Finding Ithaka

by Anna Harvey

  “I know,” she replied, and he had embraced her, feeling the child move inside her body. He felt he could have laid with her as the Sky Ouranos had laid with Earth at the dawn of time, coupling and impregnating Gaia with his seed for eternity.

  *********************************************

  “Father, wake up!” The pitch came more forcefully. “Wake up!” He felt himself being shaken awake. “Father, does something ail you?” Slowly he opened his eyes, acclimatising to the light, which was starting to fade. Telemachos was knelt in front of him, his eyebrows drawn together. “You seemed very deeply taken by Sleep as if in a different place. You have slept all afternoon.”

  For a moment he was still there with her. Then it came to him, he was back on Ithaka, sleeping and dreaming on his own lands. “I am fine, son.” He said, blinking back Sleep. He peered into the light, as if expecting to see Kirke, but her image was gone. It took a moment for him to recognise the familiar grove and orchard. He shrugged reassuringly at his son. “Only old age and weariness catching up with me.”

  “Father, it is time to return to the palace. Tonight the feast is planned with food and entertainment ahead of tomorrow’s festival. My mother, Penelope, will be expecting us.”

  Of course, Penelope! How could he have forgotten? “Come son, let us go.” He drew himself up, stretching out the stiffness in his joints and followed his son up the track to the palace.

  Chapter 14

  Reunion

  The daily journey across the island gulf to Paliki had become a familiar routine. She’d come to know by heart those recognisable markers of the landscape: the old olive press, the rising swell of the wooded promontory and the rotunda of the lighthouse before the open water. Yet, despite the arduous days spent sifting through old manuscripts and ledgers, Thea felt only mounting frustration. The palace was out there, somewhere on Paliki, but its very proximity only heightened her vexation. The trip to the peninsula had simply strengthened her resolve to find it.

  The crumpled note lay on top of the desk, where it had sat for the past three days, discarded but not entirely thrown away. It felt like a metaphor for her situation. Three cursory lines, scribbled in Rob’s distinctive handwriting to inform her of his sudden departure. It offered no explanation or date of his expected return. Outraged by his treatment, she felt the anger rising in her body once more. How could she let herself be so naive? She slammed shut the possibility of them as a couple in her mind. Until the pressing matter of Dimitri was resolved, she was determined not to pursue any relationship with Rob.

  And there had felt an inevitability about the meeting today. Richard had been on the phone several times already, anxiously checking that everything was in place. He must have sensed her reluctance for he had lectured at her length about her responsibilities to the project and that meeting Mr Kampitsis had become her duty. Alone at night or during her isolated dining on the harbour quay, she had played over in her mind how today’s encounter could be avoided. Gradually she had forced herself into the realisation that facing Dimitri again, sooner or later, was inevitable. Today was as good a day as any.

  “And preparatory talks in Helsinki appear to have made a break through.” The voice of the news reader on the television screen fired out a rapid succession of words like a machine gun disgorging bullets, breaking Thea’s thoughts. The screen was bathed in a blue light displaying a carefully groomed woman with heavy black rimmed glasses. “Contrary to expectations, it is believed that all major countries have now agreed to attend the world climate summit talks later this year. And now more on the Greek economic crisis…”

  Thea picked up the television remote and flicked the off button, before checking her watch for the countless time. As if arming herself for battle, she applied a coat of deep crimson lipstick, puckering her lips in the mirror. For the meeting she had chosen a dark business suit with an open necked sky-blue blouse, one she reserved for solemn occasions and University departmental meetings. To tame her unruly copper curls, her hair had been twisted into a tight coil, pinning down firmly any loose strands that escaped. Stealing one final look at herself, Thea smoothed her clothes down, steeling herself for what was to come. Whatever happened, she would face it.

  The limousine was already waiting for her outside the hotel. A uniformed chauffeur ushered her politely into one of the dark upholstered seats. Even with the cool rush of air from the air-conditioning, the car interior felt oppressive, smelling of leather and formaldehyde. After a frenetic drive through a jumble of traffic, road lights and the town one way system, the car came to a stop in front of a modern glass faced building overlooking the harbour front. As Thea stepped out of the car, she breathed in the light fresh air from the sea breeze, allowing it to steady her nerves. There was no going back.

