The Gorgon Queen

Chapter 19

I've never been outside of Athens. Until today.

Calliope's warning sent shivers up my spine, and not in a good way. The fact that the Valley was the most dangerous way to Parnitha made me weary. How was it the easiest but also the most dangerous?

"I'm sure there's another way." I said, after hearing Calliope tell what threats laid before us. She simply lifted an eyebrow and looked at me, "I can assure you, child, there is no other way. The Valley is the only path that will lead you to the Shade. Take it as you will."

I looked at my counterparts, judging their expressions. Athena shared the same apprehension as I, while Perseus looked as if he was ready to take on the challenge. I snuck a glance to Orion, he shared a mixture of both.

I wondered what was going on in that intricate brain of his. So far, he puzzled out a riddle, and knew how to get to the Shade. How could a craftsman know all this?

"If it's the only way," I said, drawing my attention back to Calliope, who's eyes were two shining emeralds compared to my lax gray. "Then, we might as well take it."

Perseus looked at Athena, "It was smart to pack all those weapons." he nudged the bag in front of him, the contents inside rattled. Athena shot him a weary look, I could tell she wasn't thrilled with the idea of going through the Valley.

To me, it sounded like a death trap. A death trap filled with Hounds, Oracles and God knows what else, all awaiting for our arrival.

Doesn't sound like a walk near the ocean.

"It will night soon," Calliope said, gazing out the window, "It be best if you start your journey as soon as possible."

We gathered out bags. Calliope gave us a small satchel, filled with fruit, bread and a jug of water. "Bless you all." she waved goodbye from her doorstep as we started north, towards Parnitha. Towards the Shade.

Towards the unknown.

* * *

The sky was an artwork of its own. Orange, pink, blue and a hint of yellow streaked across the twilight sky as we trudged along the path, passing farmer after farmer. Shepherd after shepherd. We each were carrying a bag. Perseus had the bag of weapons and his clothes. Upon our start, he stated that he created a weapon for each of us, one that he thought would adjust well to our abilities in combat. If that meant anything.

Athena held her own bag as well as the satchel that Calliope generously gave us. We've been on the road for a little over a half an hour and so far we were down four apples.

"Ah, well this brings back memories." Orion had said as he bit into his blood red apple. I bite down on my tongue to hide my smirk.

I could see the mountains in the distance, silhouetted amongst the clouds. One of those mountains was Parnitha, and therefore the resting spot of the Deity Stones. Just by looking at its stature, I could tell it'll be quite a hike.

I wasn't much of a hiker, but for this sake, I knew I would have to push my muscles to their limits. Maybe this walk would loosen the muscles that I rarely use.

The sun was just receding over the hilltop as past the last of the farmers. Now, the only thing that was between us and Parnitha, was nothing but land, and the creatures that laid within. I turned my head, to see why we've been, and I felt my jaw drop ever so slightly.

Athens was miles away. I could no longer hear the bustling market that I grew so accustomed to. No longer see the docks or the rocky slope that led to my home. All I saw now was nothing but land, fields of land, with the occasional sheep being herded by a shepherd. I knew my home was somewhere out there, in the distance. But it still didn't help the fact that I felt isolated, alone even though I was in the company of friends. People who were after the same thing.

And then some.

I turned my attention back to the road before me, to the path that would lead me to where I'm going. I felt a rush of adrenaline as I stared at my feet, covered in dirt and dust in my sandals. Feet support the whole body, keeping it balanced, upright. Helping take their owner to places across the seas and land. My feet were no exception. They would guide me through this journey, help me keep balance when the world around me is unstable. I guess that's what is so complex about the human body, something that I will never understand. Even when the world is crumpling, your feet will guide you safety, to the destination you desire.

What I desired more now than anything, was finding the stones, bringing them to Zeus and just maybe, I could be blessed. And to not run into Hades and his Furies.

Perseus ventured off the path, into a clearing under a bundle of trees.

"We'll set up camp here tonight. It isn't safe to travel at night."

The four of us set down our bags. Athena reached into hers and pulled out three blankets. She handed two to Perseus and Orion. "I didn't know there would be four of us," she said as she handed the boys their blankets, "Medusa and I will share."

The blanket that Athena and I shared, was big enough to cover three people. That benefited us, for we were each covered completely while Perseus and Orion's feet stuck out at the bottom. Athena and I rested at the base of a tall oak tree, with Perseus to our right, Orion to our left.

To my dismay and joy, I was on the left side. Orion was a great distance away, but I could still see the outline of him, his breathing steady. There was so much I still didn't know about him, but so much that I wanted to learn.

I turned onto my back, looking up through the branches, my eyes squinting at the moon's surface. I wonder how my sisters were faring without me. Did they miss me? I haven't been gone for a day yet, but I could guess that Euryale missed having my presence. She probably spoke to Stheno about her troubles.

Weather or not Stheno wanted to admit the fact, or to show the world that she too had feelings, I knew she missed me too. I wished I apologized. Even though we hugged goodbye and wished each other well, I felt as if something was left unsaid. I knew she was coming from a good place, the only place an older sister can come from. A place of protection. I wished I hadn't been so cross with her, but I felt the need to defend Orion, whom I still barely know.

As my eyes drifted close, I wondered if Euryale was comforting Stheno, the same way I comforted her after Mother's burial. With the image of my sisters, I was lulled to sleep by the rustling of leaves, and the hoot of an owl nearby.