Medusa, A Love Story (Loves of Olympus 1)

“His tributes were many,” the man continued, gesturing to the ship.

Ariston turned reluctant eyes in the direction indicated. He did not want to see the full extent of the suffering he’d helped birth. These people, people who had done him no wrong, faced Hades’ judges because of his marriage. No, because his wife attempted fidelity.

“All from the storm?” Ariston asked.

“Most. There are some soldiers, like you, and another too old to have been at sea or in battle.” The man smiled. “It was simply his time.”

Ariston let his eyes wander over the faces of those with him. Most were fearful. Some were resigned. One or two were angry. And then…

“Leandros?” Ariston moved to the young soldier.

“My lord.” He grasped hands with Ariston.

“Did you fall by the sword?” He regarded Leandros, little more than a boy, and felt sadness. He had been an eager recruit. Only he and Ektor had shown true skill in training.

Was Ektor safe? He had left him in Athens, to protect the temple…

“No,” Leandros’ voice was tight as he added, “Our ship was swallowed by the waves. Will that keep me from Elysium?”

Ariston forced the words to come. “You died fighting for Athena, Leandros. Surely Hades will see the glory in that.” His stretched his hands, his frustration barely contained.

Leandros’ brow furrowed. “I am sorry for you, Ariston.”

Ariston looked at the boy, confused.

“My ship left last, as we were no more than a supply vessel.” He paused. “Your lady’s companion? The letter? Ektor found me and bid me find you. I found a sailor on your ship… Did the missive reach you?”

Ariston nodded. “It did.”

Leandros’ eyes were upon him. “Ektor suspected it brought troubling news?” He waited, but Ariston could not deny the truth of his words. “Would that we crossed at Lethe, and let the River of Forgetfulness have you. There can be no peace for you here.”

“There is none,” Ariston agreed.

“What will you do?”

“I will offer my services to Hades,” Ariston paused, “if he will let me go back to my lady.”

“Your services?” Leandros’ face paled.

“I would lend Hades my sword and keep guard at the gates of Tartarus.”

Leandros shook his head. “Your lady would have you find your peace, in Elysium, where you may wait for her.”

Ariston said nothing, knowing the boy was right. Medusa would grieve, but she would honor him and his memory. She would want him to find peace.

But his dreams… He swallowed back the fear that clawed within his chest. Something terrifying would befall Medusa. He knew this, just as he knew he had to return to her.

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The young priestess turned and smiled, her eyes crinkling pleasantly above the trim of her embroidered veil. “Good afternoon, lady. Have you come to pray or to leave offerings?” She spoke with such sweetness that Medusa simply stared at her.

Had she been so naïve and young? She prayed this girl might remain innocent to the ways of the Gods. There had been true fulfillment in it, when she’d thought her work was meaningful.

A cry went up, Thea’s cry. She had not seen her precious pet since the night…since she’d paid Poseidon’s price. Her little owl was distressed, Medusa could tell. She turned, searching the dimly lit interior for her friend.

“Thea?” she called.

The priestess’ eyes widened. “Is it your owl?”