Medusa, A Love Story (The Loves of Olympus)

  SASHA SUMMERS

  www.crescentmoonpress.com

  Medusa, A Love Story

  Sasha Summers

  ISBN: 978-1-937254-51-3

  E-ISBN: 978-1-937254-52-0

  © Copyright Sasha Summers 2012. All rights reserved

  Cover Art: Jeannie Reusch

  Editor: Candice U. Lindstrom

  Layout/Typesetting: jimandzetta.com

  Crescent Moon Press

  1385 Highway 35

  Box 269

  Middletown, NJ 07748

  Ebooks/Books are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

  All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  Crescent Moon Press electronic publication/print publication: April 2012 www.crescentmoonpress.com

  For Shane,

  You’ve always believed in me.

  You are my hero.

  PROLOGUE

  Perseus’ heart pounded. Sweat ran down his forehead and into his eyes, but he ignored it. His hold tightened on the sword Zeus had given him as he pressed himself against the uneven outer stones of the temple ruins.

  He peered inside cautiously, his eyes trained to the ground, searching for shadows – any trace of movement. He took a deep breath, readying himself. He was alone on his quest, but he had the Gods’ favor. With their gifts of weaponry, surely he would prevail.

  Time was his enemy, second only to the monster he’d come to kill.

  He placed Hades’ helmet upon his head, rendering him invisible to his foe. He raised the shield, a gift from Athena, and stepped inside the crumbling temple. A candle burned within, its flames casting shadows that jumped and fell.

  It was silent...

  A steady tapping, rhythmic upon the broken flagstones beneath his feet, pricked the hair along his neck. His heart accelerated, and he braced himself before turning a wary eye towards the sound’s source.

  It was the blood of the Gorgon’s guard dripping from his sword, nothing more. He closed his eyes and tried to calm his nerves, swiping the sword along his cloak to cease the telling sound.

  Steady, Perseus.

  He must keep his wits about him. He must defeat the monster; the fate of the woman he loved, his lady mother and all of Seriphos were in his hands. He could not fail.

  He knew to be careful.

  He knew what he must do.

  And, just as important, he knew what he must not do.

  To look upon Medusa was fatal. Not an easy end, but a painful transformation from life to death. One look from her serpent locks hardened the body, the blood, the skin, into brittle grey stone. What remained was but an effigy of the human form, a pathetic tribute seen only by the creature in her dim lair.

  There was a rumor, one he would test this day, that Medusa’s death would reverse this spell. Once she was dead, the horrid curse would be broken, and those poor souls trapped and punished by the witch set free. If…no, when he succeeded, he would have freed these people too, enabling them to leave this bleak place and return to their homes.

  He moved stealthily, willing his steps to be silent. He needed the advantage if he was to cut off Medusa’s head – a weapon, even after her death. A weapon he would use to turn the beast, Cetus, to stone, and free his captured love, Andromeda.

  His toe dislodged a stone, sending it across the floor with a resounding racket.

  “Perseus? Are you Perseus, then?” A woman’s voice, lilting and melodic, echoed from within. “Are you the boy come to set me free?”

  Perseus was startled. How did she know of him? Or of his quest?

  He spoke boldly, “I am.”

  She laughed, a bittersweet sound. “What is it you want with my head? Gold? Power? Or do you wish to be a hero, celebrated by the Gods?”

  “No.” He stumbled, his agitation making him clumsy. The floor beneath his feet was covered in rubble and rocks. It was hard to navigate while keeping his back flat against the wall.

  His hand clenched his sword. He was only slightly appeased by his invisibility – for Medusa was nowhere to be seen either.

  “No?” She laughed again. “You’ve made me curious now, brave Perseus. What brings you to hunt such a dangerous trophy?”

  “Something you know nothing of, Gorgon. I come in the name of love. For the love of my lady.” His voice rang out, echoing off the walls.

  There was silence. No breath, no movement. Even the flickering candles seemed to still and wait.

  He swallowed down the bile that threatened to choke him, fighting the urge to run – to hide. His very breath might expose him as her target.

  “Love?” Her voice broke, surprising him. “Well, then, Perseus, you must heed my directions if you are to take my head without turning yourself into stone. I will have you succeed on your quest…for love.” He’d never heard such anguish.

  Perseus’ heart pounded. What trick was this?

  “And, if the Gods are finally done with me, I might at last find peace in Tartarus…or Hades before this day is through.” She laughed sadly, then said, “Listen closely, boy.”

  Chapter One

  One Year Earlier…

  “Again.” Ariston smiled, encouraging his massive opponent.

  But mighty Bion swayed where he stood. His broad chest rose and fell raggedly. He shook his head, visibly struggling to maintain his balance.

  Ariston sighed. He felt no pity, only impatience. Each day the Persians sailed closer to the mainland. Each day he pushed these men, heedless of their fatigue. Their lives depended upon it.

  These men were painters, scholars, philosophers, tradesmen, and servants, yes, but they were Greek. And Greece needed them now.

