The Sixth Life of Medusa

23. What's My Name?

Philon, a sophist in the small coastal town of Aitos, leisurely paced as he explained the nuances of the old religion. Occasionally, he would adjust the sleeve of his flowing pallium while maintaining a perfectly pitched voice. Each word was carefully selected, no hair was out of place and no eye contact was wasted.

Eloquence aside, Philon had since accepted that his looks had done half the job in tripling the number of followers in just four months. Elder Theologos would be pleased when he returns.

"Questions?" Philon asked. A few hands flew up. His gaze settled on one of his many admirers, the only daughter of the town head. "Speak, Sali."

Colour blossomed across her cheek as her eyes widened. "You... you know my name?"

"Of course, I do. I know the name of all who listen to my teachings." Philon offered what he hoped was a neutral smile. "This is your second attendance. Is it not?"

The thick ringlets of her wild curls bounced as she nodded eagerly. "Yes, it is."

Philon offered an encouraging nod. "Ask your question."

"You say the high gods did not manifest fully formed as stars." A frown wrinkled her brow. "If... if that is so, then how did the land and sea come to be? Who made them?"

Murmurs rustled across the gathering with more than half scowling at her.

"Do not murmur. No question is foolish," Philon said before returning his focus to Sali. "Before the stars, Nyx was. Nyx made the land and sea."

"Oh." She nodded as if coming to a sudden understanding. From her dry response, it was clear she asked the question merely to get his attention and not because she genuinely believed. But that was fine. Soon, all things would align.

"Yes, the gods stole power from Nyx," Philon explained further as he met a few gazes. "They pretend to be deities and deceive us to worship and revere them."

More grumbling rose mostly from the first-time attendees. It was always like this at the beginning. He could understand their worry, but soon all things would align and this town would—

"Teacher!"

A bright-eyed servant rushed in and eagerly whispered. "Elder Theologos wishes to see you."

Philon frowned. "He has returned?"

The boy nodded. "And he brought with him a finding of great importance. I do not know what it is."

Philon offered his practised warm smile at the gathering. "Today's meeting ends here. Bring a friend tomorrow."

Some briefly shared their thoughts before leaving, but Sali lingered behind, only approaching when others left.

"Teacher," she reached out and coyly touched his arm while gazing at his face with adoring green eyes. Philon resisted the urge to pull away. This type of obvious lustful interest sparked irritation in him without fail.

I am patient. I treat these lambs with kindness and gentleness.

"Do you have another question?"

At Philon's flat question, she shook her head and dropped her gaze. "I want to thank you for coming to our town and sharing your knowledge. It has been a year. Perhaps, do you..." her voice faded as more colour stained her cheeks.

The line of Philon's patience threatened to snap as he looked from the spot she touched to her face. She was pretty. Sixteen or seventeen. Very naive from what he could tell, and it was clear she didn't believe a word of his message; it was impossible not to recognise an Athena devotee.