward and pushed through several statues, causing their limbs to fly through the air. Perseus kicked one out of the air and hit the big man¡¯s shoulder with it, which made him stumble forward through sheer force.


    At the same time he closed his arm around the incoming dagger and held it safely in a clutch. The assassin did not have the strength to pull it up and cut open Perseus armpit. What he missed in speed, he made up with overwhelming muscle strength, as the assassin now found out.


    ¡°Heh.¡± But the lanky man had already pulled out a second dagger from his himation and stabbed it into Perseus back while letting go of the other. Or he would have if Perseus hadn¡¯t rammed his elbow into his unsuspecting ribs and then flipped the dagger around to hit him with the blunt end of the dagger handle. The impact was certainly satisfying as was the moan of pain that followed.


    ¡°Surrender.¡± Perseus demanded as he held the dagger by the blade and raised it up ready to hit the groaning man again.


    ¡°You¡­ you buffoon¡­¡± The assassin spat out and held his bleeding forehead in pain. ¡°Grab him already!¡± But the one he had been referring to was not Perseus.


    ¡°Curses-!¡± He had managed to turn around and ram the dagger into the giant¡¯s shoulder, but he just pushed right through that attack and grabbed Perseus with his thick arms. The hold around the young man¡¯s spine was worse than getting torn apart by horses. ¡°Let¡­ go!¡± He pushed the dagger deeply into the attacker¡¯s flesh, but the giant didn¡¯t react to blood gushing from the wound at all. The madness of Ares bloodlust was all that those eyes could perceive.


    ¡°Break his bones! We only need his mouth.¡± The assassin wiped blood from his face and forced himself on his feet.


    ¡°Rrrgghhgh!¡± Foam was flowing from the giant¡¯s lips and sprayed on Perseus face. The grip was getting tighter and he could feel his bones creak in protest.


    It was rare that any man could overpower him. He had wrestled three mercenaries at once before and came out victorious. Albeit the man was certainly big and strong, what truly set him apart was his dull reaction to pain. No man with a dagger that deep in his flesh should be able to exert such strength from his arm. If pain could not shake him, then he could only deal with him one way.


    Perseus pulled back his head and then pushed it forward with all his might. The headbutt rung painfully through his own body. The foaming enemy showed minimal recoil, though. So he butted heads again. And again. With each impact his mind was shaken and the giant¡¯s forehead bruised harder. If only he would lose consciousness already¡­


    In a last ditch effort he used his teeth to pull out the dagger and sliced it across the man¡¯s face. The nose received a nasty gash from which blood began to flow and for the first time the wild man actually screamed in irritation. His grip got tighter in response, but he also flailed around.


    The assassin had picked up his dagger and stabbed it into Perseus leg as he was pushed away. It sliced through the furthest edge of his right calf and then lodged itself firmly into the big man¡¯s side.


    ¡°You buffoon, stop moving!¡± He chided his partner who had taken considerably damage already and was now rushing forward.


    Perseus groaned in pain and tried to break free. To his painful surprise his back hit a statue with some force. And they kept rushing through the next one behind it right away! The lumbering giant was mindlessly pushing forward now, probably close to keeling over from blood loss. Now the question was only of what would give in first: The man¡¯s consciousness or Perseus back.


    With a weak glance behind he noticed that they were headed for impact with the greatest statue in the workshop. This one was large enough to be put before a grand temple, easily towering above even a smaller hut. If he was rammed into that he would surely not get back up either.


    ¡°I said.¡± He grit his teeth and pushed his right arm through the iron cast grip. ¡°LET GO!¡± With all his might he punched the man straight across the face. The punch was hard enough to crack his skull. This seemed to loosen his grip and not a moment too soon, as Perseus only barely managed to slip out before they made contact with the statue. The crash was loud and painful.


    With shaky legs Perseus managed to keep standing behind the tumbling giant and heard as the statue cracked. The iron gauntlets had hit the thing first and left a large dent inside it. Perhaps it was more brittle than it looked, because its arm burst off and barely missed Perseus head. He cursed as his leg was caught under the log sized white arm.


    ¡°GRAAAAH!!¡±


    A cold shower went down his spine. The beaten and battered giant was still standing. His lumbering mass was turning around. Through the blood dripping nose he sniffed around. His eyes were bloodshot and blinded, but it seemed like he had been able to track Perseus with his sense of smell alone. Now he was stomping towards him like a hateful spirit.


    ¡°Monster.¡± The word came over his lips uninvited. It was pure instinct.


    The colossus dragged himself closer and raised his metal covered fists. Striking down with the fury of a beast.


    A monster? Perseus fingers twitched. How could he struggle like this against a mere human? This wasn¡¯t a monster at all, it was just a flesh and blood man who ignored his fickle mortality. Compared to his target, compared to a true monster, this was not even a challenge!


    He shouted with all his might and kicked the giant white arm away. And at the same time he had grabbed what had been firmly gasped in the marble hand of said arm.


    A weapon that could only be wielded by the king of the gods himself.


    Lightning.


    The white chiseled bolt of destruction was only manmade, but in this one moment when Perseus struck the crazed bull with it, one may have been fooled into seeing Zeus strike down one of the actual Giants. The stone weapon exploded into pieces and dust on top of the man¡¯s head and left only a stump in Perseus hand. But this time the giant fell.


    ¡°Do me a favor¡­ and stay down.¡± He muttered between heavy breaths.


    ¡°He lost?¡± The surprised gasps from further away caught his attention. The hooded assassin seemed distressed by the sight of the fallen flesh mountain at the young man¡¯s feet. With haste he slipped away and ran off.


    ¡°Not so fast!¡± Perseus grabbed the knocked out giant by the arm and then threw him over his head like a stone disc at the Olympics. The feat of throwing someone thrice his own weight so far may have seemed impossible, but with the numbness of adrenaline in his veins he focused his strength to incredible feats.


    The unconscious bull hit the retreating assassin and buried him completely. Now Perseus could calmly make his way to the two and pull the hood off the squirming man. He looked unremarkable aside from a burn mark on his forehead. It looked quite painful, even if long healed. His eyes were filled with unease due to the situation. Both arms buried under his companion, he made quite a pathetic sight.


    ¡°You wanted me alive so I could talk, is that right?¡± He asked while squatting down. There was a light sting in his bleeding calf.


    No response. It didn¡¯t seem like fear of death was going to make him talk.


    ¡°I know who you are. You must be with those men who searched for me at the harbor.¡± He glared him down. ¡°You managed to follow me all this time?¡± A bad thought spread through his mind. ¡°Did you harm the owner of that inn?¡± His grip around the man¡¯s throat tightened.


    ¡°We have followed you quietly, you fool. Did you think a boy like you could notice us?¡± He spat into Perseus face.


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡± He said genuinely and let go of the assassin. He then wiped his face on his sleeve. ¡°I can feel that you won¡¯t tell me what I want to know. In that case you are useless to me.¡± He grabbed the dagger from the giant¡¯s impaled side and pulled it out forcefully. It left a blood splatter on the white dusty ground.


    ¡°If you kill us our comrades will hunt you down without mercy. Right now you are worth more to us if you live, but we do not forgive the blood of our comrades on a stranger¡¯s hands.¡± Surprisingly the branded man seemed to cling to life after all. His threat may have been genuine, though.


    ¡°What do you want from me? Were you not hired by the harbor master to get rid of me? Did he really want me alive?¡± He could hardly believe that. If anything he expected that they were trying to get their hands on the stolen ledgers and dump his corpse in some ditch for good measure.


    ¡°Typhos.¡± The man finally said a name that made Perseus ear perk up.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± He turned back and glared him down with the dagger firmly grasped in his hand.


    ¡°My brothers will get you and then you will tell us everything-¡°


    ¡°What is going on here?! Is someone fighting in the workshop? Stand down, in the name of the Archon!¡± From the dark streets at the other end of the courtyard the lights of torches illuminated the entrance and several armed men came rushing in. From their outfits and angry expressions it was clear that they belonged to the city guard. No surprise there; their fight had been rather loud and violent. The neighbors had probably called for them.


    For a moment Perseus considered approaching the men and cooperate, but he quickly thought better of it. They would drag him to their quarters and interrogate him. That could have cost him the entire night and potentially more. So instead he kicked the branded man in the face before he could shout something and then sprinted off.


    ¡°STOP!¡± The shouting became quiet soon enough as he skipped over a wall and then disappeared into the web of alleys beyond.


    <hr>


    The house was pushed snug between two more on both sides and seemed to be on the verge of being compressed. The district was obviously populated by commoners. The roads were bad and the houses more wood than stone. This was not a place that someone with much influence would call home.


    This was the home of the old man that owned the stables at the gates, Hegord.


    Perseus wiped his dirty clothes to little effect. No manner of wiping or straightening would make him look more presentable at this point. The bloodstains could certainly not be helpful to his case either. If a bruised and tattered man came to his home in the dead of night, he may have shut the door before him too. All he could do was put on a friendly face.


    Knock knock knock.


    His fist lightly hit the wooden door as not to scare the tenants. If Hegord and his family were asleep like his workers thought, then it would be best to approach this subtly.


    After a while he could hear shuffling and grinding from inside. Someone was definitely awake in there and if he heard right they were aware of his knocks. He stiffened up when he heard the tapping of a stick against the floor and then the creaking of a bar being removed from the door. The basic intruder prevention of the poor. With a creaking sound the door was pulled back and revealed the weary old face of a bearded man.


    ¡°Well met.¡± Perseus blurted out. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to disturb you at this late hour. I also ask that you forgive my appearance, er¡­¡± He was not a great conversationalist, that much was for sure.


    ¡°You.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± He was taken aback by the intense gaze he was assailed with. It wasn¡¯t just the suspicious glare of a careful man, but instead something very genuine.


    Deep seated stupor.


    ¡°Diokles?¡± The old man¡¯s shocked eyes soon turned moist with emotion. ¡°My son¡­ you have returned. You are alive!¡± His overwhelming emotions caused him to drop his cane and he fell to his knees. Perseus managed to catch him just in time and held him up by the shoulders.


    ¡°I am deeply sorry.¡± He glanced into the interior of the house and noted that it was nearly empty. There were no signs of other tenants in there. It was¡­ lifeless. ¡°I am not your son.¡± He said firmly, but with sympathy.


    ¡°No¡­ no you are not.¡± Hegord confirmed after a few heartrending seconds of genuine disbelief. ¡°My son¡¯s nose was much more¡­¡± he turned silent and lowered his head.


    ¡°Here.¡± He picked up the cane and gently pushed it into the old man¡¯s hands.


    ¡°¡¯pologies. I mistook you.¡± Hegord was struggling to regain his composure and leaned heavily on his shaking stick. ¡°Then who¡¯re you?¡±


    ¡°My name is Perseus.¡±


    ¡°Of?¡± A suspicious glare escaped the old eyes.


    ¡°Of a faraway place. There is something I need to discuss with you, Hegord. It cannot wait until morning.¡± He pressed carefully, but with determined words.


    ¡°Then come inside. The chilly air is hurting my bones.¡± He stepped back into his abode and dragged his cane across the floor.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He nodded and then closed the door behind them. It took him only a moment to place the bar back in its holds to keep the door shut. In that time Hegord had already made his way to another room where he sat down on a pile of animal skins. He had not much in the way of furniture it seemed.


    ¡°Sit down, lad.¡± He urged Perseus to take a seat on the cold floor. From a superficial inspection it became clear that this was not a place where a person lived. It was only somewhere to rest. Even with just the manpower at the stables and the few merchants who had been there he could tell that Hegord¡¯s income must have been at a higher standard than this. Why would he choose to live so humbly?


    Nonetheless, Perseus did as he was told. He leaned against a wall and crossed his legs. The low light of hastily lit candles was giving the room an eerie atmosphere.


    ¡°You really are the spittin¡¯ image.¡± Hegord said with some regret as he could finally properly see Perseus in the light.


    ¡°Your son?¡± He followed. ¡°Are you expecting his return?¡±


    ¡°Nay¡­ Not anymore.¡± The old man shook his head. The weight of those words dragged down his shoulders as well.


    ¡°I see.¡± It was hard for him to say anything in response. Old people often outlived those they loved. Growing old was not a common gift, which could turn it into more of a curse to some.


    ¡°After my old lady passed away from illness I was waitin¡¯ for my foolish ram-headed boy to come home. For both of us.¡± He stroked his long grey beard.


    ¡°Did he serve?¡±


    ¡°Nay. He was a no-good adventurer. Always chasin'' some foolish new scheme. Never took advice from his ol¡¯ man.¡± He seemed to relax a little after recalling old memories. ¡°He set out on a ship to find some revered treasure and never returned.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the use for ya to be sorry in his place?¡± He snorted. ¡°My boy¡¯s always gotten nothin¡¯ but bright ideas in his dim head. I¡¯m sure his body is layin¡¯ on some forsaken island and ended up as food for the beasts.¡± His words were spiteful, but Perseus had already seen the true feelings of this old man.


    ¡°Some journeys take a long time. A lifetime even.¡±


    ¡°My brat won¡¯t be the next Odysseus.¡± He chortled and then coughed. To fight the cold he put on more pelts. ¡°Your journey must¡¯ve brought you real far as well. All the way to some old man¡¯s door. Who told you where I live?¡± He switched to interrogating his guest already.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know his name.¡± He replied truthfully. No further elaboration of course.


    ¡°Aye, thought you would say somethin¡¯ like that.¡± He shrugged. ¡°Tell me your words that cannot wait for the blessed light of day then.¡±


    ¡°Hegord, you were involved in something important some time ago.¡± Perseus pulled the somewhat torn parchments from his inner pockets. They had survived that fight mostly intact. ¡°And you may be in danger because of it.¡±


    ¡°Is this about Typhos?¡± He didn¡¯t even look at the ledgers and kept returning Perseus gaze.


    ¡°How did you-?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not involved in many shady dealings, lad. There is not much that would be worth the trouble of getting me involved.¡± He coughed and then rubbed his tired eyes. ¡°But that night when I shook hands with a hero is somethin¡¯ I¡¯ll take pride in.¡±


    ¡°A hero?¡± He cupped his mouth with his hand and looked at the rolled out parchments. Indeed, if he had been asked before the beginning of this journey he would have agreed to that moniker. Typhos had led three warships and over a hundred man to a battle with a monster. He easily earned the favor of kings. And now that he saw these numbers, Perseus knew that his financial sway was beyond that of any merchant he had ever known.


    But there was something sinister about all of this. A hero who made so many enemies was more than just a chosen one.


    ¡°Did ya work for him?¡±


    ¡°Not at all. We only met very briefly when he was passing our island.¡± He replied honestly.


    ¡°Did you know that he¡¯s perished?¡±


    Perseus grasped the parchment tightly in response. ¡°We assumed as much.¡± But against all probability, he had deep down hoped to find a different truth.


    ¡°Even a blind girl could see your grief. You must¡¯ve cared for him.¡± Hegord sighed.


    ¡°Anyway, there are people out there who seem to be searching for Typhos. They hurt my friend and attacked me on the way to you.¡± He brushed past it and focused on the here and now. ¡°If they find out what is written on these parchments they may visit you next. Whether at the stables or at your home.¡±


    ¡°Not for simple questioning, hm?¡± His eyes were firmly settled on Perseus damaged clothes and recovering calf injury. ¡°Are ya sure you didn¡¯t lead them right to me?¡±


    ¡°I shook off my pursuers.¡± He was certain of it this time. The two who attacked him were most likely taken in by the guards, but he had made sure to search for any other followers before coming to this house.


    ¡°I¡¯m but an old man with not much time left in this world. I¡¯ll take fate as it comes my way.¡± It was not empty bravado. ¡°You didn¡¯t just come t¡¯warn me of that, did ya?¡±


    ¡°I came to you because you are the only man I know that worked with Typhos. You supplied his ships.¡± He saw Hegord¡¯s nod and continued carefully. ¡°Do you know his destination?¡±


    Hegord stroked his beard again, this time more tensely. It seemed like he was weighing his options. That reaction already gave him away.


    ¡°I have no intention of searching for him. Whether he is truly gone or if he is still alive and in hiding from whoever has it out for him, I will let him be. His expedition no doubt ended in failure of some kind. That¡¯s why I will take up this quest in his place.¡± He said determinedly. ¡°Hegord. Where is Sarpedon? Where is the isle of the Gorgon?¡±


    ¡°I really hoped I¡¯d keep my word to her.¡± The old man seemed so very tired now.


    Perseus leaned forward and slammed his hand on the cold ground. ¡°I need to know where the monster hides. Slaying it is my duty.¡±


    ¡°Ya don¡¯t seem t¡¯be a glory hound. No lad is this emotional over hunting for sport either.¡± He nodded weakly. ¡°This is worth riskin¡¯ your life?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°But what if slayin¡¯ her will cause more tragedy?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Perseus was confused by that sudden turn.


    ¡°I vowed not to speak a word of this story, so I can¡¯t tell ya what happened on that cursed island.¡± Hegord explained. ¡°All I can say is that this quest will not be a good deed. Enough blood¡¯s been shed for many lifetimes already. Some myths are better left alone.¡±


    His honest words made Perseus lower his gaze and clutch his hand to a fist. There was pity in the old stable master¡¯s eyes. Pity not just for Perseus, but for many others. Some of them perhaps long gone and forgotten. His instincts were good enough to tell that he was filled with sympathy.


    Those old eyes that looked at the foolish mistakes of youth.


    But they could not compare. They could not even remotely reach the depth of the eyes of that woman. The profound sadness and love of those eyes that had looked at him even when the world seemed to end.


    ¡°Even so, I cannot stop.¡± He said firmly.


    ¡°You¡¯d trade someone¡¯s happiness for your own?¡±


    ¡°My happiness is not important.¡± He shook his head. ¡°I can only do this for the woman that matters most to me.¡±


    Hegord responded with a defeated expression and wet his dry lips. He picked up the parchment from the ground and took some sharpened coal from the pile of utensils behind the candles. He quickly pressed some letters into the empty backside. With a jittering hand he handed it to the young man.


    ¡°A name?¡± He raised a brow as he read it.


    ¡°¡¯Tis one of the sailors that came back.¡± He said heavily. ¡°Real survivor. Didn¡¯t take it well, though. Probably wasting away in a shack. I wrote the address below.¡±


    ¡°This is around the harbor?¡±


    ¡°My boys got him work as a helping hand. Nobody else would take ¡®im. There might be more of them all over the city, but this one¡¯s my only contact.¡±


    ¡°Do you not know where the island is?¡± He asked with slight disappointment.


    ¡°¡¯fraid not. I could tell ya the general direction, but ya wouldn¡¯t even make it near those terrible waters with that.¡±


    Perseus nodded and rolled up the parchment to slip it back into his clothes. The rest of the parchments were still spread out before them.


    ¡°Take them.¡± Hegord said.


    ¡°These could lead the dangerous people on your trail.¡±


    ¡°Burn them then if ya feel better about it. I won¡¯t be holdin¡¯ on to them.¡± He tapped his cane against Perseus chest.


    ¡°Very well¡­¡± He tilted his head to the side in wonder and hastily gathered the parchments in his hands.


    KNOCK KNOCK.


    He almost let them fall right out of his hands again when he heard the drumming against the door. They exchanged one intense look and then Hegord forced himself up with his cane.


    ¡°Let me-¡°


    ¡°Nay, this is my home. You¡¯re just a stranger who should leave.¡± He said sharply. There was no room for backtalk as he already moved out of the room. ¡°There is a ladder to the roof. Better make yourself scarce before I throw ya out myself.¡±


    Perseus tensed up. He should have gone with the old man. That would have been the best way to repay him. If those shady men had really found them already, then it was his fault. So he dashed out of the sleeping quarters and made it to the ladder. He skipped most of the rungs and pushed himself onto the flat roof. The night wind was not as fresh as he expected and the area was not as dark as it should have been. The light of torches was illuminating the front side of the house.


    He snuck to the edge of the roof and spied over the edge. Several men with swords at the ready were waiting in front of the door. They didn¡¯t seem in a talking kind of mood.


    ¡°¡¯nough already! No more of yer senseless knockin¡¯, I¡¯m on my way. Old legs ain¡¯t what they were.¡± Hegord shouted from inside the house. He was unlocking the door already.


    The men all stared at the entrance. They hadn¡¯t noticed Perseus yet.


    ¡°Hegord, owner of the western stables?¡± The leading man shouted a question.


    ¡°I am he.¡± The answer came under some heavy grunts. The door was opened.


    ¡°You will come with us-!¡± He was about to grab the old man, but quickly was acquainted with the ground instead.


    ¡°Who?!¡± The other men aimed their short swords at the guy who had just jumped onto their leader.


    ¡°You will not hurt a single hair on his body!¡± Perseus declared and pulled up the leader who had been pushed into a nearby herma¡¯s groin area. A certain dagger he had picked up before was now pressed against the squirming man¡¯s throat. ¡°I will fight you all if I must, but first step away from Hegord.¡±


    ¡°You cur! Let go of the captain or we will skewer you!¡± They seemed enraged by his actions.


    ¡°I already took care of the other two, so stay back. I¡¯m not afraid of you criminals.¡± Perseus spouted some words while accessing the situation to find the best path of escape for Hegord.


    ¡°Criminals!? How dare you! We¡¯ll lock you up and let the crows feed on your eyes for that.¡± More offended than intimidated, the men replied. The light of the torches reflected off their helmets.


    ¡°Let go of me and we can settle this without an execution.¡± The man he held at knife point said with gritted teeth and slightly shaking legs.


    ¡°Do as he says, lad.¡± Hegord interrupted with a dry tone.


    ¡°¡­fine.¡± He had figured it out by now as well. The freed man rubbed his throat and then cleared it several times.


    ¡°You are under arrest for obstruction of justice! We will take you to the barracks.¡± The captain of the guard declared with slightly wounded pride as he adjusted his helmet and picked up his sword from the ground. ¡°Hegord will come along as well, in the name of the Archon.¡±


    Things had just gotten a whole lot more complicated.


    Many factions moved about in the city that never slept. Their intentions were not aligned, but sooner or later they all converged to cross with the path of the hero.

 Chapter 66: Perseus and the Archon

    The dissonance of several dozen sandals stomping over the unpaved path echoed through the quiet of night. Most of the men they belonged to were dressed in similar garbs, implying a cohesion they did not deliver on. Two more were walking in midst of these men. They were surrounded and did not follow their rhythm either. The light steps of a young man mixed with the slow and tedious dragging feet of an old man.


    ¡°Is it much further?¡± Hegord asked with a grunt as he heaved his limping leg across a pile of hardened earth and mud. In response to his innocuous question several of the Athenian guardsmen around him seemed to tense up.


    ¡°Would you be quiet old man? You are being arrested here! Your constant, hm, distractions, they really¡­ er¡­ distract me.¡± The leader of this bunch was walking ahead. He was holding the torch awfully close to the walls of the surrounding houses and occasionally bumped into parked carts.


    ¡°I reckon this¡¯s the same damn alley we¡¯ve been to twice already.¡± The old stable master was anything but shy about his dissatisfaction.


    ¡°Of course not! What would a half-blind geezer like you know?¡± The man seemed to explode from indignation.


    ¡°Captain, I think he is right. The guardhouse is-¡± One of his men finally found it in him to point it out, but he was instantly forced to be quiet by his superior¡¯s swift hand. The captain covered his mouth and grimaced.


    ¡°I know where the guardhouse is!¡± He insisted loudly. ¡°Even with this black veil trying to, really, proverbially pull the wool over our eyes, I shall still guide the way.¡± The torch swerved in his hand and he determinedly point it in the opposite direction. The exact way they had just come from. Shockingly that was actually the right direction, so they turned around.


    ¡°Who died and made this ox captain of the guard?¡± Hegord huffed and held on to Perseus¡¯ shoulder as he heavily turned around. If he at least hadn¡¯t lost his stick when they went down a hill near the river, perhaps his mood would not be so abysmal.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare mock the death of our beloved captain Trifos!¡± The current captain said with great emotion spilling from his throat.


    ¡®So someone really did die.¡¯ Perseus noted in his head, with a tired expression on his face. He was perhaps even more impatient than Hegord to finally get this over with.


    ¡°Trifos ya say?¡± Hegord muttered. ¡°Wasn¡¯t he on the side of the usurper Archon at the battle for the Akropolis?¡±


    At those words all the guards around them lowered their heads and the atmosphere cooled down even more. The night breeze had not been quite so chilly before. Their march continued in silence for a while as they finally made it to the street with the guardhouse at its outermost corner.


    ¡°Captain Trifos was a hero to me.¡± The new captain was the only one who responded, even if with delay. His words seemed tinged in a deep regret he could hardly express. Then he bumped his head into the door frame. ¡°Ungh, what mad architect would construct a door, like this one, so inconveniently, by Hephaistos hammer!?¡± He kicked the door and pushed his torch in the designated holder on the wall.


