Medusa, A Love Story (Loves of Olympus 1)

The house was dark. And silent, Ariston noted. Great gaping chunks of wall had been knocked away, blackened by fires no doubt set by his enemy. Boxes and clothes spilled out of the door of the great house. Such items had obviously been intended for the cart that waited, unharnessed and empty, in the courtyard.

“Galenus?” he yelled out.

There was no answer. He had not expected one. But he had hoped.

Thea cooed and cackled, shifting from foot to foot.

“Can you fly, little one?” he asked, for the small owl seemed determined to try. “Show me the way.”

She stared at him, absorbing his words before fluffing up her chest. After a moment’s hesitation she climbed up his arm and settled on his shoulder with a muffled screech.

He moved towards the door.

###

Poseidon leaned against the column, listening to Hera and Aphrodite with increasing interest.

“I thought today was a reprieve from the council. We sit in the gardens, not the Council Chamber,” Ares sighed. “No more prattling on about these affairs, I beg of you.”

“Then stop interrupting us.” Aphrodite smiled at him, the kind of smile a lover bestows. Aphrodite could smile at a man no other way, it was her nature. But the Goddess of Love would be wise not to flaunt her charms in front of Hera.

“Speak plainly so the feasting can begin in earnest,” Ares returned Aphrodite’s smile with narrowed eyes.

“While Aphrodite and I have little in common, we are both wise to the ways of the world.” Hera shot a dark glance at Ares as she said, “We are women, in every sense. It is easier for us to discern this Medusa’s nature.”

“Are you questioning me?” Athena spat.

Poseidon regarded the women, shaking his head at how quickly they were distracted by their own egos.

“I do not doubt your wisdom, Athena. But I know what it is to have love in my heart,” Hera spoke softly.

“Love? Again with love.” Athena shook her head. “If Medusa had loved me more, we would not be speaking of her now.”

“How can you say such a thing?” Aphrodite laughed, astonished. “She loved you with more devotion than you know. A woman so in love can rarely control her passion. And yet Medusa did. Your priestess remained pure, chaste and devout while love, womanly love, enflamed her whole heart. It was only when you gave her freedom that she gave in to the longing she’d denied…”

“She wasted little time,” Athena bit back.

“There was little time to waste on the eve of war,” Hera continued clearly. “And even then, she did not give in to cravings of the flesh. She honored me, honored my husband and the marriage rites with a proper ceremony and offerings.”

“She is wise. You instructed her well. Even after she’d been released from the temple, she honored us all. Marriage to a soldier who has proven worthy of your selection was wise as well, don’t you see? They would not go against you while she was yours, but when she had the choice she chose to align herself with someone who serves you still. And he fought bravely for Athens, your fair city.” Aphrodite’s voice faded. “She did all with honor.”

Poseidon was impressed with such flattery and word-play. But he tired of these matters, too. “I fail to see the point of this discussion. You do have a point, surely?”

“You believe Medusa has been misjudged?” Zeus eyes sparkled, a broad and magnanimous smile spreading across his handsome face. “And you’ve devised a resolution that will benefit all?”

“We do,” Aphrodite agreed. “We have.”

“She has been dealt with.” Athena glared, lifting her chin. “She deserves no more of my time.”

“We will not trouble you.” Hera smiled sweetly. “We will be responsible for this…test. And, if she accepts our challenge, we will reward or punish her accordingly.”

Poseidon shifted, sitting forward on the thick pelt. His words were muttered, but audible to the rest. “Has she not been punished enough?”

“Is that a flash of conscience?” Aphrodite’s lips pursed playfully.

Zeus reclined lazily, turning his head to smile at Poseidon. He arched an eyebrow, echoing Aphrodite’s question.

Poseidon shook his head, lying back once more.