The Gorgon Queen

Chapter 9

Athena's cottage was about a twenty minute walk from mine. I weaved my way through the crowded market, avoiding people who were carrying loads of baskets full of food. After just barely missing an old woman carrying a barrel of water, I turned down a path that veered off from the market and down a small slope into a little neighborhood.

Her home was the first one on the right and the second I saw it, I ran to the door and knocked. The sound of locks clicking out of place made the door shake slightly, but no later did the door open and before me was a middle aged man with stark white hair and a beard to match.

Poseidon-Athena's Uncle- stood in the doorway. He wore a loose cotton shirt with a brown vest. His black trousers were ripped at the hem, but being the God of earthquakes, seas and storms, I'm sure it was bound to take a toll on one's appearance.

The only reason I was able to tell Athena about my parents, was because her Uncle was Poseidon. One of the most powerful Olympian Gods.

And the moodiest.

But he was never hot-tempered towards Athena and I, for he knew Athena all her life and once she and I became friends, he took a liking to me. Sometimes I felt like he fancied me too much.

I remember a time not too long ago where I was having lunch with Athena and Poseidon came back from causing a severe thunderstorm over the town of Corinth. He came in soaked to the bone, his hair wild and his clothes askew.

"Did you spare Corinth any mercy?" Athena had asked. Instead of looking at his niece, Poseidon looked at me and only me. He shook out the rainwater that had collected in his hair, his eyes never leaving mine as he said, "You can't spare mercy to a town who doesn't deserve it."

It didn't say another word as he left us. Athena waved her hand and rolled her eyes at her Uncle's fickleness.

Now, standing in the doorway, Poseidon was looking at me with the same intense gaze as before. I tried to hide my uneasiness by straining a smile and smoothing down the front of my skirts, "Good morning, Poseidon. I got Athena's letter," I fished out the parchment that was tucked away in my bodice.

Poseidon's eyes followed my hand's movement.

"Is Athena home?" I asked.

"Is that you I hear Medusa?" Athena's voice came from the dim hallway behind Poseidon. Soon, she was beside her Uncle, pulling me into an embrace.

"Oh, it's so good to see you!" she pulled away and looked me in the eyes, "How's your mother? And your sisters? Oh, not enough words can describe the grief I feel for your family."

I couldn't help but smile, knowing that I had a friend in this unpredictable world made my heart soar. "We're doing fine, all things considered."

"Well, come inside! Let's take your mind off it. Excuse us, Uncle." Athena pulled me inside the house. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Poseidon watching me.

"I have some business to attend to, Athena. I'll be gone for sometime."

Athena turned around and crossed her arms, "And to where is this business?" she asked. Poseidon grabbed his cloak, "Rhodes." he cocked an eyebrow, "Please consider the request."

At that, Athena huffed and I saw her face tense, "I won't."

"Try." with that, Poseidon left.

Athena sighed and walked over to the counter and started to pull out two tea cups. By the way she was moving, I could tell that whatever it was that her Uncle wanted to consider, she wasn't happy with.