Her dreams were dark and shallow. The shapes seemed to be fluctuating at a constant rate and allowed no solid form to be birthed. Every hour or so she would suddenly tense up and awaken with a gasp. This had repeated since the day of the battle for the Akropolis. And it would repeat indefinitely if she could not soon escape this place.

Eugenia rested her head against the woolen blanket and put a hand over her face. She could not tell what time it was, but by the sounds coming through the gaps in the window she was aware that it must have been day. The shouting of merchants was never leading her astray.

Her throat was parched, so she took the stale water from the table next to her and gulped down as much as she could bear. It sated her thirst for now, but she still felt exhausted. Her legs slid down the edge of the bed and she stretched with a yawn.

Sleepy or not, she had to get up eventually. It was shameful to laze around in her room while the whole city was bustling with life. She had spent so much time on a nearly empty island that she had gotten too used to all the downtime. Her time in Eretria and that fateful day in Athens had been hectic, but now things had calmed down to a bearable degree. Perhaps that was more of her own choice than the circumstances.

With sluggish movements she dressed herself in the clothes that were prepared for her and left the well-furnished room. Compared to the temple quarters this was pure luxury.

At the stairwell she listened for any other activity and located a few people downstairs in the study. She lightly walked down the steps and made it towards the source of the noise.

“You are always on business trips! What if you miss the wedding?”

“I assure you, that will not hap-”

“Hah! You always give me a new excuse. This important man wanted to talk to you, that spoiled lady invited you to watch a race or your good old friend begged you to go hunting with him.” Eopia spoke with deep rooted spite. “This is important for the future of our house, so why can you not let them down for my sake for once?”

“Daughter, you are forgetting yourself. I am the head of this house and I have obligations that compel me. The diplomatic situation is beyond tense since Achaeus' schemes have come to light. If I do not show my face in Thebes there will be consequences.” He leaned on the table with an exhausted expression. His hand was placed on the large glass shard.

“Then they should send someone else, you are clearly not in good health. Does your arm not still hurt?” The fiery girl was standing tall and slammed her hands on the table.

“It is not the arm.” Kleitos rubbed the stump that had been cauterized right after the crises was contained. He had been lucky that he didn’t die of blood loss, all thanks to Agapetos' and Bion’s quick treatment. “My hand hurts.” He said mysteriously.

Eopia naturally only became more worried after hearing that.

“Please, stay a few more weeks at least. You are needed in Athens too.”

“You will not relent until I agree, will you? Your mother’s stubbornness is showing.” He sighed and gave in.

“I learned all of this from your hardheaded dealings.” The proud daughter replied with a wink. “Eugenia! You finally woke up.” She somehow spotted the half-hidden priestess at the staircase and waved her over.

“Good morning Lady Eopia, Lord Kleitos.” She bowed her head before the influential aristocrat.

“Not this again, I told you not to act so stiff and polite all the time. You are our guest!” She pulled Eugenia over and rubbed her head as if she was a child hiding behind her mother’s skirt. “Do you have a special wish for breakfast? Should I call the cook?”

“N-No thank you very much. I have no appetite.” She denied politely.

“You really are not a morning person. Although it is probably close to noon anyway.” Eopia looked out the window and then turned back. Her long ponytail was dancing around with the same energy she always had an abundance of. “I know just what will get your stiffness nice and soothed. We are going to leave for a while father.” She waved her old man goodbye and tugged Eugenia’s hand into her own.

“Just a moment. Priestess, you were invited to the castle by Archon Topos once more. It is your decision to make, but it is perhaps in your best interest not to ignore him forever.”

“Thank you for relaying the message. I will think about it.” Eugenia felt a bit guilty now.

“No more boring talk. We are heading out.” Eopia sighed and pulled the priestess along.

“Do not cause any trouble, you hear me dear?” His warning was as weak as ever. Eugenia had long since realized that the lord had a weakness for his daughter that she shamelessly exploited. From the stories that Zosimos had told her she had a very different initial impression of the man.

“He gets lonely easily, so we should probably return before evening.” Eopia said to her and led the way through Athens’ busy streets.

“Where are we going?” She asked curiously. Now that they had left the stuffy mansion, she felt a little lighter already. The fresh air (aside from the occasional smell of stables) was improving her mood.

“The bathhouse. I am a regular so the owner gives me preferential treatment.”

Eugenia wondered if there were any upstanding citizens in this entire city.

“Haaaahaaaa! That’s just right.” Eopia stretched her back and waved her arms around as the steam went up her long legs and warmed her limbs.

Eugenia was clad in a towel (which she was told was made of the finest hemp) and submerged her body up to the waist. The hot water was very pleasant.

“It is time to go all in.” Eopia pulled off her towel and splashed right into the water that was just deep enough for her upper torso to get wet. “You should discard that towel too or it will be too soaked to dry yourself.” She added mischievously.

“R-Right.” She slowly untied the towel and folded it a few times before putting it on the stone bench next to the bath.

“You really did it!”

“Y-You told me to.”

“Actually you get a fresh towel for drying yourself.” She said with a raised finger and smirked.

Eugenia pushed her face below the surface and blew some bubbles. When she resurfaced Eopia had already leaned against the stone wall and enjoyed the comfortable heat.

“You are rather shy, hm?”

“Not anymore.” Eugenia replied sulky. She could feel Eopia’s eyes on her body, but did her best not to let it bother her anymore.

“Are you ashamed of your scars?” The rich girl whose body was surely without a single blemish showed deep concern for her now. If it had been any other woman this might have appeared patronizing, but she knew that Eopia was showing real sympathy.

“I don’t mind. It’s not something I can see anyway.” She rolled up her long hair so it wouldn’t float all over the water.

“Let me see in your stead then.” Eopia said seriously and softly grabbed Eugenia’s twitching hand. She pulled her around and seemed to inspect her rather tactlessly. “Here.” She touched the small red scar on the priestess’ chest. It was still fresh. “And here.” She pushed aside her bangs and touched a tiny scar that had sprung from her upper forehead. “And this one…”

Eugenia let out a weak sound when her side was touched below the water. Eopia was gentle, but being touched so tenderly was exactly what made her shiver.

“What kind of abominable monster would scar a pretty girl this way?” Eopia's finger was following the large scar that went almost all along the right side of her waist.

