Elpis nodded. “Thea was Medusa’s gift from Athena. And Thea is Medusa’s most loyal companion.”
“She rivals even you in her fierce protection of me.” Medusa smiled, teasing him again.
He did not still his smile, for his pleasure at her happiness was swift. “She is a fine specimen indeed.” As is my Lady – my love. May the Gods forgive me.
He lifted the water skin, drinking deeply.
Medusa nodded. Her eyes flashed in the bright sunlight as she added, “She is.”
The water skin paused on its way back to the sand. The curve of her smile, the impish merriment of her eyes rendered him immobile. She would be the end of him, with only a smile.
Elpis splashed her mistress then, breaking the spell that held him so transfixed. She cast a wide-eyed expression upon her mistress and said, “Swim, then, mistress, so that we may eat.”
Medusa nodded, took a deep breath and disappeared beneath the waves.
Ariston braced himself as Elpis sloshed out of the water and went to the basket. She spread the linen sheet upon the sand and regarded him steadily.
“If you care for our mistress, you must be more careful,” Elpis said softly, peering over her shoulder. Medusa’s feet disappeared as she dove under the water, leaving him at the mercy of Elpis’ scolding. A scolding he knew was founded.
Ariston arched an eyebrow and took an apple, but said nothing.
Elpis returned the look, shaking her head. “I saw you this morning. And if I saw you then someone else might have, too. She’ll need you now. She needs someone to watch over her, to care for her, as they’re pulling her every which way.”
Ariston
sat forward, eyes narrowing. Finally he might have his questions answered. “What is it that grieves the lady so?”
“You know who she is?” Elpis asked incredulously, kneeling on the blanket by the basket.
Thea cackled, displeased by the brittle tone of Elpis’ question.
Ariston regarded the owl with a slight smile before turning to Elpis. “She is Athena’s high priestess.”
Elpis assessed him with care. “You have much to learn about our mistress. For our lady is also the daughter of sea titans, Ceto and Phorcys. She is sister to those monstrous creatures, the Gorgons.”
Elpis’ words briefly silenced him. “How can that be? Phorcys is a…a monster, not a man.” Ariston’s voice was sharp.
Thea cackled again, ruffling her feathers.
“He is. A monster that does not deserve his sweet daughter,” Elpis choked out. Thea hooted, causing Elpis to glare at the owl. The young woman clasped her hands in her lap and lowered her voice. “Phorcys was steadfast to Zeus and the Olympians during the war with Cronus and the Titans. As reward, he kept his powers and Medusa was born. A mortal child, she is all that is most valued among man – loyal, gentle, and beautiful.”
“But what use can such a creature have for such a daughter?”
Elpis shook her head, her eyes drifting to the water where Medusa swam. “Phorcys has found his uses. She was bartered to Galenus as a child, offered to Athena as a youth, and she will marry now – if her father has his way. Master Galenus believes she will wed someone of value and stature. I have heard him speak of Phorcys’ hunger for more power or wealth – that he’s shameful and selfish. Our mistress is simply another means to achieve his goals.”
“I did not know,” he murmured. His head was spinning.
“And yes, she is also Athena’s priestess.”
Ariston turned towards the water. Medusa lay back, floating on the vibrant blue waves, seemingly at ease. Her hair surrounded her, as if she wore her veil. “She cannot…” He could scarce speak the words, and his mind rebelled against such thoughts.
“She will do as she is told. That is her way.” Elpis followed his eyes. “She prizes duty.”
His heart twisted sharply, both frightening and angering him. “She is suffering.” His words were the softest whisper – too soft, he hoped, for Elpis’ hearing.
He would protect her, from Poseidon himself if need be.
Thea called out then, a strange keening that drew Ariston’s attention. He stiffened as the owl flew to him, settling on his shoulder with a flurry of feathers. The owl cooed, nuzzling his ear with her delicate beak. She did not bite him, but gently sorted his curls, clicking and cooing all the while.