The Necklace of Goddess Athena

by Effrosyni Moschoudi

  Mystified, the mortals started to chatter excitedly.

  “Listen to me!” commanded Poseidon and they all fell silent. “You are safe now,” he said and everyone cheered. He raised a hand and they stopped, allowing him to continue. “Now you may go and lead your lives in peace. Every mortal has a right to both love and happiness! Your prayers to acquire these things have now been answered. It was your unwavering faith that has made it possible, as is the case with all answered prayers. And now go, go to your homes!” Poseidon motioned them to go through an arched passage inside the fortress walls.

  The ancient site was unfamiliar to most of the mortals, so they faltered, unsure what lay beyond the walls. The temple was still illuminated by the soft light of oil lamps, and Efimios didn’t fail to make the connection. It seemed that deep down, even Poseidon agreed that the olive tree was a true blessing. In his temple, Athena’s valuable present to the Athenians had been acknowledged as such.

  “Do not be afraid! Go through the passage, trust me now!” said Poseidon as he watched the humans stare at its dark entrance, hesitant to take another step.

  Efimios thanked Poseidon on behalf of them all and urged them to obey. He walked ahead with his wife and everyone followed behind. It was pitch black inside the passage, but once their eyes got accustomed to the darkness, they were able to make out the exit at the other end. Relieved, they came out into the night and walked along a narrow dirt path lined with pine trees. After a few minutes, they found a paved path that, surprisingly enough, carried on uphill. When they reached the top, they stood amazed.

  Even then, after all the miracles they’d witnessed that day, they were dumbstruck at the realization of the distance they had covered within minutes. Before them, stood none other than the Parthenon in the center of Athens. Somehow, Poseidon had transported them there to help them get home without delay or adversity. The Parthenon had never looked more stunning than it did that night. Everyone stood there quietly for a few moments, enchanted by the sight, each of them gathering their own thoughts after the shocking events of the past few hours.

  Afterwards, they took the familiar route that led them downhill and back to Plaka. Once they got to the house, they all went to the sitting room, and even Zoe stayed around, sharing in everyone’s joy. As for Aris, he was over the moon sitting next to Daphne and getting to know his extended new family. Besides, if he were to return to Pallada in the middle of the night he would only disturb his mother. Thankfully, they had told her they were going to spend the night at Anna’s.

  The sitting room that had witnessed so much pain and sorrow in the past was now full of merriment. Laughter and cries of joy reverberated from its walls, and Odysseus came in, wagging his tail and sniffing at all the strangers. The dog guessed from the commotion that this was no ordinary occasion and began to bark excitedly as he received affectionate pats and cuddles.

  ***

  At first light, they all went out to the orchard. Efimios had suggested that they should mark the dawn of the new day with closure, as far as the cave was concerned. Athena’s last words had been enigmatic, but she’d made it clear she wasn’t interested in the cave or her necklace any more.

  Efimios and Anna led the way, and everyone followed. Their plan was to shut its door forever, leaving the necklace right where it rested on the altar. They didn’t intend to bury the cave again. Instead, it would serve as a precious reminder of what their love for each other and their faith had accomplished. Once they passed the last clump of trees, and came out into the clearing, what they saw, left them speechless.

  A magnificent three-storied building stood against the rock face where the entrance of the cave used to be. The building seemed to emerge from the rock, as if it were part of the Acropolis hill. Its sidewalls were cliffs of pure white stone. The façade was decked in pentelic marble. On the large balconies, solid gold lanterns hung above the windows. Ceramic owls perched on the tiled roof across the front.

  The main door was made of iron. In its middle, the figure of an owl perched on an olive branch. It looked similar to the one Efimios had made for the door to the cave except this one was made of solid gold. It caught the early morning sun, the effect dazzling. On either side of the owl, two golden shapes, a spear and a battle helmet, were studded with brilliant, yellow gemstones. A key had been placed in the lock, a long golden chain hanging from it.

  The key was the calling card of the maker of this fine edifice. It had a brilliant moonstone on it and was studded with sparkling quartz crystals. Above the door, a rectangular sign made of olive wood bore a carved message in ancient Greek.

  Everyone stood mutely at the entrance, wondering what the sign said, but were too overwhelmed to ask. They all turned their gaze to Efimios and, deeply moved, he cleared his throat before translating the message for everyone.

  “I am guessing you have no use for the cave or the necklace so I have taken the liberty to transform them into something useful to you. Do not refuse my offer for it comes with no obligation on your part. Think of it as my atonement for the devastation I have caused. Allow me, the patron of this great city, to leave my last offering here, on the same sacred hill, where my very first one was presented.”

  There was no signature but it wasn’t needed. Gods do not take pleasure in stating the obvious. They give mortals much more credit than that.

  Everyone entered the building to find incredible beauty and luxury in its interior. Everything they touched, every doorknob, handle, switch, and every tap was made of solid gold. All light fixtures, and even some pieces of furniture, were studded with diamonds and other precious gems. Exquisite works of art hung from the walls, and throws of pure silk were draped over the living room furniture. The beds were made with sheets of luxurious satin, and the closets were full of fashionable clothes for everyone and for every occasion.

