Earlier, the first rays of the sun had struck his face, prompting him to return his tired, restless body back to the confines of the chamber. His heart had ceased beating the moment his foot had crossed the threshold. He had found nothing. The chamber was barren. His frantic shouts and hurried dash through the great expanse of the palace had garnered him equal failure. Kyra had disappeared. The rumpled bed lay cold and mocking. She had been taken from right beneath his nose, plucked and whisked away while under his guard. No amount of self-inflicted pain would ever be enough. Torturous guilt and consuming self-loathing made him see red. It sent his bare fists crashing into silent walls and his vicious tongue lashing out at every living soul who dared pass his ravaged person. As man he roamed the confines of the palace a ravaged, tormented being, as beast he stalked aggressive, violent, hungering for blood. His pain was frantic, loud, his anger fierce, savage. The blame for her disappearance lay firmly at his feet. He had failed her.
As he approached his horse, he lashed out with equal vehemence. It bucked and pawed the air in a terrified panic as its eyes rolled back, displaying the terrified whites within. Although logic cautioned Eris that he should calm his own beast first, blatant rage and fear fueled his actions. He tugged on the reins more fiercely. The horse whinnied and bucked more wildly. Eris roared in frustration. The beast upon his chest reared and lashed out threateningly.
“The horse will not be subdued thus, Eris. You must calm your mind, your beast, and steer your anger in a constructive direction. A man led by anger is easily led nowhere but astray.”
Eris shrugged off the hand upon his shoulder aggressively. “Do not speak to me of calm and peace. They have ceased to exist the moment I allowed Kyra to be taken from me.”
Negara sighed softly as she retracted her hand. “It is but destiny, Eris. Recall you not your visions? She had to have been taken in order to be saved.”
Eris spat out vehemently, “My vision. My vision sees her dead. Should I accept my vision, I could easily lounge here and not move a muscle. The vision would see its course successful. I trust nothing but the steel of my weapon and strength of my fighting arm. I have no time for this.”
The old woman stood before him. Strength and determination radiated off her in pulsing waves. “Time. Time is the word I have lived my life hating, loathing. My time was spent first waiting for that fateful day I would hold you in my arms. Then time became endless years of crying, mourning your loss from my life, only to return to waiting and hoping for a day that would see you in my presence again. I have endured for years while you seek to rush foolishly ahead within moments. You will endure, Eris. The value of time will be determined only at the end result.” In a more quiet voice, she whispered, “Think you not I underwent this exact turmoil the day I left you in a basket outside a gate?”
Eris stilled. This woman had endured much and did not deserve his harsh lashing. The sole recipient of his biting tongue should be him, not innocent bystanders. It was not by his mother’s hand that Kyra had been abducted. This was his burden to bear. He breathed harshly but listened nevertheless as she spoke.
“Destiny may be prolonged, but it will not be deterred. The story is written already in the stars, just as your life was written for me. Pain and anger are no strangers to me. Surrender is. I stand before you, a woman who has not dithered in her duty. And you stand before me, the result of my endurance, my reward.”
Eris sighed, a lone, mournful sound. “I hear you with a heart filled with respect for your suffering, a mind, immobile, clenched in fear for my mate, and a body salivating for vengeance. Speak quickly so I may be able to assuage this hunger within me, this turmoil.”
Negara nodded. “I feel your despair. It beats off you in powerful surges, blasting with vehemence and heat. I ask only the wisdom of racing to Sparta. Is this a destination reached from a sound, calculating mind or a panicked, ravaged one?”
The question caught him off guard. He shook his head. “Thyone is responsible, and he hails from Sparta. That is the logical destination.”
Negara frowned. “Yes, and Kyra’s previous abduction was logical indeed. She was abducted and set free in the very place she destined for, on your doorstep. Destination is not the key, knowledge is. What did she know that was of such great importance that it was necessary to rid her mind of her lifetime of memories?”
