Medusa, A Love Story (The Loves of Olympus) Read Online Free Page B

Stheno’s voice softened as she added softly, “Come home, sister. We miss you.”
    “And I miss you.” Medusa placed her hand on her sister’s arm. “But I’ve little say so about when I might return….”
    Euryale interrupted, her tone ever sharp, “The Anestheria. You have until then to tell the Goddess you’re called home.”
    Dismay flooded Medusa’s chest and stomach. How could she present Athena with such a decree? Athena was a Goddess – an Olympian. Athena might release her , when and if Athena chose to do so. If Medusa dared try such blasphemy, at her sire’s bidding or not, the cost would be great. A cost she would be forced to pay, undoubtedly, as her father would not see reason. 
    She swallowed the bite of fig she’d been nibbling. It stuck, thick and uncomfortable, in her throat.
    “Why now, nieces?” Uncle Galenus boomed, causing all to jump.
    “She won’t stay comely forever, dear Uncle. While the Gods thought to bless her with beauty and child-bearing, she suffers from mortality…” Stheno’s explanation grew more troubling. “Father fears her loss and seeks the gift of immortality for her.”
    Euryale interrupted again, smugly this time. “Poseidon has offered –”
    “Poseidon?” Medusa stared at her sister, surprised.
    “Father has won the God’s favor. He helped destroy a fleet of Persian ships. Poseidon was well pleased, so pleased that the Sea God will give you the Gift in thanks. By Anestheria,” Stheno spoke with care.
    Medusa chewed the remainder of her fig with a vengeance.
    The Gift? Was immortality a gift? One life serving others was enough. As honored as she was to serve Athena, she knew the Goddess would eventually choose her replacement, for Athena had little use for the aged. And when Medusa was released, she would return to her parents to do their bidding, continuing her life of service. Once this earthly life was over, she imagined that life in Hades’ realm might offer fewer restrictions. Or, at the very least, fewer demands.
    If becoming immortal was a gift, she wanted none of it. But her wants would have no bearing, this she knew.
    No matter how much she wanted to explain, to ask for their understanding and support, she said nothing. I suppose that is the wisest course for now.
    “Athena has agreed to this…. arrangement?” Galenus’ words were harsh.
    Euryale shook her head. “Not yet. Poseidon will petition for her release, but Medusa might help it along by entreating Athena, as well.”
    “Do you know what you ask?” Galenus demanded, his face reddening.
    “What will become of her?” Aunt Xenia’s voice quavered. “Will the Goddess release her from her duties?”
    “Athena is the daughter of Zeus,” Uncle Galenus blustered. “To anger her –”
    “Poseidon is his brother.” Euryale shrugged. “Whose wrath is the greater?”
    “Why must there be wrath? And against whom?” Xenia looked amongst them in panic. “If there is wrath, there will be punishment. So who is punished? Who? Medusa?” Xenia turned a sad eye on Medusa.
    Medusa smiled at the woman, hoping to soothe her fragile nerves. She was the only child Xenia had ever seen live past the fourth year of life. It was a cruel trick of the Gods, to have her born from such monsters, Xenia oft told her. But it was her parents that had given her to Xenia and Galenus in trade. And for that, Medusa was grateful. She was truly fond of Xenia.
    “Fret not, Aunt,” Medusa said softly.
    “No harm will come to our sister,” Stethno’s voice joined Medusa’s.
    “It is of little concern to you, Xenia. You can always find another girl to play your daughter or niece in her stead. Or is it the punishment that might befall her that vexes you so?” Euryale watched the older woman as she spoke. “If she is punished, mayhap she will be cursed to look as we do? So all will know we are sisters?” She turned, gliding soundlessly across the floor in her dark robes and veil. “Will you weep if her