The island, a patch of solid black atop the storm-tossed sea, was small and exposed. No one could approach it without being seen long before they reached land. He’d known he could not risk such a journey by day.
As strong a swimmer as he was, he grew weary. He’d had to anchor his ship far out at sea, along the reef. The rest he would have to do on his own. And while the storm only aided in providing him cover, it churned the waters and made his journey a greater challenge yet.
But he had cause to keep going.
She was here.
He’d learned a great deal about the happenings of this island.
“Three Gorgons live on that rock.” The old man had leaned forward, whispering through sun-baked lips and almost toothless gums. “I’ve seen only two of them, but I know of the third, Medusa. It’s her magic that takes me to the island. It’s her curse that punishes those who’ve broken the law.”
Ariston had sipped his wine with care, the tightening of his hand about the cup the only evidence of his discomfort. “Who sends these men to be punished?”
“The Gods.” The man peered about the room before he continued. His whisper was so soft that Ariston leaned closer. “I take them to the island, and my son lives in Asphodel instead of Tartarus.” The old man shook his head. “It is a bargain of sorts.”
Another bargain offered by the Gods.
“And these witches,” his voice was harsh. “Why do they do this?”
The old man waited for Ariston to refill his cup before he shrugged and continued, “I’ve heard stories. Some say the witches want immortality. Others say they have some of Hades’ gold in the temple, protecting it.” The old man shrugged again, finishing off his drink once more. “Mayhap they enjoy the suffering of others? No one speaks of them too loudly, for fear of bringing the curse to shore.”
Ariston took another sip of his wine. “But no man named Perseus has traveled through these parts?”
“Perseus of Seriphos?” The old man smiled. “Not yet. But we know of his boast, we know he will come for Medusa’s head. And all know the Gods favor him. Maybe I will be the one to take him to her? What an honor that would be.”
Ariston had left quickly, pleased he was not too late. It had taken time to make his journey, time to find her refuge, and time to track this fisherman – the only man who’d ever visited the Gorgons’ island.
He feared he had little time to reach her.
He’d purchased a small fishing boat and set sail in the direction the old man had mentioned. It took him the better part of the day, and then only the faintest break in the horizon showed Ariston where the island was.
He’d circled, remaining too far to be seen clearly, and waited until darkness fell. Now he swam in the rolling sea, battered by a thundering storm.
When his feet at last touched the sand, he crawled onto the beach and lay still beneath the storm. He did not think on the rain or thunder or lightening. He did not care that his limbs shook with fatigue or his heart raced with anticipation…
“It is Medusa’s curse,” Poseidon had said.
What had happened to her? Why would any magical being, Olympian or no, cast such a curse?
He rubbed the water from his eyes. He did not know what waited for him, what had happened to his love. But he did not fear her or her curse. How could he?
A flash of memory rose, warming him.
“Like this?” she’d called to him as she’d hefted the fishing net.
Her smile had pleased him so.
She was too tender, her heart gentle. Whatever had happened, he knew she had suffered dearly. He would do whatever he could to end her suffering.
But first he would hold her. How he ached for the feel of her arms about him – her silken hair slipping between his fingers.
Chapter Sixteen
She lay, lost in her dreams.
She dreamed she was on their beach, with the sun warm on her face and the sand beneath her bare skin. She could feel his large hand enclosing her ankle. His touch surrounded her, causing her to shiver. How she missed his warmth. His hand lifted, though he pressed a kiss to her knee. She could hear him shifting to lie beside her.
She turned slightly, pressing her face into his shoulder with a sigh.