by A K Clark
The plans for my House of Divination seemed silly now. It would all go to waste unless...Cora could use the idea for her own. Maybe I could help her recover from her loss by helping her build her own divination business.
I pulled on the black chiton Isaias had sent over and trousers. The garment was shorter than a peplos, thank Apollo. I’d be mortified if I tripped over the long fabric of my day wear. My impending training with Theo should have been more than enough to distract me from my thoughts of becoming Pythia.
The walk to the order’s house was quiet, only a few people out at this hour. The mud-bricks of the home appeared a dark gray in the early morning light. When the sun reached its peak in the sky, their deep red color would contrast with the green trees surrounding it.
I heard voices coming from the combat yard. My stomach fluttered, remembering how my last encounter with Theo in the combat yard had ended. The clash of metal sang out as Isaias pushed down on his sword, pressing Theo toward the ground. They continued to spar. The clank of their blades renewed my excitement. I’d be training with Isaias, the master trainer. He landed a killing blow, or what would have been a killing blow if it were a real battle and he hadn’t stopped himself before slicing Theo’s neck. If it were a true battle, there’d be no laughter.
“Good spar, Isaias. It’s been a while since I had a worthy opponent,” Theo commended.
“You weren’t so bad yourself.” Isaias laughed. Neither man noticed me, and I took the opportunity to admire them. Their bodies were of comparable size; they both stood over six feet tall, though Theo appeared a few inches shorter. Theo was leaner than Isaias but didn’t lack power because of it. I’d seen his strength moments ago, his cut biceps holding up under Isaias’s brutal strength. I cleared my throat and approached, hating to interrupt their camaraderie, but it would be embarrassing for them to spot me gawking at them.
“Good morning,” I said, approaching the arena. Both men turned toward me, their muscles tensing in surprise, ready to attack.
“I wasn’t sure you would show up,” Theo said, releasing the tension in his back when he saw me.
“Well, here I am.” I spread both arms in front of me.
“Good morning, Alex. How are you?” Isaias asked, although he didn’t wait for a response before turning to Theo. “That is how you greet a woman in the morning.”
I stood outside the arena, wondering if he regretted allowing me to train.
“Don’t worry, it isn’t a trick. I am happy to see you here. It means you took my advice. Theo will be a great teacher…but I’ll lead your first lesson. I need to evaluate your skills before we can develop the training program.”
My first lesson turned out to be a test. First, he made me run almost three miles. After running, I struggled through push-ups, my muscles failing me after only two. Isaias scoffed at my failure. Through it all, he yelled “You’re not fast enough!” or “Push yourself up. What are you doing? PUSH YOURSELF UP, ALEX.”
He tossed me a fighting stick and had me run through basic blocking techniques until I felt like my arms would fall off. When we finished, I happily threw the stick down, overjoyed to be done.
Isaias chuckled. “We’re not finished yet.”
I grumbled at him and kicked the dirt. I’d been working twice as long as a normal defense class and barely had the strength to hold my fists up as he engaged me in a short hand- to-hand spar. My heavy muscles made me clumsy and he broke through my defenses more than once (or more than seven times, to be honest).
“Jog around the yard,” he said, his tone brooking no argument.
I forced my legs to move, focusing on picking one foot up and setting it down over and over until he dropped his hands. I tried to stay upright, but sheer exhaustion made me collapse to the ground in front of him.
He snorted. “Don’t they work you in your defense classes?”
I grunted at him while struggling to steady the erratic beating of my heart and catch my breath.
“Well, honestly, I’m surprised you didn’t collapse sooner.” He frowned at me. “You need to work on your breathing. You won’t be good for anything if you keep panting like a dog.” He helped me up, holding onto me until I steadied myself. My fingers dug into my hips as I breathed deeply, my face tightening from the heat of the morning sun.
“I’ll tell Theo where you stand. He will develop a plan to strengthen your endurance and your hand-to-hand skills.” He patted my shoulder. “Go rest. The real work starts after Thargelia.”
