The Gorgon Queen

Chapter 18

The home of Eros Bella was small. Smaller than a cottage. It was more like a shack, but I could see that it had some additions added to it.

A hamlet in its own way.

The wood was peeling different areas, creating shades of browns, grays and blacks. The roof was straight, except for the small hole off to the right. Eros Bella must have some kind of money, for the stone chimney towering behind the home blew dark thick smoke into the midday sky.

Someone was home. That was a good sign.

The four of us gathered on the porch, Athena and I up front while Orion and Perseus behind us. I glanced to the side and was able to peak around the back.

There, in vibrant colors among a sea of dead weeds, was a whole garden of roses.

I felt my spirits lift even more, for I knew we were on the right track.

Athena knocked. The wooden door shook under the force from which she gave. We waited a few moments, I heard movement from the other side, shuffling feet, pots banging.

After a few more moments, the door flew open. I jumped back slightly in surprise as an old woman, with wild gray hair that was pinned into a bun, stared at us. I took in her white cotton shirt, with a yellow floral skirt that stopped above her ankles. Her eyes were deep green, and she was searching each of our faces.

This was Calliope Bella.

"May I help you." she said, her voice stern. I found myself reverting back to when I was six years old and Mother would give me that look.

"I-Is this the home of Eros Bella?" I cringed when I heard the stutter in my voice. Why did I get so easily nervous?

Calliope Bella looked me up and down, accessing me. She sighed, her eyes suddenly filling with sorrow, "It is, but my husband passed away years ago."

The hope I'd been feeling suddenly blew out like a candle. We've only just begun and we've already hit a dead end. What were suppose to do now?

"I'm sorry for your loss." Perseus chimed in from behind. Calliope Bella looked up and her eyes widen. "Perseus." she breathed. She pushed through Athena and I and pulled Perseus into her arms like a grandmother would to her grandchild. I was right before, Perseus did know the Eros and Calliope Bella.

"It's been so long." Calliope said as she pulled away and gripped Perseus's arms. Perseus smiled, wryly. "I know, and I can't help but feel like it's my fault."

"Nonsense!" Calliope shouted, lightly hitting his arm, "After my daughter left, everything that reminded Eros of her, well, he just couldn't bare it. I'm sorry that that included you."

Athena, Orion and I all looked at eachother, confused and curious. Perseus knew Aphrodite? How? And in what way?

"Calliope," Perseus said, when he noticed our stares, "We've actually come to talk to you about that."

Calliope backed up a stepped, almost stepping on my foot before I moved out of the way. "You want to talk about my daughter? Why?"

"Not just about your daughter," Perseus said, his words rushed, "About the offering you gave to heal her. The roses."

Calliope Bella looked at all four of us, her body tense, "What are you up to, Perseus?" she breathed. When none of us answered, she walked back into the house. Before closing the door, she turned towards us, "Come inside, I was just about to make some tea."

* * *

Inside Calliope Bella's home was quaint. The walls were painted a smooth cream color, with a few chip marks in some areas. The living room was off to the right when we first walked in. Calliope ushered us in and gestured for us to sit.