HELEN: The Wine Dark Sea

He appeared surprised and laughed. "Do you plan to be a huntress like the goddess Artemis?"

"Maybe. I've forgotten your name, if I ever knew it, and I'm often told to avoid strangers." He wore a fine linen tunic and a gold headband shone through his red curls. So even if he were a stranger, he was a fine looking and wealthy one.

"Very wise advice. I'm Menelaus, King Agamemnon's younger brother, so you shouldn't regard me as a stranger, but as a kindred nobleman."

She dragged her toe in the dirt in a wide arc. "Are you heartbroken Clytemnestra will marry him rather than you?"

He responded with a ready grin. "Not at all."

That surprised her. "But I saw you here with all the men who wanted her."

"Did you now? I came only for the races."

"Did Clytemnestra know that?"

"She probably didn't even notice me. I waited for you today, because I heard you loved horses as much as I do. You've grown since we first met, and your pony is rather small for you now. Are you ready to move up to a horse of your own?"

Growing cautious, she took a step back. His smile appeared genuine, but he had to want something in return. "Do you have horses to give away?"

"I own a few and would like to present you with one. When we are celebrating a marriage between our families, why should Clytemnestra receive all the gifts?"

It was a confusing answer, and she was uncertain whether or not she liked him. He was handsome she supposed, but she thought his generosity misplaced. "Will you give horses to Castor and Pollux as well?"

"No, they already own fine mounts, but you have outgrown your pretty pony."

That was certainly true, although no one had any time to notice her of late. "I'll have to ask my parents first."

His green eyes lit with a playful twinkle. "Yes, do ask them, and I'll give you a choice. There's a dapple-gray mare I believe you would like or would you prefer a bay?"

"How am I to choose if I have not seen the horses?" she asked.

He nodded. "You are a clever girl. I'll bring them both with me on my next visit."

"I must still ask if I may accept your present."

He nodded to agree. "I'll wait to hear from you then. Send a messenger to my palace so neither of us will be kept waiting."

She left him and ran inside. Her mother was overseeing the women weaving at the looms. "Menelaus wants to give me a horse. Is that too much?"

Leda turned slowly. "Clytemnestra is marrying his brother, so that's probably what has prompted him to offer such a generous gift. Your father will have to see the animal and decide whether or not you may accept and ride it."

Helen liked the idea of a horse even if she wasn't fond of Menelaus. She hurried away to find her father.

* * *

Tyndareus laughed at her confusion. "When you are a little older, many men will give you gifts, but you did the right thing in coming to me, and I must see the horse first. Menelaus is a wealthy lord, and if he wishes to give you such an extravagant present, you must accept it graciously. You dare not make an enemy of him."

"If the horse is swift I'll be grateful," Helen replied, "but how could I be glad if I can outrun him?"

Helen always amused him, and he hugged her close. She shared her brothers' love of adventure, and he was pleased Menelaus also valued her spirit. "I'll speak with Menelaus and insist the horse loves to run. Leave everything to me."

She kissed his cheek, and confident he knew horseflesh as well as any man, trusted him to help her choose the best steed Menelaus could offer.

* * *

Menelaus returned the day before the wedding. Leda was happy to have Helen occupied elsewhere, and her father walked with her to the stable. He passed his hand over the dapple-gray mare, winked at Helen, and then closely examined the bay gelding. "These are fine animals indeed. Do you have a preference, Helen?"