Once again Eris was dumbfounded. Kyra’s previous abduction had held him confounded, but he had not focused on all the angles. Negara had pointed out a valuable point that he had failed to assess adequately. His entire attention was on her wise words. “I will concede that her previous abduction was rather odd. But that does not dismiss logic completely. Thyone would best be able to defend himself, protect himself, within his own realm. Sparta is still the most reasonable destination.”
Negara tittered, unconvinced. “Kyra may have been abducted the first time to silence some deadly secret that had revealed itself to her. But this time, this time, the purpose differs. She is now dangling bait, bait set to lure you.”
Eris grunted in disagreement. “Had that been the plan, why did he wait until now? Surely he could have done this heinous deed and abducted her any time sooner. He could have even plotted my demise earlier.”
“Perhaps it was a delaying tactic. Perhaps he sought to confuse you, mayhap even confuse her. I know not. But I will ask you once again to consider your vision. Dismiss if you will the end result, but pay close attention to the details.”
The vision brought no pleasant feelings as it resurfaced in his mind. The actions, the blood sprayed, their lives lost, was not a vision he welcomed. But the cold, hard fact remained glaring. The snake upon his chest raised its head. The tongue darted out in quick, testing flicks as the familiar plains of the battlefield resurfaced again and again in his mind. The battle had taken place on a darkened plantation field, a plantation he knew every darkened dip and traitorous sway of. He knew the sound of the swaying wheat, the smell of the rich, moist soil, the feel and taste of the breeze upon his face because it was his plantation. “I must return home.”
“What do you want?” Eris glared at the band of soldiers who approached him cautiously just as his mother exited.
The leader of the group stepped forward and addressed him. “We seek to redeem the reputation of our beloved Sparta. Thyone has acted on his own will and not as part of our elite team. To rectify this slight against our name, we offer our services as companions on your race to retrieve what is yours.”
“I allowed your companionship but once, and this is the result. Why would I intentionally seek the repetition of such a grievous error?”
The man before him sagged visibly. “We are an honorable race. The warriors of Sparta fight fair and just. We are Spartiates, natural inhabitants of Sparta. Thyone was a Mothake, a non-Spartan, who was an outsider raised in our lands. Our blood flows not through his veins. I can only speculate that he rose so quickly through our ranks due to his links with the dark side. Evidence of his dark nature has previously shown itself, but as our leader we were powerless to dispute him.”
Eris slumped. His king had warned him. Cronus had succeeded in penetrating the highest of positions throughout Greece. He listened as the man continued. “This act is our final evidence against Thyone, one that shall see him beheaded should he ever show his disgraceful face on our shores again. This is treachery. I have nothing to offer as compensation but my word and our fighting arms.” He thumped his fist hard against his chest, his heart. “We pledge to undo the dishonor brought unto us in life by offering our lives. Life has been unsuccessful, but death shall see us redeemed of this dishonor.”
Eris sighed. “I see remorse clearly in your faces and hear your resolve in your sturdy voice, but you cannot accompany me. Bear not the blame for a single misled leader. Return to your people with news of Thyone’s impending death.”
“Before you depart, Aurora has also bid you convey her heartfelt shame at his actions. Her disgust at the dishonor he has broug
ht on our people seeks his blood spilt.”
Eris clenched his fists. “He shall suffer no less by my hand.” He watched the band move away, once again with perfect symmetry and coordination, a single entity. His mind once again focused on the task at hand. He was reluctant to do so, but duty and sheer goodwill dictated that he inform Kyra’s family of his change in destination. They were her family, and although he held no fondness, especially for her mother, he had to keep them aware of his intention.
He dismissed his men and returned to the palace. Besides informing Kyra’s mother of his immediate intentions, he intended on letting her know of his later ones as well. And this time he would accept no disparaging of his race. The name he offered Kyra was an honorable one, and her family would accept it whether they wished it or not. There would be no compromise in this quarter.
* * * *
“There are matters that need clearing before my departure.” He narrowed his eyes, taking in the pallor and hollow features of the grieving, ravaged woman.