Eugenia did not respond. The pain in her side still flared up occasionally. Was it truly there, though? Maybe it was no different from Kleitos’ hand pain. The pain of a memory. A knife that cut through her body and then separated her from Medusa. This pain was nothing compared to her punishment.

But memories did not just bring pain.

“You think I am pretty?” Eugenia asked in a lighter tone.

“I think so. But I have no eye for that kind of thing to be perfectly honest. I could rate any man though.” She chuckled when she saw her dubious expression. “If you desire a more accurate answer you should ask a man. Preferably one that is not already your friend or tries to court you, trust me on this.”

“I think not.” She laughed dryly alongside Eopia, who was clearly deeply amused.

“You don’t have a complex about it due to your blindness?” She asked just in case.

“It never bothered me before.” She shook her head.

“Not even a tiny bit?” She kept poking.

“…maybe just a little.” She had not felt that way until a certain moonlit night on a faraway island. Since then she sometimes wondered how she could make herself more appealing. She shook her head in embarrassment and splashed water all around.

“Fine, fine, I will stop prying!” Eopia laughed as she was splashed.

“At least I do know that you are beautiful.” Eugenia suddenly felt a weird mood come over her and she grinned.

“How come?” She wasn’t taking her seriously for obvious reasons, but she was not prepared for what was to come.

“Zosimos would go to great length to describe your every feature for days on end.” Eugenia gave a long suffering theatrical sigh.

“What?”

“He especially put attention to your birthmark below the right shoulder blade shaped like a butterfly. Your chestnut hair as gleaming as the olive tree in summer-”

“Stop it~” She splashed Eugenia with a large wave of water to shut her up.

They left the bath somewhat exhausted and sweatier than when they entered. The towels provided were really refreshing. After dressing themselves they were led into a lounge of some sort where food was served.

“Eating after a hot bath is not good for the stomach.” The bathhouse owner said with twisted eyebrows. He was more on the corpulent side himself and always looked a bit stressed.

“Are you chiding your beloved regular when she is willing to pay extra, Pelos?” The definition of a rich daughter was waving her finger and then pushed another olive into her mouth.

“Just to be clear, by renting the entire bath to you I make losses too.” He said with a shrug.

“I can see why this place is called ‘The Surly Nymph’.” She teased.

“Ugh. My wife came up with the name.” He grimaced.

“You should be happy that she has a sense of humor.”

“You have no idea.”

Eugenia listened to their peaceful conversation and truly began to relax. This was a pleasant feeling that she had missed. The baked bread soaked in oil and filled with goat cheese seemed all the more delicious.

“I knew your appetite would come back after a nice bath.” Eopia was overjoyed and smug.

“Don’t come crying to me if your belly aches. I have no soothing herbs left.” Pelos threw up his hands and walked behind the bar. There were assorted wines around, but he was not pouring them any. Eopia was considerate in the weirdest of ways.

“So Eugenia, how long will you stay in Athens?”

The sudden question made the poor priestess almost choke on her food and she hit her chest desperately. Luckily the food loosened and she could breathe once more. She definitely heard Eopia snort a little.

“I don’t know yet. Zosi- Themistokles is still searching.” She replied truthfully.

“He seems to be determined to go through every option in the entire harbor.” Eopia exhaled and leaned her chin on one hand. “You are the type to hide your feelings too much, so I will tell you again: You can stay with us as long as you need. Thanks to you, father is still free to be grumpy wherever he goes instead of rotting in a cell. And Leander…” She averted her eyes and choked up for a second. “He would have done the same.”

“Thank you.” Rather than apologize as she was always so quick to do, she felt that she had to express her gratitude. That noticeably raised Eopia’s spirits.

“If that thickheaded buffoon takes much longer you might even still be around for our wedding.” She grinned.

“I am not sure it will take that long.” A few sweat drops were pearling down her face. She at least hoped it wouldn’t take half a year!

“Most likely not. Pelos! You know you are invited as well, yes?” She called out to the owner.

“You keep telling me. My wife is looking forward to it. Even though I’m not sure I should come myself. After everything that happened here…”

“Themistokles never holds grudges. His attention span is far too shaky.” She shook her head with a sardonic smile. “And you were troubled by that whole deal as well.”

“Replacing a single window is no trouble at all. I have a friend who has connections.”

Eugenia could only wonder what that exchange was about.

“You really want to go? Father was just relaying the message, you have no obligation to listen to them.” Eopia held her hands while facing her. She didn’t want to let go.

“I have kept them waiting for two weeks. Lady Akacia would call me childish.” She smiled sheepishly.

“That woman is a dragon in a peacock’s skin.” Eopia pursed her lips dismissively.

“She is a wonderful person.” Eugenia replied with deep respect.

“I am sure every priestess she trains is obligated to say that.” She chuckled and then let go of her hands. “I will be going to the guild house now. Maybe I can even catch a glimpse of my oh-so-busy fiancé. See you tonight!” She spun in place and then energetically waved her goodbye.

Sometimes that woman could be like a whirlwind. Eugenia was quite fond of her already. Zosimos was just as lucky as he always claimed.

The gate to the Akropolis was under construction, so everyone who passed through was stopped by a couple of annoyed guards who forced the hammering to stop just long enough to guide the arrivals through. There was no telling how long the reconstruction would take, but they took the opportunity to reinforce the entire thing strongly. The project of making the Akropolis truly invincible was considered seriously now.

She passed the sad remains of the town hall. The fire had consumed nearly all of it, but there was a lot of rubble nonetheless. The surrounding buildings also had received some damage according to what she was told. The smell of burnt wood never truly left the place. She shuddered a little when she thought of how they must have dug out the corpses.

The gate to the palace grounds was replaced by a new brittle one that was more for appearances sake. It was unthinkable that the palace was defenseless. She was allowed to enter immediately when they recognized her. Of course they offered to guide her, but she refused politely. She had already memorized the way to the throne room by now. Not like she could forget that stressful climb even if she wanted to.

The palace was positively abuzz at this hour and she constantly had to stop to greet some important person that she didn’t even know by name. It was weird to be known by all these strangers. It made her really uncomfortable.

Inside the throne room she was apparently interrupting some heated discussion, but unsurprisingly Topos sat in his chair without joining in. He was not the type to raise his voice in debates, but rather deliver the final decision. When he noticed her he made a subtle gesture to the group and excused himself. The old Archon used a cane to support himself, but his pace was not as slow as one might believe.

“Follow me.” He said in his rough parchment like voice.