    ¡°The door is in the same place it¡¯s always been.¡± From inside they could hear the voice of a stationed guard who seemed to be quite unhappy to receive a flying door to the face. ¡°Haven¡¯t gotten over your night blindness yet, Erasmos?¡± He smacked him against the helmet and then took a look at their company. His face made clear that he wanted to know who they were.


    ¡°My eyesight is fine, no no, it is hawk-esque even.¡± He retorted loudly and pushed his way through to find a room for them.


    ¡°Hawks don¡¯t hunt at night.¡±


    ¡°You know what I mean!¡±


    The other guards all stayed quiet as they pushed Perseus and Hegord into the hallway. The night watcher who mustered them suspiciously and stopped Perseus with his arm. Their eyes met for a heartbeat, but then Perseus averted his gaze.


    ¡°And who are these strays?¡± He asked over his shoulder.


    ¡°They are suspects, dangerous, very dangerous for attacking us, the upholders of the law in this city! Don¡¯t let the boy get his hand on a blade, by Athena¡¯s spear.¡± The captain shouted back from a room further back.


    ¡°Taking in common thugs again, hm?¡± The night watcher roughly shoved Perseus further inside and then nodded his fellow guards to continue. ¡°What a rowdy night.¡±


    ¡°Over here!¡± The captain pushed his head out of the door frame and looked at them sideways in a comical manner.


    When pushed inside the two found themselves in a sparsely lit room full of chest and piled up furniture. This was no better than a storage room. The captain had settled down on a chair that was only standing on two of its legs. He made a motion for the two guards who had dragged them in to close the door and position at each side of it.


    Perseus pulled a chair over and let Hegord sit on down on it. The old man seemed at his limit, as the shaking of his limp legs showed. He did not sit down himself, though. Instead he looked around to assess his options. There was a tiny window behind the stored piles, not big enough for him to slip through. The three guards (including the captain) would not pose much of a threat to him alone, but he could not protect Hegord in this tight space.


    ¡°Out with it, who are you working for?¡± The captain suddenly asked with an angry expression and slammed his fist against a random plank of wood.


    ¡°Pardon?¡± Perseus twisted his mouth.


    ¡°You were quite ready to, well, raise a blade against an Athenian guardsman! A captain, like me, no less. You¡¯re clearly a foreigner, so you must be¡­ a spy?!¡± It seemed more like he was asking genuinely than actually piecing anything together.


    ¡°I am not a spy.¡±


    ¡°Prove it!¡±


    ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°So you confess!¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Argh, you¡¯re a tricky sort, I can tell.¡± The captain groaned and rubbed his hurting fist. The other two guards were decidedly pretending not to be here.


    ¡°Enough of this nonsense.¡± Hegord finally interjected with a raspy tone and glared at their captors. He had recovered his breath enough to exhale angrily. ¡°Ya came to my home to arrest me. Stop foolin¡¯ around with the boy and tell me what you want.¡±


    ¡°Yes yes, Hegord, stable master from the western gate, very good. We¡¯ve been looking for you.¡± The captain changed gears and nodded hastily.


    ¡°Ya found me.¡± He replied with tired eyes and little patience.


    ¡°That weee diiiid.¡± He stretched his words in a low voice as he got up and circled them.


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°Say, old man, do you know what the Archon could want with you, in particular?¡± He stopped behind Hegord and squinted his eyes.


    ¡°Th¡¯ Archon? Which one?¡± He seemed a lot stiffer all of a sudden.


    ¡°It matters not, which or whom, but you¡¯re of interest for some reason. This is, to be frank, very unusual and uhm¡­ not good.¡± He scratched his clean shaven cheeks and returned to circling them. ¡°There¡¯s a lot going on that even we, Athen¡¯s finest, don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not exactly the best this city¡¯s got to offer.¡± Hegord muttered and then glared directly at the captain¡¯s face, which made him jump back in slight surprise. ¡°Is that it? Ya dragged an old man from his well-deserved rest, because some Archon fancies him?¡±


    ¡°Now now, we aren¡¯t the villains in this tale. This is also for your, er, best interest.¡± The captain raised his hands placatory. ¡°But you did attack us!¡± He suddenly pushed his finger against Perseus chest.


    ¡°You seemed like bad sorts who wished to harm this innocent man. I was not aware that you were protectors of the peace.¡± He replied truthfully.


    ¡°Just a stray stranger, coming into, this, this, legitimate arrest?¡± He did not believe it for a second. Perhaps his instincts were not completely off.


    ¡°Back off th¡¯ boy and answer my question already!¡± Hegord lost his temper.


    ¡°Ugh, this is not going as planned.¡± He looked at the two other guards who lowered their eyes in shame. ¡°We¡¯re under a lot of pressure right now, you old dotard. Athens is about to be in a lot of serious trouble and you¡¯re of interest. If you can tell us, well, what makes you special, we would consider lowering your sentence, even without the judges getting involved.¡±


    ¡°My sentence? Ya didn¡¯t even accuse me of anythin¡¯ yet! Poseidon¡¯s trident is less twisted than your words.¡±


    ¡°Alright, fine, we had an order to capture you and bring you to the Archon¡¯s office, truly. But to be honest, I don¡¯t trust-¡°


    ¡°Hey, how long¡¯s this going to take?¡± Suddenly someone called from outside the door and knocked furiously.


    ¡°What is it now?¡± The captain groaned.


    ¡°Erasmos, is it true that you incarcerated the witness we were supposed to deliver?¡± The night watcher who had greeted them before pushed open the door and hit one of the guards in the face with it.


    ¡°We can¡¯t rightly, well, uh, take him to the Archon without being sure it¡¯s him!¡± Erasmos stumbled over himself to justify his actions.


    ¡°You bumbling oaf, the Archon is already on his way here!¡±


    ¡°What?!¡±


    ¡°One of his personal men told him about our plans and you took him to the guardhouse instead of bringing him straight to him! Do you know how bad that looks?¡± He slapped Erasmos helmet and glared at Hegord and Perseus. ¡°We were busy taking in two thugs who vandalized the statue workshop in the Craftsmen¡¯s Bowl. I thought you were just going to round up more of their friends.¡±


    ¡°Vandals in the workshops¡­? Who would dare deface the magnificent art of our fine city?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know left from right tonight, huh?¡± He sighed and then turned to look around the door frame. ¡°We¡¯ve got little time. He¡¯ll be here any moment. If you want to squeeze something out of them, be quick.¡± He patted the captain¡¯s shoulder and left.


    ¡°This is, spectacularly, terribly, unfortunate.¡± Erasmos looked rather wound up now. He even bit his nails. ¡°Look, old man, for whatever you are worth, tell me right now what crimes you were involved in. If the Archons want you executed then we ¨C nobody - can stop them.¡±


    ¡°Executed? This city is going to the shitters.¡± Hegord grinded his teeth. ¡°I did nothin'' reproachable or worth of death penalty."


    ¡°Are you sure, very sure, that you are not involved with the traitorous Archon¡¯s camp? In the last lunar cycles anyone associated with him has been hunted down. There is no hole or any manner of, also, hideout you¡¯d be safe from the group that burns them out of their rabbit holes.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t hidin¡¯.¡± Hegord responded curtly.


    ¡°Listen closely, you stubborn mule, you, impertinent¡­¡± He rubbed his temples below the tight helmet. ¡°The Archons are the rulers of this city! If one of them doesn¡¯t like you, no matter how secure you feel, they will get rid of you. The battle for the Akropolis has left us backstabbing our own brothers. There is no trust, no stability, without a guiding fist. There are only three possibilities for who¡¯s going to come through this, and any other, door.¡± He pointed at the door that was still shut. ¡°If you¡¯re unlucky it will be the worst one.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a guard captain, so what¡¯s the matter? Y''sound like ya don¡¯t like your bosses.¡± Hegord glared back.


    ¡°I would never-! This is, truly, a very complicated¡­¡± He flinched and looked back towards the two guards who were pretending not to hear him. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see an innocent man getting hanged.¡± He whispered.


    ¡°You are trying to protect Hegord?¡± Perseus asked with surprise.


    ¡°Shh! I am not trying to, absolutely, protect him in particular.¡± Erasmos grimaced. ¡°The Nightwatch¡¯s special traitor eradication unit has been running rampant in recent weeks. It is no understatement, overestimation, that they have executed people for merely making contact with the traitorous Archon. The conspiracy runs deep, but so does the blood in the streets¡­¡± He bit his lip.


    ¡°You¡¯re sayin¡¯ that they are overeager and ready to cull anyone who knows too much.¡± Hegord said gravely.


    ¡°I did not, never ever, say such a thing!¡± He refused bluntly. ¡°My integrity is more solid than the armor of Ares.¡±


    ¡°Hegord is a good man. He would not wish harm upon anyone.¡± Perseus said all of a sudden.


    ¡°Yes, perhaps- No, wait, who are you actually? Why would you jump in to protect this old man?¡± He asked suspiciously.


    ¡°I am-¡± Perseus raised his voice to respond, but then tensed up. He had heard loud banging from the hallway and then a lot of people began arguing.


    ¡°Oh Athena¡¯s Aegis¡­ they are here already.¡± Erasmos covered his face with one hand. ¡°If you are speaking the truth, then both of you will have to convince him with everything, mostly truth, and whatever else you¡¯ve got.¡± He quickly pushed the door open and was greeted by the Archon¡¯s personal guards. Their rock like chins could have cracked bones.


    ¡°Relinquish the suspects to the Archon.¡± They said in unison.


    ¡°We intended j-just that.¡± He hastily stepped aside and let them enter.


    They were tall and far better equipped than the regular guards. Their spears were well crafted, but they had put them on their backs, as they served no purpose in tight hallways. Instead they were holding their shields ready to bash someone¡¯s skull in. Perseus crossed his arms and returned their cold stares. He was standing in front of Hegord to shield him. If they were really here to execute him for crimes he had not committed, then he would have to protect him. It would tarnish his honor if he did not repay the man.


    ¡°Enough of this animosity already.¡± An unfamiliar voice joined the room and Perseus caught a glimpse of a finely crafted himation behind the tall guards. The owner must have been of higher standing. The Archon.


    ¡°I assure you, great Archon, no such animo-monstrosi-mosity exists here. We were preparing the suspects for your, yes for, the interrogation.¡± Erasmos quickly saluted and stepped aside. ¡°We leave them in your care now!¡± He clicked his tongue and his two men left the room. He looked back one more time and crossed gazes with Perseus, before leaving as well.


    ¡°That captain always seems to be chasing his own tail when I meet him.¡± The Archon said with slight amusement as he watched him leave.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind him, sir.¡± The night watcher who had warned them before joined the group and closed the door. ¡°He¡¯s not used to filling in his predecessors shoes yet.¡±


    ¡°Ah, that does make sense. I had a somewhat similar experience recently.¡± He sighed woefully and then stepped around his guards who were having a staring contest with Perseus. He lethargically pulled over the captain¡¯s barely used chair and sat down. The night watcher pulled a dusty table over and put it down between them, causing dust trails to shake the candles¡¯ flames.


    ¡°You!¡± Hegord suddenly exclaimed in surprise.


    ¡°Hm?¡± The Archon looked up and showed them an expression of innocent curiosity. His dark skin was creating a weird contrast in the weak light. His ink black curly hair was hanging a bit into his face, but his deep brown eyes still stood out anyway. He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his spread legs. ¡°Do you remember me?¡±


    Hegord turned quiet and seemed to sink into deep thought. ¡°¡¯Rhodian bootlicker¡¯.¡± He said plainly.


    ¡°Oh come on! I was certain that horrible nickname had left my heels by now. You¡¯re a really cruel old man.¡± The Archon lowered his head with a depressed expression.


    Perseus looked back and forth between the two with barely hidden confusion.


    ¡°So they¡¯ve been tellin¡¯ the truth about yer selection.¡± Hegord said with a more amicable expression. ¡°Congratulations, ya made it to the top without any powerful blood or inspiring deeds.¡±


    ¡°Ouch. Out of all the insults thrown my way these days, somehow you manage to eclipse them all.¡± He rubbed his head and smiled sardonically. ¡°I would have liked to talk to you sooner, but I wasn¡¯t quite sure how to approach this situation.¡± He rubbed his stubbly chin.


    ¡°And what blasted situation is that? I didn¡¯t think some newly elected Archon hothead would drag me out of my home when I lay down tonight.¡± He leaned on the table and glared at the rather young looking Archon.


    ¡°Please take it easy on me. It wasn¡¯t my idea.¡± He returned the glare evenly and showed a surprisingly relaxed body language. ¡°I only found out about your impending arrest mere hours ago.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Hegord didn¡¯t hide his surprise.


    ¡°The truth is that I could have come talk to you at any time. But it seems my colleagues had different plans. One of them put out an order for your immediate arrest.¡± He said with a sharp gaze.


    ¡°Whose horse did I run into a ditch to be this reviled?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not you they care about, to be quite honest. It¡¯s your connection to¡­ Typhos.¡± He replied apprehensively.


    ¡°You are after Typhos too?¡± Perseus said with shock.


    ¡°By the way, just who is he?¡± The Archon asked with a wry smile.


    ¡°Just some lad who needed my help with directions.¡± Hegord said swiftly.


    ¡°Oh my, how friendly you act with people other than me.¡± He chuckled. ¡°So how do you know Typhos?¡± He said and instantly switched to an antagonistic expression.


    ¡°Ya don¡¯t have to tell him nothin¡¯, boy.¡± The old man pushed his hand against Perseus¡¯ arm to hold him back. The young man hesitated and kept looking at the Archon.


    ¡°This is really not my style. When you hackle for wares and when you start negotiations for a big purchase, you need to follow certain procedure.¡± The Archon chided himself and then surprisingly rose from his chair. ¡°Could you give us some privacy?¡± He asked his personal guards and the night watcher.


    They couldn¡¯t refuse an Archon¡¯s order even if they looked displeased. After they left, the room felt less oppressive already. He stretched forward his rough dry hand for a handshake.


    ¡°My name is Themistokles of Rhodes. Albeit my wife tells me to say ¡®of Athens¡¯ now. Can¡¯t get used to it yet.¡± His inviting expression was completely different and lost its tired wrinkles.


    ¡°Perseus.¡± He replied curtly and took the hand. The Archon¡¯s handshake was firm and honest. He clearly had experience with such gestures.


    ¡°Perseus, really? Like the founder king?¡± Themistokles raised a brow. ¡°Your parents must think the world of you.¡± It was meant to be a light jest, but Perseus did become tenser in response. ¡°My parents, whatever tract of land their bones may reside in, didn¡¯t really think much about it. They just named me after my grandfather. There was a time where I tended to avoid using it. Back then people called me Zosimos.¡±


    ¡°A fittin¡¯ name for someone so undeservedly lucky, I reckon.¡±


    ¡°Did Rhodians steal your purse in the past? Or do you just despise me in particular?¡± He sighed ruefully.


    ¡°If you are the Archon, that means you are the king of this city.¡± Perseus interrupted their banter. ¡°Do you think your actions are just?¡±


    ¡°I believe that we are doing our best.¡± Themistokles responded honestly. He could tell that his reply didn¡¯t impress Perseus. ¡°Justice isn¡¯t quite as blindingly obvious as this city¡¯s patron goddess would make it seem. That¡¯s my belief anyway, but don¡¯t tell that to the head priestess.¡± He smirked.


    ¡°From what I have witnessed since my arrival, this city is filled with greedy and evil men.¡± Perseus said with crossed arms.


    ¡°I can¡¯t deny it.¡±


    ¡°But.¡± He loosened his arms slightly. ¡°There are also good men here.¡± He thought of the inn owner that had treated him with rough hospitality and Hegord who had welcomed him in the dark of night, like some returning son.


    ¡°Hearing that makes it worth keeping this city safe.¡± Themistokles said with a warm expression. ¡°For that very reason I need your full cooperation. The situation has become somewhat dire as of late. The reason for that is our common acquaintance, that long dead scholar, Typhos.¡± He brought them back on track.


    ¡°We all agree that he¡¯s reached th¡¯ Underworld by now, so what¡¯s the sudden commotion about?¡± Hegord grunted.


    ¡°I should not share this confidential information with you until I know what Perseus is doing with you and how he fits into the picture.¡± Themistokles insisted.


    ¡°Typhos was someone who impressed my king. He set out on a journey that he never returned from. I did not work for him or call him a friend.¡± Perseus repeated what he had already told Hegord.


    ¡°Your arrival here can¡¯t be a coincidence, though?¡± He poked further.


    ¡°Let him off th¡¯ hook, ya numbskull.¡± Hegord intervened again, quite vehemently. ¡°He¡¯s here on his own business and I¡¯m sure it¡¯s got nothin¡¯ to do with yer insufferable politics.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I suppose you¡¯re right.¡± He actually backed off. ¡°These insufferable politics are quite suffocating to be sure. And he one being choked is Athens herself. We are at an imminent crisis. You must have picked up at least something by now, right, great stable master?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d heard this and that.¡±


    ¡°I fear this is quite accurate, as is that.¡± He joked, but then raised his hands in defeat. ¡°We are at the cusp of war with Thebes.¡±


    ¡°War¡­¡± Perseus clenched his fist in response.


    ¡°And the Typhos lad¡¯s involved in this mess?¡±


    ¡°That is the complicated part.¡± The Archon sat down heavily and pulled out some parchment. ¡°We have received an ultimatum. Thebes asked for reparations for the damages caused by Achaeus¡¯ plot.¡±


    Perseus looked at Hegord questioningly.


    ¡°Lord Achaeus is the Archon who¡¯s recently been arrested for plottin¡¯ against the Ionian alliance and nearly draggin¡¯ us into a war with Persia.¡± He explained.


    ¡°That is only the sword tip of his crimes. He has caused many conflicts in the region and destabilized cities that are quite angry at us now.¡± Themistokles wiped some sweat off his brow. ¡°To claim that we are at the edge of getting into a war with the entire Greek world may not be an understatement anymore.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Perseus remembered the warships gathered at the harbor and the hostility of the citizens to strangers. It started to make sense.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°We have sent out every diplomat we had at our disposal. Athens has paid reparations to most cities, especially Eretria.¡± He smiled weakly. ¡°Eretria has been a good ally in the negotiations. Their representatives really saved our hides. We managed to pacify the Ionian alliance more or less.¡±


    ¡°Then why is Thebes sharpening its horns?¡± Perseus wondered.


    ¡°That is what I would like to know! We sent fathe- I mean Lord Kleitos to negotiate. He hasn¡¯t returned in several lunar cycles and his last message was attached to the ultimatum.¡±


    ¡°What did it say?¡±


    ¡°Only one name. ¡®Typhos¡¯.¡± He said gravely.


    ¡°Why¡¯re you not just payin¡¯ them like you did everybody else?¡± Hegord asked to break the tense silence.


    ¡°Their demands are unreasonable. The treasury is beyond exhausted as is, but they even demand the expulsion of the former generals that retired near Boeotia. They see them as threats to their independence.¡± He pushed his hands on the table and grit his teeth. ¡°And finally they demand the head of Achaeus himself.¡±


    ¡°Impossible.¡± Hegord looked equally distraught now.


    ¡°Why can you not give it to them? Do you not wish to bring the traitor to justice?¡± Perseus could not understand their hesitation.


    ¡°It must be so easy for a foreigner.¡± Themistokles responded a bit annoyed. ¡°The fact of the matter is that we cannot kill him. By the decree of Athena herself the man is sentenced to eternal imprisonment.¡±


    ¡°Athena judged him?¡± That was indeed exceptional news.


    Hegord and the Archon¡¯s reactions were surprisingly not very firm. They both were looking down with melancholy, but said no more on the matter.


    ¡°Then you must tell the Thebans the truth. They must not oppose the gods¡¯ judgement.¡± He pointed out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe they will take our word for it.¡± The Archon said sarcastically.


    ¡°Lad, ¡®tis politics. These demands ought to be no more than an excuse for war.¡± Hegord tapped the table angrily.


    ¡°The old man is right. They know we can¡¯t comply. That¡¯s their true aim.¡± He scratched the parchment with his nails. ¡°For now we have sent a messenger asking for clarifications and a renewal of negotiations to buy us time. We also need to find out if father is still well.¡± He seemed far more worried than initially obvious. He had hidden it quite well.


    ¡°That ¡®Lord Kleitos¡¯ is your father-in-law?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he is my dear Eopia¡¯s father. His business sense is beyond anything some stray gutter boy like me could ever achieve.¡± He said humbly. ¡°Eopia is a strong woman. Strong enough to wait several years for a foolish promise that should have been impossible. But I think she has grown tired of waiting. After waiting so long for me, waiting for Lord Kleitos¡¯ return from enemy territory is simply too unfair.¡± His sadness was genuine.


    ¡°You have my sympathy, Archon.¡± He lowered his head slightly.


    ¡°Why, thanks. It¡¯s not me who needs the support, though. Eopia keeps blaming herself for letting him go and- Why am I telling you my life story?!¡± He shook his head. ¡°Your mien is terrifying. Good listeners scare me.¡± He joked.


    Perseus let a small smile slip for the first time.


    ¡°It¡¯s like the Sphinx¡¯s riddle, this one. Can¡¯t make heads or tails of it.¡± Hegord had inspected the note with Typhos¡¯ name on it. There didn¡¯t seem to be any additional information.


    ¡°All I can gather is that Typhos made a deal with Thebes and his disappearance has caused more issues. Like we needed his specter to haunt us in these trying times. If he hadn¡¯t gotten himself killed playing hero on that gods¡¯ forsaken tiny island at least¡­¡±


    That single line changed everything. In an instant Perseus face turned form contemplative to rigid. His entire focus was on the Archon¡¯s dry lips. Themistokles felt the intense gaze on him and looked up.


    ¡°You know where Typhos went?¡± Perseus asked penetratingly. ¡°You know the location of Sarpedon?¡±


    Themistokles¡¯ expression changed equally quickly and he forgot all about his political troubles. They were both checking each other out as if they had met for the first time just now. The Archon carefully adjusted his hands and cupped his chin. Hegord rubbed his long grey beard anxiously, knowing full well that things were about to get ugly.


    ¡°Why would I know its location?¡± He asked with a heavy dose of suspicion.


    ¡°You sounded resentful just now. As if you knew the isle well.¡±


    ¡°Ain¡¯t you a sharp one?¡± He dropped his polite act and lost his dignified air. ¡°What would ya need the location for?¡±


    ¡°I am on a quest.¡±


    ¡°And Sarpedon¡¯s one of the stops?¡±


    ¡°It is my target.¡±


    ¡°You look a bit young to be treasure hunting.¡±


    ¡°I hunt only for the monster.¡±


    ¡°Even worse.¡± He squinted his eyes. ¡°Haven¡¯t ya heard? The monster is dead.¡±


    Perseus clutched his fists and looked even more determined. ¡°Typhos failed. I am certain of it.¡±


    ¡°He may have perished, but he took the beast with him. The crew who returned has retold the tale many times.¡± Themistokles said with sharp finality.


    ¡°Is that true?¡± Perseus turned to Hegord.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard their tales, aye.¡± He admitted. ¡°The monster went up in flames and was destroyed.¡±


    ¡°Why did you not tell me this when we spoke before?¡± Hegord¡¯s response was clearly contradicting his actions from before and Perseus could feel the truth at the edge of his perception.


    ¡°Tell me lad, would ya have stopped if I told ya?¡± The old man asked tiredly.


    ¡°I cannot.¡± Perseus replied truthfully. Too much was pinned on this quest. To return empty-handed was unacceptable. ¡°If it has already been slain, then I must find its remains to bring back to Seriphos.¡±


    ¡°Seriphos? That secluded king¡¯s island?¡± Themistokles picked up quickly.


    ¡°The Gorgon¡¯s head will be my trophy, no matter what.¡± Perseus replied with his fist raised before his chest.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what you¡¯re involving yourself with here, brat.¡± The Archon was completely hostile now. Although they could not have been awfully far apart in age he was treating Perseus like a rambunctious child. ¡°That place is not for you or anyone to waltz into. I can¡¯t believe you were protecting him, old man!¡± He pointed accusingly at Hegord.


    ¡°I¡¯ve no right to tell ¡®im what to do.¡± The old stable master turned away with regret.


    ¡°Why do you wish to protect that island?¡± Perseus got equally aggravated now. ¡°What are you hiding from me?¡± He hit the table with his flat hand which made dust clouds spread all throughout the room.


    ¡°Careful, you are not in a position to make demands of me.¡± The Archon said threateningly and then turned towards the small window above. Moonlight streamed through the gaps. It seemed to soothe his mind somewhat. ¡°Two people asking for that cursed place in one day? And both are no more than children. This can¡¯t be anything but a bad omen.¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡± The young man¡¯s voice turned cold.


    ¡°Have you any comrades with you? Someone who came to ask around for Typhos and that damned island?¡± Themistokles response was quite foolish as he would soon realize.


