“I have no patience for this, Medusa,” Galenus warned.
“Poseidon would have me as wife,” Medusa said softly. Beyond her uncle’s shoulder, she saw Ariston’s face turn ashen.
“His wife?” Xenia stared at her in shock. “He said those words, Medusa? He would have you as his wife?”
“He did,” Medusa admitted.
“His wife?” Her uncle’s delighted shout of laughter was undoubtedly loud enough to reach those celebrating in Athens below. “Wife? Indeed.”
Medusa understood her uncle’s pleasure. Medusa’s marriage to a God, to mother his children, would bring honor beyond anything Galenus had ever hoped for his family. His niece’s marriage would elevate him, his household, into Athens’ most elite ruling class.
Medusa cautioned, “I fear Athena may not find favor with his proposal.”
Galenus was silent, mulling the matter before he voiced his opinion. “Fear not. Your Goddess will see the wisdom in this choice, as Poseidon surely has. By taking you to wife, he strengthens his ties with your parents and ensures allies for all of Greece – and Athena’s city.” Galenus assessed his niece with an appraising eye. He nodded, clearly pleased.
Medusa sighed, casting a tired eye upon Xenia. Her aunt was regarding her with a thoughtful expression, apparently discerning the worry Galenus was too delighted to notice. Was it possible that Xenia would see more than the benefits of marrying a deity like Poseidon?
It didn’t matter, Medusa knew. Even if Xenia did object, she would never say so or go against the decision of her husband.
“Walk with me, niece?” Xenia asked, leading the way from the temple.
“For a moment, wife. Our niece must ready herself for her Goddess and whatever news Athena may bring.” Galenus smiled, his enthusiasm obvious.
Xenia nodded and tucked Medusa’s arm through hers, leading her away from her uncle and up the stairs of the temple. They walked along the top step of Athena’s temple, staying well within the candlelight and under Ariston’s watchful eyes.
Thea followed, swooping to settle on Medusa’s arm. Medusa suspected her pet sensed her mood and sought to comfort her. And that the bird had little love for her uncle. It was understandable, as Thea had sensitive ears and Galenus could only speak loudly – or very loudly. Whatever the animals’ motivation, Medusa was thankful for her solid comfort.
Thea inspected Xenia, her round yellow eyes sliding over Xenia before yawning. Medusa smiled. Apparently her aunt warranted little interest for her pet. But when Thea’s yellow eyes settled upon Medusa, the owl’s gaze grew heavy-lidded. Her pleasure was evident through light whirs and clicks that bubbled up from her chest.
Xenia glanced at the owl, then moved to Medusa’s other side. Her aunt clucked over Elpis’ deep scar regularly and took great pains to stay far from Thea’s reach.
Once assured that she was out of harm’s way, Xenia spoke carefully. “Your uncle is right, child. You will give your family honor, beyond imagining.” She paused. “While Poseidon’s favor will bring with it challenges, you will learn how to please him. Remember what Athena has taught you: loyalty, reason, and patience. For your new master – your husband – will expect no less from you. Now you must accept him, celebrate his offer as a bles
sing.” She regarded Medusa with sympathy. “I fear you have no choice.”
Medusa stared at the ground as her heart twisted and her lungs screamed for air. She drew in breath slowly and nodded.
“If this is the Gods’ will, child, be merry. Welcome this with an open heart and give Poseidon the pleasure you’ve blessed Athena with these many years. I beseech you.” Xenia patted her hand. “Only you can make this burden into something joyful. And truly, this is no burden at all. For you shall want for nothing and live forever. Such tidings fill my heart with joy.”
Medusa accepted her aunt’s words with a stiff nod.
“Enough of your talk, wife, I’d be in my own bed before the moon is high.” Galenus met them, tucking his wife’s arm in his. “You will send word, Medusa, as soon as you have it.”
“Rushing home will not hurry Athena’s arrival or news of Medusa’s future.” Xenia smiled at her husband.
They were interrupted by the arrival of a young soldier. He ran up the temple steps and froze, obviously uncertain how to proceed. Medusa waited, giving him time to collect himself.
His cheeks flushed, and his eyes flitted amongst them, discomfited by the small group regarding him with intense interest.
Catching sight of her priestess robes, he hurried towards Medusa and knelt. His words rushed as he caught his breath. “Mistress, I seek your Ekdromos soldier.”
Thea screeched, spreading her wings and flapping at the cloud of dust the soldier’s hasty arrival had stirred into the air. Medusa ran a hand over the owl’s back, steadying herself as she did so. Medusa stared down at the young man, her fear nearly choking her.
She knew why this soldier was here. She’d seen the distant ships on the horizon. Each day they sailed closer to Athens, bringing a mortal foe like none Athens – nay, Greece – had ever faced. She knew it would not be long before Ariston left her, and she would be alone.
Ariston was her soldier, yes, but only in times of peace. His first duty was to Athena and her city. He was a mighty Ekdromos.
Galenus had said so himself, and he rarely praised another. “It appears your soldier is somewhat of a hero, Medusa. I’ve heard the generals praise him. Why even Themistocles knows of him. He is known for being fleet of foot and lethal with his doru, wielding the nine-foot-long spear with lethal accuracy.”