He assessed her before turning his gaze to the sea below. “Ask yourself, Medusa. Would your husband cross the Gods for you?”
Medusa considered his question, all the while wary of his presence. Would Ariston cross him? To protect her?
A small smile formed on her lips as she knew. Ariston would take on all of Olympus for her, even knowing he would fail. “He would.”
Poseidon was thoughtful, his gaze searching her face. “Perhaps. But an honorable man understands the importance of sacrifice. Your man would acknowledge its very necessity – if he’s as honorable as you think him.” His smile grew. “Surely he would never want you to risk his life? No, if he’s so noble his life would mean little… He would never want you to risk the lives of others? The lives of his men? What honor could be found then?”
A prick of apprehension shot up her spine. She stared apprehensively at him, while dreading the meaning behind his words.
“Where is your sure response, Medusa?” he asked softly.
“But how… It would not come to that…” Watching his face, she understood. He was warning her. Bile choked her as she realized the depths of his selfishness.
“Will it not? You were the cost of a mighty treaty. I know not what will happen now.”
“Do you not?” her voice broke as her eyes locked with his.
He moved closer, his hands cupping her face and his thumb running across her lips. “There will come a time when you’ll need my help. You will understand the gravity of what you’ve done. And when you come to me, know what is expected in return. You will welcome me, with open arms, and give your body freely to me.” His pale eyes held hers. “Without tears or weeping.”
She shook her head, trying to dislodge his hold. “Athena will protect her city and those who champion it.” His hands tightened and she could not.
“You have affronted my niece and offended Olympus—”
“My offense will not prevent Olympus from rallying behind Athens. The Gods are merciful to those who are loyal.” She spoke with conviction, praying it was true.
His brows rose at her words. “There will be consequences for your actions, no matter how costly. I wonder, is it that you can’t stand what I require of you, or that you think your noble husband will cast you aside after I’m done with you?” He paused. “Hear me now. I will aid you when no one else will. But know what I expect from you in return.” He stepped back, a cool fog building about him.
His words churned her stomach and she clutched Athena’s tree for support.
Though his voice remained strong, his figure began to bend and fade, transforming into a dense cloud. “You will call for me soon. The fate of your beloved husband and Athens’ trireme fleet may depend upon you and your precious honor.” He laughed, softly.
The fog rose, sweeping about him and engulfing his figure. The fog moved away, spilling over the cliff and taking him with it.
She followed the vapor to the cliff’s edge. Such coldness gripped her, leaving her numb. Her eyes followed the writhing cloud as it slipped across the hills and floated over the sea. It, he, vanished there.
###
Elpis hurried, navigating the treacherous slope up the hill to the temple. She’d left her master’s house in an uproar. Ariston’s note had been met with thunderous anger, though reluctant acceptance was quick to follow.
While Galenus was disappointed that Poseidon had overlooked his niece, Ariston’s gifts and pledges were more generous than any marriage contract he knew of. Ariston was, after all, a better match than expected. And Galenus grew more pleased each time he reviewed the bride’s price Ariston had paid.
He knew Phorcys would as well.
The news that Ariston’s uncle was Themistocles, a man of great power in Athens, was a pleasant surprise. Themistocles was a man who appreciated the importance of the seas in battle, and Galenus had praised his vision. If not for his skills as an orator, Galenus had told all who would listen, Athens would not have the largest fleet of trireme ships in the world. And now Themistocles was part of Galenus’ oikos – an honor indeed.
As Elpis watched their things depart for their ship, another note arrived in the hands of the Gorgons. Elpis was filled with such a terrible foreboding that she’d listened from the shadows of her master’s courtyard.
“What is the meaning of this?” Galenus asked after reading the note.
“Our father states it plainly, does he not?” Euryale snapped.
“We’ve come to help our sister, to bring her things to Poseidon’s house,” Stheno said.
Elpis felt the words as if they’d been a physical blow.
“But she’s gone…” Galenus was dismayed, greatly so.
“To the temple, to collect her gift?” Euryale laughed. “The Gods have a cruel sense of humor. Do they not, Uncle Galenus? Who would find marriage to such a faithless immortal a gift?”