  The abundance of wealth that exuded from every nook in this house was of such magnitude that not even the palaces of the greatest kings of the world could ever match it. Despite all that, Kimon and Eleni opted not to live in the building. They’d come to miss their home so much that nothing could keep them away, so they, and Manos, opted to stay there.

  On the other hand, Efimios and Anna decided to accept Athena’s gift and apology, eager to put the past behind them, once and for all. Ksenia and Phevos decided to move into that magnificent building too and so did Daphne.

  Before Aris returned to Pallada that morning, Efimios raised the question how they were going to explain their long absence to everyone in the neighborhood. They were particularly worried about Mrs. Sofia because of her weak heart. Therefore, they thought it best to give it a bit of time in order to think of the best way, before presenting themselves to her. Aris was to return to Pallada but not to mention anything at all.

  ***

  That evening, Mrs. Sofia retired to her room for the night smiling. Her son and Daphne had gone out to dinner but, before leaving, they’d all had tea and cake together. She was still over the moon with the news of their engagement. She put on her nightdress and slippers and before getting into bed, as she did every night, she stood on the corner before the mounted icons.

  The overhanging oil lamp was burning. She made sure to light it every night before bedtime. It was her way to honor the memory of her late husband. The sight of the delicate flame that flickered in the semi-darkness comforted her, making her feel as if her husband’s spirit was with her, in a way. Mrs. Sofia rested her gaze at the tiny flame. For a moment it spat and twitched, then softly bent over as if beckoning to her. She gave a soft sigh, and her eyes welled up. Then, as she did every night before bed, she turned her gaze to the icon of St Spyridon and crossed herself.

  “Agie mou Spyridona!” she said, lacing her fingers in prayer. “Thank you for the joy you’ve brought me today! I love Daphne like a daughter. I know she’ll make my son happy. Give them health and joy. Protect my daughter also, who is far away but never forgotten. And please mind my other children too: Ksenia and
Manos. They lost their parents too young, but I am glad I could be there for them to raise them safely. I’m glad I could be there to love them . . . There are times that I feel my heart is about to burst! It is the love that overflows from it, and I’m thankful God has made me like this. I wonder, why do so many people find it difficult to love? Why do they live in darkness when they can live in light? Darkness never made sense to me, and I don’t even think it exists anywhere out of the human heart and mind. I think all there is, is love and light. Darkness only creeps in when you let the light fade in your heart! All my life I tried to keep the light on . . . I’ve known so much love but, sadly, so many of my loved ones have long departed from this world. My husband, my parents, my siblings . . . and it’s getting so lonely without them! People my age don’t have a lot to live for. I find myself wishing to see them again these days, more than I wish to get up in the morning . . . Life befits the people who keep their minds on the living. Unlike them, I spend my evenings making conversation with age-stained photographs. From this world, I don’t need anything any more and only have one wish: for all the children to know love! There’s no other way for goodness to survive in this world. I’m content that I can look back on my life and see that I’ve done my bit. This is all I care for and my work is done. Nothing else binds me here. If I could, I would grow wings on my back tonight and fly up to heaven to see my loved ones again. I have nothing to fear and all to look forward to . . .”

  ***

  The next morning, Aris was startled when he rose from his bed to find his mother still lying in hers. This wasn’t like her. Concerned, he rushed to her side to find her lying on her back with her hands resting over her heart. Her eyes were closed, her face serene with a hint of a smile. She was finally where she wanted to be.

  Chapter 34

  It was two years to the day after their reunion. To commemorate the occasion, everyone went to the Acropolis that evening to marvel at the sight of the August full moon. They’d done the same the previous year. Already, this had started to feel like an annual ritual. Dressed in their finest, they walked along the paved path to the top of the hill under the enchanting moonlight.

  Efimios led the way with Anna, who was holding a baby girl in her arms. It was her granddaughter. She was only a few months old. Her parents, Daphne and Aris, were walking right behind them. They’d named their baby Sofia, before she was even born, to honor the memory of Aris’s mother, whom everybody still missed beyond words. They still spoke of her as if she were still alive and were all excited that the baby would soon be baptized in her name. It meant it would live on in the family, never to be forgotten.

  Phevos and Ksenia were walking behind them. He was holding her hand, peering at the ground. Ksenia was five months pregnant, and he was being overprotective, worried she might slip and fall on the cobblestones. She relished his attention as always and smiled at him tenderly each time he pointed out a stone that looked threatening in her path.

  Kimon followed with Eleni and Manos. He kept close to his mother, who spoke to him gently, touching his arm and smiling to him while his father listened with interest to everything he said.

  Zoe had been present the year before for the occasion, but this time she hadn’t joined them. Still a valued friend to them all, her heartache over Aris had long faded away. On the day he got married to Daphne, Zoe met one of his old colleagues and they’d fallen madly in love. They were now married, and she was accompanying him onboard ship for a few days. He often took her along on short trips, and she enjoyed seeing the world by his side.

  When they reached the top of the hill, little Sofia was startled by the hustle and bustle of the crowd—not to mention the strong floodlights—and started to cry. Daphne took her in her arms to soothe her while Anna made cooing sounds and pulled funny faces at the baby the way all grandmothers do.

