by A K Clark
“Just for the other night?” I asked, sipping the wine. “What about tonight?”
He laughed. “I’m sorry for questioning your outfit.”
“Not good enough.” I pointed to the peplos. “What is wrong with this? It is the most stunning piece of fabric I’ve ever worn and will likely ever wear.”
“Nothing is wrong with it. I just don’t understand why you are wearing the silly thing.”
I cocked my head and felt my left eye twitch. He noticed and threw his hands up in surrender.
“Am I not allowed to dress nicely as well?” He hadn’t complained when Cora had worn her gorgeous outfit to the meeting in the temple. She’d made them all bumbling fools. “Or should Cora be the only one allowed to wear such finery?”
“Damn it, Alex. That is not what I meant,” he said before mumbling to himself about women being difficult.
“Well?"
He slammed his goblet on the table. “What do you want to hear? Do you want to hear you’re beautiful? Do you want to hear I haven’t been able to look away from you since you came to the door? That I can’t stop staring at you in the silk which caresses your skin in every spot a man’s hands should be?” I opened my mouth to retort, but he spoke louder. “No. Cora isn’t the only one allowed to wear finery as you call it. Wear the thing every damn day if you want. I don’t care. I don’t give a damn what you wear. Why does it even matter?”
I couldn’t meet his eyes. I looked into the goblet, trying not to cry. I wasn’t sad. I was angry. For some embarrassing reason, my body decided crying was the correct response to my fury.
“Alex,” he said gently, “look at me.”
I blinked, clearing the tears before leveling a cool gaze at him, his amber eyes filled with remorse.
“I’m sorry. I already apologized for overstepping and I’m sorry for hurting your feelings.”
“It’s fine,” I said, dismissing his regret.
“It isn’t. My mother taught me better, told me to never make a woman cry. I’m afraid I’ve been around the men in the order for too long. I’ve forgotten how to behave.”
“I won’t tell her what you’ve done,” I joked, trying to ease the tension settling around us.
“A joke. I should have known you’d make a joke. Will I always get off this easy?”
I smiled at the thought of him worrying over my forgiveness. “Depends on what you do. This wasn’t so bad. You wounded my ego, but I’ll survive. I’ve known Cora holds all your hearts since the meeting in the temple.”
He laughed, and the deep rumbling sound bounced off the walls. “You think I like Cora? I know Theo is head over heels, but me? No. It takes more than a pretty outfit to impress me.”
I refilled my wine and glanced at him with a coy smile. “What would impress you?”
It wasn’t necessarily desire I felt for him, but there was something going on between us. He was attractive and usually pleasant enough, but he was the master trainer. He would be my teacher. I wanted to get along with him, but he got under my skin so easily.
He grinned at me. My stomach fluttered with the gesture. This man was dangerous.
“It would impress me if you poured me more wine,” he said.
I snatched the goblet out of his hand. “I didn’t think you would be so easy.”
“I’m not. I need more wine before this celebration. If I have to listen to Milo talk, I need wine. Lots of it.” I laughed along with him, noticing the way his eyes quickly flitted down my body while I refilled his goblet. I blushed. He honestly couldn’t stop looking at me. Perhaps Thargelia would be interesting after all.
“The goblets,” I said suddenly, causing my flush to deepen.
“I brought them as a housewarming gift. Your other ones were about to break in half.”
“Snob.” I scoffed.
“I didn’t mean to offend you. I had an extra set. When I saw your chipped ones…” he paused, as if embarrassed.
“They’re beautiful,” I said with appreciation, forgetting my frustration. The goblets were indigo on the outside and a lighter blue on the inside, just like the one Stefan had let me use. I ran a finger over the goblet and found it smooth as stone.
“Thank you.” He tipped up his glass and finished his drink, looking me over once more. “Are you ready?”
“Do you plan on walking with me?” I asked.
“If you don’t mind.”
I unleashed a huge smile. “No, Isaias, I don’t mind at all.” I could feel his eyes on me as he followed me out of the house and into the evening air. I sent my thanks to Eros. He’d given me just what I needed to take my mind off things.