He led her to a side-room that was lit by a small window and otherwise completely dark. At least she could only feel the sunshine from such a small rectangle that she assumed so. Light conditions never mattered much to her.

Topos sat down on his armchair and then made a hand gesture for her to do the same. He didn’t seem to assume that she was unable to perceive it. It was surprising, considering he was one of the few people who knew she was blind. Whenever people found out they tended to act overly loud and overcompensated.

She sat down demurely opposite to him and then waited for him to speak up. Even though she had dealt with a few of his kind already, Topos really had the aura of an old-fashioned aristocrat. The fact that he was currently the only de facto Archon of the city also gave him even more importance.

“Have you rested well, child?” He asked with great lethargy.

“Yes, I have been treated generously by Lady Eopia’s family.” She played with her fingers and tried not to face him directly.

“Hrm. You are modest for your age. It is your accomplishment that has rendered Achaeus powerless and restored balance to this city. Where human means failed, you called upon the divine.”

“It was Lady Athena’s will that solved this crisis.” She replied humbly.

“Akacia, gods bless her stubborn soul, was unable to contact Athena for a long time. If she could not manage such a feat, then I have trouble finding someone who could.” His words were slow, but there was a certain sharpness in them. The ancient man was surely implying something.

“I was lucky.”

“Luck is quite the heroic trait.” He made a weird raspy sound. It took Eugenia a few moment to realize that it had been a mild chortle. Somehow he reminded her of a turtle now.

What he said seemed all too familiar though. Another ancient person had told her something similar. She suspected Topos was toying with her, but she could not sense any malicious intent.

“If it wasn’t for Lord Leander’s courage I could never have made it that far.” She felt horrible to receive any praise for this lie. There were people more deserving of being honored.

“Yes, Leander was special. Even so, I was opposed to him becoming Archon.”

“Huh? Why?”

“His lineage is watered down. His house was in ruins. To give the position to a bastard sullies our great traditions.” He explained without contempt or anger. These were just his honest views. “Achaeus defended him greatly and garnered support behind my back. Fate has brought those two together and also pitted them against each other.” And yet his tone conveyed that he was always passive in his observations. How much did he really know?

“If I may ask, what will you do about the other cities?”

“We are going to call back our troops from all allied cities. Achaeus had already called for reinforcements from Thebes and other nearby towns. In the near future our army will be reunited and then we will have to see what all this influence will be invested into.”

“You… you won’t start another war, will you?” She tensed up.

“That is not in my power to decide. After the new elections we will create a new balance. Sparta has been gathering strength during our ceasefire, so a show of force will be in our interest.” His dry tone made the near future sound like ancient history. For him, who was so very old, the pattern must have seemed repetitive already.

“Uhm. C-Could you tell me if… well.” She stumbled over her own words as she tried to ask for something that she shouldn’t have.

“You wish to know who the next Archon candidates will be.” He surmised. She nodded. “Due to his involvement and testimony the Rhodian has gained some recognition. Achaeus had shortsightedly granted him the privilege of participation and Leander had good words for him. With Kleitos support he should have a rather generous head start.” He did not hide his displeasure in the slightest.

It was understandable that the Attican elite looked down upon an outsider, she could not fault them for that. She secretly rooted for Zosimos of course. The condition that he had to become Archon to marry Eopia was probably not binding anymore, but he had worked so hard to come here. With someone as young and different as him the rule in the city might finally change. The merchants would certainly be pleased.

“As for the other, there are several candidates, none to be put above the other. We are in a lamentable state where the houses are even considering to let Leander’s adoptive brother participate in the selection.” He let out a tired sigh.

“It will all work out.” Eugenia said encouragingly which simply earned her a raised brow.

“Do you have any other inquiries child?”

“Er, did you call me here to answer my questions?” She asked surprised.

He nodded. It seemed that she had completely misunderstood his reasons. How shameful.

“If it were only that.” He then suddenly cracked his shoulders and leaned forward on his cane. “There is one more matter.”

She swallowed and backed deeper into her chair.

“You have caught my old eye, child. There is something your frail presence cannot hide from me.”

“S-Sorry?” She was alerted now. His words were too confounding.

“Truly, her silvery eyes are reflected upon your visage. The rumors that you are her chosen are indubitably reflecting reality.” How did a man who appeared nearly blind and at death’s door suddenly seem so incredibly imposing?

“I was blessed by Lady Athena as a child.” She admitted quickly to get his gaze off her.

“This is a twist of fate, indeed. Athena’s child is marked by the presence of that snake.”

“What… did you say?” Now everything changed in Eugenia's head.

“The silvery eyes shine on you – and the Gorgon’s fangs are pierced into your back. Your soul should be torn apart soon.” His words were still as matter of factly as before, but she could not even believe they were spoken by the same man.

“H-How do you-? You know about Medusa?!” Her heart was pounding due to stress. She frantically tried to remember if she had told anyone about her that could have given the information to him. The only one who should have known was Lady Akacia, but she would never tell someone this secret. It would implicate her as well.

“I know the Gorgon, albeit not personally.” He confirmed and sank back into his armchair. His old bones creaked a bit when he moved. “Your connection must be deep, therefore I will reveal this to you.” And with that she could hear the rustling of undressing. The old man was opening his mantle and pulling aside his tunic!

“What? W-Wait, please don’t.” She waved her hands in panic. Even if she could not see him, she didn’t want to know he undressed in front of her! Was this living mummy actually a secret deviant?

“Touch it.” He said seriously.

“Ahhh!” She squirmed as he grabbed her hand and pushed it against his chest. The old, dry, wrinkly skin was pushing against her fingers. It was horrible.

But it was unnaturally dry. Hard even. And slightly slick?

“I apologize, you could only realize through contact.” He said weakly and then let go of her hand.

“Scales?” She was in doubt, but after rubbing them some more she realized they were fused to his body. There was a certain pattern to them and they ended close to his chest. “You- You aren’t human?”

“Not entirely. These paltry scales are all that is left of my lineage. Of my inheritance.” His weary words showed his true age. “I am the last descendant of King Crecops I.”

“The first king?!” Her eyes widened. King Crecops was a legend in Attica. He was the first king of Athens and known as a serpent-man. An autochthon who was pure and taught the people many cultural wisdoms. His descendants were long since thought to be extinct.

