I am a cursed fool.
His voice was gruff, “I’ve never seen a lovelier shore.”
“What a sadness.” She sounded wistful. “To be so far from such beauty must leave an ache within.”
He looked down at her, the corner of his mouth responding to her sympathy. “There are many beautiful things here, lady.” Though I suspect you are the loveliest by far.
His breathing grew shallow as her gaze wandered to his mouth.
Deep lines formed between her brows and her cheeks colored, intriguing him.
“Lady?” What was she thinking?
She shook her head, turning to the city below. “I…” her words trailed off, and she drew a deep breath before continuing, “I’ve never been on the streets of Athens. Is it beautiful? My aunt and uncle tell me it’s a place I must never go as a priestess.”
“It has certain charms. But for you, I fear there would be too little beauty at too great a risk.” He understood why Galenus would keep his niece from the city.
The rest of their journey led them away from Athens proper and towards the estate of her uncle. Their path cut across more gently rolling hills, broken only occasionally by a sudden rock outcrop. These hills were dotted with aromatic maquis bushes, poppies and cistus flowers, alive and in bloom. The cool evening breeze blew the scents about them, turning the evening fragrant.
He remained silent as they moved on, enjoying the sounds of the countryside. A black-headed bunting sang from its perch amongst prickly thistles. The bleating of a distant goat and the faint bark of a dog echoed from a neighboring hillside.
Galenus’ home, their destination, lay before them. Only moments longer and they would arrive – she would no longer have need of him this night. Disappointment settled over him. He didn’t like the feeling, or what it might imply.
She spoke suddenly. “In two days time I shall collect offerings for the Goddess, along the shore.”
He nodded. “For the Festival of Anestheria?” Surely her uncle would expect her guard to escort the priestess and her companion, to ensure their safety. He ignored the anticipation he felt, saying, “I will accompany you.”
She glanced at him, the corner of her eyes creased by a hidden smile. “I warn you now, soldier, on that day we depart before Selene’s moon fades. I would greet the sun as it rises.”
He nodded, pulling his gaze from hers. It should not please him so, to have more time with her.
In truth, such an added distraction should irk him. Readying his men for battle was far more valuable in a time such as this, surely.
And yet, he was not displeased.
“Anestheria is always an important time in the temple. More so this year, I think, as our enemies draw close. Athena’s people need to be reminded of her protection and wisdom, and give thanks for her patronage. My offerings are small things, I know, but such ceremony provides encouragement to her city and its people.” She spoke with care. “It is no great thing when compared to your soldier’s work, but it is all I can give.”
She is a wise priestess for the Goddess of Wisdom.
“You serve Athena well,” he said.
A gust of wind tossed his cloak about him and caught in the dome of his round aspis, lifting the shield. He shifted easily, tightening his grip upon both shield and spear, and turned to find her staring at him with wide eyes. She swallowed, blinked rapidly, and set off along the path with renewed purpose.
They fell quiet as they passed through the gate.
When she spoke, he had to strain to hear her. “When I was a little girl, Uncle Galenus housed some of Athena’s soldiers for a short time. We listened to stories about the fearsome Ekdromoi and the stalwart hoplites – of their courage and prowess. To the amusement of the soldiers and my uncle, my companion Elpis and I tried to heft a shield between us. I remember trembling under its weight. I feared the soldiers were descendants of the Giants. How else could they possess such strength?”
“They were but soldiers, mistress,” he murmured. “A soldier’s weapon is but an extension of his body. It must be, for him to survive.”
Did his strength frighten her?
The Goddess had admired his form. She’d compared him to the beauty of her Acropolis, rugged and strong. When the Goddess had asked him to serve her with his aspis and spear, he’d been both proud and honored.
But Athena’s priestess did not find his form pleasing, or so it seemed.
“I will bring my nets and fish for offerings for the Goddess,” he offered gently. “If it pleases you?”
She nodded, peering at him from beneath the dark fringe of her lashes. “It will please the Goddess,” she said softly.