Hades and Persephone

Chapter 23

Demeter lowered herself onto the low cot that sat in the room given to her by Keleos, King of Eleusis. She leaned on her cane as she did so, forever playing a role. She smiled as she recalled how Keleos had welcomed her into his palace. There were few kings who had done so well, knowing who she was or not.

The four sisters had led Demeter away from the grove of trees after she told them her tale of woe, promising that their father would take care of her. She allowed herself to be led away, hoping this king had heard something about her own daughter.

Keleos' palace dominated the landscape. It sat in the middle of a plain, making sure it was seen by any and all. Although Eleusis was a large enough city with a bustling market, Demeter thought it small compared to Athens, which sat just to the south. 

The citizens of Eleusis went about their business, almost ignoring the four pretty princesses. It seemed to Demeter that the girls were treated just like any other citizen. And while they were certainly treated with deference, kindness, and respect, she also noted that their presence wasn't something that disrupted the lives of the citizens. Demeter nodded her head. The royal family must have integrated itself into the lives of the everyday citizen to the point where they were seen as just a rich family.

The princesses called out to the people they knew, and even the ones that they didn't. They purchased fruits and silks from stalls, danced to music, and skipped down the dusty lanes. They never forgot Doso - not for a moment. They bought her foods and fabrics and rotated between who would lead her to the palace while the others would dance about.

The princesses never let up for a second - not even when they neared the palace walls. The guards watched as they led their new friend in, chatting about palace life and living in a - what they considered - small town. 

Keleos was sitting in the throne room with his wife, Metaneira, when the princesses burst in.

Keleos was a tall man, and broad. But despite the fact that at one point he had been as proficient at wielding a spear as he was now with a butter knife, he had begun to develop a a bit of a gut. The wine boy at his side told Demeter all she needed to know: this man favoured his wine and wasn't about to give it up just because it was causing him to gain some weight. The king stroked his elegantly curled brown beard and watched the old goddess carefully as she hobbled toward him.

Metaneira, as a woman, noticed immediately that the elderly patron before them was special. She wasn't aware of Demeter's godly status, but she knew at once that she should offer all that she could to the woman.

The queen's long blonde locks were piled up on her head in a style that had been popular in Athens fifteen years ago; the richness of her gown was contrasted by its simplicity; and next to her stood a woman carrying two children in her arms.

"To what do we owe this pleasure?" the queen's voice was rich and dripping in hospitality.

Before Demeter could even think about opening her mouth, the young princesses were talking over each other, each trying to tell the story. One look at the king and queen said this was not an unusual occurrence. Once they were finished Keleos nodded his head gravely.

"I regret to you inform you, madame, but we have not seen any young maidens wandering about in the area."

Demeter's face fell as he told her what she had suspected.

"However," She glanced up. "My wife and I would be honoured if you would be the wet nurse to our twin boys, Triptolemus and Demophon. You may use this city as your base while you ask around the area. I'm afraid all we can truly do is give you room and board while you search."