Despite my best efforts, I spent the rest of the day worrying about the meeting. I slowly worked myself into an anxious mess. My father walked in on me pacing the living room floor.
“Alex, what are you doing?”
“I’m trying to not think about the meeting, but it is all I can do. What if I’m Pythia? What happens to my plans? When will I travel?”
He held up a finger, halting my frantic questions, then left the room and came back with wine. “Here, drink.”
“It isn’t even night yet.”
“You can make an exception to your rule. One drink won’t kill you, and you clearly need it. Alex, you’ve nearly bitten your nails off.” He raised the goblet and I reached up to accept it. “Drink it slowly, just enjoy the taste.” I took a slow sip, making myself relax. I reveled in the bitterness, deliberately working through the drink while he distracted me.
“Maximo has been putting a lot of pressure on us to make the furniture faster. I keep telling him the only way it will be faster is if we sacrifice quality.” My father had worked for Maximo, who ran a furniture business, for the last fifteen years.
“I’m sure he will ease off. He trusts your opinion,” I said, knowing it to be true. Maximo made him lead carpenter after only three years of employment.
“I hope so. Otherwise, we will make chairs that don’t last.” He ran his hands through his thinning hair. Listening to him made me realize how rotten I’d been acting. I was lucky to be a candidate for Pythia. There were other women who would give anything to be in my position.
“You should get ready to go.” He motioned to the window. The sky had turned from blue to orange before fading into hues of dark pink as the sun set.
I rushed to put on a shorter lilac peplos, the fabric falling just past my knees. I braided my hair, pulling it over my left shoulder and tying it off with twine that matched its honey-brown color.
“Good luck, Alex!” my mother said when I kissed her cheek on my way out.
“Thanks,” I said before hurrying into town.
I caught my breath outside the temple. Cora waited for me at the foot of the stairs. She had dressed to impress, donning a beautiful white peplos with a delicate gold lace lining which hugged her curves and fell gracefully to her ankles. A golden sash wrapped around the top of her waist, emphasizing the curve of her breasts. She had threaded a piece of golden fabric throughout her braid. Cora glowed in the setting sun.
“Wow. You look…divine,” I said, eyeing her a bit self-consciously. My fingers fiddled with the edges of my inferior outfit.
“Thank you. Are you ready?” Cora asked, her icy gaze taking me in. I frowned at her cool demeanor.
“Are you all right?” I asked, hoping she wouldn’t completely shut me out if I became Pythia.
“I’m fine, just anxious. We should head inside. The other women already went in,” Cora said, casually dismissing my concern. I rushed up the stairs after her but didn’t have time to further contemplate her mood because the speaker, Stefan, Theo, Isaias, and Zeus waited by the statue of Apollo. Ilinor and Cicely stood in front of them.
The men all gaped at Cora. None took notice of me trailing behind her. Jealousy reared its head, but I stamped it down. She made her point. I doubted the men understood what Cora’s dress meant, but she held herself like a queen. Her body language shouted Look at me! I was born to be Pythia. Only fools would choose someone else.
“Are we ready?” the speaker asked, addressing us. I noticed his eyes
straying back to Cora. I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Were all men this easily distracted?
“Yes,” Cora said, speaking for the group and earning a glare from Ilinor.
“I called this meeting to appoint the next Pythia. These women have devoted their lives to the study of divination. They are all of comparable skill, but one has always stood out.” He motioned to me. Cora stiffened.
The weight of each man’s gaze fell upon me, but I met each without falter. Stefan nodded at me politely while Zeus grinned wickedly. I narrowed my eyes at him, warning him to stop his teasing. He huffed out a breath and pulled a serious face before pointedly ignored me. I stifled a laugh, letting my eyes wander to Isaias. I wasn’t sure what I saw there, but it was warmer than the look Theo threw at me.
The speaker continued talking. “Alex’s connection with the gods is strong and she has exhibited the qualities of a Pythia.” He paused, looking at me regretfully. “But she will not be Pythia. She will be the successor should anything happen to the one I choose.”
