Medusa, A Love Story (Loves of Olympus 1)

She heard the door shut and knew her sister had sent him away.

She lay, listening to the sounds of the early morning spilling into her bedroom. Such sounds would normally give her ease, lulling her back to sleep. But there would be no sleep, not yet.

“Has Euryale returned?”

“Not yet.” Stheno brushed a long lock from Medusa’s cheek. “She will not give up. You know that.”

Euryale had offered to stay, to search for Medusa’s missing necklace on the rocks of the cliff. Medusa had fought to stay as well, but the Gorgons would hear none of her arguments. Her mind was able but her body was not. Stheno had helped her home with the promise that Euryale would find the carved owl Ariston had made for her.

“Mistress?” Elpis’ voice was unsteady.

Medusa sat up, turning towards her companion with arms outstretched. “Elpis.”

“Oh, lady,” Elpis cried, hugging Medusa to her. “Are you ill?”

“It is plain to see that she is,” Stheno said, startling Elpis into silence.

“Stheno, be kind to my beloved Elpis. She has been a sister to me in my time with Galenus and Xenia. I ask that you treat her as such.” Medusa glanced at her sister, all the while holding Elpis to her.

Stheno straightened. “If she pleases you, then I will try.”

“And you,” Medusa smoothed the soft brown hair on Elpis’ head. “Where did you spend the night?”

“Under the dock.” Elpis shook her head. “I was too afraid to make the journey after dark.”

“That was wise,” Medusa soothed her.

“I am sorry, mistress. I went to the temple…”

“Was Athena there?” Medusa asked.

Elpis shook her head.

“She would not have listened,” Stheno assured, “if she had been there. Her mind was set. Elpis was on a fool’s errand.”

“Mayhap you are right,” Medusa whispered.

“I lost my way coming back to the cave. I could see the docks and went in hopes of hearing news.” Elpis was shaking as she spoke.

“And what have you learned?” Stheno asked.

“The storm was a grave…danger,” Elpis voice wavered. “Ektor said fifteen triremes were lost to the storm alone. And more were taken in battle. Two returned to Athens while the rest went on to Salamis.”

Medusa searched Elpis’ face. “But Ariston is safe and well, is he not?”

Elpis regarded her with troubled brown eyes. “He… he was gravely injured, mistress, though his ship went on to Salamis.”

“He is well,” Medusa whispered fiercely. “He must be.”

“One of the injured soldiers that returned spoke of his bravery. He said your husband fought valiantly.” Elpis’ words were hoarse. “His sword and spear killed more men than any other on his vessel.”

Medusa grasped Elpis’ hands. “Please, please tell me everything you know.”

“He was struck many times. But he did not stop fighting… The storm bore his ship into the path of a Persian vessel and his ship was overrun. The storm tossed them, knocking more than half of their crew into the seas. But Ariston fought on.”

Medusa’s heart swelled. She was proud of him, even as she ached at the thought of his suffering. Sharing Ariston’s battles – his victories – gave him glory.

“A sword struck his chest, a fatal blow. And still, Ariston defeated his foe… He fought until no Persian stood on his decks… Only then did he fall.”