“Our line was diluted among humans and surely there must be more distant relatives of mine out there, living the lives of average mortals. It seems I am the last of the blessed. This blood coursing through my body has kept me alive far beyond a natural lifespan. In truth I have been born two hundred years ago, if my old memory does not betray me.” He revealed with a thoughtful expression.

Eugenia was simply awestruck and could hardly respond.

“I have searched for others of my kind; snake people across the world were abundant once. Most of them are linked to the divine, like Poseidon’s daughters and the Gorgon. I know little of her beyond the legends, but I have an innate awareness of her presence.” He slowly got dressed again while talking. “To know that a kindred being is in a feud with the goddess of my city is regrettable.”

“I think so too.” She had not expected to find someone who understood her pain here of all places.

“I cannot give you comfort, child. This was only the selfish desire of a decaying man. I could not reveal my true self to anyone for a long… long… time.” His head was lowered and he spoke so slowly that it seemed he would go to sleep at any moment.

“Thank you for telling me.” She replied softly.

He felt guilty for only receiving relief himself, but this encounter taught her once more that there was more going on in this world than she could possibly imagine. Nobody was as they seemed. There were still people who did not hate Medusa out there. That thought was more than enough to lift her spirits.

After finishing her conversation with Topos she excused herself and walked through the palace. While she was here already she intended to pay Agapetos and Bion a visit. The two medicos were staying as guests and ambassadors of Eretria for now. After Athens involvement in the attacks on the Eretrian ships was uncovered they were treated with great honors to save relations with the city of rowers.

For all intents and purposes they must have been busier than ever before, but when she went to their quarters a servant told her that Agapetos was meeting scholars and medicos from other groups to have some enlightening discourse. In other words he was enjoying himself to the fullest.

Bion on the other hand was apparently taking care of the injured in the barracks outside the palace. She wasn’t sure whether she was allowed to go there. It was a place of rest and recovery. She was also a little queasy about the moans of pain and the stench of burned flesh…

For now she wondered if she should just go back to Eopia’s place, but when she walked the halls in search for the staircase she passed a door which was slightly ajar. Her ears quickly picked up the voice of the one she sought, but he was not alone. It might have been too rude to intrude on them.

“How are you doing?” The apprentice asked with his usual monotone voice.

“Fancy as an exotic dancer. Will be climbin’ the mast in no time.” Irvenos replied with mirth.

“Yeah right. I would tell you to stay in bed for at least double this time, but like anyone ever listens to me.”

Eugenia could basically hear him shrug nonchalantly.

“I’ve slept off worse.”

“Sure. I wouldn’t have let you take up a sword if I had known that most of your ribs were broken. Can’t even imagine how you managed to talk with the injured throat either.” Bion listed the ailments like he was going through a shopping list.

“Much use I’ve been, aye? Best I’d have stayed behind and let myself get burnt to a crispy snack for the dogs.”

“They would have gotten a stomachache.”

“Yer a real nice guy, ya know that?” Irvenos replied with a hoarse laugh. Apparently his injured throat was not responsible for that raspy voice.

“Burnt meat is unhealthy for dogs. “ Bion replied matter of factly.

“Dat so?”

“Yes. Anyway, no moving about and no drinking.”

“Or else?”

“I won’t be responsible for the chronic damage.” Again a shrug.

“Real shame. When can I get outta this bindin’ stuff?” He adjusted stiffly.

“When it stops turning red from that kind of movement.”

“Rrgh…”

“Told you so.” Bion smirked.

“Can ya really waste your time makin’ fun of a poor cap’n? Doesn’t your master need you?”

“He has been giving lectures to the high society since last week. Doesn’t need the help of a mere apprentice.”

“Is that all?” Irvenos needled him naturally.

“…it’s been a few hours already, so he should be done with that. Now he is probably exchanging stories with his scholar friends or talking to other medicos.” He had taken a while to come up with that response.

“You’re worried.” Irvenos probably smirked below those assorted scarves.

“Worrying is not my thing. Too much of a bother.” He replied deadpan.

“Agapetos; he a good master?”

“Is that a trick question?”

“Hehe. Just sayin’. Took in a master slayer, didn’t he?” He pointed out.

“True.”

“Will ya ever tell me how it happened?”

“Does it matter?” Bion dodged the question unexpectedly.

“The first time is always the hardest. I can’t tell how ya got to the place you’re now. For me it was unavoidable with the life I chose. But slaves like you don’t got much choice.” His words sounded inquisitive at first, but now it seemed to be sympathy.

“It’s a boring story. There wasn’t any heroic reason and no retaliation for horrible abuse. My first master was a decent man, mostly.”

“Mostly?”

“Mhm.” He stayed quiet for a while and then finally spoke up with a somber tone. “He wasn’t abusive with his property, but he hated animals. Every time he visited the farm, he got angry because of the smell and the noises. If it was just the livestock that would’ve been one thing, but we had a habit of feeding the stray cats from the nearby harbor town.”

“Cats, eh?” Irvenos was a good listener. He didn’t inquire much.

“Master hated them the most. Called them useless and eyesores. When he saw one near the farm he would take his whip and try to hit them. Little hairballs kept running of course.” He spoke like he was reading an old story. “Not all of them were so lucky. He told the farmhands to capture those cats by luring them with food. Then he would take them to the shed and… well they wouldn’t leave again.”

Irvenos released an understanding grunt.

“I did not like it. They fed us the meat so it wouldn’t go to waste. It was probably better than the gruel we usually got.” He snorted. “But I liked those cats more alive. One time I was ordered to bring them to the shed myself. That place looked no better than a slaughter stable. Their eyes were glowing in the dark… Master came in and pulled out the whip first. Said he would ‘tenderize’ them for us first.” His eyes turned duller as he kept talking.

“So you did it.”

“I did. Took the meat hook and opened him up. He didn’t even scream. Too surprised. The cats stayed silent too, could probably sense the death of their tormentor. I blanked out to be honest. Afterwards I must have released them, but all I remember is running from the farm and stepping through the dirt path.”

“You escaped unscathed?”

“Kept both my eyes at least.” He said snidely.

“They’ve probably put up a bounty?”

“Yeah. It was pretty dicey for a long time. I came to Eretria because I was starving and tired of running. The old man just passed me by accident. There was really no greater reason to it. He saw me banged up and treated my wounds. Probably happy for the practice he could get on a helpless kid.”

“You’re real cynical sometimes.”