    ¡°You¡­ how do you know about Ajax?¡± He forcefully pushed the table aside, slamming it into the door at full force. Wood splintered across the room. ¡°Those men who attacked him worked for you?!¡± He grabbed the Archon by the throat and rammed him against the wall. Surprisingly he had incredible reaction time and already put a knife to Perseus throat in return.


    ¡°Ghg¡­ so he was your comrade after all.¡± Themistokles showed him his teeth.


    ¡°Answer me!¡± He tightened his grip despite the blade at his throat. The Archon already had trouble breathing as his throat was pressed shut.


    ¡°Let him go!¡± Of course the noise had alerted the guards outside and they came rushing in, kicking the broken table aside. They did not dare come close when they saw the situation the Archon was in.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know the details.¡± Themistokles admitted with gritted teeth. ¡°I put out a personal order to investigate - ggrkk ¨C anybody asking for that island. I was told that someone inquired about it and Typhos today, so I ¡®as gettin¡¯ quite the headache-¡± He was slammed against the wall again before he could finish.


    ¡°Your men beat my friend to the brink of death! He has done you no wrong. Is this the kind of king you are?¡± His eyes were only a finger¡¯s length away from the Archon¡¯s and the low candle light made him seem almost like a vengeful spirit.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t order any of that!¡± He replied stubbornly.


    ¡°You deny your guilt?¡±


    ¡°The point was to inform me of it first dammit! There is no use in killing citizens over this!¡± He spat out as he nearly choked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you.¡± He didn¡¯t let go and the guards who were approaching stepped back when he turned his head their way for a moment.


    ¡°Let him go, you cannot believe you¡¯ll survive this night if you do something foolish.¡± The night watcher urged quietly from behind the two personal guards. Perseus didn¡¯t pay their threats any mind.


    ¡°Tell me why you are so desperate to protect the island. Why do you care about the monster¡¯s remains?¡± He asked impatiently, close to the Archon¡¯s face.


    ¡°I can¡¯t betray her¡­ ever again.¡± He wrought out of his airless throat. The grip on his knife loosened as his strength waned.


    ¡°The monster isn¡¯t slain at all, am I right?¡±


    ¡°So what?¡±


    ¡°You are taking its side? You lie in bed with monsters?¡±


    ¡°Hah-hark¡­ Not especially. The lady of the isle was never fond of me- I think.¡± He managed to smile somehow, beyond the pain. He shook his head when he saw the guards raise their swords, so they let them down again.


    ¡°Then who are you protecting?¡± Perseus was completely out of patience and pulled the knife out of Themistokles¡¯ hand, throwing it to the feet of the guards, where it got stuck in the ground.


    ¡°She¡¯s the savior of this city.¡± Hegord spoke up from behind them. He had dragged his limp leg all the way to them.


    ¡°She`s a¡­ dear¡­ friend.¡± Themistokles muttered. ¡°I will not let anyone reach that island. No matter what.¡± His stance was the opposite of Perseus bold declaration. Their goals were utterly incompatible.


    ¡°I do not know who this woman is; this ¡®savior¡¯.¡± He looked at Hegord and then back to the Archon. ¡°I am not after her. Only the Gorgon will taste my blade.¡±


    ¡°If you slay the Gorgon¡­ it is the same as taking her life.¡± Themistokles said without a hint of doubt. ¡°I will not allow you to trample all over her heart! I swore an oath!¡±


    Perseus felt his control waning. He felt an unexpected rush of bloodlust in his very soul. These men who seemed to think of the best for this city and its people, these men who were respected by their subordinates and by the citizens, they would stand in his way? How could he have ever thought them decent people if they protected his target because of some woman¡¯s personal attachment? It made no sense. It made no sense at all!


    His hand was ready to crush the Archon¡¯s throat. For causing the pain to his dear friend Ajax and for wanting to stop him from saving his mother, he would have to pay.


    No, he could not. He needed the information. He had to calm himself and think beyond the fog of anger.


    ¡°Let him go.¡± This time it was Hegord who spoke those words and put a hand on his shoulder.


    Perseus shook the hand off and made a choice. It would decide over life and death.


    ¡°Zosimos, that¡¯s what they call you?¡± He said with a beastly presence. ¡°Must be nice to achieve all of your goals by divine luck. If you are a survivor then you will make it through this moment too. I will give you a choice.¡±


    ¡°Hrgh?¡± He could barely stay conscious anymore it seemed.


    ¡°Your wife. You love her?¡±


    ¡°What are you-?¡±


    ¡°I am Perseus, the man who will slay the Gorgon. Not you, not your men and not this entire city can stop me from achieving that goal. I am not going to stop at the walls of a castle or at the door to your wife¡¯s quarters.¡± He spoke with insidious determination. ¡°I promise you that I will find Eopia. You will survive another day, only to miss your dearest for as many as you continue your pathetic life.¡±


    ¡°...you bastard.¡± He finally realized what he was getting at.


    ¡°Who is more important to you? That ¡®savior¡¯ or your wife?¡±


    A cruel choice, a villainous ultimatum. Not even the worst scum would deserve to be put before the choice between the woman he loved and someone he swore an oath to. Oath breakers had a special place in the Underworld. A place of eternal torment. But to lose the love of his life was going to drown him in grief.


    ¡°I choose¡­ neither!¡± With a glint in his formerly fading eyes Zosimos drew a hidden dagger from his himation. He had one more weapon in store and he stabbed Perseus without hesitation.


    The young man¡¯s powerful hand stopped the blade a fingernail¡¯s length away from his throat. He had grabbed Zosimos¡¯ wrist with his free hand and effortlessly held it in place. That was the last trump card of the desperate Archon.


    ¡°Wrong choice. One more time.¡± He rammed the dagger into the wall right next to the Archon¡¯s ear. ¡°Your wife or that monster¡¯s woman?!¡±


    ¡°Grhnnn¡­¡± He struggled futilely and then seemed to give up. ¡°KILL HIM! IGNORE ME AND KILL HIM!¡± His shout was so unexpected that Perseus grip even loosened a little.


    The guards responded without hesitation and went to impale the impertinent man who threatened their Archon. Even if his neck was snapped, they would avenge him right away. That was the meaning of the final order.


    In that moment Perseus pulled the weakened Archon through the air and held him before the attackers¡¯ weapons. Their surprised eyes were visible through their helmets. With a painfully twisted maneuver they avoided their Archon and stopped their blades.


    ¡°Artemis¡¯ light guide me.¡± Themistokles frowned, moon light hitting his paling face. Then he punched Perseus. It was like punching a wall. His kicks were not much more effective.


    ¡°Your choice?¡±


    ¡°I said you will touch neither of them!¡± He madly bit Perseus¡¯ arm. The guards tried to get around him, but the Archon was always in the way. ¡°I said ignore me and take him down!¡± He shouted his order one last time before he was let go. ¡°Huh?¡± His clueless expression shifted to pain when he hit the ground and the two guards were disarmed by a swift kick. Their swords sailed through the air and got stuck close to the night watcher¡¯s feet. Soon the entire ground would be covered like the back of a hedgehog.


    ¡°I now understand what kind of king you are.¡± Perseus said with a sigh.


    The personal guards pulled their swords from the floor to attack again. Perseus didn¡¯t even go into a defensive stance. Instead he kept looking at the confused man on the ground who rubbed his red throat.


    ¡°You¡­ what¡¯re you thinking?¡± He could not fathom what was going on at all.


    ¡°You did not intend to kill me despite putting the knife to my throat. To the bitter end you would not give up on those you love. To weigh between two people so important is impossible for those of honor.¡± He crossed his arms and ignored the swords that were held close to his neck. ¡°You would rather abandon yourself to protect them. I will believe your claim that you wished no harm on Ajax.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got the guts ta test me?¡± The Archon rose unsteadily and pushed his guards aside harshly. ¡°I have half a mind to kick your teeth in for that.¡± His threats felt empty after his dainty punches and kicks had not even left bruises on the young man before. ¡°I need a drink.¡± He walked past Perseus and sat down on the fallen over chair.


    ¡°Master?¡± The guards looked perplexed.


    ¡°Stand down. I don¡¯t want any blood on the outfit that Eopia picked out for me.¡± He waved them off.


    <hr>


    After a short time of rest (and a delivery of some cheap wine from the guard house¡¯s hidden reserve) the three of them sat down at a new table. Perseus had quietly awaited their actions, but it seemed like Themistokles was tired of fighting. He just sat there, contemplating something and balancing on the hind legs of his chair.


    Hegord had given him a very strained look for a while, but eventually rested against the pile in the back. His old eyes seemed to fall shut every few heartbeats. They had woken him in the middle of the night on his rare rest at home. Evil indeed.


    ¡°I cannot allow you to go to Sarpedon.¡± Themistokles finally repeated.


    ¡°I cannot stop my journey.¡± Perseus replied.


    ¡°Then I am certain you have someone important waiting at home. As important as her.¡± He mumbled into his hand.


    ¡°It is my mother.¡± He revealed. He had hesitated to speak of her at all for some reason. It made him feel uneasy.


    ¡°The one who gave you that imposing name?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t argue with family.¡± The Archon said almost jovially. There was a layer of self-depreciation in his voice. ¡°I can¡¯t let you go to Sarpedon, but I am quite busy right now. Keeping an eye on you will be a handful. I am not certain there is a jail that can hold you either.¡± His twisted smirk was quite pathetic.


    ¡°You will have to use an army to stop me.¡±


    ¡°Like I have the resources to spare!¡± He chuckled. ¡°Use this opportunity how you see fit. I will not tell you how to get to that island; that is my only and final resistance.¡±


    ¡°I already got a lead.¡± He admitted openly.


    ¡°How unfortunate for me.¡± Themistokles sighed theatrically. ¡°This is your doing Hegord?¡±


    ¡°Sorry. The lass deserves better, but the lad ain¡¯t wrong either.¡± The old man snapped out of his drowsy spell and retorted honestly.


    ¡°I came here to protect Hegord, but it seems he will no longer be in danger.¡± Perseus nodded at the stable master.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t need ya to worry o¡¯er me.¡± He snorted.


    ¡°I originally wanted to find Typhos¡¯ contacts to find a route to Sarpedon. It seems that we are looking for the same people.¡±


    ¡°What a coincidence!¡± Themistokles clapped his hands together. ¡°I have already tried to find everyone connected to him of course. Hegord was the last, because I already knew him.¡±


    ¡°My boys told me someone¡¯s been snoopin¡¯ round the stables lately. Musta been your spies.¡±


    ¡°Pretty much.¡± He shrugged.


    ¡°Those men who attacked Ajax, did they search for them too?¡± Perseus suddenly asked.


    ¡°No? I don¡¯t know exactly who my secretary hired, but they were only supposed to keep an ear out for people asking for the Gorgon¡¯s isle.¡±


    ¡°Strange. Ajax told me that they were after Typhos.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°And I was attacked by some sort of madmen that wanted information on Typhos as well.¡± He added with a darkened expression.


    ¡°That can¡¯t be right.¡± Themistokles shook his head. ¡°Topos puts all his trust in the palace guard. Did Pamphilos act without telling me again? He must have given the order to arrest Hegord too.¡± He muttered to himself in worry.


    ¡°I think one of the guards mentioned that two vandals have been caught and incarcerated.¡± Ideas sparked in Perseus¡¯ mind. ¡°Is the Craftsmen¡¯s Bowl a workshop for statues?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Themistokles chugged on his wine amphora. ¡°Phaw. They recently got a commission from some faraway temple to make some statue of Zeus that is gaudier than what the grand temple of Athena has in our own Akropolis. I hope they didn¡¯t damage it.¡±


    Perseus decidedly did not show any reaction and recollected the fight he had there. There was definitely an oversized Zeus sculpture. Then the criminals who had been arrested were perhaps the same men who had attacked him¡­


    ¡°Ahhhh!¡±


    ¡°Stop them!¡±


    ¡°Umph!¡±


    Distant shouting and tumult made them all jerk back. Something was going on at the back of the guard house. After a few moments the door was opened and the Archon¡¯s personal guards made a report.


    ¡°The prisoners have broken out and are fleeing the premise!¡± One of them said in a booming voice.


    ¡°How could they possibly have gotten out of the cells?¡± Themistokles rubbed his face with both hands and groaned in frustration. ¡°Help these incompetent city guards and capture them! They may have important information.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir!¡± They taped their shields and left for the back of the building.


    ¡°That timing is makin¡¯ me jittery. There¡¯s fate in the air.¡± Hegord said with a bad feeling.


    ¡°Agreed. This night has been far too long already.¡± He rubbed his tired eyes.


    The sound of fighting outside got louder and they could even hear the distant scream of someone¡¯s painful death. Knowing the absolute bull of a man that Perseus had to fight back then, he was not surprised even several guards were struggling with him. His sneaky ally was also deadly.


    ¡°I should go help them.¡± He decided and got up.


    In that moment two guards stepped into the room. They looked a bit disheveled like they had just returned from a fight. They belonged to the Nightwatch, the group that would only operate at night, as the name implied. They were not much different from the other guardsmen, except that they always seemed to be in an ill mood. Working at night made men miss the light. Their equipment tended to be brighter so they could be seen well even in weak torchlight. These two wore the more subdued variety, better suited for scouting.


    ¡°The battle has escalated. We are here to protect you, Lord Themistokles.¡± They stood at attention.


    ¡°Are you really struggling that much against two criminals?¡± He could hardly believe it.


    ¡°They are aided by more comrades.¡± The third night watcher appeared behind the two. The same guy who had argued with Erasmos before. ¡°Our light spoiled brothers are not too capable under the embrace of Nyx, I fear.¡±


    ¡°Then get out there and help them?¡± Themistokles wandered in circles and waved them off. His mood was at rock bottom.


    ¡°You are more important.¡± He said with a shrug.


    ¡°We need more information on Typhos, so we can¡¯t afford to lose those criminals.¡± He replied brashly.


    ¡°I am sure. But you have gathered all the other acquaintances of that scholar already, no?¡± The night watcher said to calm him down.


    ¡°Not all, I would guess, but with Hegord and Perseus here I¡¯ve probably found most already. Though that scholar has been incredibly tight lipped and selective with what he shared, so we didn¡¯t get many results yet.¡± Talking to the guard seemed to help him order his thoughts.


    ¡°Intriguing.¡± The three night watchers walked in and took position.


    Perseus, who was leaning against a wall, glanced at their weapons. They looked pretty rundown. The Akropolis did not fund them well.


    ¡°Archoooon!¡± With a lot of noise Erasmos suddenly slid to a halt at the door frame. He was out of breath and his hair was sweaty, hanging through the gaps of his helmet. ¡°I mean, your lordship, sir, even if you¡¯re not of aristocratic blood- f-forget I said that.¡± He caught himself at the frame and caught his breath as well.


    ¡°What is it, captain?¡±


    ¡°The escaped prisoners, are - oh how shameful - they are actually dead.¡± He admitted.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± The Archon slapped his forehead.


    ¡°How did that happen?¡± Perseus asked curiously.


    ¡°Some kind of poison, perhaps more of a toxin, same difference, or not. Spectacularly disgusting. Foaming mouth and bloody skin. Very unnerving for my men, uh, one even emptied his stomach on my sandals...¡± He stopped his words when he felt the tension in the room.


    ¡°You are as useless as ever, I see.¡± The night watcher said mockingly.


    ¡°No need f-for such insults!¡± He replied hastily and looked at the people present one by one. ¡°Hm?¡± His eyes got stuck on someone. He looked them all over and finally squinted his eyes. The low light may have been at fault again. ¡°Do I know you two?¡± He asked the night watchers.


    ¡°Sir?¡± They turned around.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t from this guard house.¡±


    ¡°We are stationed at the house near Eridanus River.¡± He replied immediately.


    ¡°That makes sense! I did need more men for this operation.¡± He nodded approvingly.


    ¡°Of course. Don¡¯t ask weird questions.¡± The night watcher from this guard house clicked his tongue.


    ¡°Ah, but there is just one thing.¡± He rubbed his chin. ¡°I worked at that guard house before, under our beloved captain Trifos. I never saw you there.¡±


    Everyone turned quiet. The tension was palpable. The guards looked at Erasmos like he was a strange animal. Perseus noticed that one of them subtle moved his fingers towards his sword¡­


    ¡°They must have been hired recently. Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± The local night watcher chimed in again. ¡°After we lost so many good men at the fight for the Akropolis we needed to recruit more.¡±


    ¡°Naturally, how scatterbrained of me!¡± Erasmos laughed and put a hand to his waist. Everyone released their tension and Themistokles shook his head in disappointment.


    ¡°So Trifos hired you sturdy young men? He couldn¡¯t even spare you some clean armor and a new shield? What a cheapskate.¡± He said with a grin.


    ¡°Captain Trifos is very busy, so he left it to the seniors. They aren`t nice to new recruits.¡± One of them said and laughed as well.


    That was when the local night watcher froze up.


    ¡°Oh, is he now? Busy?¡± Erasmos lost all cheer and grabbed his sword. ¡°I suppose you could say that. Wandering the plains of the Underworld is a busy thing indeed.¡± He held his short sword in a threatening pose. ¡°Who are you really?¡±


    The two night watchers frowned and then drew their sword and immediately attacked him. He blocked their swings, but to his surprise he was kicked in the side by the third night watcher. They immediately turned and ran towards Themistokles.


    ¡°Traitors!¡± Erasmos rose up and sprinted after them.


    Perseus jumped forward and tackled on of them down, but the other already grabbed the Archon. Hegord could not help, so there was nobody to stop him.


    ¡°Dagger!¡± Perseus shouted. Themistokles instinctively responded and pulled the dagger from the wall where it was still stuck from the previous confrontation. He threw it to Perseus and then rammed his head against the attacker¡¯s nose behind him.


    Perseus caught the dagger and broke the downed man¡¯s ribs with a heavy kick. Then he threw the dagger with enough force to penetrate the cuirass of the other guard. He stumbled back in pain and shock and then received a hit of Themistokles¡¯ wine amphora across the face.


    Meanwhile Erasmos was fighting his comrade with a clash of swords.


    ¡°What are you doing? Why are you assisting these men?!¡± He asked angrily and started to overpower his enemy with each furious swing.


    ¡°You are such a fool. I can¡¯t believe I had to work under a complete dilettante for so long!¡± He replied with barely hidden disdain and slashed him across the leg, which made the captain sink to his knee. ¡°Die like a dog!¡± He used the chance to behead Erasmos.


    ¡°Rrraagh!¡± Erasmos let out a primal scream and raised his blade in an arc, which managed to disarm the night watcher, quite literally. While the blood still sprayed, he already follow it up and cut the man¡¯s throat.


    ¡°Great. Blood doesn¡¯t wash out easily.¡± Themistokles complained, as he had been victim to the spray. ¡°Eopia¡¯s choice. Too much white.¡±


    ¡°Who are you working for?¡± Perseus had picked up the man with the broken ribs from the ground. He was the only one able to reply.


    ¡°Wah¡­ blarh.. krrk¡­¡± The noises escaping his mouth were about as intelligible as one might expect between all the foam that was gathering. The man twitched a few times and then stopped breathing.


    ¡°That must be the poison you mentioned.¡± Perseus let the corpse sink down the wall.


    ¡°Exactly.¡± Erasmos replied while holding his bleeding leg with both hands.


    ¡°By the gods, what are you doing?¡± Themistokles said with disgust.


    ¡°Roots.¡± Perseus had put his hand into the dead guard¡¯s mouth and pulled out some black roots. They looked half digested.


    ¡°That must be what killed him.¡± Erasmos inspected it after binding the wound on his leg. ¡°Then they''d rather commit suicide than get caught.¡± His entire behavior was shockingly focused and his speech more clear.


    ¡°They were after Zosimos.¡± Perseus stated with a hunch.


    ¡°Why are you calling me by that moniker now?¡± Themistokles complained.


    ¡°They were asking about Typhos¡¯ connections, so that¡¯s probably what they want from you.¡± He ignored his complaints and put a hand on the Archon`s shoulder. ¡°You should get those people to safety.¡±


    ¡°I agree with the rude boy. If they bought their way into the guard, then it¡¯s not clear who you can trust. Loathe I to admit it, the palace guard is far more selective about who they recruit.¡± Erasmos joined them without showing much impediment to his movement.


    ¡°This is a disaster.¡± The young Archon seemed at the end of his wits. ¡°Hegord, you¡¯ll have to come with me. I don¡¯t think your home is safe anymore.¡±


    ¡°Poseidon¡¯s wart covered buttocks.¡± The old stable master cursed.


    After a while the Archon¡¯s personal guard returned with a few scratches, but still ready to fight. They decided to escort them to the Akropolis. Erasmos on the other hand decided to stay at the guard house to make sure his men were all still loyal.


    ¡°I will go to the harbor and find the sailor you told me about.¡± Perseus confided in Hegord.


    ¡°¡¯Tis a dangerous night, but I trust in yer skill. Proved it well ¡®nough, I reckon.¡± He nodded.


    ¡°I have a feeling I will need to hurry. He may be in similar danger.¡± He cracked his neck and loosened his legs for a run.


    ¡°Hey, Perseus.¡± Zosimos called him over from between his iron wall of guards.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like you.¡±


    Perseus¡¯ eyes dulled over in silent response.


    ¡°I may not like you, but you seem the honest type. If you find out anything that could help us avert war with Thebes, I¡¯d appreciate if you told us. Having an Archon in your debt can¡¯t hurt your chances of making it to that ghastly place.¡± He tapped his forehead and then walked off.


    ¡°He¡¯s actin¡¯ tough, but that Rhodian is barely standin¡¯ straight.¡± Hegord commented dryly and then patted Perseus on the back before he left as well.


    The weight of an entire city, bigger than even some kingdoms, was not carried by just one man. But the responsibility on this one man still far exceeded that of most in this large world. Perseus could hardly carry the duty of a single life back home. Having to protect thousands upon thousands was unimaginable to him.


    His quest did not allow delays. The moment he received the knowledge necessary to make it to Sarpedon would be the time he left this twisted city behind. That was the path of his resolve. That was how it should be.


    <hr>


    The harbor was even quieter than when he had left it. Of course he was going past the warehouses and shipyards, where things were slower. Somewhere around here was the shack he was told about by Hegord. Nothing really stood out, making it harder than necessary to find. Eventually he found himself at an intersection with a deformed herma. These ugly things really were placed everywhere all over Athens. It was half sunken into the dirt and the Hermes head pointed to the left.


    Perseus looked left and saw a shack with a weak light coming through the gaps. Fortuitous.


    He pressed the lapidated door open which made it nearly collapse. That boded well. Whoever lived here was doing so with quite a draft; that was certain. Perseus quiet steps would not alarm the sailor, but he still looked around carefully. There was a light source, but he wasn¡¯t sure whether it was candlelight or a torch.


    He walked through the small shack and found himself in front of a sleeping man. His body was covered in clothes at the brink of complete disintegration. He was shaggy bearded, long haired and generally looked as bad as he smelled. Animal bones and leaves proved that the man had eaten at some point at least, even if his limbs were skinny and his face skull like.


    ¡°Wake up.¡± He shook the sleeping man by the shoulder. After a while he seemed to slowly dig himself out of his hill of grime. His unsteady eyes made clear that the smell of booze on him was not just some leftover odor.


    ¡°Whossat?¡± He asked eloquently.


    ¡°I am here to ask you some questions. You might also be in danger, so don¡¯t run away.¡±


    ¡°Dangwaaah?¡± He yawned.


    ¡°Mh.¡± Perseus had to hold his nose shut to bear the stench. ¡°Sleeping with a living flame is dangerous too.¡± He pointed at the stubby candle remains that still glowed against all odds.


    ¡°Who is you?¡± The sailor really wasn¡¯t quite there yet.


    ¡°My name is Perseus and I need to know about the expedition you were part of-¡°


    ¡°NO!¡± He suddenly shouted and pushed him away. ¡°No more talk! No more questions about that!¡± He cowered under the mountain of dirty remains.


    ¡°Did someone else question you before?¡± He had a bad feeling about this.


    ¡°They came many, many every night. Locked me in, told me to not speak to anyone. Just gave food and left.¡± He crawled around and held his head. Only now did Perseus note the many dark bruises on his body.


    ¡°Did they ask you about Typhos?¡±


    ¡°AHHHH!¡± That name caused him to scream violently.


    ¡°Calm down!¡± But his attempt to reign him in only led to him getting covered in dirt.


    ¡°No more, no more, no more!! I don¡¯t know, not me! Never trusted the captain, never wanted to work with scholars! Don¡¯t know trade deals, won¡¯t ever know why everyone got killed by the monster!¡± He cried and cowered like a small animal.


    It seemed hopeless, the sailor was too agitated to converse properly. Whoever did this to him had severely broken his spirit and mind. He had been too late.


    ¡°Calm yourself good man. I will take you to a safe place, far away from those scary people.¡± He stretched out his hand in a non-threatening gesture.