A relieved sigh escaped me. Milo glared at the sound. I cringed at the silent reprimand. The speaker prattled on about Cicely and Ilinor. Each woman gasped in pain when he announced they wouldn’t be the next Pythia. He didn’t bother naming a second successor. I pitied them as their dreams crashed around them. The hope lighting their eyes extinguished when Milo addressed Cora.
“Cora, please come stand next to me.” She strode proudly to the speaker, who placed his hand suspiciously low on her back. “Cora has always stuck out in my mind as a woman who would do great things. Cora has Pythia written all over her.” His eyes devoured her as he spoke. “Does anyone contest the appointment?”
He looked to the members of the order, but they gave no objections. She launched into a well-practiced acceptance speech, thanking each member and the speaker for their confidence.
Cicely sniffled quietly, hiding her tears as Cora continued to talk. Ilinor looked enraged but held back any protests. I backed away, preparing to leave. I didn’t want to watch the men drool over Cora or comfort the other women. All I wanted was to go home and celebrate. I wasn’t stuck in Delphi. I wouldn’t be Pythia.
I laughed when I escaped the temple unnoticed, overjoyed that I wouldn’t have to spend every day in the chamber where Vero died. Normally, I’d celebrate with Cora, but given the tension between us before the meeting, I wasn’t up to it. A celebration with the family would be enough.
11
“Oh, little warrior. Where are you going?” I laughed, recognizing Zeus’s voice behind me.
“I’m going to celebrate,” I said, turning to smile at him. My brows lifted in surprise when I saw Theo and Isaias close behind him. “You brought friends.”
“What can I say? They won’t leave me alone,” he said, causing a laugh to escape my lips.
“What are you celebrating?” Theo asked. “He didn’t choose you.”
“I think that is precisely the point,” Isaias said dryly before smirking at me.
“Wait. You’re happy you weren’t chosen?” Theo asked.
“Yes. I am.” I shrugged, not offering further explanation. Zeus and Isaias shared a knowing look. At least they seemed to understand.
“Where are you going to celebrate?” Zeus asked, throwing his arm over my shoulder.
“Home...this day has been exhausting.”
“Oh, no. We can’t have you going home so early! The sun has barely set. Come back to the house and have some wine.” Zeus steered me toward their house. I let him lead me, too tired to resist his charms. When we arrived, Isaias went to fetch the drinks while we made our way into the living area. I settled into the stuffed chair before either man could claim it. Zeus and Theo sat on the couch across from me. Theo’s knee bounced impatiently.
“All right, I’ve brought bottle of both sweet and bitter. Which would you like?” Isaias raised the bottles.
“Bitter,” I said. Sweet wines never appealed to me. “Thank you.” I reached up and took the goblet from him. He poured some for the others before pouring his own, smiling as he leaned against the wall. He would have fit between Zeus and Theo, but men were funny about such things.
“So, Alex, what will you do now?” Zeus asked, his eyes dancing with mirth.
“You may laugh, but I have plans. I knew I didn’t stand a chance against Cora.”
“Cora is special. There is no doubt about it,” Theo said. There was no mistaking his infatuation. He’d only spoken with her a few times, but he was clearly taken with her.
“What are your plans?” Isaias asked, ignoring Theo’s pining tone.
“I’m going to open a House of Divination,” I said. They exchanged confused looks, so I went on. “I’ll offer divination of the customer’s choosing: augury, stone-casting, tea leaves, or the stars. I’ll work on incorporating other methods once I’m established. I plan to be an alternative option to the Pythia. Certain people are uncomfortable going to the temple since it’s very public. My house will provide a more intimate setting and a shorter line.”
“I’m impressed by how much you’ve planned for this,” Isaias said.
“I’m not,” Theo deadpanned. Isaias growled a warning, but Theo kept talking. “What? She said she knew Cora would be Pythia, and let’s be honest, we can all agree she didn’t stand a chance against her. Cora is...”