  Efimios walked up ahead on his own and stood before the Parthenon to marvel at its beauty. The combination of the illumination effects and the full moon made it an enthralling sight. Captivated by the magic of the moment, he proceeded to saunter toward the precipice on the far end, still on his own, this time to admire the view of Plaka below. At this hour it looked magical, its lanes lit by old-style lanterns and quaint lampposts. Bouzouki chords from the tavernas reached his ears, putting a wistful smile on his face. The air carried the aromas of honeysuckle and basil from the whitewashed yards. He took a deep breath, half-closing his eyes, grateful he was home at last, his troubles finally over.

  “Mr. Efimios, can I ask you a question?” The young voice came from behind him. Efimios turned around to see Manos’s earnest face. He was now fourteen, an intelligent and promising youngster. He had the whole world in his hands because he’d already acquired precious knowledge that is not often gained even throughout a lifetime. He had learned a lot from Efimios in the past two years and followed him around often, thirsty for more.

  “Of course, my boy,” said Efimios.

  “It occurred to me the other day, and I’ve been meaning to ask you . . . How do you think Athena found out that day in Sounio what was going on?”

  Efimios grinned. “Yes, she did find out quite mysteriously, didn’t she?”

  “Well? What do you think happened? You had the wands with you and Mrs. Anna had hers. That made you invisible in Athena’s eyes! How did she find out?”

  “I think Poseidon allowed it. Maybe as we passed her temple on our way to the top—”

  “But why?”

  “I’m guessing because he wanted to make sure this ended there and then. He had to have his say and also make sure she’d never hurt us.”

  “Of course! He couldn’t leave it to chance! She’d have found out sooner or later . . .”

  “Yes, I’m sure of that.”

  “I’m so glad Poseidon thought of everything!”

  “So am I, Manos! Thanks to him we’re all here together today. I am the happiest man in the world because of that.”

  “You must be missing what you left behind in that other world, though . . .”

  “What would that be, Manos? I must say, I can't think of anything.”

  “Well, your big estate for one! Surely you miss your home and your friends there?”

  “My home?” Efimios laughed but then he bit his lip. He didn’t want to discourage Manos, to give him the wrong idea that he found his impressions ridiculous. “Forgive me for my reaction, Manos. Your thinking would make sense to a lot of people but not to me. First of all, my life had been split between two different worlds for many years. Therefore, to say that my estate in that other world was my home sounds one-sided to me. I could be there right now and have someone ask me if I miss my home here in Plaka! Do you understand what I mean?”

  Manos looked puzzled so Efimios continued, “You see Manos, home is where one is happy. And to me, home is where my family is. So I’m home here and now! As for missing my estate, you should know that bricks and mortar have no value, no matter how large or impressive the house may be. You see, these things can make a house but are never enough to make a home. Only family makes a home! I could be living equally happy anywhere and anytime in the world, as long as we were all together like this.”

  Manos finally understood and smiled happily. They both turned around then and looked at the others who still stood by the temple.

  “Would you like to know a little secret about my house in that other world?” continued Efimios in a hushed voice, causing Manos to nod eagerly. “In a way, I never left it, Manos! Geographically speaking, it was a stone’s throw away from the Acropolis hill, just like the house that we all call home today. If you think about it, it is the Acropolis hill that is our home! It is everyone’s home in this city. It is the point of reference of our people; what we hold most sacred among all places in our hearts.”

  Manos said nothing in response, but instead pondered the old man’s words in silence. The words reminded him of his yearning for his parents in his earlier life. He’d known early on, the hard way
, the value of family. He was also, as always, enchanted by the idea of time travel, and the notion that places can undergo many changes in the passage of time. It impressed him to think how every corner of the world changes gradually, sometimes beyond recognition, through progress or devastation. Buildings become derelict and then replaced by brand new ones. Land is built upon; rivers overflow and then go dry again. Grass shoots up from the earth and flowers blossom in the spring even after the cruelest of winters. People age and die while others are born. Everything follows the never-ending cycle of life and death. Everything is always moving, changing. Every day is lost at sunset, never to be retrieved again. Thoughts like these made Manos feel like every moment in life is precious. Thanks to Efimios, he’d been given a legacy that’s most advantageous to someone so young.

  “Look at the sea shimmering in the distance!” Manos cried out after a few moments of silence, still deep in thought. He’d been ambling with Efimios around the site to admire the rest of the view.

  “Indeed, Manos, it looks spectacular under the light of the full moon! You know, the sea has always charmed people, and you know why? Because it’s one of few things on this earth that does not follow the cycle of life and death. It follows no rules. The sea never changes through the ages! It only exists, infinitely. It cannot be tamed and this is why Man fears and respects it!” Efimios paused when he saw Manos’s enthusiasm ignite in his eyes. He opened his mouth to continue but Manos was faster.

  “Do you think . . . Do you think this is why Poseidon gave the spring of Erechtheus to the Athenians on top of this hill? Perhaps by offering them a pool of seawater he was aiming to grant them the sea’s unique power to remain unaffected by time!”