    ¡°No more, no more, no more¡­¡± It was devastating to see someone reduced to that. He felt more anger towards the ones who had assaulted the sailor so, though.


    If he took him to the Akropolis where Zosimos and Hegord were, they may have been able to calm this man down enough to give them proper replies. This tiny shack with its stench of abuse and feces would have to be left behind. For that purpose he got up and grabbed him by the waist.


    Crrrrk.


    Perseus'' ears perked up and he swiftly turned around. The door had been closed as best as was possible with its loose hinges. Another creaking from above made it clear that they were not alone. No birds were that heavy. He stepped back-


    CRRRRACK!


    The roof collapsed. Perseus managed to jump forward just in time to cover the cowering sailor. It rained wood and hay, but just when he thought it was over, a big beam hit his back with full force. Perseus blacked out.


    He had to stay conscious¡­


    The weight on his back increased as the shack collapsed completely.


    The sailor below him screamed until a tile hit him and knocked him out.


    Perseus vision failed. He was buried alive.


    The world around the hero collapsed, like a shallow grave. The weight of the rubble could never compare to the weight of his quest.

 Chapter 67: Medusa and the weight of souls

    The Olympians were the rulers of the world, but that had not always been the case. There was a cycle of usurpation, a struggle for that ultimate power. The Titans were felled and imprisoned in the depth of Tartaros, the monstrous Typhon was buried under a mountain and it seemed nobody was left to oppose the mightiest and cruelest of rulers the world had ever known.


    Until, eventually, the Gigantes rose from the loins of Gaia. These Giants, made flesh by the outcry of the earth itself and the blood of the slain progenitor Uranus, were imbued with great destiny, to fell the gods and grasp the heavens in their hundreds of hands. Within them seethed the sadness and frustration of their mother Gaia that bore hatred for the Olympians who imprisoned her children and caused the blood of even more to soil her body. Their will was indomitable, their purpose singular.


    And so as prophecy told, they marched for Olympus, piling mountain upon mountain and hurling burning spears at the very sky. It was a day were the world may have been on fire and crumbled to pieces. A war as gruesome as it was short: The Gigantomachy.


    Though the Giants pushed the gods to their limits and forced every single one to stand in opposition, they were no doubt defeated. Cleverness, ruthlessness, prowess, experience, unity. In all aspects the Olympians had outclassed them and slain them one by one. Even the Giants¡¯ immortals were finally slain by Heracles as the prophecy foretold. For the Giants could only truly be vanquished by one who was not fully god, but also mortal. The protection of Gaia, her final curse against the gods, defeated by the existence of the union between god and human.


    Not all Giants were killed in honorable battle however. Polybotes, mighty as he was, lost his nerve in the face of Poseidon¡¯s overwhelming prowess. In his hollow heart the Giant realized the folly of this battle and fled to the seas, cowardly leaving his comrades to die. Perhaps he might have escaped to see another day after the infinite darkness, that the absence of Helios and Eos had clad the world in, ended with the war. But he made not much way before Poseidon was following his trail across the waves. The mighty brother of the father of gods was furious and merciless indeed.


    The waves split open and revealed an island, Kos. With the might befitting a god of the seas, Poseidon impaled the island with his trident and tore it out of the very ocean! He raised it above and then threw it at the fleeing Giant, burying him under the weight of the entire thing where he stood. The ocean spilled away and stilled eventually, only leaving Kos in its new location on the world. The Giant was nowhere to be seen, surely crushed and grinded to dust to be spread amongst the waves. Poseidon¡¯s work was done and he returned to reunite with his fellow gods to end the war.


    But Polybotes was not slain. He did not find his end below the massive weight of the island. He lingered on, holding up its weight with his enormous strength. His might was greater than his cowardice would have suggested and so he was stuck below the land, unable to move, but also unwilling to perish. He lay there, buried, for centuries.


    The island eventually was settled by humans, insignificant creatures that spread like vermin. Their boats reached ever new shores and eventually they would cover all the known world. Kos became just another land for them to possess. They were none the wiser what relict of the past was buried below their careless feet.


    Yet Polybotes did never move, never made as much as a noise. It was not that he had lost his voice or his strength to move his lips. He simply felt nothing in his hollow heart. He had no desires or aspirations left. Time had eroded everything about him, like water did the rocks at the shore. The singular thing guiding his decade long thoughts was one thing: Spite.


    Though cowardice had guided him here, he knew in his soul that he was the last of his brethren. The coward was the sole survivor, the last remains of their legacy. He could not yield to that fate. Forevermore he would stay buried below this crushing weight, unable to rise or sink. Though his arms were turning to stone and his beard was becoming fossilized, his existence would persist. He would outlast even the Olympians and this world itself.


    He had no emotion left, no will of his own. Only this objective for revenge kept his limbs in place and the island above him. The eons of stillness made him no better than a statue. His eyes had long faded and his breathing was like the low rumbling of cave drafts.


    Then one day there was a change in his rigid existence. The cave that led to the base of the island was opened by an earthquake. Some disastrous battle may have shaken the foundations of the world. Perhaps another war? He cared not. His mind was too tired to think or feel. Only the weight on his shoulders mattered in eternity.


    The new cave entrance brought with it another change. Visitors. Animals were hiding from the rain and nested in the upper layers. Bats would find their home here now, although none ventured to the drafty breaths of the Giant below. By instinct they knew not to stir what rested in the depth.


    One creature defied instincts and reason however. The beings that had declared this island ¨C this prison ¨C their own. Humans. Humans were blind to the laws of the world unless they were dictated to them by the gods. Their curiosity was a tight leash that would drag them to the darkest places of the world. And so it happened that one of them entered the cave.


    It was a child, no older than a dozen summers. Their face was covered in mud and their hands had a shade of black and brown. No clothes to speak of, no meat on their bones. An outcast who was seeking shelter from rain and pain. This lonely stray thing had no reason to fear the warm depths. It walked the tunnels with a burning stick and soon enough came across the ancient face of the giant. Though they should have feared this visage, they did not show any emotion.


    Blind eyes that could not even perceive the light stared aimlessly into the nothingness and did not acknowledge the human. For all Polybotes knew was to hold up the island in perpetuity. The crushing weight never left. A painful existence without end.


    The child spoke to him many times, but he never listened, never responded. This creature was beneath him. The blink of a moment that it would breathe in his direction would be over in one slow beat of his crusty heart.


    Then, beyond his perception, something changed. It was small, ever so miniscule, but there was a change. Something the size of a pebble had changed. Every finger¡¯s length of the heavy island was deeply connected to the Giant, he knew its weight more than his own mind. It had changed. It had truly changed.


    ¡°Is it not heavy?¡± The child spoke, a pebble in its skeletal hand.


    Polybotes did not ¨C could not ¨C respond.


    It was heavy. So very heavy. His shoulders had ached for centuries, his back had threatened to rupture and crumble. Every moment of this spiteful existence was agony. In a single moment all the pain and regret rushed to him. To carry this burden was the only proof of his existence, but he could not help but feel a deep emotion rising from his core.


    The human child was not strong enough to move any more than a pebble or two. It could never free him, it had no reason to in the first place. But the concern in its voice and the action itself had moved the old Giant. Someone had acknowledged the weight of his existence. Someone, however little, had shared in this burden.


    The one thing he had never known in his long life of regret, shame and spite.


    A single moment of kindness.


    <hr>


    It was a strange dream to get lost in. A story that not many would know, one that she herself had never experienced. Old minds would sometimes wander and find themselves dipping into the history of the world itself. It had been a long time since she had a true dream. Sleep was a void and nightmares were a trial. But this was a dream. This was¡­ nostalgic.


    Medusa slowly opened her eyes. The supple light of the evening sun was caressing her face. It was a gentle light that comforted her sleepy eyes. And more than the warmth of the sun, she felt another warmth closer to her cheek. It was rested firmly against something rather soft and transient, much different from the warm rocks she slept on in the past. Her head was rested on that sensation, while one of her arms served as a support for her languid snake hair.


    This was so pleasant, so fulfilling. A feeling of ease had spread from the top of her head to the tip of her tail. She even found herself tapping said tip on the dusty tiles of the fallen temple in a strange rhythm. It matched a sound at the edge of her perception.


    It was low humming.


    ¡°Hmm hm hmmhm hm hmm~¡± Eugenia¡¯s gentle voice continued to dance in the air. She did not seem to follow any particular melody, which only made the sound more endearing to Medusa. If she had to pick a piece written by a poet or this aimless humming of an absentminded girl, she would obviously pick the latter.


    So the sensation against her cheek was the warm lap of Eugenia. Although she was rather thin and there was not much meat between her bones and Medusa¡¯s face, there was hardly any spot she would have rather rested on in this wide world. Blissful, yet embarrassed, she realized that she felt more rested than she had in decades. Strange dream aside, she had found a moment of Elysium just for herself. Or was it for the two of them?


    ¡°Are you awake, Medusa?¡± The girl seemed to have noticed her mind¡¯s presence and was leaning forward to brush the snake hair aside that was covering half of Medusa¡¯s face.


    This would not do. Eugenia¡¯s humming had stopped and soon enough she would realize Medusa¡¯s waking. How much longer until she would find some reason to cast her off her lap and move away then? This really would not do.


    ¡°Medusa?¡± She called her name again, but still received no response. The Gorgon was resting without any intention of moving. Her eyes stayed closed as if in deep slumber. ¡°Are you pretending to sleep?¡± The girl asked with a wry smile.


    Medusa¡¯s tail grew somewhat stiff in response to the pinpointed question, but she kept her breathing regular to avoid detection. She knew Eugenia¡¯s supernatural perception, so her act had to be flawless. On her pride as the Gorgon, she would not move or give herself away.


    ¡°Hm?¡± She rubbed the sleepy snakes under their chins and let them lick her hand with their flexible tongues. They seemed too groggy to realize what was going on. They tended to sleep or wake independently from Medusa, so their state was not a surefire giveaway.


    Medusa felt the girl¡¯s presence against her neck and arm. It was getting surprisingly hard to keep her pose for some reason. Like she was put on stage as one of those extras that would pretend to be statues or trees. When had she become so nervous that she could not control her muscles perfectly?


    ¡°I know that you don¡¯t snore.¡± She pointed out dryly.


    Of course she did not snore! If the girl had been fooled by that act she might have gotten angry, actually. Perhaps that should have been reason enough not to attempt it. Medusa felt quite foolish first thing after such a pleasant nap. It was a growing trend¡­


    ¡°Kokytos, is your mother awake?¡± Eugenia changed her approach and tickled one of the snakes fully awake. The humming noises coming from its long jaw somehow resembled the purring of a cat. The girl¡¯s gentle strokes across the slick scales seemed to please it greatly. For some reason these young¡¯uns had become infatuated with the human girl beyond reason and seemed to listen more to her than their mistress.


    That naming sense was still a mystery to the Gorgon. Against all of her objections, Eugenia had gone through with her goal to name every snake on Medusa¡¯s head. A futile undertaking, considering she could hardly tell them apart without visuals. Nonetheless, she kept calling them by the designated names and as far as she could tell, there was consistency to it. They even started reacting to those odd names.


    In truth, Medusa herself had no individual perception of these children, despite them being directly attached to her head. They were just one large nest of moody pests. And now they were pests with rather tasteless names. Eugenia chose to name them after the rivers that flowed through the Underworld and that place¡¯s drab territories. It was like Medusa was carrying the afterlife itself on her head.


    ¡®Kokytos¡¯ meanwhile wrapped itself around Eugenia¡¯s wrist in some irritating show of affection, uncaring of the strain on Medusa¡¯s skin this little motion caused. Just how had Eugenia tamed these damned things?


    ¡°Is that a piece of stone stuck under your scales? Let me clean that.¡± She absentmindedly cleaned the snake with her fingers. Had she already forgotten why she even talked to it? Although she was not wrong, as the snakes had no way to clean themselves by rolling over the ground while being attached to the Gorgon¡¯s head, unless she deigned to lie down in the dirt for some reason. The constant attention she gave them with such small services may have been her secret to taming them after all.


    It was irritating. Why? It just was.


    ¡°Hmph.¡± She made a low sound and readjusted her head a little so the snake wouldn¡¯t pull on her head any longer.


    ¡°Ah, done pretending?¡± Eugenia said in a rather teasing manner, which was quite upsetting.


    ¡°Is there a fault with my actions? May I not rest on your scrawny legs as long as I please?¡± She said in a biting tone that even surprised herself. She didn¡¯t really intend to sound quite so¡­ chagrinned.


    ¡°I do lose feeling in them at times. You sleep too much.¡± Eugenia said with merciless bluntness. To be clear though, she conveyed no ill feelings in those words. It was just the truth.


    ¡°That is not true.¡± She responded halfheartedly. She did not sleep that much. Far less than in the past. Ever since she had someone to wake to - someone who waited for her to awaken.


    The temperature of Medusa¡¯s blood seemed to rise, despite the descending sun. Her mind seemed to stray to unfortunate thoughts more often than she could accept. It was not how she wished to perceive herself, but a lot of things had changed. Many of them irreversibly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind if you want to move this to the lair later. I just need to take care of some things first.¡± She said with a soft sigh. Her legs twitched as she pushed her stiff muscles under Medusa¡¯s resting head. Just as expected, she had waited for an opportunity to leave.


    Medusa frowned slightly and purposely shifted her weight to hold her down. There had to be some way to keep her bound for a while longer.


    ¡°You cannot really tell them apart, can you?¡± She sprung the topic up at the last second. Eugenia tilted her head to the side and her hands softly touched the snake hair. It seemed that Medusa¡¯s suspicion had caught her attention, just as planned.


    ¡°Of course I do. Kokytos is this one. His scales are¡­ dark green. Then there is Archeron with the mud brown scales. And¡­ uhm, Lethe? She¡¯s dark¡­? I must have forgotten.¡± Her certainty was shaken a bit. ¡°Styx is the darkest, nearly black.¡± She patted the leftmost snake. ¡°The others¡­¡±


    Medusa listened to her muttering with half closed eyes and ears. How ironic for a blind woman to categorize these children by color. But her memory was consistent for the most part. Last time she had called them, she addressed them in the same order and positions. This proved that she was not just making it up as she went along. Still, her words had a distorted edge to them. Something about her perspective seemed off.


    ¡°How can you be so sure?¡± She interrupted the aimless mumbling of the girl with another question.


    ¡°I remember.¡± She said stiffly. ¡°Just like¡­ in the dream.¡± She held the snakes in her small hands. ¡°I remember their vivid colors, their spots.¡±


    Medusa knew as much. It was clear that Eugenia had strained herself to keep this knowledge inside her mind, when so much of it had been fleeting and dispersing like sand draining from open hands. This stubbornness she displayed was the same no matter how much they had changed. It was something to be admired, but somehow she could not feel proud of her this time.


    ¡°I see.¡± Surprisingly Medusa rose from the lap of her own accord and stretched her limbs with a long moan. ¡°Now that we are both awake, you will have to do your menial tasks, right?¡± She put a hand to Eugenia¡¯s sweaty forehead.


    ¡°Do you have to say it quite so disparagingly?¡± The girl pressed out. She seemed to enjoy the sensation of Medusa¡¯s touch enough to stay put, though.


    ¡°You are well aware that I will speak my mind bluntly. You will just have to bear with it. That is what you chose when you made your foolish vow, no?¡± Medusa¡¯s teasing always had a sharp edge to it, but contrary to what she expected, Eugenia smiled brightly in response.


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± She did not hesitate at all.


    A foolish expression befitting of a foolish girl. Medusa groaned and let go of her with a troubled mien. It seemed that her offensives had lost their claws recently. It was unfathomably hard to push thorns into that adorable face¡­ What was she even thinking?


    ¡°Be quick about it. I will be waiting downstairs.¡± Medusa crossed her arms and turned her face towards the lair.


    ¡°Wait a moment. I actually have a request.¡± Eugenia folded her hands pleadingly.


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°Could you check on the garden for me? I have to take care of the shellfish traps and the laundry, so I won¡¯t be able to before nightfall.¡± Her explanation was straightforward enough.


    Although nightfall should not matter to either of them, they had somehow found a rhythm that resembled that of humans on the other side of the ocean. Active during the day, resting at night. Not that Medusa was strictly adhering to that schedule, as she was a late sleeper. Or was she an early sleeper? She just tended to nap whenever it suited her. Maybe Eugenia was right about her habits after all.


    ¡°What is there to observe? The plants will not have grown much over a single day.¡± Medusa said with very little motivation.


    ¡°Gardening requires constant care! We have to make sure the hares didn¡¯t make their way inside, the weed overgrowth has to be kept in check and the then there is the water distribution-¡°


    ¡°I understand, please stop.¡± Medusa knew that if she didn¡¯t interject the girl would give her a lecture far longer than the time it would take to check on the damned thing. ¡°I will make certain that your shrubbery is not withered.¡± She waved with a yawn and slithered into the opposite direction.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Eugenia said with a wry smile and dusted off her legs to get moving towards the beach.


    Medusa¡¯s head shook left and right as she let her body move with her sluggish slithering. It was not like she needed an exorbitant amount of sleep, not at all. She could stay awake for weeks on end without blinking once. But to experience such a pleasant rest and to be deprived of it so soon, it was just not right. Eugenia¡¯s scent on her arm was already washed away by the evening breeze.


    She almost bit her tongue when she realized that she had been sniffing on it subconsciously.


    ¡°What is wrong with me?¡± She could really not accept her own actions. Yet surprisingly she also felt very little shame.


    Eugenia was hers.


    That was the truth of it all. Why should one not make full use of one¡¯s possessions? It was like being ashamed of always keeping one¡¯s ancestral sword on the hip or of wrapping their favorite himation around their shoulders every day. If she viewed it objectively, their relationship was really that simple. Easy. Convenient.


    That wasn¡¯t to say that the benefits were quite so one-sided. In a way, Medusa had to give far more in return. Eugenia would never appreciate just how much she had demanded from the Gorgon of all people. To lower herself to the eye level of a mere human was a great sacrifice!


    What a shabby way to treat Eugenia¡¯s kindness. Even Medusa hated herself for being so focused on self-deception. As she reached the new garden she closed her eyes and sighed deeply. The truth was that she did not understand her own heart anymore. Ever since that dream had ended, things just had been too overwhelming. An old soul like hers could not adapt to change to easily.


    She pushed the door open and looked inside the garden. It had no glass ceiling and it was far from expansive compared to the original, but it was still teeming with life. The olive trees were certainly standing tall and healthy, as if trying to mock her in particular. She frowned every time she saw them, which was one of the reason she tended to avoid this place. The only boon to their existence was the delight on Eugenia¡¯s face when she munched on the fresh olives. Medusa chuckled lightly at the mental image.


    She crouched down to pick one up. She had very little knowledge of gardening or harvesting, but even to her it was suspicious how much fruit these trees bore. Same went for the growth inside the earth. It appeared that they had greedily sucked up the nutrition and nectar of life around these parts and developed into something far more impressive than seemed possible. As much as she loathed that pompous harlot, she did still have that magic touch. A goddess of fertility not just in name.


    There would never be a day where Medusa would be thankful of the gods, especially not that aggravating woman, but she had stopped being bothered by the traces of their existence. It seemed that the changes in her had been far deeper than just a new appreciation of Eugenia¡¯s legs. Somehow the bottomless pit of fire inside her core had been extinguished. No amount of water had managed to douse it and yet just one kindness - one tear - had cooled it down.


    Had it not only been smoldering for decades? Naturally. In her lethargy and isolation, it had nearly lost all its luster. It had only been reignited by the recent events in the first place. Perhaps she had simply burned out. No more of her could be burned to ash. She had become unkindled. The flames that had torn away at her sanity, her very sense of self were no more¡­


    For some reason a new heat was gathering behind her eyes. How strange.


    She breathed in, took in the natural air tinged with the smell of plants and fertile soil. This was the essence of life, so unlike the scenery of destruction outside. A sanctuary build by her and Eugenia¡¯s hands. Why did she hate coming here again? She could not even remember anymore.


    There were no traces of hare burrows or gnawed greenery. The pests had been rather quiet lately, as if they were plotting something in their deep holes across the hillside in the east. Eugenia had been merciful lately and taken very few of them for meals. At some point Medusa had wondered if she had sworn off all meat even. Of course the shellfish traps were still in full use, so perhaps it was just a matter of preference. Medusa herself preferred the hearty taste of game over the slushy and terse meat that crustaceans provided.


    Maybe she should ask Eugenia to grill them some hare again. Her hands were so skilled at skinning them that it made Medusa¡¯s claws seem like blunt rocks in comparison. It was strange how she actually felt her mouth water just thinking about it. She should not have had such base things like an appetite. Eating was pleasurable to a degree, but there was no craving. There didn¡¯t use to be.


    A memory of Eugenia proudly handing her a prepared rabbit paw flashed past her inner eye.


    Ah. So that was why.


    ¡°Tsk.¡± She clicked her tongue in disapproval of her slightly swaying heart. ¡°Was there any reason for me to come here?¡± She grumbled and flicked her tail against the door to close it. The garden looked just fine to her. She had mostly forgotten the list of things Eugenia had recited, so she just considered the task completed.


    Right now she only wished to lie down in the lair and enjoy the softness of the furs and pillows they had spread out in it. Another undeniable boon left behind by the two-faced goddess. After Medusa had destroyed everything inside the lair during her lamentable state¡­ Eugenia had moved all the pillows and bedding from her tent down there to replace it. Never had a monster enjoyed such a cozy lair, she was certain of it.


    If she had to pick between the pillows and Eugenia¡¯s lap, she might have had a hard time. Not that she could ever let her know about those thoughts. It would irrevocably end in blood and another destroyed lair. She could almost hear the girl¡¯s soft voice mocking her.


    ¡°Empty¡­ again, it¡¯s empty¡­¡±


    That didn¡¯t seem very mocking. Her mind was acting stranger than usual. She rubbed her head and the snake hair hissed when she pressed down their bases. Maybe she really had slept too much and her brain had gotten loose. It was not completely unimaginable anymore. Not after how much she had experienced in her life.


    The rhythmic sound of the waves was a welcome melody that calmed her nerves. Tide in, tide out. Splashing against the cliffs and then crumbling back into the deep waters. With no cloud or sign of wind around them today, it was a rather peaceful sound. She felt soft goosebumps when the water brushed the rocks in a pleasant way.


    Medusa¡¯s cursed eyes sprang open.


    She was nowhere near the coast. This was as central as the island could be. The waves, the ocean, there was no way she could have heard it from here. Her ears were sharp, much better than any puny human¡¯s, but she could not hear across the entire island. In certain scenarios she was able to project her own voice across it, but that was a different matter.


    It was not an illusion, it couldn¡¯t be. She could hear the water so close to her ear, almost like if she put a seashell to it. A strange sense of nausea assailed her and she had to hold her head as if to prevent it from falling off her shoulders.


    ¡°What color are they? Red? Pink? Green? I can¡¯t¡­ remember.¡±


    These words were not her own, they were not in her head, yet she somehow heard them right next to her ears. That voice was unmistakably Eugenia¡¯s.


    It was happening again.


    <hr>


    At the cliff side, the lone girl sat with her legs halfway into the shallow water. The baskets that served as traps were empty today. Perhaps their bait had been insufficient. Most likely the shellfish had just gotten wise to their tricks. Whichever it was, today there would be no seafood for dinner.


    Eugenia somehow didn¡¯t seem too disappointed by that realization. Her milky eyes were just aimed at the ocean and her face unfocused. She was still trying to remember the color of the crabs she had seen in the ocean. No, that was not entirely accurate. She had never seen any crabs, it was just another her, inside a very long dream¡­


    ¡°Medusa, I thought you wanted to sleep in the lair?¡± She said with a twitch of her ears. The friction of scales on rock was just too distinctive for her to miss.


    ¡°And I expected you to be done with this already. I thought I better make sure you did not drown yourself by accident.¡± The Gorgon responded with reservation. It was strange how considerate she had been lately. Or was it?


    ¡°They are empty.¡± She pointed at the baskets to show her.


    ¡°I know.¡± The snake woman replied mysteriously.


    ¡°I see.¡± Eugenia furrowed her brows.


    ¡°They were light red.¡± She added.


    ¡°Really?¡± Eugenia seemed to consider that little bit of information deeply.


    ¡°You seem absentminded.¡± She rubbed against the cliff and let her tail sink into the low waves.


    ¡°Sorry about that. You wanted to tell me something?¡± She snapped out of it and turned around.


    ¡°I just said¡­ nevermind.¡± She put her hand on the girl¡¯s light head to hold her in place. ¡°I have been hearing it again.¡± Her words were serious.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Everything you hear.¡±


    Eugenia let her head hang and digested those words. It seemed like she felt a pang of guilt. It was something she had not quite under control yet. Not that she was sure if there was anything she could do about it, frankly.


    ¡°Does it¡­ hurt?¡± She asked meekly.