  Richard was anxiously waiting for her, as Thea entered the waiting area. Quickly she scrutinised the new surroundings absorbing every detail: the pristine light coloured sofas; the large polished glass table and the bright modernist paintings. The receptionist sat behind a desk, elegantly groomed in her tailored suit, flashed a set of perfect teeth as a welcome.

  Richard rushed over to greet her. “Hello Thea. I’m glad you were able to make it.” He beamed broadly at her but his handshake was hot and clammy. The usual self-assured composure had been replaced by a nervousness, Thea had not glimpsed before. To arrive on time, Richard had obviously driven over from Kalodia early in the morning. He took out a handkerchief to wipe away a bead of sweat from his temple.

  “Any progress with the trip to Athens?” he asked. They had both agreed on Thea’s visit to Athens, but with Easter approaching, all the daily flights had been long booked up as families across Greece reunited for the holidays.

  “Unfortunately not as yet,” Thea replied. In the diversion of the meeting, she had overlooked her intention to check for flight cancellations. “I’m having difficulty finding a seat. I’ll check again later today.”

  At that moment, a door adjoining the room opened. Stelios stepped out and with warm handshakes they were both ushered into a bright spacious office. Thea found herself in the very position she had longed for all those years ago. Now that moment had finally arrived, she felt overcome with dread.

  “Allow me to introduce you to Mr Dimitri Kampitsis,” said Stelios courteously. “Professor Mortimer you are already well acquainted with…”

  “Of course, Richard!” Dimitri replied, shaking his hand. “I heard our press conference went down very well!”

  “….and this is Dr Sefton.”

  Thea had already locked her eyes on him, before he had registered her presence. Close-up, he was as she remembered him: the square face and forehead, the fine equine nose perfectly balancing the almond brown eyes. Only the fine features were now no longer soft and boyish but those of a man full-grown. His hair had been closely trimmed, taming and masking the deep black curls. He was dressed in a well cut dark suit and open necked sky-blue shirt, expensive to the eye, which complemented the shape of his lean body. He wore his good looks easily and casually: there was no doubt he was a handsome man.

  As his gaze fell upon Thea, his body give a start and he hesitated, his hand poised mid-air.

  “Thea?” he asked uncertainly, as if his eyes were playing a trick on him. “Is it really you?” He stood close, scrutinising her face.

  “So you know one another already?” Richard enquired, breaking the awkward moment. It was hard to judge Dimitri’s thoughts for both his smile and touch were welcoming as he shook Thea’s hand.

  “Yes, Dr Sefton and I are already acquainted,” Dimitri replied smoothly, any momentary discomfort now evaporated. “It was many years ago when we last met, much younger than you see me now.” He grinned, his glance falling on her face. “I didn’t realise, Thea, you were back on the island. How is it possible? Stelios has kept me well informed about the project but I didn’t recognise your name,” he said turning to Stelios, who simply shrugged.

  “Hello Dimitri,” Thea re
plied evenly, determined not to be unnerved by this man. “I’m sure my presence on the island must come as a surprise. I go by my married name of Sefton these days,” she said, feeling a need to explain. ”So you wouldn’t have recognised my name on the project list. I didn’t realise that you were part of the Archontakis Foundation.” And it was the truth. Had she known of Dimitri’s involvement, she would never have signed up for the project.

  “Of course, you would not know,” Dimitri readily agreed. “The name comes from my wife who is from the famous Archontakis shipping family. It is her family who set up the Foundation. But I am delighted to welcome you back to the island, Thea” he beamed, her name lightly rolling off his tongue. “But, forgive my discourtesy to you both,” he gestured them into the room, “please take a seat. Allow me to offer you some refreshments.” He directed them to a plush cream sofa, taking one of the padded chairs for himself.

