It was her turn to frown, her gaze falling to his hand, the pendant. “But… Your grief must be great.”
Medusa and Galenus’ death were attributed to the Persians invasion. It was a myth that neither he nor anyone in Xenia’s house saw the need to correct. The truth, one still full of too many questions and uncertainties, would see them driven from Athens and branded mad.
He nodded, clearing his throat before he offered, “I will return your honesty lady. You and your father honor me, but I vow I shall never love again.”
Her frown grew. “Your love is not required, Ariston, for your heart is clearly gone. But your family? Your basileus? You’ve need of a wife, a partner.”
Again he regarded the woman, stunned anew by her candor. “You will make a fine wife for a politician, I think.” He could not help but laugh.
She smiled. “And you would make a fine politician, loyal to your people, to the Gods. The people revere their heroes and you, Ariston of Rhodes, are a true hero, I think.”
He could not help the bitter curl of his lips. “No lady, I would not. For I hold no affection for the Gods, save one. They have broken faith with those most loyal, time and time again. I tire of building our country, our countrymen, only to see them wreak havoc on all that man has wrought. If I was a hero, that time is over.” He did not break her gaze, but stared, relentlessly, into her dark eyes.
Finally, she withdrew. He saw her furtive glance about the courtyard, her nervous swallow. He also saw Xenia and Elpis, standing together, watching him. He gazed upon them, not bothering to hide his disappointment at their match-making, and beckoned them.
Xenia was quick, sensing his companions’ distress. “Fotini,” the regal woman tucked the younger woman’s arm through hers. “Come, I’ve a delight to tempt your taste-buds.”
Fotini spared Ariston one last glance before returning to the banquet table.
“You frightened her,” Elpis said, standing at his side.
“You left me no choice.” His tone was heavy with reproach.
“She is smart, lovely,” Elpis paused. “She would make a good partner.”
“I would not. I will not pretend to be something I am not. Let us leave it at that.” He offered her a small smile before staring up, into the night sky.
The moon was full, a silver-white beacon in the dark sky. But its luster was tarnished by the dozens of tapers and torches illuminating Xenia’s courtyard. He felt caged, lost and adrift.
He’d had enough of Athens, of Council, of society. Months had passed. Months that did nothing to ease the pain in his heart, the weariness of his soul.
Months that saw Spiridion’s nightmares wane while his young body grew strong and sure. Each day proved the boy more capable than the last, his skill with the discus enviable for one so young. And little Kore walked, babbling and smiling at anyone who looked her way. His parents would welcome such children into their home, their family. They were happy, whole children.
“Ariston?”
He sighed, speaking his mind. “I crave quiet, Elpis, some sense of anonymity… I tire of counsel, of strategy, of being hunted by those hoping to marry the hero of Salamis” He glanced at Elpis, the harshness of his voice barely discernable. He walked from the celebrations to the olive tree on the far side of the courtyard.
“Rest easy, Ariston. Fotini was the last on our list.” Elpis’ tone was light. But he saw the crease of her brow, the stiffening of her frame. “You are leaving… Will you return to Rhodes? Or go after the raiders? Ektor spoke of troops-”
“Ill-trained.”
“Then stay and train those that have need of it.”
“Tis time for me to go.” His gaze met hers.
“Where? Tell me it is Rhodes so I can set aside this sense of dread.” She stared at him, a myriad of emotions playing across her kind face.
“You need not worry over me, lady. You have a family to think of.”
“A family you are a part of, for my lady was sister to me in all but blood. And you, her husband, are my brother. So I ask you, brother, do you seek death?”
Her words, all of them, cooled the heat in his veins. “I seek answers. Peace,” his spoke softly. “Death does not matter.”
“Elpis,” Xenia called her, waving her to her side.
“Go, Elpis,” Ariston nodded. “You’re the lady of this house now, Xenia’s daughter. Look to the future.”
She said no more, for that he was thankful. There was nothing left to say. He would leave in the morning… to scout, alone, for any signs of new attacks. He’d not waited to be asked, he’d volunteered. He welcomed the chance to vent the anger that still ranged within him. In truth, he’d planned to leave for Rhodes, to make ready for Kore and Spiridion’s travels. If he came upon any Persians, any threat to Greece, he would not hesitate to send them to Hades.