14
We ambled toward the feast, neither of us brave enough to admit we didn’t want to go. Bonfires glowed orange in the distant twilight, growing brighter as we neared. Isaias didn’t speak, which bothered me. This was the first night he’d opened up to me. No games, no silly tests, just raw emotion. The story he told explained why he’d been upset about my choice to live alone. It didn’t excuse his behavior, but I could appreciate his concern.
I hesitated when we arrived, taking in the vast amounts of people attending Thargelia. Suddenly I realized they’d be staring at me while Milo paraded us candidates around. The number of people milling around seemed to multiply the more I worried about it. Enough time had gone by that people no longer cursed me or accused me of murder when they passed. Though the notion of standing in front of them made me queasy.
We made our way through the crowds, watching the fires crackle as people roasted meats. Children danced around a man playing a lyre; his fingers flew over the strings, filling the air with a lively melody. I didn’t recognize the tune, but it was upbeat. The children spun in circles laughing as they tried to keep up with his ferocious tempo. One of the dancing girls bumped into me. I smiled at her enthusiasm. She was still young enough to dance without worry, still full of youthful hope. I felt a pang of envy as I watched her giggle and twirl.
“Milo is there. I don’t see Cora yet, but it looks like the other women are here,” Isaias said, pointing to where they sat. Ilinor’s sour expression contrasted with Cicely’s delight, who smiled at the crowds.
Milo watched me approach, looking me up and down before nodding in approval. He smiled smugly, knowing I wanted no part of this. I took the seat farthest from him.
His smile widened, somehow making him even more uninviting. “How are you tonight, Alex? You look wonderful.”
“The peplos is beautiful, thank you for sending it.”
“Well, I’m very excited about tonight.” He continued to talk but I tuned him out, searching for Zeus at the order’s table. I spotted him next to Theo. The two were engaged in conversation. I tried to hide my disappointment and turned my attention back to Milo, who now looked at me expectantly.
“I’m sorry?”
“Are you ready?” he asked, jaw twitching with irritation.
“Now? But Cora isn’t here.” I looked at Ilinor and Cicely in confusion.
“Don’t worry about Cora. I’m sure she will make it in time. Ladies, don’t forget to come to the stage when I call your name.” Milo stood, adjusting his expensive silk chiton before heading to the stage.
“Good evening, people of Delphi!” Milo said to quiet the crowd. “Tonight, we celebrate Thargelia, we celebrate the life of Vero, and we cleanse the polis.” Milo paused for effect.
“Tonight, we also celebrate the crowning of a new Pythia, may the gods bless her. Our candidates have studied hard. Practicing divination every day and working with the gods to solidify their abilities. They are almost equal in their strengths.” Milo gazed up at the sky thoughtfully as if calling to the gods, more acting. He called out Ilinor, then Cicely, praising them both for their abilities before revealing neither was the chosen one.
“Alex,” he called, gesturing me toward the stage, “is brilliant. I have no doubt she would make an amazing Pythia.”
A few people cheered for me, unaware Milo had yet to fini
sh. A flash of golden fabric caught my attention. Cora sauntered through the throng of people, making her way to the stage. The peplos Milo had chosen for her was far more dazzling than mine, mostly white silk with a golden sun embroidered around her torso. The rays shone brilliantly as the firelight danced off the garment.
Milo hushed the crowds.
“Yes, Alex is good. But she is not the one the gods have chosen for the position.” Someone heckled him. I ducked my head in embarrassment, wishing he would get it over with.
“People of Delphi.” Milo stretched his arm to Cora. The crowd parted for her. “Cora is your new Pythia.”
He continued to praise Cora, but the cheering overpowered his speech. The people called out to her, hoping the new Pythia would stop and seek them out. Cora walked onto the stage, crossing in front of us to stand before Milo. The clapping grew louder.
“Pythia!” a woman cried out with glee.
Another shouted, “Apollo is with you!”
After a moment, the cheers subsided, giving Cora leave to speak. “Thank you for your support. I’ve wanted nothing more than to become Pythia. I’m blessed to know Apollo smiles on me.”