    ¡°Do not be foolish. How frail do you believe me already?¡± She lightly smacked the girl¡¯s head, which earned her a miffed expression. ¡°We both know that this is not a one-sided affair.¡± She really seemed intent on going all the way this time.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t hear your complaints from afar yet.¡± She said with a bit more spirit.


    ¡°Hmph. I am not some old nagging housewife.¡± She clearly felt her pride attacked by the remark and would lash out again. Maybe she really would have under normal circumstances. How close they had become, close enough for Medusa to always touch her without inhibitions. ¡°Why are you smiling now?¡±


    ¡°I just thought how glad I am that we can be together.¡± She replied honestly.


    ¡°Why you.¡± She seemed to recoil from Eugenia¡¯s excessive happiness. What a grumpy monster.


    It was the truth, though. For a long time Eugenia had tried to be closer to her beloved. For so long she had not realized the pain she had caused her simply by drawing near her. How incompatible they had been. The blessing on her ears had been a blade cutting away at Medusa¡¯s soul. Her proximity had been a poison. If she had known this before her return, she may have reconsidered.


    ¡­that was a lie. No matter how much she wanted to believe that, deep down she knew that she would have returned nonetheless. If she could not hear Medusa¡¯s voice at least one more time, she may never have been able to go on. Not returning to Sarpedon would have been the greatest mistake of her life.


    It was so incredibly selfish that she wanted to shrink into herself and disappear. How had she grown to be such a greedy woman? The answer to that question may have eluded her forever. Medusa¡¯s kindness was incredible. At least she was sure of that.


    ¡°Eugenia.¡± She flicked her finger a couple of times to gain her attention. She really hadn¡¯t heard Medusa¡¯s words at all. It seemed that she had drifted off into her own thoughts again. ¡°Please focus.¡±


    ¡°I am listening.¡± She said hastily.


    ¡°You cannot deceive me so easily. You have been acting strange, even for your standards. Why will you not tell me what is going on?¡± She was bothered aright. But there was no malice in her sharp voice, only concern.


    Indeed, where there was a push, there had to be a pull.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Eugenia replied once again. Always the same response.


    ¡°There is no chance that you are telling the truth.¡±


    The doubt hurt her heart deeply. It was like Medusa refused her mind itself. She was not lying, she truly could not imagine a single moment where she wished to lie to Medusa.


    It really was nothing. So much¡­ nothing.


    When she did the unthinkable, when their souls touched, something had changed. A blessing and a curse, they were in essence really similar. If they came from the same source of power, then they could be compatible. That was a simplified way to look at it, but it had been close enough to the truth. When that world collapsed, when they would have been forcefully torn apart, she had instead clung to Medusa with everything she could muster.


    A bond that transcended anything two people could share.


    And the consequences? She had not cared for the consequences and she still would not.


    ¡°Half a blessing, half a curse.¡± Medusa said with a deeply fragile voice. ¡°That is not what we shared.¡±


    Of course she was right. In the end, what was a blessing so minor compared to a curse so deep? It was like comparing a puddle of water with a lake, nay, even the ocean. Medusa had suffered so many centuries, while Eugenia had only been blessed for under two decades. In the end, what could she truly give? What could she bear? It was still not clear.


    All she knew was that her presence would no longer be a burden to Medusa. That was what mattered. To touch, to talk, to enjoy each other, that was what they had gained. No longer would the divine presence be a wall between them.


    She leaned her head against the Gorgon¡¯s cold shoulder. The heat of the sun had long since evaporated from the snake woman, but those toned arms were still giving her comfort. It seemed that after all she was the one who needed to sleep now.


    ¡°Not here.¡± Medusa said softly and pulled her up with one arm. The ocean water dripped off Eugenia¡¯s dainty feet and tanned legs. The sand that had gathered between her toes had washed off while they were submerged. The Gorgon was strong and could crush a large rock with one of her hands, but she was also able to carry a girl like a wolf mother would her pup.


    Thus Eugenia was carried over the cliff and onto land with ease and then even further across the temple grounds. Medusa really did not let her down. Would she take her all the way to the lair in this pose? It kind of made her heart beat faster.


    ¡°Your garden is in good health. The vermin has not been able to breach it yet, albeit they must be preparing a siege no doubt.¡± She jested. How unusual for her. Or was it?


    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Eugenia just giggled in response. She didn¡¯t mind this thoughtful side of Medusa¡¯s at all. To be coddled just a bit, wasn¡¯t that what love was all about?


    ¡°You were thinking of something audacious again.¡± The Gorgon commented when seeing the redness that had engulfed Eugenia¡¯s face. Her response was to squint her eyes suspiciously.


    ¡°Can we kiss?¡±


    ¡°Wha-?¡± Medusa hit her head against the low ceiling of the entrance to the lair. The snakes hissed in complaint at the undeserved treatment. The aching of her head was far exceeded by the pain of her shifting emotions. Even Eugenia could sense just how flustered the Gorgon was. ¡°Audacious.¡± She repeated with feigned countenance and descended the steps forcefully. If her lower half had not been a snake¡¯s, surely she would have tripped over her own feet.


    Eugenia closed her eyes. It had been worth a shot.


    <hr>


    Nighttime had come swiftly. The sun had descended as fast as a shifty snake with a girl in her arm. The lair was dark, but it was far from cold. The softness of their ¡®nest¡¯ was accompanied by surprising warmth.


    Eugenia had made it a habit to press herself into the winding curves of Medusa¡¯s tail. It was hard to fathom why she was so comfortable with this arrangement, as Medusa considered her scales quite hard and rough. To herself that sensation was no trouble, but she could have slept on cold hard ground without a care. For a human girl, this must have been fairly unpleasant. Yet this girl was sleeping like an infant, complete with that satisfied expression.


    ¡°Will it leave a mark?¡± She wondered. Sometimes when she awoke next to Eugenia she could see a scale pattern pressed into the girl¡¯s thin cheeks. It was as if she enjoyed to be marked by the Gorgon¡¯s body. That thought was surely badly worded¡­


    The painful attacks, the constant pressure she had felt in the past was gone. They could embra- be in contact with each other without inhibition. That was something she truly appreciated in her own way. But it also allowed the human to overstep her boundaries. Boundaries? Perhaps those did simply not exist for two beings who had touched each other¡¯s souls on such an intimate layer.


    Intimate¡­ Unwanted memories plagued her again. The moment that had sealed their fate and bound them forever. Why did it have to be so uncouth? A kiss. Why a kiss? Did it really matter? It was not the first time their lips had been pressed together. It could not matter, she had said as much before. She had decided that it would not.


    She caught her eyes glancing at the girl¡¯s mouth again. Steady breathing softly parted her full lips in the same pattern over and over. That small cheeky mouth had somehow covered her own. Really, what meaning was there to such an act? It was just flesh meeting flesh, no different from any other part of their body.


    It couldn¡¯t mean anything.


    That was a lie. Eugenia had made sure that it did mean something. Their exchange, the new bond between them and all of this happiness were tied to it. What a devious scheme. For a former priestess, the girl sure was acting more like a witch. Even Circe could not have played with her victims so audaciously. That word again. Medusa felt like her vocabulary was degrading the more embarrassed she got.


    If Eugenia truly wished for it, then she would probably not deny her. It was not much in the way of repayment, but she had to acknowledge that the girl had gone so far for her sake that she could not refuse her forever. Was it really so simple? Her thoughts were just going in circles tonight.


    ¡°Nnngh.¡± Suddenly the girl moaned and opened her milky eyes. She had managed to wake up at the worst time. Medusa hastily stiffened her cheek muscles and pretended to be dozing off. Eugenia yawned cutely and then put her face back on the tail. Something about her expression was distant. ¡°Lady Athena¡­¡±


    Medusa¡¯s heart stopped moving. It was like her veins froze over and left her completely deprived of circulation. Her cursed eyes turned to slits.


    ¡°The offering has to be¡­ the finest milk.¡± Eugenia spoke slowly with a somber voice.


    ¡°You¡­¡± She could barely stop herself from shaking the girl fully awake. To hear her speak that woman¡¯s name, even if half-asleep, was too grating.


    ¡°But there are¡­ no cows in the Akropolis?¡± She whispered. ¡°If you buy it from farmers, it will take a while to get there¡­ but then it is not fresh anymore.¡±


    What was this utterly foolish talk about? A conundrum from her past?


    ¡°It has to be fresh¡­ so you have to move the cow to the temple. But the cow needs to stay somewhere¡­ and then it has to be fed, but there is no grass on the Akropolis for it to eat.¡± It seemed to really bother her. ¡°Then they made stables and brought food for it¡­ In the end, isn¡¯t the Akropolis just a farm? They wanted to be above such things, but coin cannot buy fresh milk¡­ they still needed the cow. The cow had to come to them.¡±


    ¡°You are making no sense.¡± She muttered with the corner of her mouth turning downwards.


    ¡°If Lady Athena wanted fresh milk, why did they not¡­ offer it at the farm¡­?¡± Her tired face seemed to be drifting in an out of consciousness.


    ¡°There is meaning to places. It is the vanity of the gods.¡± Medusa finally responded to end this nonsensical philosophical episode.


    ¡°It has to come to that place. The milk is only the end result, but the cow is what matters. No, is it the freshness? The cow makes it fresh¡­ so that means¡­¡± She nodded off again.


    How aggravating. Now Medusa felt both angry and unsatisfied. There would be no conclusion to these thoughts; that much she could tell. Was this a form of torture?


    Eugenia was more introspective lately. She seemed to think about all kinds of matters, in grueling detail. What was going on inside that head of hers? Medusa had lost the ability to predict her words. It was not as if she had been able to read this odd girl¡¯s mind in the past, but there was a straightforward honesty to her words. The simplicity of a child maybe?


    ¡°I cannot abide by it.¡± She said with a shadow crossing her face in the light of the glowing moss behind them. What could she not accept? It should have been obvious.


    Eugenia was not allowed to think of that vile woman. Not when she was this close to Medusa. Not when she bore the mark of her scales on her foolish face. She was hers.


    ¡°Say my name.¡± She demanded. It was a low, greedy sensation that crossed her lips. She had put her lips to Eugenia¡¯s ear to make sure she could not ignore it.


    ¡°Medusa.¡± She said obediently and smiled. Had she truly ever slept? Right now it seemed like everything had just been one incredible ruse. Of course that was just her imagination, as the girl snored quickly after. Even in her sleep she was causing havoc inside the Gorgon. More accurately, it seemed the girl was the most dangerous when asleep, all things considered.


    What could she do? If one word could be so destructive, even if she had clamored for it, then how was she ever supposed to recover? There was nothing that could save Medusa from this feeling anymore. It was unavoidable.


    Eugenia was definitely hers.


    ¡°And I am¡­¡±


    <hr>


    A single pebble had ended the legacy of the Giants.


    It had been a single moment of lost focus, a single heartbeat of relief that had caused it all to crumble. Polybotes had sensed it for just a moment, before he was crushed. The weight of Kos had finally overwhelmed him. Centuries of struggle had ended in an instant. If spite was what had kept the weight from crushing him, then kindness had pulled it down.


    A fragile dying human child with a pebble was the end of it all.


    The Giant had no time to mourn his failure, he had no thoughts left to think in his painfully slow mind. The end was swifter than the death of his brethren, yet he felt no loss. In his last moment, he finally had felt acknowledged. The pain of his struggles was shared, if ever so slightly.


    The child dropped the pebble as it witnessed the landslide that pushed the giant into the heart of the earth. Eventually he may have reached the Underworld, as Gaia spat his corpse out. He had failed her, had failed them all. In the end Poseidon had won.


    It was not force, wrath, hate and spite that could topple gods and monsters. It was kindness, the size of a pebble.

 Chapter 68: Perseus and the impending storm

    It was awfully dark. Uncomfortably heavy. Like being buried in a shallow grave. Not that he had ever experienced such a scary fate before. He was too young to understand the fear of death or at least he was told so by the adults. The children around him were all silent, obedient and looked at him with distant eyes whenever he approached them. How did youth differ from being a weary adult in this place?


    He took a deep breath and forced the hay covered animal skins from his small body. The air in the hut was unbearably humid, but the golden straws stuck in his mouth and nose felt utterly dry. He spat out the hay and wiped his face in agitation. The flimsy veil of moonlight streaming through the cracks of the wooden walls illuminated the scuttling of bugs around his feet.


    Perhaps it would have been better to stay asleep, but the dreams that plagued him made him shake all night and prevented his body from resting. It was quiet. Too quiet. He needed to hear her voice¡­ He realized that he was all alone in this suffocating place. She wasn¡¯t here. She didn¡¯t sleep by his side. This made him crawl over the ground in fear. Her bedstead was empty, the hay were she usually slept lay untouched.


    ¡°-sleep¡­ -morrow-¡±


    His ears perked up. Words were coming from the room next door. He could not tell who the voice belonged to, but he desperately scrambled for the door. He didn¡¯t want to be alone in the darkness!


    Unfortunately he tripped on some loose rock and slammed his face into the dirt. He silently cried out into the earth and held his pulsing leg. As he curled up and grit his teeth he could hear more of the voices next door.


    ¡°Listen to me please.¡±


    ¡°I want to, Danae, which is why I came at night like you asked.¡± A man¡¯s numb voice echoed off the walls. ¡°I just don¡¯t see why we could not have discussed this during daylight.¡±


    ¡°Forgive me, I know I am relying on your kindness due to my selfish fear alone.¡± Danae replied apologetically.


    She was there! Her soothing voice finally reached him. It made the thunder in his head go away. If he reached her, he could finally breathe again! To that end he forced himself on his scraped leg and stumbled towards the door. It was old, weak, barely more than a piece of wood placed against a gap in the wall. He pushed his body against it. The old splintered wood was not budging at all.


    Why? He wanted to cry out in frustration, but his choked up voice could not leave his lips. He couldn¡¯t breathe!


    ¡°You are a mysterious woman indeed. But I confess that I cannot distrust you. The kindness which you show to the animals and your son¡­¡± He stopped himself.


    ¡°He is asleep.¡± She seemed to answer his unspoken inquiry.


    ¡°Are you hiding things from him as well?¡±


    ¡°Please do not say it like that. He is just a boy.¡± She seemed distraught.


    ¡°I apologize. It seems the night has me caught in an odd mood. I came to let you speak your mind, not to interrogate you. Please speak freely.¡± He seemed to gulp down some liquid and exhaled slowly.


    ¡°Lord Dyctis, you are a good man.¡±


    ¡°Titles are not necessary. I am merely a fisherman.¡± He replied with a weak chuckle.


    ¡°And the king¡¯s younger brother.¡± She added.


    ¡°That too, at times.¡±


    They spoke as if they didn¡¯t even know he was struggling behind the door. They could not tell he was fighting to join them. They may as well have been behind the well protected walls of a distant castle. He sank down the wooden barrier and pressed his throbbing head against it. The smallest crack of light hit his eye and blinded him. There was a gap in the door. A natural slit that had grown inside the tree it was crudely made from. He peeked through it and finally laid eyes on her.


    Mother.


    He could still not speak, but he could feel his heartbeat calm itself when he finally saw her soft features in the torch¡¯s layered light. She was sitting with her legs angled backwards to the side and held a bowl of clear water in her hands. Her expression was¡­ melancholy.


    ¡°Danae, you are no farmer¡¯s wife either. When I fished you out of that horrible storm, you were clad in the finest garbs.¡± He could not stop himself from making inquiries it seemed. His curious brown eyes quickly widened in realization that he did it again and shifted to his own bowl of water.


    ¡°You are right. Noble blood flows through our veins.¡± She admitted.


    ¡°I knew it!¡± Dyctis seemed slightly elated. ¡°You appear to be so much more, that is all I could tell. Everyone can. Even the foragers that live close by called you a rich merchant¡¯s daughter.¡± He hastily added.


    ¡°I am just me. My lineage is not written on my face, I am sure.¡± She seemed uncomfortable with the perception of those around her. ¡°Please promise me that you will not speak of this to them.¡±


    ¡°My lips are shut tightly. Until you are ready to tell them yourself I shan¡¯t speak to any of the villagers about it.¡± He nodded emphatically.


    ¡°Thank you. I don¡¯t want them to treat us differently tomorrow.¡± She smiled sheepishly. ¡°The people of Seriphos have taken us in. Us, complete strangers without a home or past. The grace of the king and his people has moved me deeply. Especially yours.¡±


    ¡°I have done little but to give you a place to stay. This hut is not suited for living anymore, honestly. If you would just come to my home-¡± His urgent tone was interrupted by Danae¡¯s soft headshake.


    ¡°I cannot impose on you any more than this. Thank you again.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡± He said dissatisfied, but relented.


    ¡°Dyctis, this place could be our home. I want to raise Perseus here quietly until he grows tall and strong enough to understand the truth as well.¡±


    She spoke his name. The motherly love with which she said it released the invisible grip on his throat and he finally managed to breathe again. His eyes nearly welled up with tears from relief. He wished to embrace her right now.


    ¡°He has grown into a boy already. When you held him in your arms back then, he was no more than an infant.¡± Dyctis spoke with a certain fondness as well. ¡°I always wondered how a mother with her newborn had made it through the raging sea.¡±


    The sea. The storm. The thunder.


    Once again he sank to his knees and held his throat and throbbing chest. Memories he could not possibly remember welled up like the tears that had not come out. His mind remembered things he could not remember. The pain in his throat was unbearable. Mother!


    ¡°My father cast us out.¡± Danae confessed.


    ¡°You mean to say¡­ your own father put you into that coffin?¡± Dyctis eyes widened in a mix of shock and outrage.


    ¡°Perhaps it was his lingering love for me that led him to do it.¡± She said with a tender expression.


    ¡°What kind of love throws your own kin into the cold sea?!¡± Now Dyctis seemed truly furious.


    ¡°Please calm yourself.¡± She begged.


    ¡°But you must feel resentment for his actions! Why did he throw his daughter and grandson away? Where was your husband during this?¡± The questions became more urgent.


    ¡°I am not wed.¡± She admitted. With her head lowered she waited for something, perhaps disgust or rejection. There was no mother on this island without a husband. A woman needed a man, a child needed a father.


    But he had no father. He had only her. He only wanted her.


    ¡°Is that why you were cast out?¡± Dyctis was covering his mouth with one hand and gave her a thoughtful look.


    ¡°In a sense.¡± She sighed. ¡°My father was afraid of my son, of what he could become.¡± She put down her empty bowl and filled it with more glistening water. The weak light of the candles was reflected inside it. ¡°A seer told my father a horrible prophecy that his grandson would become a horrible murderer. Someone who would endanger our entire lineage.¡±


    What? She was talking about him. He was the murderer. He was the misfortune that the seer foresaw. What prophecy had declared him the source of all disaster? Why did she look so sad?


    ¡°Who was this seer?¡±


    ¡°I do not know.¡± She admitted. ¡°He met with my father long before my time.¡±


    ¡°So you believe that prediction?¡±


    ¡°I will never believe that my son could be evil.¡± She suddenly raised her head high and returned Dyctis gaze with pride and strength. ¡°He is no murderer and he never will be.¡±


    His strangled throat loosened and sucked in the stale air again. The words of his mother soothed his drumming heart, the dark specters that clasped his limbs were pushed away.


    ¡°Your father didn¡¯t share your belief.¡± Dyctis surmised.


    ¡°He is very old and so afraid. I could not convince him to see reason. So when Perseus was born, I jumped into the sea with him rather than let him drift away alone.¡± She choked up a little and suppressed her tears.


    ¡°I am so sorry. I had not known your circumstances, yet I presumed¡­¡±


    ¡°Do not apologize to me. It was my decision, just as it is to tell you my story. You were the one who found us adrift in that storm. Only your courageous actions preserved our lives. I can never repay my debt to you.¡± She meant every word.


    ¡°If you really feel that way then reconsider my offer one more time. I may not be able to be your son¡¯s father, but I can still protect you two. This kingdom is my brother¡¯s to rule and he can be reasoned with. You will not have to toil away on a field or risk your life at sea as long as you promise to work for the palace. It may be below your former status, but it¡¯s all I can do if you wish to keep quiet about your lineage.¡± He put a hand on hers and gave her a serious look. It was apparent that he wanted the best for them.


    ¡°You are right. You could not be my son¡¯s father, for you showed him all the care that his real father never would.¡± A tear ran down her alabaster cheek.


    ¡°¡­where is that man now?¡± Dyctis let go of her hand and closed his eyes regretfully.


    ¡°He is watching over him, I am sure of it. One day¡­ he will reveal himself to our son.¡±


    His eyes were shaking. He saw a vision overlaid with his current reality. Danae sat in the hut, Danae was sitting inside a cold gray tower. She was holding a bowl ¨C she was holding a golden comb.


    The abandoned princess sat alone in her prison, humming a stray melody. The world outside the window was covered in endless gray. The comb went through her long, beautiful hair, painfully slow. A gust picked up her bangs and revealed her chestnut eyes that perceived the world in such colorless hues. She was waiting. Waiting for someone. Something. Anything.


    Thunder!


    The clouds outside were growing larger and more abundant. Distant thunder mixed with the crackling of light. They moved her way, overhung the tower and cast a shadow over the open roof. The plants that were growing in winding spirals through the wooden grates seemed to magically unwind, backing away from the prickling air.


    The princess raised her head as if in trance.


    Drip.


    Gold. A golden drop. As gold as the comb in her hair. The first drop had touched her cheek and ran down like a tear. The sadness of her imprisoned mind taken unnatural form.


    Drip drip drip.


    The next ones covered her forehead. Three marks that ran like a crown.


    She could not avert her eyes from the storm clouds that floated above her prison. The golden rain they released was like their tears. The warm liquid gold that wished to cover her whole and engulf her in a protective layer.


    The comb fell to the ground and left behind a numb echo.


    Soon the princess was drenched in gold, her eyes opened wide and her mouth shut tight, unable to scream. She stood still as a statue, the most beautiful one ever crafted. The gold seeped into her very being, seeking to unite with the woman, wishing to be one!


    Inhuman, impassionate, it was forceful, yet gentle. Her mind was lost soon in the rivulets of gold and the world¡¯s gray was drenched in the hues of shining metal and sweetest honey. Her skin was covered in its shining sheen, but it felt as if it was glazed in molten iron. This was not a protective shell, it was a suffocating embrace!


    The princess was powerless until the very end.


    When her mind returned the gold had been washed away by acceptance and shame alike. Now there was only a woman, completely bare to the world. For a single heartbeat she missed the golden skin, but then she wished nothing more than to shed everything, even the flesh on her bones.


    As the woman sank to her knees she held her belly and gasped for air. It had felt like a lucid dream and yet she knew it was real. That golden rain had caressed her very soul and left behind¡­ something.


    The feeling of loss set in and her body shook in pain and revulsion. Tears clear, not gold, escaped her eyes.


    The illusion, the present, the dream, they all overlapped and in all three he stood outside the door, unable to reach her. He banged his fist against the door and called for her, over and over again. He needed her to look at him, only then could he turn her eyes away from the things she should not face!


    He would not accept it. He could never accept it. Not her, she was the only one who did not deserve to suffer.


    The word that had been tied to his tongue, finally was loosened like the bow from a string. He rattled at the door and pushed his head against the hole. He called out again.


    ¡°MOTHER!¡±


    <hr>


    He stretched out his cramped hand and grasped for the door. All he could fetch was the empty air. His sweat soaked hair clung to his face as he desperately called for his mother again. Yet the cold air received nothing but his hoarse incoherent voice.


    It took him a few moments to clear his head and realize he was awake. The morning light stung his eyes, so he shielded them with his bruised hands. In his momentary blindness he was unable to tell where exactly he was lying.


    ¡°Gods, what torments you so?¡± Someone said close to his head. Quickly someone leaned into his blurry vision and pressed a cold wet rag over his face.


    ¡°Blegh, not in my mouth.¡± Perseus swiped it away and spat out the foul tasting drops that had entered his mouth. His survival instinct had kicked in late, especially because ever spot on his body seemed to be in unending pain.


    ¡°Y-You¡¯re aw-w-w-wake!¡± That stuttering boy¡¯s voice was all too familiar, as was the intense embrace he received without warning.


    ¡°Ouch.¡± He pressed out the pain alongside the air from his lungs. ¡°Easy there, Ajax.¡± He frowned for a moment, but then he smiled weakly.


    ¡°I th-thought you wouldn¡¯t wake up again! S-s-so worried.¡±


    ¡°I remember being inside a shack¡­¡± he rubbed his forehead and then quickly looked around. ¡°It collapsed! How did you get me out of there?¡±


    ¡°Phokas helped me dig you ou-ou-out. It wasn¡¯t easy, cut up my hands badly.¡± He showed off his bruised hands, although it was hard to tell if this really was from the digging or the beating he took yesterday.


    ¡°Who is Phokas?¡± He furrowed his brows.