  No. Greece needs skilled soldiers to defend her shores. But she must make do with these.

  The men surrounding him offered little to be intimidated by, no matter how hard they drilled or practiced. He would pray to Athena and Ares. If the Gods heard his prayers, these men’s bodies would become as fierce as the hearts in their chests. And then the Persians would know what fear was.

  Ariston straightened his shoulders, smiled smugly at his exhausted sparring partner, and swung his sword once in challenge. Bion took the bait, surging forward on clumsy feet. His sword arm, as thick as Ariston’s thigh, cleaved the air with a surprising whistle.

  Ariston dodged the blade, pivoting on the ball of his foot to come behind Bion. He placed his foot at the base of the man’s spine and shoved. Bion pitched forward, but caught himself.

  “Good,” Ariston called out. He narrowed his gaze, watching as Bion rallied.

  The giant spun, his sword solid as it met Ariston’s. Their blades slid, the metallic grate rivaling the sound of the waves pounding the beach before them.

  Ariston moved suddenly, planting his foot in the larger man’s chest and knocking him back. “Be mindful of more than your opponent’s weapon.”

  Bion snarled, launching himself forward. Ariston stood his ground, side-stepping at the last moment and bringing his elbow forcefully into Bion’s side. As his opponent groaned in pain and frustration, Ariston caught sight of the sun.

  It was near sunset… A surge of energy rushed through him – anticipation tightened his
chest.

  But he lost sight of Bion. He did not realize he was beaten until he was sailing through the air to land solidly on his back.

  A chorus of cheers went up, and he smiled in spite of his defeat. Bion held his arms high in victory, surrounded by those who’d watched the match. All shared in their comrade’s triumph, for few had knocked a warrior of Ariston’s skill from his feet.

  “The savior of Laurium falls!” Someone cheered.

  “He bears scars from Aeginian spears and Persian arrows, where is your mark, Bion?” another asked, laughing.

  “Upon his pride,” Bion answered with relish.

  Ariston’s smile grew as the men continued to congratulate Bion and clap his broad back.

  It was good. If these men thought they might defeat him – a proven warrior, known and feared – they might believe they stood a chance against the Persians. And if they believed they might defeat their enemy, it might be so.

  Ariston quickly waved a young attendant forward, shaking the sand from his hair as he did so. He plunged his hands into the basin the boy offered, splashing water on his face and chest. Once clean, he hurriedly laced his greaves onto his wrists and clasped his thick cloak about his shoulders. Only after he’d readied himself for the temple and collected his shield and spear did he call out, “Tomorrow I won’t go so easy on you, Bion.”

  Bion laughed. “Then I’d do well to enjoy the spoils of my victory tonight.”

  Ariston nodded, placed his helmet on his head, and sprinted from the hoplites’ encampment towards the Acropolis. Each step took him farther from the art of war and closer to his duty to the Goddess. He welcomed the change, the quiet tranquility.

  While his blood hungered for the thrill of the fight, his time at the Temple of Athena Polias had stirred him as nothing else…

  Once he stood on the steps of the temple, he removed his helmet and turned his face towards the retreating rays of the evening sun. His eyes closed as a cool breeze lifted the cloak from his shoulders. It promised to be a fine evening and a chill night.

  His gaze swept the horizon, studying the temple paths and making note of any activity in the courtyard.

  All was quiet.

  He heard her arranging the day’s offerings within the temple. He turned, eyes narrowing as he searched the dim temple interior. Even in the flickering candlelight, she seemed to glide effortlessly.

  She would leave with the sun, they both would. Duty required he escort her home. It was duty that brought him to Athens – to his country, his family, and his Goddess. And it was duty that required him to be graced by her loveliness each day.

  Lovely or no, it mattered not. To think on her or grow distracted by her presence was foolish. He was not a foolish man.

  He took a deep breath of the bracing air, clearing his head.

  War would soon find them. The Persians’ marauding and skirmishes left no room for doubt. And when it came, his time here would be over. These sunsets, this sacred place, the company he kept, would be but a memory. Memories he would hold dear.

  He gazed upon the Temple of Athena with appreciation. In all of Greece, in all of his travels, he knew the Goddess of Wisdom must find this shrine the most pleasing. It perched almost precariously at the edge of the rock, providing a key defensive observation point for the Goddess and her city.

  His eyes wandered again, sweeping the white-capped waves of the Aegean far beyond before returning to the etched stones of the temple frieze.

  A stone Gorgon mask, carved into one of the pillars, startled him from his inspection. It never failed to disconcert him, giving rise to a mix of fear and disgust.

  Truly such a warning would be heeded by even the most wicked of villains.

  All who gazed upon the masks knew that this place and those here serving Athena were to be respected and treated with reverence. The Goddess Athena would tolerate nothing less.

  Ariston paced, the dipping sun heightening his anticipation. Sunset had always been his favorite time of day. The last fortnight had made it even dearer to him. In that time, he’d been appointed guard to the Goddess Athena’s priestess.