More cheering followed the speech. Milo dismissed the crowd, escorting Cora to our table. Ilinor, Cicely, and I were forgotten as the two made plans for her to take over the Pythia duties.
“I agree. I think it would be best for you to begin Pythia duties tomorrow. As long as you are up for it,” Milo said.
I understood their sense of urgency. Many people sought the Oracle of Delphi for help. The sooner a new Pythia was in place, the better.
“Of course, I’m ready. We should tell the people. Let’s make the announcement,” Cora said, grabbing Milo and leading him to the stage. I frowned at the familiar way she touched him. She hardly knew him. Why was she pulling him on stage like he was an accomplice to a crime?
“Who planned the show? Milo or Cora?” a voice whispered in my ear.
“Hm, my money is on Milo. He prepped us all yesterday.” Zeus sat. I leaned against him, resting my head on his shoulder. “It’s funny, the two of them seem to feed off one another. I never knew Cora enjoyed this kind of attention.” I scowled. Something had changed with Cora over the last few days. Despite her apology the other night, she still kept her distance.
“They make quite the pair.” Zeus watched Milo and Cora shake hands, talking their way through the small crowd of people surrounding them. When they arrived back at the table a while later, Cora’s cheeks were flushed with excitement.
“It’s wonderful, isn’t it?” she asked me, smiling out at the crowd.
“Cora,” Milo interrupted. “It’s time for the sacrifice.”
Cora’s happiness faded as she remembered what tonight celebrated. The catharsis of the polis; happiness wouldn’t cleanse the city. Thargelia required pharmakos, the exile of a chosen scapegoat. It was the only way to get rid of the miasma infecting the polis.
I grimaced as Cora made her way to the stage once again. I hated this part, but it pleased Apollo and kept the city purified. Miasma was powerful, contagious even. If we didn’t rid the polis of the negative energy during Thargelia, it would slowly infect the community, causing havoc. Argos had brought bad intentions into Delphi and his evilness lingered. If left uncleansed, it would destroy the peace within the community.
Cora stood tall as Theo escorted the scapegoat on stage, pulling at the end of a rope that bound the man’s hands.
Milo spoke to the crowd. “Our polis tastes of bitterness. The hateful actions of the few taints us all. This man,” Milo pointed at him, "I have chosen for exile. His deformities result from immorality. The miasma which blankets the polis will leave with him.”
The crowd cheered at his words, calling ugly things at the man or pleading with Apollo to accept our sacrifice. Had the man been a murderer, they’d call for blood. I thanked Apollo that this man’s only crime was being deformed. I didn’t wish to see bloodshed tonight.
“Take him to the edge of the polis!” a man cried.
“Theo, take him away,” Milo shouted. Theo tugged the man behind him, the crowd cheering with a sense of victory. I waited, steeling myself against my emotions when it started. A small rock hit the man’s back, then more of varying sizes. One a bit larger made him stumble.
A few feet of rope separated Theo from the assault. He pulled at it, forcing the man to walk faster. At first glance it seemed cruel, but I noticed Theo clenching his jaw as stones pummeled the man. The faster he got the man out of the polis, the sooner the beating would end. Blood dripped down the man’s cheek. His deformed arm blocked his face, the little hand not doing much to stop the rocks thrown at him.
I looked away, unable to watch the cruelty. Thargelia seemed to bring out the worst in people. It seemed they saved their hate all year just to use it during the cleansing.
“People of Delphi,” Cora called out, “the pharmakos is complete. Apollo is pleased. Please pour a libation for our god and drink with me.” Cora held her cup in the air, waiting for us to follow suit, then poured out a splash of crimson liquid onto the ground. I poured my tribute, thanking Apollo for Theo’s mercy before drinking the rest of my wine.
“I’m ready to leave,” I told Zeus. The drink did nothing to settle my upset stomach. We stopped at the table where Isaias and Stefan sat long enough to inform them of our departure. Isaias’s stare burned a hole in me, but I didn’t turn back. I wanted to be far away from the celebration. He hadn’t thrown any rocks, but I found myself angry at him. Couldn’t he have put an end to it? No one would fight the Master of the Order if he told them to stop.
