The Gorgon Queen

Chapter 15

"What are you doing here?" I whispered as I blocked Orion from my sisters' view. He looked around my shoulder and then back at me, "One of the dock workers told me that you lived here. I wasn't sure when I would see you again and I wanted to make sure you were alright."

My heart fluttered at the thought of Orion coming to check on me. Even though we still didn't know each other that well, I couldn't help but feel grateful.

"Are you alright?" he asked. Before I could respond, I heard Stheno's accusing voice, "Medusa, who's at the door?"

Thinking on my feet, I said, "A tradesman. He's lost his way," I started to step out onto the porch, "I'm going to give him directions."

Stheno slowly nodded her head as I stepped out into the cool night.

Orion stepped back, making room for me on the porch. Being this close to him, I noticed how much taller he was, I had to tilt my neck back to look him in the eyes.

And my, were they blue.

"Is this a bad time?" Orion asked. It was always a bad time these days.

Sighing, I crossed my arms, "You just caught my sister in one of her moods." I risked looking into his sea blue eyes, "It's been a rough couple of days."

Orion looked at me as if he could've guessed, "I figured it wasn't happy news when your sister came into the market and dragged you away." his tone was soft, gentle. He was being sincere, that was a fact.

"Our Mother recently passed." I said, shocking myself for saying such a personal part. Orion's eyes widen and his mouth forming an o. He reached out hesitantly, and placed a gentle hand on my arm. Sparks shot through my who body.

"I'm so sorry," he said, "I'm sure it must be difficult, for you and your family. How's your father taking it."

"He's dead too."

What was wrong with me? In the span of five minutes, I just told this man who I only met a few days ago that my parents were dead. Talk about first impressions.

"Wow," he said, rubbing the back of his head, "I'm sorry, I-I didn't-"

I held up my head to silence him," It's fine, you didn't know."

We were both silent for some time. A part of me was afraid that one of my sisters was going to open the door and drag me back inside. I couldn't waste my time, standing in silence.

"How did your deliveries go?" I asked. Orion fixed his gaze on me, a slight smile forming, "Everyone was satisfied to say the least," he paused, placing his hands in his pockets, "One of my clients now demands a handmade knife," he sighed, "I guess I'm slowly becoming a bladesmith."

At the word 'bladesmith,' I thought of Perseus and how he can make knives and swords.

"What else are you able to make? Weapon wise?" I asked as the thought kept churning in my brain. Orion looked at me, quizzically as he tallied off the different kinds of weapons.

"Well, I can't make the actual blade, I would need an actual bladesmith for that. All I can do is make the hilt of the said weapon and design it to the client's preference," he shrugged, "But if someone would like a weapon made from wood, say a spear, I can whittle it down to fine point."

He tilted his head to the side, "Why do you ask?"

I felt a grin come upon my face without my control. This was perfect. If my sisters weren't going to join Athena, Perseus and I on the quest for the stones, I'll just have to add another person to the group.

Someone who Stheno didn't approve of.

"How would you feel about going on a little adventure?"

* * *

If Orion thought I was interesting before, he probably thought I was from another world now. After I told him about my parents' being Sea Gods and how my mother entrusted my sisters and I to find the stones, he stood there in shock.

"So, you're saying that these stones need to get back to Zeus," he paused, "And if they fall into the hands of Hades, hell will fall upon us."

I nodded, "Yes."

"And your friends, Athena and Perseus, they need to go to the temple to find out why they were seperated?"

Again, I nodded. It was a lot to take in, while I was speaking, there was a moment where I thought I was crazy. Orion bite his lower lip.

"Why do you need me?" he asked.

Why did I need him? That was a very good question, something I never thought of. Was it get under Stheno's skin? Or was it because I knew in some way he would be able to help us?

"I can tell you're strong," I said, glancing at his muscled arms, "And with your talents, I'm sure you'll be a great asset to the team."

"My talent of woodcarving?" Orion chuckled. I laughed along at the notion, "You never know when one of us might need a spear."

Orion laughed out loud, his laughter echoing into the night. He rubbed his hands together, "When do we leave?"

I was taken aback by his sudden thrill to start the journey. "You believe me?"

He furrowed his brow, "Of course. I grew up on stories about Zeus and the Gods and even Hades. The possibility of meeting them is one that won't pass up."

I felt my spirits soar, for I never met anyone outside my family and my one friend who believe anything I said. It was a nice change and long way coming from Gaia and her minions.

"Meet me at the docks tomorrow. From there, we'll go get Athena and Perseus."

The door behind me cracked opened and the silhouette of Euryale filled the crack. She looked from me to Orion and then back to me.

I was ready for her to call Stheno over, to tell her about how it wasn't a tradesman who was on our porch. But instead, she said,

"Did the tradesman get on his way?"

I was taken aback. I looked at Orion and he too seemed surprised at not being called out. Fumbling for the right words I said, "Oh, yes, I helped him get on the right path. I just got distracted by the stars. They're so bright tonight."

I glanced up at the night sky and it was the truth. The stars were the brightest that I've ever seen them.

Euryale nodded, "Indeed they are," she inclined her head towards inside, "Come in, your dinner is getting cold."

Before going inside, I felt Orion's hot breath against my ear, "I'll be at the docks when the sun is at its peak."

I suppressed a shutter. I could feel his lips brush against the tip of my ear. I desperately wanted to turn around a press my own lips against his, to feel his warmth spread into me. But instead, I nodded without looking at him, for I knew that if I did, I wouldn't have control.

Euryale closed the door behind me and together we made our way to the table.

Even though I wasn't hungry, I stuffed the lukewarm vegetables into my mouth to keep my mind and mouth preoccupied.