“Likewise. Well, he let me stay, because I had nimble hands and knew how to cook.”

“Ah… I see.” Irvenos politely avoided the topic. So he had already gotten a taste of Bion’s cuisine.

“’course he also has a thing for boys, so that helped.”

Eugenia almost choked on her own tongue, while Irvenos laughed.

“It’s rude to listen in on people.” Bion raised his voice and then kicked the door open with one leg.

“Ah uh, well, sorry!” Eugenia nervously apologized. Bion was too sharp.

“You can come in. Not like Irvenos is going to do anything to you in that state.” The medico was sitting on a reversed chair and waved her inside.

“I’d never do nothin’ to her if I was all good either. Not without permission!” Irvenos squinted his one good eye and raised up on his bed.

“A-Are you feeling better?”

“Brilliant as’a matter o’ fact. I wanted to visit my crew, but this stick in the mud refused to let me.” He kicked Bion’s chair with one of his rather long legs.

“They will be happy to visit all the taverns in Athens while you are tied to the bed.” Bion said with a yawn. “This is great timing Eugenia. Can you look after this scarred ram for a bit?”

“Me?” She blinked subconsciously.

“If he does something stupid tie him down with these ropes.” He threw her some long sailor’s ropes. There was no telling where he got those or how serious he was.

“Where’re ya off to?” Irvenos asked the medico turned prison guard.

“Master has been having his fun with those apprentices for a while. It’s time for a break from his hard work.” He said with a dry smile and pushed the chair aside so Eugenia could take his place.

“Buncha young men thirsty for knowledge, aye?”

Bion didn’t reply. His face was unreadable.

“That master o’ yours is good at talkin’ so he’ll be parched as well.” He seemed to enjoy himself.

“He already has an apprentice. Get your priorities straight old man.” Bion rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. “We will talk later, alright Eugenia?”

“Yes, see you soon.” She said with a tilted head and heard him close the door.

“That boy’s like a jealous tomcat.” Irvenos chuckled.

“Bion?” She thought about that description and it fit surprisingly well. Bion was the epitome of a harbor cat. Just strolling around, sleeping when he felt like it and always complaining. A free spirit. “He is really loyal too.” She added to defend his honor.

“It’s rare to get saved by a good man. Or even a half-decent one. That’s th’ way to get loyalty for a lifetime.” He explained jovially.

“Do you think Bion… er, maybe he feels deeply for Agapetos?” She was rather embarrassed asking about such things.

“Been listenin’ to the scholars and poets too much? This ain’t Thebes.” He said with a serious tone.

“I didn’t m-mean-!”

“Jestin’, I’m jesting. Is nothin’ wrong with fancying who ya fancy.” The captain leaned back with his arms crossed behind his back. Eugenia exhaled in relief. “If ya don’t tell that sharp kitty about it, you can leave any time. I don’t need a guardian priestess. Wrong goddess anyways.”

“Hehe.” Eugenia couldn’t help but chuckle. Irvenos was more easy-going than he appeared. “Do you pray to Poseidon then?”

“Can’t avoid a few prayers when shit hits the waves… excuse my sailor’s tongue.” He coughed. “My boys get real devout before and after a journey. I don’t think ol’ fuming beardo cares much for puny humans tho.”

That was a nickname she had never heard for the god of the ocean before.

“Not leavin’?”

“I have to look after you. Bion trusts me.” She said playfully.

“Then I’m glad you’re blind.” Irvenos pulled up a secret stash from below his bed. By the sound of the liquid splashing around it was probably wine. “Don’t ask me and I won’t have to tell ya.”

“Agreed.” She smiled.

“Urgh… bein’ confined to this bed is no better than a coffin’.” The courageous captain dared to move his legs over the edge of the bed and pulled himself up. He tried his best to suppress the pained grunts, but Eugenia’s ears could not be fooled.

Rather than stop him though, she lend him her shoulder. He seemed taken aback, but then moved forward. He was quite a bit taller than her, but surprisingly light. They made their way to the large window. The warm air from outside was comfortable and there was still some sunlight streaming inside.

“That’s a nice spot. Thanks lass.” He put his legs over the windowsill and actually sat down!

“W-Wait, this is the third floor.” Her pulse was racing even though it wasn’t her sitting on the edge of this height.

“What of it?” Irvenos asked and leaned against the frame as he chugged on the earthen wine bottle. “You won’t sit with me?”

“Absolutely not.” Her throat was so tense she couldn’t even swallow. She had never been too afraid of heights, but having an injured man teeter on the edge like that was stressing her out immensely. So she purposely sat down behind him, back turned to the outside.

“Suit yerself.” He wiped the wine from his chin and sighed satisfied. “Still feignin’ abstinence?” The wine was held in front of Eugenia’s nose, but she determinedly pushed it aside.

“I don’t drink.”

“’course ya don’t.”

It was a fragile peace that had developed between them. A fragile balance too, considering Irvenos was getting kind of drunk quickly.

“If ya pushed me off right now, that would be fine too.” Irvenos suddenly said morbidly.

“You are drunk.”

“Doesn’t make it less true!” He replied wittily.

“I don’t push people to their deaths.” Eugenia stated defiantly.

“Well, me on the other hand, I pushed lotsa people o’er the plank.” He muttered. “It’s ironic… it is. Leander’s the one who ended my life as a pirate. Now it’s on me that his life ended altogether.”

“You were a pirate?” She listened up.

“Got most o’these scars from that time. Made it all the way to Captain back then too. My shup- ship, ‘twas the Lamia’s Lament. Actually belonged to my master, greatest pirate I’ve ever met.” He seemed really talkative all of a sudden. Perhaps the wine was stronger than expected. Or exactly as strong as he wanted.

“Did he die during the pirate war?”

“No way, he’s a legend! Let go of the pirate life before Leander could get to ‘im. Cap’n Pelagios went clean. Became one o’ the best sailorsss… in the entire Aegean Sea. He was the best before that too, but nobody knew.” He laughed hoarsely.

“Pelagios.” Eugenia felt her heart sink to her stomach.

“Wonder where the old coot’s now? Prolly sailin’ in search for a place to settle down. He always talked ‘bout how the crew deserved a real life as landlubber. Stupid dreamer.” He chugged more wine while reminiscing.