    ¡°He¡¯s a s-sailor who lives in the area.¡± He pulled aside some linen from their hideout and revealed they were resting in a hidden corner of the port. Their small boat was tied down close by as well. And sitting on top of that unremarkable vessel was¡­


    ¡°You!¡± Perseus forced his heavy legs up and rushed towards the man who was inspecting the badly maintained hull right now. In an instant he reached him and scared him nearly to death. He was about to jump into the water, but Perseus managed to grab his arm and pull him back. He instantly pushed him down and locked him to the ground with his body.


    ¡°No, please no more pain!¡± The sailor squealed and covered his head with his free arm.


    ¡°You are the man from the hut. Who attacked us? What do you know?¡± He gritted his teeth through the pain that went through his torso and kept pushing.


    ¡°Please stop that! Phokas is a good person!¡± With surprising strength, Ajax pulled him off the sailor. He then squatted down and gave the frightened man a hand. ¡°He is scared, but he still stuck with me to make sure you were fine.¡±


    After looking back and forth between his old friend and the timid sailor Perseus lowered his head. He had been acting overly cruel due to his horrible state of mind after that nightmare. There was no reason to manhandle the black haired sailor after he had seen just how much he had been abused. That would make him no better than whoever did this to him.


    ¡°I apologize.¡± He sat down cross-legged on the shaking boat and put his hands on his knees. ¡°It¡¯s good to meet you properly Phokas. My name is Perseus and you are already familiar with Ajax.¡±


    ¡°Mh, yes. Very good boy.¡± He nodded frantically.


    ¡°If it is fine with you, would you answer Perseus questions? Only if you can.¡± Ajax speech was unusually stable around the bruised man. It was like he was handling a child.


    ¡°Phokas is¡­ I¡¯m a sailor who went to very dangerous place. Barely escaped with life. Then when crew went to Athens all slaves freed and Phokas¡­ I was left behind.¡± His speech was stilted and broken, making clear his foreign roots.


    ¡°You were a slave?¡±


    ¡°Rowing ships across sea.¡± He nodded.


    ¡°So when the expedition returned they ended your slave contracts and let you go free. Then you started working in the harbor on Hegord¡¯s recommendation.¡± Perseus put the pieces together quickly and rubbed his tired eyes. ¡°But do you know who imprisoned you in that rundown shack?¡±


    ¡°That is Phokas home!¡± He replied indignantly.


    ¡°¡­right. But who locked you in there and did¡­ that to you?¡± He waved over the former sailor¡¯s many burn marks and bruises.


    ¡°Hooded men. Bad men. Beat Phokas to tell them things, but Phokas- I not know.¡± He rubbed his greasy black hair with both hands as if to shield the head from another beating.


    ¡°They were asking you about Typhos.¡±


    ¡°Yes! Scholarman who paid ships. Phokas never spoke to scholarman. No idea what happened to.¡± His words seemed almost second nature as if he had spoken them many times before.


    ¡°He perished on that island.¡± Perseus said with a sigh. ¡°Can you describe your tormentors?¡±


    ¡°Hooded, very scary, cruel.¡± His darkened eyes recalled things he would have prefered to forget.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t give us a lot to go on.¡± Perseus turned to Ajax. ¡°Was there anything useful around the rubble when you dug me out?¡±


    ¡°N-Nothing, sorry. I dug around and found you shielding Phokas with your body and then he helped me get you out. Everything else was just rotten wood and ash.¡±


    ¡°Good men!¡± The sailor suddenly called out. ¡°Phokas wants to thanks you for saving.¡± His head went almost down to the dirty pier.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t¡­¡± To say he did it unintentionally and on instinct would have perhaps sounded callous. ¡°¡­a big deal.¡±


    ¡°Was big to me! Only got one life, so I have life burden now. Phokas will assist good men with everything I can.¡± He slapped his chest and winced at the burning pain.


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    ¡°That is honorable of you, but we are on a mission that is too perilous for outsiders.¡± He raised his hand dismissively before his eyes widened. He had almost forgotten why he was even here. The reason he had made his way to this confusing and foreign port. ¡°You were with the expedition, so do you perhaps know the way to Sarpedon?¡± He hoped against hope by now.


    ¡°Evil island of monster? Phokas knows route.¡± He nodded excitedly, happy to be helpful.


    Perseus and Ajax looked at each other in disbelief and then turned back to Phokas with all their attention. They grabbed him by the shoulders and asked him the details so frantically that he shrunk back.


    ¡°Can you make a map?!¡±


    ¡°How many days will it take to get there?¡±


    ¡°Phokas- I remember how to navigate because I assist Captain Pelagios. But he better sailor, he captain. I not sure how good map I could make.¡± He shrank away a little.


    ¡°We should at least try! Let¡¯s get a sea map and work from there.¡± Ajax seemed fired up.


    ¡°Our funds have run a bit low. We still need to get new supplies.¡± Perseus looked into his coin pouch and then at their dwindling resources. The barely covered holes in the boat that Phokas had inspected before were also a worrying matter. Now that the journey to the cursed island seemed feasible he was having more second thoughts.


    ¡°I w-w-will go again. This time there wo-won¡¯t be anyone who can stop me from b-b-bringing it all back. Maybe I can find some ch-ch-cheap stuff.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± He hastily put a hand to Ajax chest to stop him. When he saw his distraught expression he decided to add more. ¡°You are in bad shape and they already know your face. If these lowlifes find you it would be terrible. Instead I would ask you to watch over the boat and make sure that it won¡¯t be found. Can I trust you with this?¡±


    ¡°¡­yes.¡± He nodded eventually.


    ¡°Phokas, you are not safe in this city and where we are going is even more deadly. There might be a place where we can get a map and give you shelter at the same time. Can I ask you to come along with me?¡±


    ¡°Will go wherever young master wants!¡± He said with a subservient tone.


    ¡°I am not your master.¡± He replied seriously.


    ¡°Phokas life is yours.¡± That was his unshakable stance it seemed.


    Just another weight on his shoulders.


    <hr>


    It was a sunny day in Athens and that meant people were both more active and sweatier. The hustle and bustle of the day was completely different from the quiet business of the night. The city never slept, but this was what it sounded, smelled and looked like when it had reached its full waking state.


    Perseus had never seen anything of this scale before. The harbor was one thing, but this was like an ant hill made of people. It was almost unsettling.


    Right behind him he felt Phokas shift around under the tattered coat he had been wrapped in by the duo. His burned and bruised flesh still stood out, but seeing the state of some of the slaves around town made clear that nobody truly cared about such details. It was like they were invisible in plain sight, the crowd could only see wherever the waves of desire would take it.


    Their trek across the now illuminated districts was arduous and inconvenient, but eventually they reached their destination. The Akropolis. Perseus had seen it several times last night, but under the sun it was like a white beacon on top of the largest hill. Surrounded by a cage of walls and newly erected state of the art gate, this thing seemed prepared for a siege.


    They climbed the hill carefully as they passed carts and the occasional wanderer. At the gate they were stopped by an intimidating amount of guards who seemed even more sleep deprived than the Nightwatch. It only caused them to be more irritable.


    ¡°Permit?¡± A long bearded man asked them, his eyes nearly completely hidden behind his helmet.


    ¡°We come to visit the Archon Themistokles.¡± Perseus replied with his head held high.


    ¡°You and half of the city. Permit.¡± He held out his hand.


    ¡°What is a permit?¡±


    ¡°Seriously?¡± The guard sighed and rammed his spear into the dirt. ¡°No permit, no passage.¡±


    Perseus had already experienced the joy of checkpoint controls at the harbor district, but somehow he got the impression that there would be little point in trying to pay off all these guards to let them pass. It really was a fortress. But with so many people coming and leaving there was still more than enough flow. That meant all these merchants and travelers had permits.


    ¡°I insist that you let us see Themistokles. He personally asked me to bring him any information he could find useful.¡± He didn¡¯t budge from his spot. The guards glared him down.


    ¡°Show some respect for the Archon, servant scum.¡± The guards towered above him now and flexed their biceps intimidatingly. They apparently had mistaken them for servants due to their worn out clothes and lamentable appearance. If not workers they could have made for believable street thugs fresh from a brawl.


    ¡°This man¡¯s information could be vital for the safety of your city.¡± Perseus stood his ground and put an arm before Phokas to shield him.


    ¡°Growing tired of your tall tales, boy. If you came here to beg for scraps then you can get them in a cell.¡±


    ¡°Or we will just give you a free beating. That should sate you rightly!¡±


    They were not joking. It was a hostile and vile peace they kept around here. Perseus doubted their integrity and honor with each word that left their lips. Their refusal to listen to the words of warning reminded him of his king back on Seriphos. It made his stomach churn.


    It seemed that a confrontation was inevitable. He counted his opponents and wondered if he could take them out before the gate would be closed. Then there was still the man at his back who was defenseless. The situation seemed more unfavorable by the moment.


    ¡°Will this take much longer? Not all of us have time for a friendly chat!¡±


    They all turned their heads towards the sharp voice of a young man who had walked the path to the gate as well. He seemed to have skipped the line quite a bit too as the disgruntled faces behind revealed. His body was clad in the finest ¨C yet also practical ¨C himation out of anyone they had passed. His stubble was so fresh that he could only have come off age recently. And his youthful eyes were filled with more than just exasperation. There was a sharp glint behind the young exterior.


    ¡°These servants are making some trouble, but you can just show your permit to my colleague.¡± The long bearded guard pointed to the other line.


    ¡°There are only two men before me, so why should I change my line?¡± The young man replied and crossed his arms. ¡°I have business at the palace, so hurry it up.¡±


    The palace? This guy seemed to be more important than his appearance would let on. The palace was well visible even from downhill. A place build for kings, a remnant of the old Athens. Now the city was ruled by Archons and power was divided. That meant this man could have served any faction and it would be impossible to tell. Was this an opportunity?


    ¡°Are you working for Themistokles?¡± Perseus took the chance.


    ¡°Hey, stop bothering the ambassador!¡± The guard tried to grab him by the shoulder, but Perseus dodged him without turning his head.


    ¡°You got quite the mouth on you, hm?¡± The young man replied with a raised brow. ¡°I know Themistokles, but I don¡¯t work for him. And I thank Lady Athena for that bit of luck every day.¡± It did not seem like he was much more respectful than him. The guards all seemed at a loss.


    ¡°We have important things to discuss with him that regard the future of your city. Can you get us a permit?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough-¡± The guard stepped in, but was immediately rebuked by the young man¡¯s raised hand.


    ¡°There is something about you that reminds me of someone I know. You have no fear stepping before the rulers of this city? Is your case that pressing?¡± He cupped his chin thoughtfully.


    ¡°Why should I fear them?¡± He tilted his head curiously.


    ¡°Hah. Why indeed?¡± He seemed amused for just a moment. ¡°You seem the sort that he would get acquainted with. A stranger coming to aid a city that he does not call his home.¡± He put a hand to his head and sighed. ¡°This isn¡¯t my city either. Let¡¯s see if you can be of use to her in ways I couldn¡¯t.¡± He walked towards the guard who was ready to snap at the ragged men and pushed a wooden seal into his palms. ¡°I will be taking these two to the temporary town hall.¡±


    ¡°Ambassador, you can¡¯t just pick up any mutts you find in the gutter. This is a matter of securi-!¡±


    ¡°When I came to this city to ask for aid, I was treated as a prisoner and criminal. Yet the true villain sat on the other side of the table and ruled this city with an iron fist. My dear friend was the one who shed Athena¡¯s light on these corrupt halls and made things right. To refuse the goodwill of others, to think ourselves above outsiders is what makes us more like that man. I may not be of Athens, but for the sake of our alliance, I wish only the best for Attica.¡± He took back the permit and waved the other two to follow him.


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Archon Themistokles was a stranger just like them once. He should judge whose word he considers righteous.¡± Although he was young enough to be the guardsman¡¯s son, he somehow completely eclipsed him with presence alone and stepped past the checkpoint. The duo followed him with measured steps and Perseus intentionally ignored the glares around him.


    Phokas shook a little when they finally passed the gate and stepped into the Akropolis proper. It was a tightly woven district of architecture and splendor. The palace at the far end, the huge temple to their left and¡­


    Perseus squinted his eyes when he saw the cordoned off rubble of a burned down building. Most of it was already carted away, but the destruction had left scars in the area that would not heal so quickly. This entire place reeked of barely hidden conflict. The tension in the air was still palpable.


    ¡°That is the old town hall. It was destroyed during the fight for the Akropolis.¡± The well-dressed ambassador explained after following his gaze.


    ¡°This place is still recovering.¡± He understood now why security had been so overzealous.


    ¡°It was far worse not too long ago. At least they finally scrubbed the blood from the walls.¡± He said with a dark tone and then urged them to follow him.


    Perseus hesitated one more moment when he took a long look at the temple on the far left side. He was not truly familiar with temples, as Seriphos only had a small shrine dedicated to Poseidon, but he could tell from its splendor and location that it was the most important one. For this city that meant it belonged to the patron goddess.


    His mind returned to the prior day and the words of the odd meddlesome man he had met. According to his advice he should have visited that temple before his journey to slay the monster. Prophecy and divine providence were important to journeys like theirs and yet¡­ he had no desire to seek out the gods.


    He took a few extra steps to catch up to their guide. Phokas always stayed right behind him, never leaving his side. The sound of sandals against tiled ground was increasing as they hurried along.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t introduced myself yet. I am Therses of Eretria.¡± The ambassador spoke up as they closed in on the gates of the palace courtyard.


    ¡°Perseus. This is my friend, Phokas.¡± He dutifully responded and took a mental note on Therses. He didn¡¯t ask where they were from.


    ¡°How do you know the Archon?¡± He asked instead.


    ¡°We met last night. It was a complicated matter.¡±


    ¡°I bet. Things are complicated everywhere these days. I envy father sometimes. Right now he is probably catching his biggest haul yet.¡± He muttered to himself.


    ¡°Is your father a fisherman?¡± That piqued his interest.


    ¡°He wasn¡¯t always, but yes, these days he is the leader of his own fishing village.¡± He smiled with nostalgia.


    ¡°My master is also a fisherman. He is not very good at it, though.¡± Master Dyctis would have hit his head for that comment.


    ¡°Master? Are you two slaves?¡± Therses raised a brow.


    ¡°No.¡± He put a hand to Phokas side to stop him from making unnecessary comments.


    ¡°Your eyes told me as much. There can¡¯t be many slaves as odd as him¡­¡± Again he seemed lost in thought as he reminisced. This Therses was a rather inward focused man it seemed. ¡°This over there is the temporary town hall. We repurposed that wing of the palace to it, because the aristocrats did not want it to be inside the main building.¡± Was there a hint of bitterness in his voice?


    They stopped before the slipshod gate to the courtyard to go through the same song and dance as at the entrance to the Akropolis. With this many checkpoints it would be very hard to slip inside. Therses took them under his wing without elaborating on their circumstances too much. Apparently he was a common enough sight for the guards to recognize him.


    After stepping through the open gate they made a beeline toward the new temporary town hall.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure that Themistokles will be present in his office or quarters right now. He is always working on something. The other Archons are likely not around.¡± Therses led them to the entrance and then stopped his steps. ¡°My business is within the main palace. If you two would be so kind as to accompany these men.¡± He suddenly stretched his hand to the side and several armed men appeared.


    Perseus tensed up and put up his fists.


    ¡°Please, there is no need. You can¡¯t simply be allowed to roam around on your own, but these men will guide you to the office.¡± Therses calmed him down and released the tension. ¡°Hopefully you won¡¯t make me regret my actions later. May Athena¡¯s eyes watch your path ahead.¡± He bowed his head lightly and then excused himself.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He called after him.


    Therses simply raised a hand in acknowledgment and left for the proper palace.


    <hr>


    ¡°The Archon is not in his office.¡± The guard told them brusquely.


    ¡°Then where is he?¡±


    ¡°That is none of your business. You may wait for him or return tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t wait another day!¡± Perseus refused the notion completely.


    ¡°Then you are welcome to rest in the guest room until you are satisfied. Do not wander and do not touch anything.¡± The guards in this city seemed to all have the exact same ill temper.


    Thus they were led to the backmost room of the hallway and roughly shoved inside. Phokas nearly fell over and was caught at the last second by his younger companion. They both heard the loud thud of the door being shut forcefully. There were now loud steps, which made clear the guards wouldn¡¯t leave for now.


    ¡°Are we guests or prisoners?¡± Perseus grumbled.


    ¡°Prison?!¡±


    ¡°Nevermind, I was just jesting.¡± He calmed the former sailor with a forced smile. The room was sparsely decorated and only had a couple of chairs and an old table for accommodations. Nonetheless, this was better than the one cell they had at the king¡¯s mansion on Seriphos. That place always reeked of blood and excrement.


    ¡°Phokas never been guest in palace.¡± The bruised man took a seat at the table and touched the carved wood with reverence. ¡°It different from home.¡±


    He wondered if ¡®home¡¯ was referring to the now destroyed shack or perhaps some ship he had served on. Whichever it was, they naturally couldn¡¯t compare to proper architecture and living quarters. He watched Phokas stroke the furniture for a while before nestling his head on his arms and resting on the table.


    ¡°It may take a while before we get that audience with the ¡®king¡¯, so you should rest. The night was long.¡± Perseus said amicably towards his companion who had helped dig him out last night. When they first met he had been boozed up beyond saving, so he may even have sported a considerable hangover.


    ¡°Phokas will rest a bit. Wake when Perseus needs assistance¡­¡± He dozed off nearly instantly. His oily black hair hung into his snoring face.


    He smiled. It was refreshing to see such defenselessness in hostile environments like these. Phokas shared that trait with Ajax to a degree. Both seemed to be of an innocent nature, unlike him, who was only plagued by dark clouds in his deepest mind.


    If things went well he could find a sea map in this place. It seemed well equipped and full of valuable information to guide the city. The sooner he met the Archon, the quicker he would be able to hand Phokas into protection and gain the favor he needed.


    The windows outside showed the same sunny weather they had seen on their way here, but he could have sworn that there were some distant storm clouds¡­


    Noise. He heard some strange noise and numbed voices all of a sudden. They didn¡¯t come from the way they had entered, but rather from a side door he had barely noticed until now. He snuck across the flat floor and pressed himself against a wall. With his ear to the door he listened in on the other room.


    ¡°¡­impossible~¡±


    ¡°You know¡­ just one more time¡­¡±


    It was very hard to make out their conversation through the thick door. They didn¡¯t seem to argue, but there was the occasional moan slipping in. Was one of them in pain?


    ¡°That is too far-¡±


    ¡°Shh, I¡¯m just getting started.¡±


    ¡°You are¡­ rogue¡­¡±


    The first voice belonged to a woman, he was sure now. And she seemed to be in distress.


    ¡°Will¡­ stop it already~¡±


    ¡°I have¡­ thing for the fiery type. Resist¡­ more!¡±


    His shoulders stiffened up and he tensed his calves. From what little he could make out, the woman was in a precarious situation and the other person was putting her in a bad spot. This was the center of power and yet someone was being attacked right under the guards¡¯ noses! If he ran to get them now it would perhaps be too late. He had no choice but to interfere himself.


    He inhaled deeply and then pressed his shoulder against the door and threw it open with full force!


    ¡°Let go of her!¡± He shouted and grabbed the closest candlestick as an impromptu weapon.


    What he witnessed before him made him drop said weapon immediately.


    Pressed against a klin¨¥ was a woman whose clothes were in an extreme state of disarray. It was by far easier to summarize the parts of her body that weren¡¯t exposed. In the exact opposite manner some tall person was perched above her, both hands firmly on the woman¡¯s body. The person was clad in worn-out foreign aristocrats¡¯ clothes and an array of scarves was hanging from their shoulders. By the height and outfit it had to be a man, but his face was not visible from this angle.


    The atmosphere was thick with a certain desire, most likely lust and a little bit of anticipation.


    ¡°Ahhhh!¡± The woman suddenly shrieked when she saw their unwelcome guest and covered herself up with her loosely hanging chiton.


    ¡°Oh pissin¡¯ nymphs¡­¡± The man hastily pulled up his scarves and spun towards the intrduder. ¡°Ya got some nerve getting¡¯ in my way just when things got go-¡±


    ¡°L-Let go of her, you fiend!¡± Perseus shouted with cheeks redder than the ripest of apples. His eyes darted around as he tried to find something to focus on and eventually he settled on the one-eyed man¡¯s half-covered face.


    ¡°Do y¡¯see me holding her?¡± He groaned with sharp displeasure, his arms floating in the air next to the quickly dressed woman.


    ¡°T-This was a horrible idea Irvenos! I have to go!¡± The lady stuttered and rushed out of the door on the opposite end of the room. Their rooms were connected, but each had its own entrance.


    ¡°You must be At¨¦¡¯s forsaken champion. That timing¡¯s the worst imaginable.¡± He invoked the goddess of mischief and ruin with a hand covering his only good eye. ¡°D¡¯you have any idea how long it¡¯s taken to woo her?¡± His piercing glare almost impaled Perseus.


    ¡°You¡­ you could not have hoped to get away with it in such a place!¡± He refused to feel guilty for his actions. His heart was still pounding from the unusual situation.


    ¡°I¡¯d have wagered against ya there, but now I look th¡¯ fool and probably won¡¯t see her for a while.¡± He put a hand to his slender hip and seemed to lose all energy.


    ¡°To force yourself on a woman so brazenly¡­ you have no honor.¡± Perseus twisted his lips and balled his fist. Unwelcome memories sprang up in his mind.


    ¡°Forced? My boy, she¡¯s more willin¡¯ than a mewling kitten. And just as easily startled.¡± He flopped down on the now empty klin¨¥ and sighed. ¡°I s¡¯ppose I should¡¯ve paid attention to next door, but nobody ever comes here.¡± He rubbed his scar covered eyes while seizing him up. ¡°What, never been with a woman before?¡±


    Perseus tensed up and turned away. He picked up the dropped candlestick to distract himself. The man named Irvenos was far too casual about their abnormal meeting to already ask personal questions.


    ¡°Haha. You¡¯ll get there, provided ya improve your timing.¡± He crossed his legs and leaned back on the thinly covered couch. ¡°Not an overeager servant I take it?¡±


    ¡°I am waiting to speak to the Archon.¡± He put the candlestick back where it belonged and took a few calming breaths.


    ¡°Shit, they put ya in confinement? You really are At¨¦¡¯s boy.¡± He adjusted his scarves and chuckled.


    ¡°Confinement?¡± His ears perked up immediately.


    ¡°They only put people here to wait until they leave. If ya got parked here, you won¡¯t get an audience. Poor Themistokles isn¡¯t even workin¡¯ right now. He looked like death when he came from his nightly tour.¡±


    ¡°You know the Archon?¡± He raised some reasonable doubt.


    ¡°Archon¡¯s personal assistant, Irvenos, at your service.¡± He made an exaggerated gesture with his hand on his chest. ¡°Mayhaps not your service in particular. Don`t feel too caring for men who interfere with my trysts.¡± He added sarcastically.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look like an assistant.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t look like someone who¡¯s got business with my boss.¡±


    Their glares crossed like arrow fire.


    ¡°Master Perseus!? No harm done to you?¡± The cry of a worried and still slightly sleepy sailor interrupted their staredown.


    ¡°Where there¡¯s one interloper, there¡¯s always another.¡± Irvenos leaned forward and took account of the next intruder.


    ¡°Captain?¡± His eyes widened.


    ¡°Used to be one. Now I stay firmly on land or whatever these floor are made of.¡± He tapped his boot against the ground.


    ¡°Irvenos, captain of Lamia¡¯s Lament! Phokas¡­ I once moved oar for big ship.¡± He was showing them a mix of excitement and fear.


    ¡°Hm, an oarsman? Not that I could ever remember all of ¡®em.¡±


    ¡°You know this lecher?¡± Perseus could hardly believe this coincidence. Irvenos scowl was visible even through the scarves.


    ¡°He very famous. Sold all slaves at Knossos.¡±


    ¡°Ah, you¡¯re one of them. I had to change out the rowers after the end of the pirate war. Good times. Horrible times. We took fate by the day.¡± He laid down on the couch and reminisced without a care for their tension.


    ¡°You were a pirate? He is a pirate?¡± He pointed back and forth between them.


    ¡°Former pirate. Ya don¡¯t have the quickest wit, aye?¡± Irvenos mocked.


    Pirates were the scum of the seas, a blight on merchant ships and travelers everywhere. On Seriphos they had welcomed many visitors that had gotten into skirmishes with such criminals on the open sea. Nobody ever had a good word for them and there had been a great effort to eradicate them completely long ago. Like vermin they would always pop up again.


    Perseus held great disdain for such evil men.


    But when his eyes darted back to Phokas he doused his anger. A slave had little choice in the matter. He had seen just how hard it was for them to break free yesterday. They didn¡¯t deserve to be punished for their masters¡¯ actions. Which still did not excuse this unperturbed oddity in front of him. Themistokles had hired a thief to be his advisor?


