HELEN: The Wine Dark Sea

The girl appeared torn by the request. "I'm not allowed to wander the fortress."

Helen understood a table, chair and cowhide could be found without traversing the royal chambers. A pair of sandals could not. "I'm grateful for what you have brought me. A new fire has not yet been laid. Is it to be your duty?"

"Yes. I'll fetch more wood."

The girl dashed from the chamber, and Helen took the chair at the table and found the roast pork absolutely delicious. The cook could at least roast meat if not do anything more. Before she finished, Emalia returned with Oron carrying an armful of wood. He lit the fire in the brazier and they bowed as they left her. Although still a most unwilling captive, Theseus hadn't touched her, and she considered it a very fine day.

Chapter 8

Sparta

Palace of King Tyndareus

Leda had been hysterical from the moment Omalu had run screaming into the temple crying that Helen was gone. She had seen her daughter slip out of the temple and had expected her to swiftly return. Now she could not forgive herself for not following her. She cried herself to sleep in her husband's arms, but soon awoke even more distraught.

"How will we ever find her?" she sobbed.

Tyndareus smoothed her hair. "I've sent the palace guard down the river to question everyone who might have seen a boat. We'll know who has taken Helen soon, beloved, and no man would dare to do her permanent harm."

She burrowed against his chest. "You know precisely what any man will do with her, and it could destroy her soul."

He rubbed her back in a soothing circle. "She's a very strong girl."

The violent images in Leda's head gave her no peace. Her husband plied her with wine to lull her to sleep, but tears continued to roll down her cheeks in her dreams.

* * *

Many farmers and fishermen had seen the King of Athens' owl-eyed boat, but none knew his name. They recognized only someone of wealth, with gray hair and a muscular build. He had clutched something, or someone, to his breast, they were certain of it.

Castor paid each of them well. "Thank you for keeping a close eye on the river and our land." He didn't mention Helen's name to protect her, but he was soon convinced Theseus was the man being described.

"He wouldn't have taken her to Athens," Pollux offered, "but somewhere where she couldn't escape and find help to return home."

Tyndareus paced as they talked. "Take a few warriors with you. Remain hidden until you discover where Helen is being held. Then we'll plan an attack with a greater force."

"Tell Mother we'll find her," Castor responded. "We'll go now and not waste any time in the effort." Intent upon keeping his word, he strode out with his brother.

* * *

Theseus ushered an elegantly dressed woman into Helen's chamber. He

appeared surprised to find it now furnished with a table, chair and a covering for the floor. "Helen, this is my mother, Aethra, and she'll look after you while I'm away." He waited for Helen to turn from the window. "You'll obey her, or she'll make you very sorry. Is that understood?"

"I couldn't be any sorrier than I already am," Helen replied. "If you'll not be here to torment me yourself, why not send me home before my father's warriors arrive? They'll make short work of you!"

Aethra was a petite woman and barely reached Theseus' shoulder. Her hair was snowy white and styled atop her head in a profusion of braids held with gold combs. Her unlined skin made it difficult to believe she could have given birth to a son of Theseus' age. Her smile held no warmth, and her eyes were an icy, forbidding blue.

"Don't worry, my son. I'll see to everything," her soft tone held a grating edge.

Helen straightened her shoulders. She could so easily overpower Aethra, but what would she gain this far from home? It didn't mean she would obey the little woman, however. "Whatever journey you plan may be your last. Your best course is to send me home before you go," she stressed.

He came close to caress her cheek, and she jumped as though she'd been bitten. "Then I wouldn't have you waiting for me when I return." His smile grew wide at the delicious thought.

Helen glared at him. "I'll wait only to be freed." She despised them both, and didn't see either one for the rest of the day. Her meals continued to be uninspired fare, but she ate as much as she could simply to pass the time. Accustomed to making her own entertainment, she stood at the window waiting for something, or someone to come into view, but the hills remained quiet without even an animal on the hunt to observe.

* * *

Soon after Theseus departed the next morning, Aethra came to Helen's chamber. "It's too fine a day to remain in your chamber. Come with me."