The Gorgon Queen

Chapter 16

I told my sisters that I was leaving the next day that night during dinner. They understood, for I said that I wanted to start the journey sooner rather than later, to give Athena, Perseus and myself time. I left out the part of Orion joining us.

After dinner, I packed my back, filled with as much clothing as I could fit. I didn't know how long the journey would be, and if I needed to wear a dress more than once, so be it.

The next morning, I woke up just as the sun was beginning to rise.

I'll meet you at the docks when the sun is at its peak.

I still had a few hours until I had to meet Orion. I used that time to double check my bag, make sure I had everything I needed.

A knock sounded at the door.

"Come in."

Euryale appeared. Apparently she'd just woken up. I could tell it was only me and her who were up, for I didn't hear Stheno's rushing footsteps around the kitchen.

"Are you all packed?" she asked. I nodded as I lifted the bag onto my bed. "Just about."

Euryale was fiddling with something in her hands, "I won't tell Stheno that you're meeting that boy at the docks. Or the fact that he's joining you in this quest."

I tripped over my own feet. Nothing could get past my sisters.

"How did you know that?" I asked. Euryale smirked, "That boy needs to learn how to whisper." she sighed, "I won't tell Stheno. Only if you don't tell her that I gave you this."

She took a step towards me and reached her hand out. In her palm laid a tiny piece of rolled up parchment. "I found this in Mother's dress before the burial. I think it will be of some use for you."

Taking the parchment, I unrolled it. I recognized Mother's loopy handwriting:

The roses smell sweet in the shepherds garden, for they contain love, but also loss.

I read the words over and over again, but nothing seemed to make sense. Why would Mother write this?

" Do you know what this means?" I asked my sister, but she shrugged. "Believe me, if I did, I would tell you."

I rolled the parchment back up and placed it into my bodice. I made a mental note to show Athena, Perseus and Orion when we were all together.

"Okay," I said, "I think I'm all set."

"No, you're not." Stheno said as she appeared in the doorway. I didn't even hear her get up. She pointed towards the kitchen, "I made you breakfast, for you should eat something before you go," she sighed, "And I packed you some food. It's a long journey to the temple."

* * *

After breakfast, I hugged my sisters goodbye. It was bittersweet, for we all knew that I was going out of Mother's request, but also we weren't sure when we would see each other again.

I headed down the incline and as I got closer to the docks, I saw him. He was leaning against one of the wooden posts that was connected to the dock, a bag was resting beside him. As I approached, I expected to feel excited, but instead I felt a sense of dread. For the last time I was here, was the night of the assault. I shut the images of the four men out of my mind, for I wouldn't-couldn't think about that right now.

Orion heard my footsteps over the rocks and lifted his head. He smiled and lifted his bag, which seemed to be filled with more food and tools than clothes.

"I wonder how many clients I'll lose after this adventure." he said, with a crooked grin on his face. I hefted my bag more onto my shoulder, "It'll just give you room to add more," I paused, suddenly feeling darish, "Maybe it'll give you time to work on that plate you promised me."