“Yes, Theo, we are all aware of your undying love for Cora. You don’t have to be an ass.” I smiled my thanks at Zeus. Cora was better suited for the position, but I didn’t like having it rubbed in my face by Theo.
Zeus said, “Alex is just as, if not more, intriguing than Cora. You would see it if you paid more attention.” Heat crept up my neck at Zeus’s words. I hid my embarrassment by taking a gulp of wine. I recognized he didn’t prefer women in bed, but did Isaias? He eyed him as if sizing up the competition. I became uncomfortably aware of the fact that I was the only woman in the room.
Theo didn’t talk much after Zeus’s outburst. The rest of us laughed and drank until the moon was high in the sky and my eyes grew heavy. Zeus announced his intentions to walk me home. Isaias raised an eyebrow before telling him not to take too long.
“Here you are, my lady,” Zeus said when we reached my house, pulling me into a warm hug. Knowing there was nothing sexual in the gesture, I allowed myself to relax into his hold.
“Don’t get handsy,” he teased. I swatted at him and smiled.
“You’d never get so lucky.” I waggled my eyebrows at him. He burst out laughing.
“I’m glad we met. I’ve needed a friend in the polis. Theo is no fun.”
I considered taking a jab at Theo but let it go. “It’s amazing how easily we get along.” I shook my head. “Don’t make fun of me, but I feel like I’ve known you my whole life.”
He grinned at me. “I feel the same way, like we were meant to meet. There haven’t been many people that understand me the way you do. It’s refreshing.”
“One of a kind,” I said, smiling around the statement.
“I shouldn’t have said anything,” he said. “My words have already gone to your head.”
I snickered. “Sleep awaits. Shouldn’t you head back to your fearless leader?”
He laughed. “Sleep well, Alex. I’ll see you soon.”
I watched him walk away, wondering what trouble we’d get into. With Cora now Pythia, she’d be busy all the time. Zeus would make a wonderful substitute. I looked at the moon, letting my head drop back, and smiled. Everything would be fine.
I spent the next week formalizing the plans for my House of Divination and meeting with the landholders of a few houses. Nothing appealed to me until I met with Iman. His small house sat at the edge of the market, half the size of my family home. Two bedrooms, a small kitchen, an even smaller dining area, and a cozy living room. It was quaint, but it would be perfect for my plans. All I had to do to pay for it was clean the other properties he owned once a month.
When Iman showed me the main bedroom, I
pictured myself living there. I heard of people staying in their family homes, in the same room, on the same side of town, until they died. I frowned, not liking the idea of dying in the room I grew up in. Not to mention, walking into town day after day for defense training was tiring. With the House of Divination doubling as my home, I would hardly have to walk at all.
“Mom...” I said at dinner one night, “I’ve been thinking.” I paused, waiting for her full attention.
“Oh? I’ve warned you about that before.” She let out a full-bellied laugh, throwing her head back. My father smiled, his eyes shining with love and humor at how she worked herself into a laughing fit.
“You’ve made the joke so many times. I don‘t know why you still find it funny,” I said.
“It’s like wine, it gets better with age.” She laughed again.
I sighed, picking up a piece of roasted goat’s meat and popping it into my mouth.
“All right, dear, I’m sorry. Go ahead.”
“I’m going to move into town. The house I found for my business has plenty of room for me. I’m twenty and it’s time I learn to be self-sufficient.” The final traces of amusement drained from her face with my words. “I’ll still come to dinner often, and you can visit me when you come to town,” I added.
“If you think it is best, I won’t stop you,” she said, the edges of her mouth turned down. “It won’t be the same without you here.”
“I understand, but I’m not leaving the polis like Hyri. I can still come home whenever I like,” I said, trying to soften the blow.
“I miss your brother every day,” she said, close to tears now. “I’m sorry, I just realized both of you don’t need me anymore.” She wiped a tear from her cheek.