Alta turned slowly at his entrance. Her voice was surprising strong. “I had thought you would be long gone by now. Surely your anger was to heat the cold path Kyra was taken on.”
Eris scowled at her. “Her scent shall be picked up soon enough. I merely come to inform you of a change in my course. Instead of Sparta, I leave for my home, Argos. I believe the final battle shall be hosted on my home ground.”
Alta nodded. “I appreciate the warning.” She gestured to the silent figure upon a seat. “Aleka and I are about to go into the temples to offer prayers for your ventures. We shall pray that Kyra is returned safely to our bosoms once again.”
Eris’s scowl deepened. “She shall be safely rescued. However, I shall not wager on her swift return to these lands. Her daughter, Aikaterina, shall likewise not be in residence for much longer. I intend to see them firmly instated in my household.” He waited for the scalding refusal. It did not come.
“Oh, I have all my faith in your rescue. And you have both my premature gratitude for her saving as well as my blessings for your future endeavors.”
The docile acceptance left Eris uncertain. He had expected a fierce argument, disagreement at the very least. His voice was laced with undisguised surprise as he inquired, “You would bless our union? Was it not just days ago that you voiced your strong objection? Has Thyone’s actions now soured your high expectations of the mighty Spartan race?”
“Your tongue is indeed as vicious as the very viper, lethal but direct. My opinion of Sparta is still of a high standard. I cannot hold an entire race responsible for a single man’s deviance. And as to my earlier words, it was naught but warning.” She shrugged delicately. “A man must know where he treads, lest he find himself submerged in a pool of hip-high sinking mud, uncertain of his recourse. However, I shall extend a warning. While Kyra’s blood brothers may be meek and soft, her father and step-brothers are not. Harm her in any way and they shall seek you with only a single ambition, retribution.”
Eris frowned. “I fear no man, father, brother, or otherwise. Likewise I shall allow no interference. Kyra belongs to me. Take assurance in the fact I shall always keep her content. To do otherwise would tempt her into leaving, and I will not lose her.”
Alta nodded curtly. “My heart shall be at rest then. While I held hopes Kyra would choose a mate from the ranks of Sparta, I am not surprised by her choice. She has always been a law unto herself, doing as she pleases. And may your heart also hold peace, for while a woman of Pandora is lustful, she will not stray once her love is evoked. If she willingly accepts you then you have my everlasting blessings and a guarantee of healthy, successful heirs. I love my husband dearly, and even in his absence find no yearning for another. Go in peace, Eris, gladiator of the House of Andromeda.”
As Eris nodded and made to leave, a short command was given. Aleka rose elegantly as she spoke. “I would have a word with you before you leave.”
They strode in silence to the very same ledge they had conversed at previously. Aleka broke the silence suddenly. “I would make a confession before you leave, Eris. Were you not the mate on my dear sister, I would have found myself unable to resist the temptation of pursuing you myself.”
The direct confession caught Eris unaware. “Forgive me, but you women have an unnerving ability to confound and disorientate my thought processes.” His lisp became more pronounced as he stammered uncertainly. “I find great pride in your words. However, I find my heart beats for only one. I have likewise respect and admiration for you, a woman who is able to lead a city and command such loyalty. I am sure that, should time be kind, you will find the one who stirs not only your blood but also the organ fiercely pumping it.”
Aleka colored. “Have no fear, mighty warrior of Andromeda. I simply clear the air so our future is not riddled with suspicion and secrets. I love my sister dearly and would not intrude upon what is hers. I will not see her hurt in any way, least of all by my hand. I offer you my best wishes in your future with Kyra. She is wise, a master of stratagem, and will make a good mate for you. You will find in her the gem we have come to love dearly and shall truly miss.”
Eris sighed. “I accept your words spoken with honesty and selflessness.”
Aleka eyed him closely as she continued, “You have a great burden that weighs upon your chest. Bear in mind, Eris, that while you have lost Kyra but once, I as leader of my people, with responsibility to each and every one within my keep, have lost her twice.” Her voice, quiet and broken, was riddled with guilt.