    ¡°You¡¯re here because of the Typhos situation, that about right?¡± Suddenly he hit the core issue without batting an eye. He had figured them out this quickly? He was far sharper than he let on. ¡°Look, brat, I got my own misgivings, but if ya got somethin¡¯ to share I¡¯ll be willin¡¯ to listen.¡±


    ¡°It is not for your ears.¡±


    ¡°Then you won¡¯t get anywhere quick. Like I said, they locked ya in here so you will give up on that.¡±


    ¡°Why would Themistokles do this?¡±


    ¡°Nay, that¡¯s not his order. The palace guards work for Topos and Pamphilos. And those two aren¡¯t fond of outsiders, much less of those who ally with my boss.¡± He shifted around on the klin¨¥ and looked out the window. ¡°A bunch of pompous peacocks tryin¡¯ to impress a hen while they are surrounded by wolves. That¡¯s what these aristocrats and their Archons are.¡± He cackled.


    ¡°And yet you work for them.¡± Perseus replied with irritation.


    ¡°Themistokles, he¡¯s a different sort. He was guided here by our li¡¯l priestess.¡± Irvenos replied mysteriously. ¡°There are ties between our group that can¡¯t be cut so easily. As long as he tries to protect this city and Eretria by extension I¡¯ll do all I can.¡± He flipped his legs over the side and sat hunched forward. ¡°So I ask ya one more time¡­ do you want to tell me what you know?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t. I need to speak with the Archon.¡± He stayed resolute.


    ¡°Fine then. He¡¯s in his personal quarters, probably still sleeping off the fatigue. I¡¯d ask ya to let him rest, but he¡¯s the type who needs to be pushed around a little to work at full capacity.¡± He raised his arms in a playful shrug.


    ¡°You will let us meet him?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do even more. Those pesky helmets out there will help me with an important mission to make up for your interruption.¡± He rose from his seat and patted his worn-out clothes. Perseus had no idea what the former captain was getting at, but he was cautiously favorable for once.


    They moved towards the second door and Irvenos took a quick peek outside. The guards were still waiting in front of the other entrance. He closed it slowly and then turned towards them.


    ¡°Well?¡±


    ¡°After I distract ¡®em you need to go down to the ground floor and go as far in the direction of the gate as ya can. There are some living quarters. More guards¡¯ll be there as well, but that¡¯s for you to deal with. Work for your opportunities, that¡¯s what my old captain always said.¡±


    ¡°Pelagios, good captain. Wise.¡± Phokas nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯m real curious about what you could tell me ¡®bout the old man, but that will have to wait for later. The longer we idle, the less likely I¡¯ll convince them.¡±


    ¡°Wait please. Why are you helping us?¡± Perseus simply had to know.


    ¡°Because anythin¡¯ that upsets them is a great idea to me.¡± He said with an almost visible smirk. Then he opened the door widely and stomped towards the guards. ¡°Hey, did you see a woman run this way?!¡± He shouted with feigned anger.


    ¡°Yes sir.¡± They responded with barely hidden frowns.


    ¡°Why did you not stop her?? She was my woman, but she got cold feet at the last moment. Stupid wench. Now I gotta chase her all the way to the palace!¡± He fumed.


    ¡°Apologies, but it did not seem appropriate¡­¡±


    ¡°You aren¡¯t paid to be philosophers, are you?¡± They shook their heads quickly. ¡°Then don¡¯t think and just follow my orders! Show me where she went and help me capture her!¡±


    ¡°But our post-¡±


    ¡°Will be taken by someone who didn¡¯t mess up my intimate plans!¡± He smacked the guard for good measure and then stormed off. The men seemed to hate their jobs more than ever before at that moment, but reluctantly rushed after Irvenos.


    The outsider duo watched this unfold with stone like miens.


    <hr>


    They headed downstairs and avoided the patrols that were rather lax all things considered. The living quarters didn¡¯t seem to be of much importance and nobody expected something to happen down here.


    There were a lot of rooms, but they all had plaques that designated people to them. Now that Perseus saw all the lower class people living here, it seemed a bit strange that an Archon had a room among them. Perhaps it really was just to provide a break room for the exhausted man.


    When they reached the last hallways closest to the direction of the gates as instructed, they found themselves confronted with two guards. They were standing watch in front of a room that obviously had to be the Archon¡¯s.


    ¡°We need to distract them somehow.¡± Today was just full of schemes and roundabout paths. He usually preferred a more hands on approach, but he did not wish to risk getting the entire palace guard on his bad side.


    ¡°Phokas will do it!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± His eyes nearly bulged out of his skull when he saw Phokas just casually walk up to the guards!


    ¡°Guards very attentive, yes? You see Phokas?¡± He spoke to them like children.


    ¡°Who are you? State your business!¡±


    ¡°I very lost. Please show me way.¡±


    ¡°Get lost, servant¡­¡±


    ¡°Already lost! Show me way to guest room. Supposed to wait for audience there, but had to relief myself.¡± He rubbed his belly and groaned.


    ¡°You were being detained on the upper floor?¡±


    ¡°How did he escape?¡±


    The guards seemed alarmed and walked over to grab Phokas. In that moment the former sailor spun around and rushed off.


    ¡°No capture Phokas! Too young to die!¡± He screamed and passed the opposite corner.


    ¡°After him!¡± The guards rushed forward and left the door unguarded.


    Perseus couldn¡¯t believe that this ruse worked. He also worried what would happen to his comrade once he was inevitably captured. In the best case they would escort him back to the guest room. If he wanted this to turn out halfway positively for everyone he had to talk to Themistokles.


    For that reason he rushed to the door and threw it open. This time he had no run in on some impure scene, but instead nearly collided with the deeply tanned Archon¡¯s face. They pushed themselves apart at the last second and both went into a defensive stance instinctively. Then recognition spread across their faces.


    ¡°Perseus?¡± The young Archon could barely believe his eyes. ¡°Did you cause that commotion?¡±


    ¡°Zosimos, I don¡¯t have much time. I went through a lot of trouble to get to you¡­¡± He raised his hand to take his arm, so that he could go out there and call off his guards, but¡­


    ¡°Let go of him!¡±


    Something extremely heavy hit his temple at full force.


    He could vaguely make out a woman¡¯s huffing face and in her hands she held a half-crumbled bust. It had taken more damage than his skull at least.


    Everything turned dark.


    Not again.


    Perseus¡¯ first encounter with a woman equally headstrong to him caused him to fail the marathon at the last step. The shocked face of the Archon was the last thing he took to the land of dreams.

 Chapter 69: Perseus and the sanctuary

    For a moment his head had been split open and spilled its content across the floor and the next his body shook from painful spasms. To die in a place like this was inconceivable. Pathetic. Inexcusable. He had a mission to accomplish - he had to save his mother! A single moment of unawareness could spell the end for everything he fought for?


    The pulsating waves of pain and anger concentrated behind his eyes and created a lump of tacit resistance. Even if his body was falling over and his consciousness faded, he would not give up. He grabbed what he could and raised his arm to fight back to his last breath!


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    The shout was so close to his ear that he flinched and failed to execute his desperate strike. He fell forward and rolled off the klin¨¥ he had been put on. In an instant another pain was added to that of his throbbing head and he forced his eyes to open as far as possible, which was only the smallest bit.


    The floor he was crawling on was grey and rough, not the material one would expect from a palace. He had not seen much of the room before he collapsed, but this seemed to be the same place after all. Meaning he was still in the Archon¡¯s personal quarters?


    ¡°Look at him, he almost struck you down! Obviously he is an enemy.¡± A woman spoke with great aversion.


    ¡°You knocked him clean out, I¡¯d be more surprised if he didn¡¯t want to kill us on the spot.¡± That voice belonged to someone he knew. Themistokles.


    ¡°Urgh¡­¡± Perseus held his spinning head and felt a large bump on his temple. There was also some dried blood on his cheek.


    ¡°Stay right there.¡± Suddenly a sandal was pushed on top of his hand and painfully crushed it with the weight of resentment. He instantly let go of the urn he had grabbed for a makeshift weapon. ¡°Don¡¯t move a muscle or I will call the guards.¡±


    ¡°Eopia my wildflower, this is really not necessa-¡± Themistokles tried to diffuse the situation, but was simply smacked across the head by the woman.


    ¡°He threatened you. He nearly choked you to death. Do you really think I will take any chances with some foreigner with the strength of an ox and the mind of vicious boy?¡± She spoke so ill of him while grinding her foot into the back of his hand.


    ¡°I am a foreigner too.¡± The Archon suddenly spoke somberly.


    ¡°That is not¡­ you know that¡¯s not what I meant!¡± She showed a regretful expression all of a sudden. ¡°I just don¡¯t know what I would do if I lost you as well.¡±


    ¡°My sweet Eopia, you will never be rid of me. I am your Zosimos, I will always survive to see another day.¡± He swore and put a hand on her hip as gently as he could. ¡°And your father is not lost yet. Lord Kleitos will surely return to Athens when this is all over.¡±


    ¡°You oaf.¡± She smiled sheepishly and kissed him on the cheek. ¡°He is not just my father. You need to get used to calling him so at some point as well.¡±


    ¡°R-Right. One day, maybe.¡± He looked unconvinced, but his boyish smile was reducing the tension in the room.


    ¡°May I get up now?¡± Perseus asked in a low voice from below. He received one¡¯s glare and another¡¯s apologetic extended hand. When he was pulled up he nearly lost balance, but managed to steady himself with all the focus he could muster. He really was in the Archon¡¯s quarter and surrounded by quite a bit of disorder. It seemed Themistokles was not the type to tidy up his workplace often.


    ¡°Forgive my wife, she can be as protective as a bear mother at times. Not that she is beastly at all!¡± He hastily added when a glare bored itself through the back of his skull. ¡°You have a way of making an entrance at least. Can you tell me what happened to my guards?¡±


    ¡°They are chasing a comrade of mine through this building.¡± He replied while rubbing the throbbing bulge on his head.


    ¡°That is odd. They should have returned by now if that was the case. They wouldn¡¯t leave their post for that long. Would they?¡± He cupped his chin and looked mighty nervous. Understandably this matter of lacking security didn¡¯t bode well for an unpopular political figure.


    ¡°How long have I been laid out?¡± Perseus wondered with some worries of his own bubbling up.


    ¡°It¡¯s late noon already, so for quite some time.¡±


    It appeared that he spent more of his time in this forsaken city knocked out than awake by now. His aching back and head also didn¡¯t show any signs of recovering magically, so he started to wonder how many more of these incidents he could take. The goal should have been to at least stay conscious next time.


    ¡°While you were, ahem, resting, we were looking for the guards, but we found none even in the guest quarters. The servants saw a handful escort someone to the palace.¡± Themistokles caught him up while pouring some water into a mug for him. ¡°Eventually I found a patrol and ordered them to stay guard in the meantime. So for now we are all safe.¡±


    Perseus did not feel much protection from the guardsmen in this city, especially those he had met inside the Akropolis. It seemed men of the profession were alike everywhere. On the other hand there were strange people like Captain Erasmos in the lower city, so there might have been a lot more variety than initially expected.


    He hesitantly grabbed the water, but then swallowed as much as he could without choking. The others watched him with surprise.


    ¡°You¡¯re a pretty trusting lad.¡± Zosimos smirked.


    ¡°If you wished to poison me you may as well have slit my throat in my sleep.¡± He rebuked and then put the mug down loudly. ¡°We need to talk.¡±


    ¡°Right, let¡¯s start with the reason why you came to me. Did you get any information regarding Typhos?¡± The moment they turned to business Themistokles face became sharper.


    ¡°I can¡¯t say I did, but my comrade needs your protection. He was part of the expedition¡¯s crew.¡±


    ¡°Your comrade? The one that got my guards into a wild hunt?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Perseus swallowed again. ¡°I was going to ask you to call them back.¡± Hours ago.


    Zosimos gave him a dry smile.


    ¡°Well. Then we have similar goals in mind. First we should find our missing friends and then we can discuss why you are really here.¡± He shrugged and grabbed the nearby himation to sling it over his shoulders. His knowing sideway glance was unnerving. After making himself look more regal he walked towards the door and spoke to the repurposed guards.


    Just as Perseus was about to follow him he was briskly pulled back by the collar. He suppressed his instinct to swing his fist defensively and instead let it happen. Immediately he was face to face with the fiery woman who had quietly watched their discussion. He had no eye for such things, but she would most likely have been described as pretty. Her long ponytail was unusual in these parts, but she pulled it off gracefully. All of that got drowned out by her incredibly piercing gaze, however.


    ¡°I don¡¯t trust you.¡± She hissed. ¡°If something happens to my husband you will have to deal with my wrath. I will use every asset, every favor and every coin my house is worth to chase you down and have you hanged in the agora. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°I will not lay a hand on Zosimos.¡± He replied stoically.


    ¡°Not a single hair of his pretty head will be harmed.¡±


    He inhaled deeply and ignored the pounding lump on his head she had given him. He understood all too well why she was so angry with him. Just last night he had said he would hunt her down and hurt her to rile up Zosimos. Whether she knew about that or not didn¡¯t matter. His honor was in question already.


    ¡°I swear that I will do all in my power to keep him safe.¡± He returned her intense gaze evenly. She seemed to be confused by his sudden declaration and let him off her tight grip.


    ¡°Are you playing the hero?¡± She asked under her breath.


    He lowered his eyes slowly. Her suspicions were justified, but this mocking question cut deeply somehow. Making another vow so quickly would get him into trouble. He had to prioritize his mission over helping some strangers. That seemed to be what his mind kept telling him, but his heart wasn¡¯t in it.


    There were benevolent men out there who would take in a stray mother and her bastard child. And from what he could tell by the hidden curve below Eopia¡¯s thick chiton there was another child that needed a father figure here.


    ¡°You mean everything to him.¡± He said what was on his mind. ¡°Yet when I had him against the wall he still would not give up on shielding someone else. I don¡¯t know who this ¡®savior¡¯ is yet, but to Zosimos protecting both of you seems important enough to give his life. I admire that.¡± It may have been immature to admit such things in front of a stranger, but he had to show his sincerity right now.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    She seemed disturbed by his words, but he shook his head and turned around. Conveying what was in his heart was not something he was apt at. For now he had given his word and that was the extent of his abilities.


    ¡°Bad news! Or maybe they are good? Good-bad news.¡± Zosimos had just finished his talk with the guards and only now did Perseus notice a messenger among them as well.


    ¡°Yes?¡± He crossed his arms and tried to appear unaffected by the frantic mood around them.


    ¡°The other Archons are having a meeting ¨C which they forgot to mention to little old me ¨C inside the palace.¡± His lip twitched from stress. ¡°I will have to go there right now.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what about Phokas?¡± He raised a hand in surprise.


    ¡°Who? Oh, that sailor you mentioned? I will ask my subordinates where they went. If we are lucky they already brought him to the others.¡±


    ¡°Others?¡±


    ¡°We have a few more of Typhos¡¯ old associates under our protection. Did you think your friend is the first?¡± Zosimos shook his head and prepared to leave. ¡°Are you coming?¡±


    ¡°You want me to come along?¡± That did take him by surprise.


    ¡°Identification will be easier with your help. And I would prefer not to leave you without strong supervision.¡± He added with a smirk. After all he had escaped confinement once before is what his eyes said.


    ¡°I will see you at dinner.¡± Eopia had joined them and squeezed her husband¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I promise I will make it this time!¡± He raised his fist in unconvincing cheer. ¡°I love you.¡± He added and then turned away with a visible flush on his tanned cheeks. To forget his embarrassment he gestured Perseus to follow him. Eopia would be escorted to her family residence for now.


    The two men only had one guard at their side, but the walk to the palace wasn¡¯t a long one, so it seemed unproblematic. The moment they reached the gate it was already pulled open for them. Just as they stepped inside the hallway Zosimos waved Perseus to a side-room and then closed the door in front of the escorts.


    ¡°It would be hard to explain some stray boy¡¯s presence, so put these on.¡± He hastily picked up something from a pile and threw even more things through the air without restraint.


    ¡°This is?¡± He eyed the pile in the dim light of the room and stretched it.


    ¡°Servant garbs. Not the most elegant disguise, but it will have to do. As long as you stay silent and keep yourself in the background you should blend in well enough.¡±


    ¡°You seem¡­ prepared.¡± He did not hesitate to undress and change into the itchy and old linen clothes.


    ¡°I just know where the servants gather their laundry. Nothing to it.¡± He replied with a shrug and sized up the ¡®disguise¡¯. ¡°You would make a good water boy.¡±


    Perseus had no idea what that profession entailed, but he still sensed that it was not a compliment.


    As they exited the storage and returned on their way Perseus made some distance to appear like an obedient servant. His acting talents were lacking, but being quiet and stoic suited his nature well enough. The guards seemed not to question this situation at all. Professionalism was paid for in spades around here.


    ¡°Ah, Archon Themistokles, the meeting has already begun.¡± Some gaudy man had waited in front of the big arched doors and was incapable of hiding his smirk. Something about his attitude was very wrong.


    ¡°I assumed as much. Let me in then and give me the name of the messenger that slept on his duty while you are at it.¡± The tanned Archon gave a pensive smile to the man and waved the guard to open the door.


    ¡°I will find the miscreant by the end of the day, I swear.¡± Again the man smirked dismissively.


    ¡°Sure you will.¡± Themistokles sighed and stepped into the large room.


    Perseus followed behind with the right distance and grabbed one of the water pitchers that servants were supposed to carry around. He had no idea what to do other than walk in the background and not stand out. The room was quite spacious and many other servants were taking spots already, so he fit in quite well.


    From his position he could see the large war table in the center which many distinguished people had gathered around. Among them was even a priestess if her garbs were anything to go by.


    ¡°¡­and that¡¯s why we cannot delay it any further!¡± A man with a trimmed beard and eyes with the darkest circles riled himself up spectacularly at the moment.


    ¡°I know your worry is well intended, but those who hunt two hares at once catch neither.¡± Another man next to him replied with an even voice. He was clad in the same garbs as Themistokles, though his himation could barely contain his sizable corpulent belly. His hairline had receded far enough to make him appear bald from certain angles and he was clean shaven like a youth. His plump face rippled from his shaking head motions.


    ¡°My Lord, we do not have the time to-¡± The scruffy loudmouth suddenly turned around and noticed the approach of Themistokles. ¡°Who invited him?¡± He growled.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you too, General.¡± Themistokles raised his hand in a relaxed greeting and settled at the table. His eyes wandered over the large map of Athens and the many scrolls nailed to it. ¡°What did I miss?¡±


    ¡°Nothing of import I fear.¡± The priestess spoke up with a sigh. ¡°Kallinikos deigned to call us together for another of his pressing matters. It appears that my guidance at the temple is secondary to his tirades.¡±


    ¡°Do not mock me, grand priestess. War is at the horizon and your prayers have done very little good to show us a way around it.¡± The tired general growled.


    ¡°The mistress only speaks when she believes a matter is worthy of her eyes.¡± The woman replied calmly.


    ¡°What Lady Akacia is trying to say.¡± Themistokles raised a hand before the general could explode. "Is that we mortals should take care of our own matters as best as we can. The traitor has been judged already, the rest is up to us, no?¡± He gave a diffusing smile, but the general simply spat out.


    ¡°Yes, quite the grand judgement has been made during my absence.¡± The corpulent man spoke up with a finger raised to his nose. ¡°Pray tell Akacia, you still could not find that chosen priestess of yours?¡±


    ¡°I do not see how that is relevant to our situation.¡± Grand priestess Akacia stonewalled the Archon effortlessly.


    ¡°Pamphilos was out of the city during the war for the Akropolis, so he did not witness the judgment. It is hard to believe such a miraculous display just from a description.¡± Themistokles said supportively, which earned him a glare from the priestess. He didn¡¯t seem to have any friends in this circle.


    ¡°Yes indeed.¡± Pamphilos nodded. ¡°I would have well liked to see the patron goddess speak to us simple mortals myself. Alas, I was busy in my family¡¯s lands near Eleusis at the time. To be called back and take the position of Archon that nobody else was willing to fill was quite the shock. Indeed indeed.¡± He rubbed his double chin thoughtfully. ¡°I had never judged Achaeus to be such a shortsighted man. It still seems fantastical to me. And now that we bear the consequences of this fateful day I still wonder why our savior has disappeared.¡±


    Akacia and Pamphilos¡¯ gazes clashed harshly for a few heartbeats until the woman finally averted her gaze.


    ¡°Eugenia is not important. She was merely a mouthpiece to Athena.¡±


    ¡°Well well, a mouthpiece she may be, but that means she can actually hear her goddess¡¯ voice when we need it most.¡± Unlike the temple. Those were the words unspoken that everyone could hear.


    ¡°I agree with the grand priestess that this chosen girl is not going to fix our current situation.¡± Themistokles swallowed some water from a mug to play over his nervousness.


    ¡°How can you two be so certain? It is her mess that we are now cleaning up, no? Achaeus may have been wrong in his actions, but he did promise great things. Athena had not stopped any of his machinations until the final hour. And then she left us alone at the brink of war with Thebes and who knows who else. Was that truly Athena¡¯s will or did the girl ask for judgement that was not needed? Thebes asks for nothing more than the head of one man, yet we are incapable of giving even that to them. Convening with Athena who has made this incomprehensible choice of letting him live in shame instead of ending him once and for all should have been our priority, but we are left in the dark by the temple, as always.¡±


    ¡°Pamphilos.¡± A dry and coarse voice cut through the room and for the first time the decrepit man at the corner of the table raised his head. His old eyes had little light left in them, but he could still put pressure on his fellow Archon. ¡°Do not question the word of the gods. Do not mistake silence for indecision. Do not pursue the matter of the young priestess any further. You will bring shame to your house with your actions.¡±


    And thus he had spoken. The others turned quiet and seemed to contemplate the old man¡¯s words. They seemed to have more weight than anyone else¡¯s.


    ¡°I acknowledge your words Topos. It was not my intention to oppose the gods of course. I only wish to see all the pieces in front of me clearly. As the Archon that had to take the seat of the traitor and became guide to our armies I have heavy burdens to carry.¡± Pamphilos bowed out of the argument.


    ¡°I¡¯m with my Archon on this, but we will share that burden.¡± General Kallinikos put his fist on the map and nodded.


    Perseus adjusted his grip on the water bowl and tried to piece together the situation. The Archons were in a desperate situation due to the ultimatum by Thebes, but it seemed that the fractures ran far deeper than that. The three factions could not have been more different, that was for certain. Themistokles seemed to be weakly pending between sides as usual.


    His eyes focused on the priestess. She was different from the rest, yet she commanded just as much power as them somehow. It was clear that she defended this lost priestess. They called her the savior. The same term that Zosimos had used before. Whoever she was, she had left a mark on this city that could not be ignored.


    Eugenia. She must have been the woman Zosimos had tried to protect as well. But what was the connection to the Gorgon then? It didn¡¯t make any sense to him.


    He straightened his back when he noticed Themistokles¡¯ raised hand. He was holding up his empty mug. That was his signal to do the job he dressed for. With a lowered head he walked forward and filled the mug with clear water. He sensed the eyes of the other servants on his back. It seemed quite possible that they were suspicious of his presence after all. Servants who made it into this room must have been altogether a cut above most. Thus they had good reason to not trust any newcomer encroaching on their territory. He tried not to give any hint of his rising tension.


    ¡°If we cannot get a handle on the girl, we must go back to the matter of the letter. The dead scholar Typhos is still our only lead. Have the interrogations yielded anything?¡± Pamphilos looked at the man next to him.


    ¡°My men have picked up as many of the sailors and associates as we could, but they seem to be disappearing like rats in the night.¡± Kallinikos glared at Themistokles unabashedly.


    ¡°My own investigations have not produced much either. Only little of the expedition¡¯s crew has survived the journey and whoever is left does not seem to know anything.¡± Zosimos responded seriously. ¡°It doesn¡¯t help that the guards are so very uncooperative.¡± He added sharply.


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    ¡°You¡­ I know exactly what you have done! You have snatched them up behind my back and hidden them away. Once I find your little nest I will be sure to-!¡±


    ¡°Calm down, General. We are all allies at this table. Our desire to reach the best conclusion is driving our actions, right?¡± Pamphilos met eyes with Themistokles and they both nodded.


    ¡°Very true. I have my own issues to bring to this honored table as well. It appears that the killings of Achaeus former allies continue.¡±


    ¡°Yes, the traitors are getting uprooted, so what?¡±


    ¡°We are losing vital information with this purge! The Night Watch has the streets running with blood and painfully little to show for it.¡± Zosimos twisted his lips in anger. ¡°Just this night I was attacked by traitors of unknown origin that posed as guards! I cannot say whether they are from Thebes or former allies of Achaeus and they did not stay alive long enough for an interrogation. It is quite disturbing how far they would go to keep their secrets.¡±


    ¡°This is news to me.¡± Kallinikos responded with genuine surprise.