Eugenia stayed quiet. She hadn’t known Pelagios very well. If Irvenos’ tales were true he must have been quite special. Typhos would not have settled on anything less after all. There was no average sailor that could guide ships through the storm barrier. What had happened to him during that battle? She wasn’t sure who escaped Medusa’s revenge. But those who made it back to Attica…

“It’s better if I don’t know.” Irvenos seemed to reply to Eugenia’s inner thoughts somehow, but it was probably a coincidence. “We cut ties and split up so we wouldn’t all be caught by the hero. Turnin’ coat right before the attack on da fort, made ya appreciate how close we were to getting’ cut down.”

“Leander was a real hero.” She agreed. Although she had heard little, she did know of Leander’s hero title before this crisis started.

“And I got ‘im killed. Achaeus got me good.”

“Why did you work for him?”

“Ya wouldn’t believe if I said coin?” He sighed. “Guess not. He knew too many secrets. Our pirate past, that we’ve got debts to pay… and my personal secret too.” He put a hand over his face and gritted his teeth.

“But Therses told me that you chose to defy Achaeus in the end. That must have been hard.” She replied softly.

“Too much sweetness’ll make people sick, ya hear? I didn’t ask for all that sympathy.” He was so self-derisive.

“Your crew will be safe now. And your secret won’t be revealed either. Bion is good at keeping those.” She cheered him up with a smile which he naturally couldn’t see.

“When in blazes did ya figure me out?” Irvenos wondered and adjusted the fringing scarves.

“I don’t know myself. I just had a feeling.” Eugenia said truthfully.

The scarred captain let himself fall behind and their backs pressed against each other. He was not heavy enough to crush her. He seemed to enjoy putting more weight on her though.

“Can’t fool some special chosen priestess, eh? Got more special powers aside from your special hearin’?”

“I’m not special.” She retorted cutely.

“Take it from me, a woman shouldn’t be caught up in this kinda shit. That makes ya special all on its own.” ‘He’ took off ‘his’ scarves and let the breeze touch the exposed face for the first time in a long, long while. “That feels nice.”

“Do you really have to hide your face?” She wondered.

“The scars are doin’ wonders, sure, but my cheekbones ain’t right. I was figured out sometimes when I didn’t hide ‘em. My throat’s been sore since I was born I think, so that worked out tidy.”

“Do those old stale clothes hide your figure that well?”

“Almost forgot ya can’t see me. What’s that crap about stale, though? I like this outfit.” Irvenos seemed rather defensive of ‘his’ wardrobe. Old noble clothes had a certain panache.

“Hahaha.” She didn’t take it back. “But isn’t it sad to hide who you truly are from your crew?”

“I’ve grown used to this life. To be honest, I don’t know if I’m really hidin’ anymore.”

“Huh?”

“Man or woman… does it really matter now?” Irvenos certainly was very drunk.

“Would you not rather be a woman?”

“I lived as a man and I like it that way. It’s like there’s two of me in this damaged body. Sometimes… I’d like to be more like the other me. Mostly not.”

Two sides to the same person. Was one of them truly ‘correct’? Irvenos had chosen a heavy road. To keep up with the men, how much more did she have to exhaust herself? How many times did she have to be manlier than the other men just to prove herself? Eugenia had never even considered what she would have been like as the opposite sex. Probably still blind.

“You have grown to accept that other side.” She felt like this was something important. Something she needed to remember.

“My body’s like this, but my life’s like that. Only the gods can choose what’s ‘right’, wouldn’t ya say so, priestess?”

Man or woman, chosen or not, monster or…

It struck her now who she had been thinking of. Irvenos double life was very familiar. Her heart grew heavy again. What was truly important was that Irvenos never lied to herself.

“The saying goes, women are bad luck on sea. Not leadin’ with a great example there. Thought of quittin’ the sailor’s life after this. Should have died in that burnin’ town hall. But that meddlin’ lad had to drag me back.”

“I will thank Bion for that later.”

“Pah.” Irvenos leaned back more forcefully and emptied his wine. The scarves were already back in position.

It had gotten late when Bion finally returned to check up on them. He seemed much more relaxed now. Of course he had to make a smart comment when seeing Irvenos snoring away while stinking of booze. Eugenia said she saw nothing and earned herself a light smack on the head.

After locking the door, the two separated amicably and Eugenia returned home. Not that she really felt like she was going home. It was just the place that she stayed at right now. If she kept living here, maybe one day she would gain that elusive sense of belonging…

When she entered she was greeted by a chipper exchange of teasing between two overly flirty lovers. Zosimos had finally come home.

“Listen here Eugenia, he finally found a vessel for you!” Eopia hugged her arm and pulled her towards the dinner table.

“Truly?” Her face lit up.

“I can’t promise that I’ll be able to get it ready right away, but I found a boat with the right specifications. The owner was willing to sell, but said he wouldn’t give it to some dirty Rhodian.” He made a bemused face.

“There are all kinds of scum in this city.” Eopia said with a dark glint in her eyes.

“W-Well, I referred him to your father as a guarantor and he gave in. Give me two days and I’ll have her ready. Tomorrow if someone with more boat experience helps out.” He clapped his hands and acted overly cheerful.

“I could ask Therses for a favor.” Eugenia put a finger to her chin in deep thought.

“Aha, that guy. Seems pretty infatuated with ya, so he won’t be saying no.” Zosimos nodded supportively.

“Is that true?” Eopia had sniffed out some juicy gossip and was ready to pounce.

“It’s not like that!” The priestess pleaded for a quick death.

The next day Eugenia rose as soon as the sun touched the horizon. The drowsiness of the last weeks had disappeared completely. Knowing that she would leave the city soon suddenly filled her with an urgency that she didn’t even understand herself. There was no time to sleep in and wile away her waking hours.

She wolfed down the breakfast prepared by the servants and was ready to leave when Eopia had barely made it out of bed.

“What has you in such a hurry?” The currently not-so-noble looking daughter asked with a yawn.

“I have to keep a promise.” She replied curtly and tied her sandals. “Please tell Zosimos that I will be coming by the harbor later to test the ship!”

“Sure… if he manages to acquire it until then.” She rubbed her eyes and saw her off in confusion.

Eugenia traversed the busy streets with a goal in mind and thus made it to the outskirts of the city relatively fast. There she met up with Hegord.

“My, you actually remembered a promise to this old dotard?” He hid his embarrassment behind a loud attitude.

