Endymion's Wake

XIX. Pendius Recalls

Pendius Recalls | Cassandra

The attendant girl wove in front of them, skipping in delight. A few times their eyes briefly met, but despite Cassandra's best efforts to convey her displeasure, the playful weaving continued.

"In my chambers, the attendants behave appropriately. What are you two feeding them? Wine soaked figs?"

"I could go for some wine soaked figs. How about you, Phoebe?" replied Emilios.

"Can I?" she begged skipping between Chrysanthos and Emilios.

"Not today. I think she's onto us," said Emilios pretending to be frightened of Cassandra. He grabbed one of Phoebe's hands and signaled for Chrysanthos to do the same. Despite their height difference, they were able to lift her a foot off the ground as they walked towards the Throne Room.

"Enough," hissed Cassandra. "The king's advisor is dead. Don't let anyone see you enjoying yourselves. She could be sold away for lesser."

Immediately, the boys lowered their arms and Phoebe walked quietly against Emilios' leg.

"Really?" mouthed an annoyed Emilios to Cassandra.

She didn't care. Their behavior was inappropriate to say the least. As they rounded the corner to the main entrance they were greeted by Idmon, high priest of Zeus' temple.

"Good evening, high priest," said Chrysanthos with surprise. "The palace hasn't been blessed with your presence in some time."

The old man smiled as he bent over an old oak staff. "Circumstances demand it, my dear pupil." His eyes passed over to Emilios and he gave a small bow to the prince. Emilios smiled awkwardly and greeted him in return. Cassandra knew Vasilis had instructed him never to bow or show too much deference to the priests, but he always look uncomfortable not returning the respect.

"My dear, your peplos is truly the finest I've seen in all my long years in Olympia. High priestess Laodice and I were discussing your great talent at length this afternoon. Argos is lucky to be expecting such a blessing of Hera," said Idmon.

"Your kindness is unmatched, high priest," replied Cassandra, slightly embarrassed by his kind words of praise. Chrysanthos and Emilios smirked at her reddening face.

"The king is expecting you, but I must warn you," said Idmon. "He's taken to wine and his temper is prodigious under sober conditions, as you know well."

The grandchildren of Vasilis nodded and Emilios gently pushed Phoebe towards the corridors. Cassandra grabbed Chrysanthos' hand and gave it a small squeeze, hoping he would hear the priest's unspoken advice and remain silent. Idmon reached for the door, but struggled to open it beyond a crack before it shut again. Emilios stepped forward and with the ease of pulling a loose thread, he opened the door.

The smell of wine filled their lungs as they entered the throne room. Set for the large banquet following the slaughter of the bull to Hera, the room was eerily empty. Vasilis sat slumped on his gilded throne drinking out of a silver chalice. Two guards stood fully clad in their battle armor beside him with blades drawn. Vasilis reached out and dipped his chalice into a large banquet amphora parked beside the throne. The attendants would fill smaller amphora a third full then top off with water to dilute the wine before pouring guest cups. Vasilis drank concentrated wine by the chalice full and by the state of him, he'd been at it for hours.

The clapping of their sandals bounced off the stone room and alerted the king of their arrival.

"Slain in the bushes like a sick hound!" yelled Vasilis. He breathed heavily as he stared slack jawed at his grandchildren. "Should have been you," mumbled Vasilis raising a bent finger to Chrysanthos. Emilios stepped in front of him, blocking the king's view.