  Refreshments were quickly summoned and when a cafetiere of fresh coffee appeared with some local pastries, Dimitri at once played the perfect host, pouring out the drinks. “Is this alright for you, Richard,” he asked attentively, handing the older man a cup of coffee. “In my surprise at making the re-acquaintance of Dr Sefton, I hope I am not neglecting you.”

  “Not at all,” replied Richard affably, settling himself comfortably on the well-padded sofa. “I am delighted that you two people know one another!”

  Thea took a sip of her coffee and noted with pleasure it had a rich deep aroma, just as she liked it. As she savoured the hot liquid, her apprehension started to lift for the first time in days and she began to relax.

  Dimitri sat forward on his chair, his eyes glued onto Thea’s face. “So your husband doesn’t mind sparing you to help us out with our undertaking?” It was a simple question but it was loaded.

  “Unfortunately we split up last year,” Thea replied steadily. “So what I do is no longer his concern.”

  “I see. I’m very sorry to hear that,” Dimitri said commiserating, his face full of sympathy and genuine concern. “So,” he said, sitting now upright, “let us talk about the project instead. Professor Mortimer and Stelios have both kept me informed.” He leaned back again in his chair. “I understand you’ve been working on the archives for the Paliki peninsula. How is that going?” The dark eyes, so familiar, darted again to her face. She noticed that Stelios had merged into the background, but was listening and watching attentively.

  Thea drew a breath, bringing her mind back to the business at hand. “I’d planned to work slowly through the Venetian records to see if any of the original place names could be identified,” she replied, the professional in her taking over. “Unfortunately, very little if anything has survived, certainly on the island. There may be something in the Vatican archives in Rome. Even if the records still exist, it could take a huge amount of time and effort to track them down.” A flicker of disappointment passed across Dimitri’s face and she realised that the outcome of the Project mattered to him.

  Thea continued. “So instead I have been using the archive information to chart the villages known historically in the Upper Paliki area, which sit close to the project survey site. That would confirm, at least, we are looking in the right area. It is early days, but the research so far shows that in historical times this area was very fertile, with a higher population and agricultural yields.” She smiled, remembering her own excitement as this pattern started to emerge from the jumbled and tangled letters of the old ledgers.

  Thea continued, speaking rapidly. “I‘m also cross referencing descriptions in the original Homeric source with local land features on Paliki. This is proving to be very promising and backs up the theory that Odysseus’ palace is most likely situated on that part of the island. We have found one place already which matches Homer’s description.”

  Dimitri threw up his arms, the smile lighting up his fine features. “So we are looking in the right place for the palace. Excellent! As I understand from Professor Mortimer the results from the field survey at Kalodia have been so far, how shall I put this…?” he paused. “Disappointing.” He looked meaningfully at Richard as he emphasised the word.

  Richard shifted uncomfortably in his chair, like a chastised young boy. The affable expression had dropped from his face and his colour could be seen rising. The reprimand of this highly respected scholar was excruciating to witness. The memory of that conversation with Rob darted through her mind. Deferential had been the word he had used about Richard. It was puzzling. Her suspicion was that Dimitri was behind Richard’s decision to locate the field survey in the family village of Kalodia. Thea stepped in.

  “I understand from Dr Hughes that the preliminary results of the geological analysis are very promising. It’s early days but supports the theory of Paliki being an island and Ancient Ithaka.” As soon as the words had left her mouth, Thea realised her error. From Richard’s wide-eyed look of surprise, the information was clearly news to him. Rob must have told her in confidence. But this fresh knowledge had a transforming effect on Dimitri, who was now beaming widely at them both. Whatever shadow might have been there, had lifted.

  “That is very good news,” Dimitri said with pleasure. “I have high hopes that we will find our palace of Odysseus. And I have the fullest confidence in your team Professor Mortimer,” he said, turning towards Richard, who weakly returned the smile. “May I thank you Dr Sefton for your dedicated work so far and assure you of my fullest and upmost support. I have a very personal interest in the Project’s success.” His gaze pointedly fell on Thea once more, his lips curled in a deep smile. “So please, if there is anything I can do or put at your disposal, then let me know.”