“I always want to pay back what I owe.” She swiped a basket with her hands and got rid of the hay. Then she sat down in front of him. “I will tell you the truth. The whole truth. All I ask is that you don’t tell anyone about it.”

“Hoho! Lookin’ at this old face should tell you, I’m no gossiping housewife. Not that ya can tell.” His hearty laugh was infectious. He rubbed his long beard expectantly.

Eugenia retold the events since that long past day when Typhos had appeared at her doorstep in Dankana. She didn’t know everything that happened before or in-between, but by now she had put together many of the pieces until she had a fairly realistic image of the life of this young scholar that tried to become king.

In the end she managed to talk for two hours straight. Hegord had not interrupted her much, only asking for clarifications occasionally. He seemed moved, but also not all too surprised. She had suspected that he would already know most of these details. Perhaps he knew Typhos better than she ever did.

“The Gorgon, mighty impressive woman. My condolences for the pain ya had to go through.” He leaned on his cane with a humbled expression.

“I never truly grasped what he had felt in his heart.” She said sadly.

“I hope that we can remember the lad for more than his downfall. And I reckon it’s greedy to hope so, but I ask that you can forgive him for it too.”

Eugenia nodded hesitantly. She had already told him something similar when she first arrived, but now that they had the full context it seemed more like a promise.

“Achaeus, he gave people nothing but suffering. He’s the kind of man who creates men like Typhos. I’m glad ya’ll took him down.” His old eyes were filled with a hint of contempt, although Eugenia could not pick up on it.

“He… he was doing it for his own reasons. Just like Typhos.”

“Mayhaps I am an old fool who is growing bias as long as his beard, but I believe Typhos never involved anyone unless it was necessary. That Archon sowed discord ‘cause it was easy.”

“The easy path…” She felt sort of numb already. Hatred, forgiveness, happiness and sadness, she felt those emotions were too heavy now. She just had to keep moving forward until her goal was reached. The trial was finally over and her way home had been opened up.

Finally all her obligations were dealt with. Everything was as it should be.

“They locked him away, hm? I’d have hung him up in public, made a real show of it. Fed him to lions for good measure.”

“Would that make someone happy? Would it soothe their pain?” She shook her head.

“Oh, don’t mind this old fool’s ramblings. Times have changed and I’m always limpin’ behind.” He cleared his throat. “Thank you for your time. This was a story worth every effort I’d invested.”

“It’s not over yet.” She added with a wry smile.

“The rest is not for my ears.” He said with a knowing smirk. “Safe travels lass. May you find the way.”

Eugenia left with mixed feelings. The trial was over and nothing held her in this city any longer. That was a fact, right? Then what was this lingering sense of regret? She simply couldn’t leave without knowing…

“It is advised that you do not get too close to the prisoner. We will be waiting right outside the door, so please call for us should there be any trouble.” The guard was instructing her calmly. He just went through the motions. There were quite a few visitors to this particular cell and they did usually want privacy.

When she entered the room she realized that it was quite a bit smaller than she would have thought. For a former Archon to be kept in a cell no greater than that of a common cutthroat must have been an intentional insult.

She stepped in front of the wooden bars that were thicker than both of her arms combined and stopped in her tracks. The breeze from the small barred window was sucked towards the cracks in the door and told her quite well about the interior of the cell. The vibrations and friction made it clear where Achaeus was seated. He was leaning against the wall right below the window. His pose was defeated and depressed.

“Another gawker here to laugh at the jester?” He growled in a low voice. Even without vision she could tell that he looked horrible. His hair and beard must have been greasy and disheveled. His eyes fallen in. His skin grey. The only strength he could spare was for his biting tone.

“I won’t laugh.” Eugenia replied through the bars. Indeed she felt nothing was humorous about this situation.

“My, if it isn’t the chosen one! Coming down to the bowels of Hades to deliver her righteous light upon the forsaken, the discarded… the failure.” His head sunk lower and he made a fist.

She had come to meet him, but now that she was met with his stinging words and his self-destruction, she was not sure what had possessed her to come here. What could she possibly say to this man and what could he ever answer her?

“Will you question me like the others did or will you simply listen to the noise coming from my festering wounds? Does purulence delight the divine vessel?” His left eye was infected, but he was surely not referring to his physical ails.

“Are you made of nothing but bitterness?” She asked more repulsed than she had intended.

“There is also rage. Don’t test me, priestess.” His threats were empty, but heartfelt.

“I don’t know why I came.” She wanted to leave. Just leave this behind now. But… “Did you really see Athena?”

Achaeus stared at her in confusion. He was searching for the accusation or derision, but he only found an honest question. It was taking the fire out of his soul faster than any punishment could.

“My vision could not have fooled me. The scenery of the burning village is seared into my eyeballs. It was her! She was flying tall above the ashes and pointed eastward. Her unforgiving silver eyes were pointed at the enemy. This hatred. This rejection. Inhuman eyes filled with fate.” He recollected as if in trance.

“If you served her, why did you never try to convene with her? Why did you attempt to carry this fate all on your own?” She simply didn’t understand the crooked path that had led to this.

“It began with me alone inside a mountain of ash. Athena pointed the way. She did not save me, she did not pull me on my feet. She only pointed where I had to go. Do you comprehend? It was not her who would save Athens, the world. It was me. It is… humanity that has to save itself.”

“But you didn’t save anyone! Your methods only hurt more people the same way you were hurt!”

“You don’t know that! I could have done it! If it wasn’t for you!” He shakenly rose to his feet and staggered towards the bars. He grabbed them with all his might and pressed himself forward so that they were only separated by a few fingers lengths. “You know nothing, yet you fooled them all. You deceived and betrayed the world and now its destruction is blood on your hands!”

“I- I didn’t – T-That’s not true-!”

“Why did I dirty my hands?! What were all the sacrifices for? How could I have killed so many and destroyed so much and then be stopped before I could save a single person in return?!” He shouted with a face so twisted that it seemed human no longer. “Why did you have to destroy my destiny… my salvation…?” He sank to his knees and collapsed against the wooden bars.

Eugenia was shaken to the core. She truly had taken everything from him. Stripped him of the purpose that he had created and build on the backs of thousands. All had been sacrificed, Typhos future, the Eretrians’ sovereignty, the slaves under Simon and even her own parents. They all were sacrificed for this grand plan. Were their sacrifices in vain? Was this all her fault?

“…that is not for you to decide.” Even as her mind was jumbled and forlorn, her mouth moved on its own. Something inside her refused this despair!