Eris touched her hand gently. “You are likewise weighed down with responsibilities. I believe our discussion held precisely at this spot was overheard by Thyone. He acted now, fearing his plot was close to being unearthed. It was not Kyra eavesdropping as I had thought. I give you my word she shall be saved. My honor shall allow no less.”
Aleka managed a thin smile. “Make haste. I would not want my father and brothers returning from their battles to this thorough failure on my part.” She turned and assessed the wide plantations ahead. With a deep frown, she admitted a third fear. “I will ask a single boon before you depart. Allow us the security of at least two of your men. My people are panicked by the news of Kyra’s disappearance from right within our keep. With most of our land’s warriors absent, escorting my father and brothers, your men offer them a sense of security.”
Eris smiled reassuringly. “I take no one with me.” Aleka blinked at his statement. Eris laughed and vaulted onto the high wall. His voice rumbled with amusement as he spoke. “No horse can match the speed and the determination of my beast. Now behold”—he held a finger to his lips—“tell no one of the beast revealed to you.” With that statement he leapt of the wall.
Aleka’s mouth opened on a silent scream as he disappeared over the edge. She ran to the wall and peered over. What she saw held her mesmerized long after he had disappeared from her sight. She watched as his body fell through the air, fast and free. He changed as he fell. His body stretched, and his limbs meshed and molded together. Vibrant green scales flashed gloriously in the sunlight as his body transformed. Huge and powerful, much greater in size and strength than the man, the beast fell to the ground.
He paused and looked up. The graceful swaying head rose as high as half the distance he had fallen. Brilliant-green, hooded eyes flashed as the narrow black slits assessed her. A single flick of a forked tongue darted out before he slithered around and swiftly wormed his way through the plantation, away from her view. Aleka held her breath the entire duration of the spectacle. Never before had she witnessed such magnificence. She watched as he blended beautifully into his surroundings. Her eyes strained for the very last sight of him. And even as the grass ceased in its elegant parting, depicting his path, her eyes lingered still. She did not know how long she had lingered. The lengthening shadows finally urged her indoors.
A still figure behind her made her gasp in surprise. “Negara. I did not see you here.”
Negara continued to as
sess the dark horizon as she whispered, “Impressive, is he not?”
Aleka nodded. “I agree, it is utterly breathtaking, magnificent.”
The older woman spared her a brief glance before returning her attention to the view once again. “It? It was not the beast to which I referred to but to the man himself.” She signed sadly. “But to truly recognize the true depths of the man’s masterful character one must be in possession of all the facts.”
Aleka leaned forward curiously. “What facts would those be?”
Negara’s soft response made her inhale sharply. “You see no hesitation in his steps, no uncertainty, no indecision. Yet he knows toward what he speeds. He knows it as he had seen it in his visions, visions that will not be denied.” She turned her eyes toward Aleka and whispered, “And that is the true character of the man. He does not dither, although he knows full well what the result will be. He races to his death. And yet he goes.”
* * * *
Eris stretched his body blissfully. The beast rejoiced in the freedom. Although Eris had now given the beast the dominant role, it was only in appearance. Eris still held control over the snake, from within. He saw through the eyes of the snake but could not speak through the mouth of the snake. He remained a constant presence within the heart and mind of the beast, directing and instructing. A great part of him also rejoiced. The snake was a part of him. And now that part was given the freedom to surface and explore. He flexed his body and welcomed each powerful shift. Turbulent torrents of strength and might surged through his veins. The snake moved fast, light. Its goal was simple. The course was set.
The snake slithered at a speed too fast for the naked eye. He stayed deep within the wilderness, far from the eyes of people. Although the distance he covered was lengthened by deviating through fields and forests, he adamantly stuck to his course. Leaving a wake of terror as people witnessed the presence of a gigantic snake was not his purpose. His presence would not be welcomed. The snake held still its violent, demonic appearance, and he would not be received with smiles and welcoming arms.
Tangles and Temptation Page 23