Was the Goddess moved, too, to part with her? It pleased her to think so. She watched the Goddess brush her hand down the animal’s feathered back. Thea’s head turned to watch Athena’s hand, but she made no move to displace it.
“It is nothing. Nonetheless, you shall have this gift.” Athena’s eyes narrowed as she patted Medusa’s cheek. “Return at sunset, two days hence.”
Medusa nodded, uncertain of how to proceed. She took a hesitant step toward the dais.
Athena smiled. “Go, Medusa, you are free. Go now.”
She glanced uncertainly at Athena before she walked, slowly, making her way to the temples entrance.
Athena’s laugh echoed off the temple walls. “Go. Enjoy your freedom, little one.”
Thea startled at the sound of Athena’s laughter and flew from the temple without a backward glance.
Free?
Medusa’s mind raced. Surely any moment Poseidon would arrive and demand she go with him.
But mayhap her Goddess had defended her? She must have. Athena must have pleaded her case with Zeus and, somehow, challenged Poseidon’s proposal.
Medusa’s heart filled with such love, such joy.
Athena had given her freedom, from the Gods, from Poseidon. She cared not about the gift Athena would bestow upon her. The greatest gift Athena could ever give her was this.
Medusa’s eyes traveled over the temple, alighting on each of the new priestesses and servants, on Ektor’s entranced face, and Elpis’ clear astonishment.
She was free?
She made it to the steps before she turned again. Elpis followed her.
“My uncle will not be pleased,” Medusa whispered, smiling. Her joy did not wane.
Elpis smiled in return. “He will carry on. But your aunt will appease him.”
Medusa looked at Elpis, her eyes bright. Her smile grew wider and she hugged Elpis to her.
“You’re free, mistress. The Goddess decreed it so – I heard it,” Elpis whispered in her ear.
Medusa nodded as she released Elpis. Had there ever been a more lovely night? The moon hung low, illuminating the path to Athens, to the shore and the encampment of the Ekdromoi.
To Ariston.
The thundering of her heart filled her ears.
Thea screeched, regarding Medusa with wide yellow eyes before flying towards the shoreline. She cooed, calling to her mistress as she flew.
I’m coming. Medusa’s heart swelled.
“I implore you, sweet Elpis, for assistance?”
Elpis nodded quickly.
“I need clothes, foo
d…and a witness. Will you serve as my witness?” Medusa’s eyes lingered on the road to Athens.
###
Medusa ran.