“What did you say?”

“They did not sacrifice their lives for your sake. Not a single person was fighting for your destiny. You paved your road on the lives of people that had their own destinies. Every single one made their own choices. Even if you were the one who set these horrible events in motion, they owned their lives and their choices until the very end! My parents didn’t die because of your schemes, they died protecting the village that they loved. Simon deserted because of the slaves he loved. The citizens of Lamia protected the city they loved. All of them had their own circumstances and wills. If I accept that they died because of you, then I will accept that your destiny controlled them.”

Achaeus kneeled in front of the furious priestess and continued to listen in shock.

“You accomplished nothing and you hurt many, but that is the way of the world. Everyone makes good and bad decisions. You face the consequences just as I will too.”

“This is cruel…” He banged his head against the bars until he drew blood. “Why did you let me live? Why did you choose to make me live with this failure?!”

“Because I didn’t want you to run away.” She replied while breathing heavily.

“Run from what? The Underworld has no salvation left for me. I welcome Tartaros.”

“You want to atone for earthly sins with repentance in the Underworld. That is wrong.” She slammed her hands against the wood. “Live to see what the world will do without you! See what the people left behind will create. You already decided that the world is lost and that your actions created nothing but suffering.”

“Is that not so?!” He looked up with blood running down his face and along his eyes, as if he shed bloody tears.

“Because of all this suffering I met Medusa!” She shouted.

He heard her words, but he did not comprehend.

“Every decision begets another. And every result creates a new choice. I don’t know what this happy world without you would have been like, but I would not have met any of the people that I know now. There would not have been any reason for me to have traveled so far and experienced so much. If you hadn’t caused conflict it surely would have begun in some other way. As long as Ares and Athena are with us war is inevitable. The Persians may come one day as you said, but I don’t want to believe that someone had already decided the outcome. What is the meaning of fate if we could know it ahead of time?”

“But Athena…”

“The gods may know what they do, but isn’t that why they don’t interfere unless it concerns them directly? When will we gain independence so that we may not cling to them like children? Typhos asked those questions. He saw something that most didn’t, even if grief corrupted his views.”

She had vented at the former Archon, she had released all this frustration and anger that had been directed at herself. Achaeus was nothing more than a wall to lash out at. She had never come to him to understand him more, rather she wanted to understand herself.

“I feel pity for you, Achaeus.” She said with exhaustion from shouting so much. “Athena did not choose you, but you were hurting because of her. I understand that now.”

“Damn it.” He punched the ground and sank into himself.

“I will leave Athens soon, perhaps forever. We may never meet again. No matter what happens from now on, just know that you do not control my decisions. Nobody will.” With those words she was ready to leave it all behind.

“Leander…” Achaeus’ frail voice stopped her one last time. “What happened to Leander?”

“He passed on. His funeral was two weeks ago.” She replied faintly.

“Did… did they honor him?”

“The entire city grieved for him. They minted a gold coin with his family crest. Hopefully Charon will be pleased.” She had shed many tears on that day, but now she felt acceptance.

“Gods know I hated him.” Achaeus pressed his back against the bars and was blinded by the streaming sunlight that was perfectly aligned with his cell for just a moment. “But I envied him even more.”

Eugenia left the broken man to his idle thoughts with the knowledge that they would never meet again.

The way to the harbor was long, but it gave her plenty of time to think. She felt no more of the pressing weight on her stomach and the steps she took seemed lighter. It was clear to her now that this was what she had to do. The trial was finally over.

The pier was empty, for most of the ships had set sail or were anchoring on the opposite end. There were many chests and barrels piled up to the dozens here, but she felt almost… alone.

Except for the sound of chewing above her.

“Lord Hermes.” She recognized him by the fluttering of his winged sandals. Or perhaps deep down she just knew he would be here.

“These apples are delicious. Trade is flourishing across the world now.” He said delighted and licked his sticky fingers after swallowing the apple - stem and all. Then he jovially waved his hand to greet her. “My favorite priestess, how good to see you again. It has been a few cycles.”

“Is it okay to declare me your favorite priestess? I do not even pray to you.” She replied dryly.

“Aha, the truth of the matter is that there are not many priestesses who pray to one such as me. The bulk are stingy old men and children full of shrewd ideas.” He cupped his chin and crossed his legs. She couldn’t hear any clothes on him… though he was wearing his invisibility cap.

“So I win by default?” Eugenia smiled.

“You have gotten more adroit with your words. I fear soon I shan’t get away without damage. You really do resemble her.” He was nothing if not amused by her attitude and slowly floated down the cargo.

“Did you come to confirm my progress?” She asked with a raised brow.

“Far from it, I would not have the time to spare!” He claimed with a wounded heart. “I am a messenger and that is my one and only motivation to visit a beautiful girl in her time of need.”

“Your flattery won’t get to me anymore. I was told the truth about my appearance.” She said triumphantly.

“Does beauty not lie in the eye of the beholder?” He asked smoothly.

“H-Huh?”

“And for one such as I, the fleeting appearance of the body could never match the beauty of the soul.”

“Ah… truly?”

“Of course there is a certain allure to the flower growing in someone else’s garden too~” He added with a mischievous snicker.

“You jerk.” She pinched his nose.

“I relent!”

“Why are you really here? The trial is over. I finished my business, so I can return to Sarpedon now.” She let go of him, if only because she doubted that he even felt her pinches.

“How cruel, I was not deceiving you. I am here to deliver a message to you, or perhaps the opposite.” He rubbed his head as if he was still figuring it out himself.

Eugenia just had to chalk it up to his quirky nature.

“But there is one matter I am more certain on.” Suddenly his clever eyes became deeper. “The trial has not ended.”

“Pardon?” She almost hoped that she misheard.

“You followed my advice, but this little crisis was entirely optional. The experience should have served you well-”

“What do you mean it was optional!?” She almost lost her countenance.

“Ahem. I apologize for my obtuse wording. Naturally this was all necessary.” He changed his tune like a poet did the grip on a lyre.

Her head felt numb again.

“My message can wait at least until you set sail. Whether I will deliver it or not depends entirely on how the trial ends. In other words, the decision is yours.” He took her hand gently and then pointed it towards the ocean. “She is waiting for you.”

For a moment she thought he referred to Medusa.

But in her heart of hearts she knew.

Athena was waiting.

At the horizon, the trial’s end.