  To serve Athena so directly was indeed an honor, but leaving his men without instruction had rankled him greatly. He knew he’d be better used schooling those who knew nothing about sword and doru. Being charged with the priestess’ daily safety, her wellbeing, and her escort to and from Athena’s temple had felt more an inconvenience than an honor.

  But the council and statesman of Greece’s capital had learned of a Persian plot. Their foe sought to capture or injure a servant from Athena’s sacred temple. Such an act would give rise to outrage and fury prompting Athens to retaliate rashly – giving their enemy the advantage.

  Greece could not afford such a misstep. The council’s plan provided a simple but effective solution – Ariston. If the council had not demanded he protect the Goddess’ priestess, he would have gladly deferred the post to another.

  Then he had met her.

  He walked back and forth, his spear and shield held rigidly. His eyes strayed to the interior of the temple. He tensed. It was dark, no candle flickered. Why was the lamp out? Where had she gone?

  Her voice spilled over him with a mocking lilt. “I’ve slipped by you, soldier. Your thoughts must weigh heavily upon you.”

  Ariston’s breath escaped tightly. All was well. He inclined his head. “My lady.”

  “Lady, I am, and mistress to those who serve me. But your lady?” she asked softly. “I belong to another, as you well know.”

  Ariston raised his eyes to her curiously, searching out her meaning. She loved to speak in riddles.

  Even with her features obscured by the gauzy white veils of her station, he could make out the curve of her smile. Above the brightly embroidered hem of her veils, eyes as vibrant as the cerulean sea watched him.

  “Athena,” she said, a hint of laughter in her voice. “I am her lady.”

  He inclined his head to acknowledge her words, unable to speak. He clenched his jaw, damning his response to this slip of a girl. Yet he could not tear his gaze from hers.

  She blinked, her smooth brow furrowing before she turned away abruptly.

  Had she sensed his…distraction? If his cursed newfound awareness was disconcerting to him, it would hardly reassure the one he was sworn to protect.

  She is the priestess for your Goddess Athena, he reminded himself sternly.

  The evening wind stirred the dust at their feet. Long skeins of her brilliant honey hair escaped her veils, floating about her and then falling against her hips as the breeze ebbed. Ariston’s self-admonishments ceased as his eyes lit upon those tresses. How those creamy locks filled his dreams. It would not do to wonder how her hair might feel, sliding between his fingers or wrapped about him…

  His hands clenched as he reprimanded himself. Where was his discipline? His self-control? He was not one to succumb to tenderness.

  He must not falter now.

  He had been warned. It was not only the Persians who threatened Athena’s priestess. Her last guard had become so besotted with the young priestess that he’d planned to steal her from the temple and run, to hide from the Gods. Luckily, the plot had been discovered. The guard served Athena’s temple on Crete at Gortys now, a lowly servant and eunuch.

  No. He drew himself straight, his resolve strengthening. If she unwittingly bewitched her guards, he would not join them. He would enjoy the pleasure of her company, as his duties might require. But brooding over anything else was…dangerous.

  ###

  With spirits high, she’d snuck out of the temple to tease him, emboldened by the brisk night air and fading sunlight. But his face, grave as he’d searched the empty temple, had filled her with shame.

  As he’d turned his gaze towards her, her chest grew heavy, pressing the air from her lungs. His eyes were an almost-constant warmth upon her, steady and inscrutable. And while the presence of his hooded grey eyes afforded her much comfort, they’d begun to s
tir something within her.

  He has such lovely eyes. She felt her cheeks grow hot and was happy for the veils.

  She was startled by the way his eyes lingered upon her hair now. She wondered over the sudden tensing of his jaw, the way he pressed his eyes closed abruptly – almost angrily. He drew a deep breath, then glanced upon her. In his unguarded gaze she saw a flicker of…

  But he looked away, breaking the spell that held her.

  She took a hasty step back and turned to the city below. What were these strange sensations that coursed through her? Such an unfamiliar warmth and pleasure…

  Her heart seemed to rise into her throat as she spoke breathlessly. “Have you finished your patrol, soldier? For my duties to the Goddess are done this day.” She tried to resume her teasing tone, tried to ignore the tangle of emotions he stirred within her. “But I will wait, if you’ve need of more pacing.”

  Though she knew his duties did not include suffering her jests, she could not resist. It was no easy feat, drawing a smile from her guard. In fact, she’d found herself thinking of ways to do so the last few days. Eliciting his reluctant grin brought a satisfactory end to her day.

  If he were indeed struggling with something, as she suspected, surely she should try to cheer him.

  When she did not poke or tease at him, the silence hung heavily – the air seemed to thin and constrict. She did not know what it was, this pull between them, but she fought it, for both their sakes.

  His eyes fell from hers, a small grin forming as he answered, “No, mistress. I only wait for you.”

  His smile caused warmth to spread within her.

  Athena would not approve.

  Her smile, her laughter, her body, all of her, belonged to Athena. She would be wise to remember that.

  He waited for her, for the slight nod of her head, before turning to lead her on the long descent home.

  She sighed, falling silent as they set off.