Page 50 of Meduso
I walked Perseus over to the white, magical horse. I slowly brushed his mane. At first, he was startled when I disturbed him from quenching his thirst. But once he recognized me, he was put at ease once again and resumed drinking.
“Come,” I commanded to Perseus. “Don’t be shy.”
Perseus moved closer and rubbed Pegasus with me. “He is spectacular! How did he come into Poseidon’s possession?”
“I’m not entirely sure. Poseidon was not forthcoming with those details. He just told me that Pegasus was a gift for me, and he wished for the winged horse to remain in my care. He further explained that I should use Pegasus in a time of peril. That there could be an emergency where I may need to escape this island, and that I should use him to aid me in that escape,” I shared.
Perseus rubbed his chin, deep in thought. “Hmmm. I wonder what sort of urgency Poseidon could think of where he thinks Pegasus will be of that particular use to you.”
I shrugged. “I’m not sure of that either. Perhaps if a group of warriors were to ambush me on this island, I would need a means of fleeing, but that wouldn’t make sense since Poseidon is preventing that from even occurring. There could also be a natural phenomenon, like a wildfire or even disastrous weather, in which I would need to get away. But at the same time, what about my sisters? How would they get away from here with me? I doubt the three of us could manage to ride Pegasus all at once.”
“I’m not sure. But speaking of your sisters, where are they?”
“Most likely in their own caves. Are you ready to officially greet them?” I asked.
Perseus had a worried look on his face. “I really don’t have a choice, do I? I can’t just stay in hiding forever.”
I shook my head. “Nope. You can’t. I think it’s time they finally meet you.” I was surprised at Perseus’s trepidation. He had no problem nor fear in defying Athena, Hermes, and Hephaestus, yet when it came to meeting his lover’s gorgon sisters for the first time, that was what shook him in his sandals.
Chapter 16
We stood just outside Stheno’s cave. I could hear my sisters chatting inside. Perseus was sweating. I was surprised to see this display of nervousness from him. It was refreshing to know that he did have a vulnerable side. The Perseus I knew was fearless, bold, and daring. I had never seen him squirm the way he was doing so now.
“Are you sure we have to tell them? What if they try to attack me or refuse for me to live here on the island with you?” he anxiously asked.
“They wouldn’t do that. Just be honest and be yourself. If I love you, they will also love you,” I shared.
He let out a heavy sigh and I grabbed his hand, leading him into the cave. Euryale and Stheno were laughing, having been riled up about something they were discussing.
I coughed loudly, announcing myself to them. “Euryale… Stheno… I want you to meet Perseus.”
My sisters’ expressions instantly changed. Their laughter was put on pause, and they had stern looks written on their faces.
Stheno raised a brow at me. “Perseus? The demi-god from Seriphos?”
I nodded. “Yes. He traveled far and wide to come find me here.”
Euryale spoke with confusion. “But how? How did he get here?”
Perseus then piped up. “I was aided by Hermes, Hephaestus and…” He then gulped as a fearful reflex, knowing the last goddess he was about to mention would displease them. “…And Athena.”
Stheno’s eyes widened and she lunged forward towards him, but I stood in her way, blocking her. She screeched. “He’s come to kill you, Meduso! Get rid of him!”
I held her back from getting any closer to him. The vile snakes from her hair bit me in my neck and shoulder, but I continued to fight through the pain. Perseus was startled by this reaction but quickly explained himself. “No. I have no intention of harming any of you. I sincerely came here to live with Meduso. I swear it.”
“Liar!” Stheno yelled. I continued to use my strength to hold her back. Her aggression lessened, coming to the conclusion that she would not be able to get by me.
“No, Stheno! He is telling the truth. He slept with me last night. If he wanted to kill me, he would have done so already,” I informed her.
“Meduso! You have trusted far too many people in your lifetime. Look where it has landed you,” Stheno reminded me.
“That may be true, but I am telling you, Perseus is the only other person I trust my entire life with, besides you and Euryale,” I revealed.
“Stheno, you have my word. I will protect Meduso with my life,” Perseus added.
Euryale then came forward, placing her hand on our sister’s shoulder, attempting to pacify her. “Let’s at least hear him out, Stheno.”
Stheno grunted. “I have nothing to hear! But mark my word, you are making a terrible mistake, Meduso. And once you are dead, you will not have Euryale or me here to pick up the pieces this time. It will be too late by then.” She then glided out of the cave, with her snakes hissing the entire way.