    While they kept talking Perseus slowly backed away. The servant behind him seemed to give him a nasty look and showed his teeth. Perhaps he had accidentally taken his spot? If he was not careful that boy could cause a commotion. Poisonings were common among aristocratic circles and some people were after the Archon¡¯s life already.


    As he stepped away he passed by the priestess. His lowered head was turned away to not gain her attention as well, but she suddenly yelped loudly.


    ¡°Akacia?¡± The others looked worried.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± The woman gabbed her chest as if something was stabbing into it. Then she pulled out a necklace of some kind and let it dangle away from her skin. On closer look it was a ring attached to a chain. A silver eagle with its wings spread wide¡­ ¡°You.¡± She suddenly took him under scrutiny.


    ¡°Pardon?¡± He tensed up, but did not turn around.


    ¡°The ring of Zeus is reacting. It is reacting to you.¡± She muttered.


    ¡°Did the whelp touch you inappropriately, my lady?¡± One of the guards approached and held his spear at the ready.


    ¡°Nothing of the sort.¡± She waved him off and kept looking at Perseus. ¡°You there, servant. What is your name?¡±


    ¡°Perseus.¡± He replied honestly. To lie to a priestess was something horrible that he was not willing to do. His mother had taught him better.


    ¡°I see. That is an important name.¡± She responded sternly and then turned to look at Themistokles who had almost anxiously dropped his mug. ¡°He is one of yours?¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes, a very promising new helping hand.¡± He swallowed loudly.


    ¡°Can we get back to the matter at hand? I thought it was improper for a priestess to make eyes at young men, no matter how handsome.¡± The general sneered.


    ¡°Pah. I am done with this farce.¡± Akacia put the ring back into her robes and moved towards the doors. ¡°If you bother to ask the temple to pray for the relief of your heavy shoulders I would suggest a massage instead. Your men will surely surprise you with their handiwork. At least they would finally make themselves useful then.¡± She left with such cutting words and received her desired rage filled shouts as a goodbye.


    While Topos and Themistokles calmed the red faced general down, Perseus hastily retreated to the back. He could tell that he was being watched though. The third Archon had taken notice of him and not let his eyes leave him since.


    ¡°That woman knows how to make a blasphemer out of me yet!¡± Kallinikos growled between his teeth, but then smacked the map with his fist again to make all the miscellaneous objects tumble off. ¡°We are in deep shit. There is no recourse, I will have to prepare our forces for a preemptive strike. Since Achaeus called for their return we have gathered most of our troops in the city by now. A defense will only go in our favor for a short time, so it is best to cut our foes down swiftly.¡±


    ¡°You want to leave Athens defenseless to subdue Thebes?!¡± Themistokles was aghast.


    ¡°It¡¯s the only way out of this trial.¡±


    ¡°But what of Lord Kleitos? What of our ambassadors and veterans within Thebes?¡± Zosimos raised his voice desperately.


    ¡°We¡¯ll save whoever we can, but there is no guarantee for their lives. They will be a bloody tribute to Ares¡¯ sword.¡± He spoke sternly. It did not appear like he had made this decision lightly either.


    ¡°And what next? If we manage to quell the Theban threat, someone else will come to take their place. The Ionian Alliance is angrily waiting at our doorstep. Sparta will be delighted by our weakened military power!¡±


    ¡°As a warrior it is my duty to face any enemy that threatens my home! Be it one or a thousand, Athens will not be destroyed as long as I draw breath!¡± He shouted back.


    ¡°I agree with Themistokles.¡± Pamphilos finally spoke up and turned to the commotion. ¡°It is still far too early to rattle our spears. If worst comes to worst we may have to give them what they want.¡± His words were grave and Topos disapproving eyes were still putting pressure on him. ¡°O¡¯ were we not cursed with such an inconvenient decree. I would be able to enjoy the wine of my fields so much sooner.¡±


    The meeting was adjourned with such rueful words.


    <hr>


    As everyone left Themistokles wiped his sweaty forehead with a rag and spoke to some men that apparently worked for him. Perseus followed behind, but was suddenly stopped by the thick fingers of a stubby hand.


    It belonged to Pamphilos, the third Archon.


    ¡°You are not a servant, are you?¡± He spoke quietly.


    ¡°I am not sure I understand the question.¡± He replied with a loudly pumping heart.


    ¡°Akacia recognized you somehow. She never loses her mask like this. You seemed rather interested in the talk about the savior as well.¡± He was suddenly showing a much more intelligent presence than his sloppy appearance would have let on. ¡°Are you truly working for the Rhodian?¡± His dark brown eyes sucked Perseus in and would swallow him whole soon.


    ¡°I have an agreement with Themistokles.¡± He responded hesitantly.


    ¡°Take these words to heart, boy. That man is not what he appears. None of us are.¡± He loosened his grip and put an arm in his himation. ¡°I cannot confirm this yet, but I have a feeling that you are entwined with this whole situation somehow. And Themistokles will never give you what you require.¡±


    What did he mean by that? It seemed impossible that this Archon he never met had such a strong grasp on his circumstances. In the first place Perseus did not believe he was truly involved at all. So what was he getting at?


    ¡°If you are interested to know what is truly going on I would welcome you to my office later. I believe it would be quite beneficial for both of us, Perseus.¡± His overwhelming presence threatened to crush him for just a moment, but the he relented and left the room with his guards.


    That man was not to be trifled with.


    ¡°Phew, I will grow bald soon with all these stressful meetings.¡± Zosimos arrived at his side and rubbed his stiff neck. ¡°Shall we look for your companion now?¡± He asked amicably.


    ¡°Yes.¡± He tore his eyes away from Pamphilos swaying gait and faced the younger Archon. ¡°Do you know where he is?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly, but I can bring you to the sanctuary.¡±


    ¡°Sanctuary?¡± He crossed his arms.


    ¡°You will see. Come along now.¡± He waved him to follow and led him deeper into the palace.


    They descended some stairs to the lower level. Down here the air was damp and cold. No natural light would make it here without windows, so it was getting hard to see without a torch. His eyes adjusted quicker than most, but he felt unsafe nonetheless.


    ¡°Just another turn right¡­ uhm, left I mean!¡± His guide seemed increasingly confused.


    ¡°Why are there no guards?¡± He asked suspiciously. Pamphilos warning rang in his ears.


    ¡°This is supposed to be nothing more than a storage basement. There is a reservoir somewhere around here, which is the reason for the humid air by the way.¡± He rambled on while apparently picking directions at random. ¡°Of course only servants come here, so nobody pays too much attention to it. These winding passages were apparently here since the time of the first king of Athens, believe it or not.¡±


    ¡°You put your secret base within the walls of the palace that you do not live in or control?¡± Perseus gave him a wry look.


    ¡°It could not be helped, sometimes the best hiding place is right under your enemy¡¯s eyes. Not that I think anyone here is my enemy, haha.¡± Very convincing. ¡°That¡¯s strange, I thought the door would be somewhere around here? Have we passed it at the last tu- bwagh!¡± He made a pained noise as a door was unceremoniously smacked in his face.


    Perseus looked at the fallen Archon with pity and then grabbed for his dagger at his waist - except there was nothing but empty air. The servant outfit had no such hidden weapons.


    ¡°That¡¯s strange, I thought I had heard some noisy rat scurry about.¡± Someone spoke from the door entrance and shook the door repeatedly, smacking it against the fallen Archon over and over.


    ¡°Ouch, ow, enough already! It¡¯s me!¡± Zosimos shouted.


    ¡°Oho, good to see you master.¡± The person revealed herself to be a woman with quite the loose grin on her lips. ¡°What are you doing on the floor? Did you drop something?¡±


    ¡°My dignity.¡± Themistokles responded exhaustedly and pulled himself up by her hand.


    ¡°That will not be easy to find I¡¯m afraid.¡± She snickered and then sized up Perseus. ¡°You again?¡±


    He cautiously focused on her profile, but didn¡¯t recognize her at all. It was unusual for a woman to act this forwardly with a man of higher standing, so she would surely have left an impression. Not least of all for her practical clothing that had no feminine aspects whatsoever. She was clad like a lower aristocrat that was also a huntress if he had to come up with a description.


    ¡°You have too many local acquaintances for a foreigner, my friend. And this is coming from the most hated foreigner in this great city.¡± Zosimos quipped and then walked inside the surprisingly well lit room. ¡°Melissa, where is everyone?¡± He stopped in his tracks with worry.


    ¡°In the next room over, having a meal. You know these are the sleeping quarters, right?¡± She jabbed his side jovially.


    ¡°Of course I knew that!¡± He claimed and then sat down on the only available chair. ¡°Tell me, have you heard anything about a sailor who has been abducted by the palace guards?¡±


    ¡°That Phoenician with the thick accent? Of course I know about him, we stole him right from under their slippery hands.¡± The woman replied smugly.


    ¡°Is that true?! You have Phokas down here?¡± Perseus rushed at the woman and was deftly redirected against a wall. She had acted so quickly that he could not even perceive her movement in his agitated state.


    ¡°Calm your horses. He is safe and sound with the others.¡± She dusted off her leather outfit and gave him an unamused glare.


    ¡°You are a gift of the gods Melissa. I don¡¯t even want to know how you pulled it off.¡± Zosimos sighed in relief.


    ¡°Did you expect any less from your best spy? It helped that I saw him arrive with this overeager mutt.¡± She shrugged. ¡°So why did you bring him to the sanctuary?¡± She cocked her head.


    ¡°Our new friend will be more cooperative with his comrade at his side. And Perseus was also involved with Typhos.¡± He said with an unreadable look. Melissa nodded.


    ¡°Alright, I get it. I will catch you up while we fetch the poor dog.¡± She took the lead and exchanged whispers with Themistokles as they went next door. He seemed to put a lot of confidence in this woman.


    As they entered the next room (Melissa had given the door a few rhythmic knocks ¨C a code?) they were welcomed by the light of day, not of torches. It almost blinded the men who had been in the dark for so long. Perseus felt the wind draft through the thin and long gaps in the wall and quickly closed the door behind him.


    It soon became clear how this was all possible. Someone had carved out slits in the side of the Akropolis¡¯ hill. Natural air and light reached the room, but it was still too far for them to see the city below. Only a twinge of the blue sky was visible.


    ¡°Welcome to the sanctuary. It is not much, but it has to do.¡± Melissa made a grand gesture across the room as large as a horse stable. Two dozen men were sitting in the corners eating and chatting, though they stopped once they noticed the newcomers.


    ¡°I thought you were going to sleep off your migraine, my dear.¡± From out of thin air a man with an unmanageable amount of scarves appeared at the woman¡¯s side. Perseus recognized this distinct presence immediately. He was the man from the waiting room outside the palace, the one who had distracted the guards for them. Perseus immediately turned to Melissa.


    ¡°You are that woman! The one with¡­ who was¡­¡± He suddenly exclaimed as realization dawned on him. His face got slightly flushed when he remembered what act he had caught these two in before.


    ¡°Somehow I don¡¯t like this at all.¡± Melissa clicked her tongue. ¡°Took you long enough.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s what this¡¯s about, eh?¡± The scarved man chuckled with his hoarse voice.


    ¡°This is Irvenos, my personal advisor.¡± Zosimos said with a raised brow. ¡°He knows everything and everyone. Maybe too intimately at times.¡±


    ¡°At your service.¡± Irvenos bowed exaggeratedly while putting a hand to his chest.


    ¡°I have no clue why you even need him. He hasn¡¯t done anything but laze around and drink wine for weeks.¡± Melissa claimed and leaned against a wall with crossed arms.


    ¡°You¡¯ve enjoyed my wine plenty as I remember.¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡±


    Perseus shook his head at their banter, but quickly regained his focus. The room was full of various people, but one stood out to him right away. ¡°Phokas!¡± He called out to him.


    ¡°Master Perseus!¡± The man jumped up joyously and came running their way. He almost stumbled over the legs of the others, but managed to make it. The hangover seemed to have finally left his bruised head.


    ¡°Master?¡± Zosimos gave him a questioning look.


    ¡°I am not.¡± He replied quietly. ¡°Are you well Phokas?¡±


    ¡°Very! Phokas has food and drink and company. This place much better than hut.¡± He replied honestly and gave his gap filled smile. ¡°But must return to help Perseus.¡± He added seriously.


    ¡°Actually the reason I brought you here is to leave you under the protection of these people.¡± Perseus finally admitted.


    The dirt covered sailor widened his eyes and a mix of emotions welled up quickly. Every thought and emotion was so easy to tell on his face, despite all the black and blue bruises.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine with me. After all this is a sanctuary for those connected to Typhos or Achaeus.¡± Themistokles nodded. ¡°We only ask for as much information as you can give. I fear if they get caught by the guards they will be tortured and then discarded instead.¡±


    So this was the true reason for all this secrecy? He had not thought the Archon¡¯s intentions that noble. But had he not willingly believed that Phokas would be safe here? There was some strange sway to the words of the tanned man.


    ¡°So what information can you provide?¡± Melissa poked Perseus with a wooden spoon from her meal.


    ¡°I¡¯m not here for sanctuary.¡±


    ¡°But you wish for our master¡¯s help.¡± She surmised.


    ¡°Yes, I am quite interested in your true reason for coming here as well.¡± Zosimos became a little more serious. ¡°Irvenos said you wanted an audience with me, but even he could tell you weren¡¯t here just for your friend¡¯s sake.¡±


    ¡°Even?¡± The fancily dressed men muttered indignantly from the back.


    ¡°I need a sea map.¡± Perseus just spoke his mind. ¡°Phokas can read it, but chances were higher to find a detailed one in the palace.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what you came here for? Just buy one from the harbor.¡± Melissa seemed baffled by his request, but Irvenos immediately noticed Themistokles¡¯ pensive expression.


    ¡°You are asking a lot of me.¡± The Archon said grimly. They both understood the end goal of this exchange.


    ¡°You let me go. I found the sailor and I got the means to make the journey.¡± He said unrelentingly. ¡°Are you going to deny me this request?¡± He had no time for half-hearted decisions.


    ¡°May I first question your friend?¡± He asked with one hand over his mouth.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Themistokles nodded and then brought Phokas to a table to discuss his knowledge of Typhos situation with him. Perseus already knew that it would not yield anything meaningful. The poor man had already been tortured and interrogated by much more forceful people. This was also something he could use to bargain for the map.


    ¡°That slave has served on the same ship as I.¡± Irvenos spoke up from right behind him. ¡°I¡¯d heard that Captain Pelagios was involved with that scholar¡¯s expedition, but there¡¯re so few of his ol¡¯ crew left.¡±


    ¡°The expedition cost them a high blood toll. They have nothing to show for it either.¡± Melissa said while tapping the spoon on the table.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Perseus repeated. That was strange, wasn¡¯t it? The story went that the monster was slain. The sailors were so sure of it. But then why did they not turn back to get their spoils? Was the terror they experienced too great? Had they feared to be cursed? None of that would stop him from going to Sarpedon.


    ¡°¡¯s not much they could¡¯ve done. Without their captain or their contractor they¡¯re like headless chickens, tryin¡¯ to run away while long dead.¡± Irvenos spoke solemnly. ¡°I¡¯m glad my men have left that life behind.¡±


    ¡°Thanks to our new master.¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course. Workin¡¯ for the most hated Archon suits me just fine.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t be the first time.¡± She mocked.


    ¡°What?¡± Perseus could not follow their quibble.


    ¡°This one was a former ally of the man that caused this mess we are in. Achaeus¡¯ little lackey.¡± The spy spoke with some venom.


    ¡°I thought we decided to let bygones be bygones, my dear.¡± He replied without missing a beat.


    ¡°You gave me this work, but don¡¯t think I trust you.¡±


    ¡°You seem to enjoy workin¡¯ with me quite a bit!¡± He chuckled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t flatter yourself, pirate scum.¡± She pouted.


    ¡°Are you two not¡­¡± Perseus did not even know why he was so curious, but it was perhaps to blame on what he saw back in that room. ¡°¡­engaged?¡± He muttered shyly.


    They both looked at him as if he was a weirdly shaped nymph that had just declared she wanted to destroy the forest.


    ¡°With this bum?!¡± Melissa almost lost her breath from indignation.


    ¡°B-But you two did-!¡± He lost his composure and averted his face.


    ¡°Aye, I see it now. Our entanglements are obvious even to others!¡±


    ¡°Are you serious? That was an act!¡± She threw her spoon at Irvenos who dodged it surprisingly well for someone with just one working eye. That had been his blind spot too. ¡°We pretended to be fooling around to keep an eye on you two.¡± She explained with a grimace.


    ¡°It was an act?¡± Perseus was shocked beyond recovery. He had not known such seamless deception was possible.


    ¡°She¡¯s not lyin¡¯ entirely. We make sure to pay attention to potential dangers to our Archon.¡± He admitted. ¡°But we do have some fun on occasion.¡± He added dirtily.


    ¡°Stop it.¡± She punched his lower gut, which made him wince.


    ¡°A man and a woman should not- I was taught to only devote yourself to someone you love.¡± Perseus was way out of his element here and it showed. What a horrible mistake, but one he could not look away from.


    ¡°I have no interest in what men do with women.¡± Melissa replied with one hand on her hip. ¡°I¡¯m shocked you fell for Irvenos bad acting though.¡±


    ¡°Could¡¯ve made a prolific actor, no doubt.¡± He puffed out his chest.


    ¡°Really? How could anyone be fooled by your shameful disguise? You make a terrible nobleman.¡±


    ¡°It seemed to fool you just as well when we first met.¡± He responded with a not so visible smirk. ¡°You remember, that night you tried to kill me?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Perseus was entirely lost now.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t personal. You were my target.¡±


    ¡°Your final words for me were ¡®Die you horrendous self-important lecherous manthing!¡¯, so I recall.¡±


    ¡°I was¡­ acting. For the servants who listened in!¡±


    ¡°What kind of assassin would leave witnesses?¡± He shrugged.


    ¡°Do not use that word. It¡¯s Persian. I hate it.¡±


    ¡°Another migraine comin¡¯? Mayhaps you¡¯d like the special herbal medicine I¡¯ve procured. It¡¯s from Persia, though.¡±


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    Perseus dodged their imminent fist fight and took a step back. These were Themistokles most trusted allies? A washed up pirate captain that had served a traitor and an overly emotional spy that killed people she did not like? He would not take responsibility for inciting their battle at least.


    From the corner of his eye he could see the many men that were taking shelter, eating mostly quietly in the corners. They acted like anxious animals in their burrows, trying to take a glimpse at the surface for any predators. Most of them were wearing torn and dirty clothes, but none looked ill or injured. There was no conventional torture used on these people. It was a slight relief to him that he did not misjudge the character of the present Archon.


    ¡°WHAT?¡± Suddenly said Archon jumped up from his chair and lost himself to emotion. Phokas in front of him backed away fearfully, but in an instant Irvenos and Melissa had sprung up from their quarrel and pushed both of them back into their seats. It was unthinkable that they had paid attention in their own loud bickering, but here they were.


    ¡°P-P-Please-¡° Phokas was rightfully fearful in this situation and looked towards Perseus who already loosened his arms and got ready to interfere.


    ¡°Are you certain man?! They had those symbols carved into their body?¡± Zosimos was pushing forward, almost freeing himself of Irvenos¡¯ grip.


    ¡°Yes! Yes yes yes! Phokas saw!¡± He nodded emphatically.


    ¡°Impossible.¡± The Archon sank back on his chair and bit his thumb. ¡°How could they have made it here? For what purpose?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s gotten you in a fright, boss?¡± Irvenos subtly pressed his employer¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°This situation has gone from bad to worse. If they are after Typhos¡¯ contacts too then we can¡¯t be careful enough.¡± Themistokles grabbed a quill and parchment from a nearby table and started to scribble away. He finished the messy drawing and slapped it into the center of the table. ¡°This mark is the one you saw? Are you in full certainty of this?¡± He asked Phokas one last time.


    The symbols he had drawn showed three intertwining snakes around a staff with wings on the handle. It reminded Perseus of another symbol he had seen before, but he could not recall it properly.


    ¡°Yes.¡± The sailor nodded. A drunk he may have been, bruised and beaten with swollen eyelids and all, but he seemed absolutely sure of himself. ¡°Man took off coat many times when beating Phoka- me. Mark was deep white on chest.¡± This meant it was an old scar. Whoever had marked his chest with this symbol had done so a long time ago.


    ¡°These people that hunt our leads are probably the very same that escaped the prison yesterday. The ones you faced in battle Perseus.¡± Zosimos pointed at him. ¡°There is no length they would not go to for their goals. It explains why they were willing to die by their own poison without hesitation.¡±


    ¡°Who are they?¡±


    ¡°A forbidden cult that spans from the westmost lands all the way to Persia. Their name is not known by anyone but their highest operatives.¡± The Archon put a hand through his hair and sighed. ¡°I only saw one of them during my travels in Persia. I thought he was someone else at first. I misunderstood his brand¡­¡± He gripped his upper arm reflexively for some reason.


    ¡°Are they related to the children of Ahriman?¡± Melissa questioned with squinted eyes.


    ¡°No, not exactly. I cannot say whether they ever dealt with them. But one thing is sure.¡± He put a hand over the hastily drawn symbol. ¡°We cannot be careful enough if they are involved. Nobody will leave the sanctuary. Nobody will enter the palace. I will make sure to convince the council to lock things up and heighten the alert. Redouble the guards and increase patrols. We have to warn the guardhouses in the city as well.¡± He frantically gave orders and put together a plan.


    ¡°Wait.¡± Perseus interrupted the heated atmosphere with his cold presence. ¡°I do not understand the import of this revelation, but it seems you got the information you needed. Now make good on our deal. The map.¡± He ignored the glares of the others and faced Themistokles directly.


    ¡°You must have misunderstood.¡± Themistokles folded his hands and looked him dead in the eye. ¡°You are in danger as well. They have attacked you before and they will do so again. Athens is not safe for you. It would be in your best interest to stay in the sanctuary, for your own protect-¡±


    ¡°The. Map.¡± Perseus slammed his hand on the table and glared back unabashedly.


    Slowly he twisted his finger across the rough wood and stopped. ¡°I never promised you such a thing.¡± The Archon responded with an unflinching gaze.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°If you wanted me to betray my savior then you should have made sure to get my word first.¡± The tanned man said shrewdly and then rolled up the parchment. ¡°I promise you that Phokas and you will be safe with us. This crisis is one you cannot even start to comprehend, so set aside your quest for now and focus on staying alive.¡±


    ¡°I have misjudged you.¡± Perseus spoke with cold fury in his voice.


    ¡°Take it as a lesson from the Owlcage, boy. Nothing here ever is as it appears.¡± His mouth was hidden behind his crossed hands, but he did still not break eye contact.


    ¡°I fear not this cult, nor anything this city pits against me.¡± Perseus clutched his fist before his chest. ¡°But I weep for its future with a dishonorable king like you guiding it!¡±


    ¡°Hm.¡±


    ¡°I will not put you to harm as it goes against my vows.¡± The young man turned away with a heavy stomp. ¡°But do not presume to stop me. I will manage without your support.¡±


    As he stomped towards the door he was blocked by the dissimilar duo of Irvenos and Melissa. Both armed with blades. Both deadly serious. It was like night and day compared to their prior foolhardy act. Perseus faced the blades near his throat with contempt.


    ¡°Do not bother, you two. You cannot stop him anyway. Several royal guards could not manage that.¡± Zosimos waved them away. ¡°I will not confine anyone here against their will. This is not supposed to be a prison.¡±


    ¡°Aye.¡± Irvenos casually flipped around his short sword and leaned back to open the path to the door.


    Perseus was about to raise his arm for the door ring when he was called one more time.


    ¡°For the sake of these persecuted men and your friend, I implore you to keep the Sanctuary a secret. I want your word.¡± He was entirely serious about this, no doubt.


    ¡°My word?¡± He recalled what he had just been told. That only a man¡¯s word could guarantee a pact for this silver tongued king. Perseus had no reason to acquiesce the Archon, not after his implicit betrayal. ¡°By the name of Perseus, son of Danae, I will not put any of these men to harm with my actions. I wish to achieve my goal, but I will do it without the blood of the innocent on my hands.¡±


    Those were his honest beliefs, spoken like a final farewell.


    ¡°I thank you.¡± Themistokles¡¯ voice followed him beyond the door and no further.


    <hr>


    The low hanging sun pushed its light into the spacious office with a red tinge. The large man in its center lazily flicked a grape into his wide mouth. He plucked another from the vine and then faced the open door. There stood a guest he had not expected for at least another day.


    ¡°Welcome, young Perseus. Have you come for the truth?¡± Pamphilos asked with a smirk.


    The young man set his sandaled foot down on the lion pelt before him and faced the self-satisfied man slowly.


    ¡°Tell me about the city¡¯s savior. Tell me about Eugenia.¡±


    Spurned by those he thought potential allies, the hero stepped before the two-masked king.