“Phorcys is an ass, petulant and careless.” Uncle Galenus regarded Medusa before skimming the note again. He scowled. “He thinks only of himself.”
“What did he say? What has upset you so?” Xenia’s hands fluttered at the note, her lips pinched tight as she waited.
“Phorcys now argues that Athena is abusing the girl… That Athena is keeping his child from him out of spite.” Galenus’ face turned an alarming shade of red as he blustered, “And that is what he will present when next he speaks to Poseidon. Or Zeus, so he claims.”
“What?” Xenia cried, her face blanching.
“He is determined to have Medusa home.” Galenus slapped the letter emphatically.
“Why?” Xenia asked.
Medusa swallowed. Why indeed. If her father had declared he was missing her she could not have been more surprised.
“To marry,” Galenus grumbled.
“Surely Phorcys is not willing to challenge Athena over marriage? Medusa is young yet, there is no need to force such an event.” Xenia blinked back tears as she regarded them both.
“If he would have her marry, she will. But not when Athena says otherwise. Is there some reason he forces this now? And who does he woo for his daughter? Who is worthy of her?”
“Someone of great import, certainly. Phorcys is nothing if not ambitious. The suitor himself may be unaware… Or may not yet exist.” He shook his head. “But the matter has become less about Medusa and more about this perceived challenge by Athena. A challenge he cannot win.”
“My uncle is wise, sweet Aunt. I am of little use to my father here. Some scheme has availed itself to him that makes him have need of me now.” Medusa attempted nonchalance, to mask her dread. Her father was scheming, and she would be the one to pay the price for it. She had since she was a child.
First she’d been given as a servant, to repay her father’s debt. He had come upon Galenus’ ship long ago, when Galenus was more warrior than politician, and almost sunk the vessel. If not for Galenus’ booming voice and determined manner, Phorcys may not have paused to learn the truth. Galenus had been on a mission for Athens, a mission for Athena. Galenus had threatened Phorcys boldly, for he had done no wrong and deserved no torment. And Phorcys knew this too. Knowing the Olympians’ temper, Phorcys devised a bargain. As Galenus and Xenia had no living children, he’d offered up Medusa in reparation for the ship’s damage and delay – and Athena would never know of it. Galenus had happily accepted.
Several years later Phorcys had caused a storm upon Athens, washing away the new foundation for Athena’s temple. Athena had been greatly displeased. Quick to make amends, Phorcys offered Medusa to Athena as an arrephoroi. Athena had agreed, honoring the eleven-year-old while ensuring Phorcys’ transgressions settled.
In the years she’d served as Athena’s priestess and Galenus’ servant she’d found comfort and peace. That Galenus and Xenia loved her dearly was a blessing, that she loved Athena a gift.
“Whatever he’s thinking, child, I fear you will bear the brunt of it.” Galenus regarded her with true sympathy.
Medusa felt the prick of tears in her eyes, but smiled at him. “It will be bearable. He may be strong-willed and, on occasion, self-important, but he’s not without heart, I think.”
Galenus snorted, shaking his head.
Xenia took a deep breath. “He is foiled, for now. We must not think on it, child. Anestheria is soon upon us and there are preparations to be made.”
Medusa watched her aunt, quick to dismiss any unpleasantness. It wasn’t that Xenia cared little. She cared a great deal. So much so that even the threat of harm towards Medusa quite unnerved her. Medusa was her only child. The five she’d birthed had not lived long on this earth, a devastating loss for any woman. She prayed that whatever drama her father had begun would not be too much for her sweet aunt.
“It is a glorious eve. Take Elpis and find some night-blooming jasmine for me?” Xenia smiled, cupping Medusa’s cheek with a soft hand.
Medusa nodded and went to find Elpis. Her companion was lighting the lamps in Medusa’s chamber.
“You have news?” Elpis took Medusa’s hands in her own.
Medusa smiled. “I have, a bit. Athena has rejected his plea, for now. And my father cannot abide it. He is determined to get his way.”
Elpis’ eyebrow arched. “Phorcys will yield, in time, mistress.”
Medusa wanted to believe Elpis and her aunt, but she knew better. Her father was rarely distracted when his mind was set. Perhaps he had changed. Perhaps he would accept Athena’s decree in time. She dearly hoped so.
As she and Elpis found cloaks and baskets for the jasmine, her heart lightened.
Ariston would accompany them.
The shell necklace she’d threaded and braided lay in the jewelry box on her table. Her fingers traced the smooth curve of the white shells, remembering the warmth of the sun and the merriment in his eyes. It had been a glorious day. She’d wanted to give him some token of appreciation. That he would have something from her to keep with him pleased her greatly.
But such a gift was unacceptable. He was doing his duty to Athena. After all, the shells had been meant for Athena.