  “There is one thing, you may be able to help us with, “Richard began hesitatingly, clearing his throat. “Dr Sefton needs to travel to Athens to follow a line of enquiry regarding the old archaeological records. Unfortunately due to Easter, she hasn’t been able to secure a seat on a flight. Is there anything you can suggest?”

  Dimitri glanced at Stelios briefly and then back at Richard. “We have a meeting in Athens tomorrow and will return the following day. A place could be provided on our private jet and overnight accommodation arranged.” Stelios nodded his agreement. “Would that be suitable for you Dr Sefton?” he asked smiling generously.

  “I have a few phone calls to the archaeological schools, but I could be ready for then,” Thea replied uneasily. The proposition wasn’t what she wanted but with Richard beside her, it felt like a pincer movement.

  “Then, it is settled,” Dimitri spoke, leaving no opportunity for objections. “You can travel with us but bring an overnight bag. Stelios will make the arrangements and we will see you at the airport in the morning. I look forward to enjoying more of your company.” An expression of easy charm sat on his face and for just a moment Thea felt a fluttering in her stomach and the beating of her heart.

  “Until tomorrow then,” she replied.

  They drew the meeting to a close. “Well Thea, I don’t know how you did it, but you seemed to make a big impression with Mr Kampitsis,” Richard said buoyantly, as they stepped out into the lobby. All traces of his discomfort had now vanished and Richard was once more his jovial and outgoing self. “He seemed very charmed by you. But Rob hasn’t said anything to me about the geophysical results,” he said perplexed, rubbing his chin. “When did he mention it to you?”

  “The other day, when we had dinner together,” Thea replied lightly. “I assumed he had told you.”

  “Of course, he had to return to London at short-notice. I think I’ll drop by the lab later for a chat,” he said. “His flight is due in this morning.” Thea watched Richard set off briskly, his figure retreating down the avenue towards the square. But the nagging feeling remained that unwittingly she had betrayed Rob’s trust.

  *********************************************

  The plane was situated on the edge of the tarmac, perched like some rare exotic bird. Its distinctive coned shaped nose and white p
olished coat glistened in the morning sunlight. It was still early and a freshness hung in the air and over the verdant hillside, dotted with tall Cypresses and red-roofed buildings. At the airport, Thea had been greeted like a celebrity or film star and now she was being safely delivered to the waiting flight, like precious cargo.

  Thea turned and thanked her escort, before ascending the short flight of steep steps leading into the plane cabin.

  “Welcome Dr Sefton!” Dimitri’s warmest smile greeted her, his head turned towards her. “Please take a seat and make yourself comfortable.” Stelios nodded an acknowledgement, as Thea settled into one of the cream leather seats. “You catch us already at our early breakfast meeting.” Dimitri continued apologetically. “Stelios and I have a few things to discuss before we arrive in Athens. I hope you will excuse our inattention to you.”

  “No, not at all. Please go ahead.” Thea said, noticing the cabin was immaculate and smelt of polish or air-freshener.

  “We have champagne on board, if you wish?” Dimitri’s eyes fell upon her again.

  “No thank you,” Thea said declining graciously, strapping herself in with her seat-belt. “I want to keep my head clear as I have a long day ahead.”

  “Of course,” he replied, bowing his head.

  The two men fell into discussion, speaking in a flurry of Greek and talking hands. Thea took out her leather-bound notebook and began organising her day, prioritising the journals she planned to search. Most of the journals were non-digitised so would require physical searching by hand. From time to time Dimitri glanced towards her, trying to catch her eye. But the past with so many unanswered questions loomed over them. In the presence of someone else, it was not the time or the place to talk.

  They were now approaching Athens, when the two men finally sat back from their papers. “I’ve arranged transport for you from the airport,” Stelios began. “The driver will take you wherever you wish to go. Your bag will be transported directly to the St. Gerasimos hotel, Lykavettos, where you will stay as our guest.” He turned his head towards her. “I hope that meets with your satisfaction.” His words were spoken faultlessly but somehow had a ring of insincerity.