We had just reached my house when I heard the screams. Cries of agony. I glanced around, searching for the source. Another agonized yell rang out in the night. Zeus ran toward the sound. I kept pace with him, my heartbeat racing.
We reached the end of the road, turned a corner and jolted to a stop. Zeus’s arm shot up, blocking me from going to the child. I covered my mouth, fingers trembling with the horror of what lay before me.
Ewen’s wife cradled a small child in her arms. Her face was scrunched in pain, heartbreak painting her features. Blood dripped from her fingers. The lifeless body in her arms had been beaten to a pulp. The poor girl. How could someone do such a horrible thing?
She brushed the girl’s hair away from her bruised face. I gasped when I saw the cross carved on her little forehead. A Christian symbol. Whoever did this had punished her for her father’s crimes. The cruelty of it astounded me.
I knelt next to the woman, placed a hand on her shoulder and sat with her until others arrived. I held her when Stefan and Isaias took the child from her arms. They asked her questions but she only cried. Too torn apart to form words.
After her sister had arrived and taken her home, I sat for a long while. Someone in the polis had done this. A person who knew why Ewen had been exiled. But to do such a horrid thing to someone so young, or anyone for that matter, was unthinkable. Were his crimes so great his kin deserved to die? All because he had been accused of forsaking our gods? I couldn’t fathom Apollo condoning such an act.
For the first time, I found myself questioning my people. Beating a poor man because he had been born deformed, and now this. Were the powers above so heartless? Or had the people taken things too far?
Thankfully, I didn’t dream that night.
15
The next morning, I woke at daybreak, not because I wanted to but because it was time to train. The prior night’s event hadn’t precluded me from participating. Truthfully, I needed something to occupy my mind. Otherwise I’d spend the day thinking about the child.
I mumbled a few profanities as I dressed, all but tripping into my clothes. Why anyone would practice before the sun rose baffled me. Theo was already jogging around the combat yard when I arrived.
“I didn’t think you would make it. Start with a quick jog.”
“If we must,” I muttered, following behind him, trying to keep up
. He said “jog,” but he was running. My breathing was labored when we stopped. He instructed me through stretches, clapping once when he finished.
“All right. Isaias told me we should probably start with conditioning. I know you want to get started with defensive skills first, but I need you to keep up. The lessons will be useless if you are a panting mess after a simple warm-up.” He looked pointedly at me.
I shrugged. “I’m ready.”
He smiled. “There you go! All new members start with conditioning, so don’t feel bad. Follow me.” We walked toward the edge of town. This new, enthusiastic Theo scared me. There could only be one reason he was in a good mood. This training session would be awful.
“Is walking part of the conditioning?” I quipped.
Theo laughed. “Oh no. This is still the warm-up. We will be there soon.”
“Where will we be?” I asked, but he didn’t answer. There were no more houses and I couldn’t hear the bustle of the town. Unease nagged at me as I glanced around at the vast emptiness. I prepared to ask again but Theo halted.
“Here we are. Welcome to the temenos, the Pythian race course.” He looked at me and smiled, the skin around his right eye crinkling above the scar on his cheek. Rocks outlined the boundaries of the oval track used for equestrian races during the Pythian Games. No wonder I didn’t recognize our path. They only held the games every four years. There were grassy rolling hills to the right of the course. It was beautiful, but I wasn’t sure what it had to do with conditioning. Equestrian racing wouldn’t help me get into shape.
“Run,” he commanded.
“What?”
“I want you to run. I will follow. If I catch you, you will do thirty squats.”
“How am I supposed to outrun you?” I asked, knowing it’d be impossible.
“I guess you will have to figure it out.” He pointed to the hills. “Run.”
He shoved me, causing me to stumble slightly before I righted myself and ran. My heart thudded, adrenaline propelling me forward. I heard him counting down behind me. “Four, three, two, one. I’m coming after you now,” he warned me.