"Pyth?"
"I don't think anyone's here. It's possible Zeus knows where we're headed but he isn't here yet. Give me a minute, I'll check out the inside. Keep an eye out for trouble."
Not giving them a chance to argue, Pythias wiggled through the small opening. It was just large enough to let his shoulder through. Lucky for him, although he'd had no fear he'd be able to make it in. Poseidon wasn't exactly a small man.
The crack widened up ahead. Squeezing his way through the opening he found himself in crystal clear waters. He swam to the surface, peering at the temple in front of him. It was definitely impressive. Made him remember the old days. It looked almost exactly as it would have centuries ago when it was first built. There was no decay here. Everything was pristine, right down to the burning fires set along the path leading up to the columns. They would guide him right to the central hall of the temple.
Pythias swam toward the columns, shifting his tail for legs to walk up the steps. At the first fire, he bent to one knee.
"Poseidon, watch over us. We are here at your bidding. Protect your daughter within these walls, I pray to you."
He stood up, grabbing the dagger he'd placed at his waist this morning. Glancing around, he studied the surroundings, looking for anything out of the ordinary. He finally shrugged, turning and diving back into the water. In no time, he was back through the crack and motioning for Damon and Aella to follow him in.
They followed him past the columns toward the main hall. It was a windowless, rectangular room set in the very centre. Reaching the doorway, Aella gasped at the sight of her father's massive stone replica. The statue rose up above them, the figure of Poseidon with trident in his hand, positioned as if he would throw the trident at any potential threat.
"I always get a tingle down my spine when I see those. It looks exactly like him,” she whispered.
"Not quite. My brother never did throw his trident like that. Too much of a coward to face anyone in battle."
Pythias swung around, facing the figure of Zeus. Damon swore softly, coming beside him and herding Aella back.
"You're not welcome here, Zeus. This is a place of worship. I do believe you're trespassing."
Zeus threw back his head, laughing loudly and shaking the foundation of the temple. “I can go wherever I want. Do you dare to tell me what to do?"
All trace of amusement was now gone from his face. He stepped forward, menacingly.
Pythias grabbed his dagger, holding it in front of him.
"Well, well. Looks like the great Damon and Pythias are now the ones without a god to protect them. Where's your precious ruler?” Linos stepped forward, sneering at them.
Pythias’ lip curled as she gazed at him. He was a waste of air, small and pale. His hooked nose, and narrow beady eyes were set over a twisted, cocky mouth. Covered by billowing robes, he stepped grandly into the room behind Zeus. The god must have transported him inside, since he wouldn't have swam in after them.
Pythias wanted dearly to end the man's existence but there were bigger threats in the room. He remained silent, not allowing Linos to bait him.
"What? Can't figure out how to answer me, servant to the sea god? Bet you had enough to say when you found all the dead bodies. That was my idea, by the way. Brilliant, wasn't it? Just the right amount of pathos, but not enough to debilitate you. I bet she cried, didn't she?"
Aella gasped, a small sound full of pain. Damon snarled behind him. Pythias wanted badly to turn around and comfort Aella, but he couldn't take his gaze off Linos. The squirrelly man strutted forward, assuming his safety because the god he served was stood nearby.
Fool.
The gods changed allegiances when it suited them. Everyone knew that. To take their protection for granted was beyond foolish.
"Where's your sea god now? I don't see him anywhere, and this all happening in one of his sanctuaries. Tsk, tsk. How sad for you? Perhaps I'll kill his daughter right here in front of his statue, like Zeus took care of her sisters. Must have hurt him, to see his precious half-human children perish and not be able to stop it."
"What are you talking about? My sisters aren't dead. How dare you?"
"Aella, quiet. He's toying with you, don't listen to him,” Damon crooned.
Pythias kept his attention on his quarry, studying his moves, his gaze moving from his hands to his sure steps. He'd make a mistake, and Pythias would only have one chance.
"Enough, Linos. You asked to be the one to kill these two and I gave you that. Now, quit wasting my time and get on with it.” Zeus yawned, studying his nails.
Linos turned his head to look at his god, exactly the moment Pyth was waiting for. He tensed his legs, moving forward to tackle Linos. He ducked and rolled with the sniveling weasel in his arms, a lightning bolt just barely missing them, crashing into the wall at their back. Rock cracked and smoke billowed around them, hiding and then revealing their surroundings. Zeus’ roar shook the room, rumbling the floor beneath them. Ignoring him, Pythias swung hard with his right arm, connecting solidly with Linos’ face. The man's head snapped back, blood spurting from his broken nose.
Pythias stood, holding Linos in front of him. He had to practically support the man's full weight, as he couldn't stand on his own.
"If you don't want your servant to die, you'll leave us now.” He placed his dagger against Linos’ neck, pressing the tip hard into his skin. A drop of blood welled up, joining the river of red that was flowing from his nose.
Zeus faced them, his face mottled with rage.
"You swore you would protect me. You gave me your word. I gave you everything for your protection, my lord god. Please, save me.” Linos babbled, trembling in Pythias’ hold. He didn't want to feel sorry for the pitiful creature, but he was seriously pathetic.
Zeus froze, studying them. If it was true and he gave Linos his word of protection, then he'd have to do something to save the man. Pythias was counting on it.
"What would you have me do?” The words were thrust out through gritted teeth.
Pythias didn't hesitate. “Swear the oath of Styx, you will not try to harm us again."
"Do I look like I was born yesterday? I cannot promise something that extreme. You know better, servant to my brother.” Zeus sneered at them.
"If you want this to end without bloodshed, you'll swear it.” Pythias tightened his hold on Linos, holding the dagger below his trembling chin.
Zeus paused, stroking his own chin. “A century."
"Five."
"Three, my final offer."
"Deal. Now swear to it."
Zeus sighed. “Let the heavens and earth be my witness, and the down-flowing waters of Styx, the greatest and most solemn oath that I myself hold the blessed gods to, I will not try to harm you for three centuries. Happy now?"
Pythias released Linos, pushing him toward the god. “Take your trash and get out of here. Now."
Zeus laughed cruelly. “I tire of him anyway. I saved his life. My word has been upheld. Do what you will.” He flashed out of the room, leaving sudden silence in his wake.
"I was only doing his bidding,” Linos whined. “I swear it. You have to believe me."
Shaking his head, Pythias considered the sniveling weasle in front of him. He wasn't about to kill a man in front of his bride, she might accept what they were but she was too innocent to be brought into this. He'd have to let the man go, trusting he would leave them alone.
What do you think you're doing? Damon asked him, confusion in his voice. Pythias angled his body, keeping Linos in his line of sight, but able now to see Damon holding Aella close to his chest.
We don't know for sure that he wasn't merely doing the bidding of Zeus. I cannot kill him if he was just a pawn in all of this.
He killed her seals. He made her cry.
Even I won't kill a man just for making Aella cry.
You know this won't end. He's not sane.
Damon, don't ask this of me. I beg you.
Damon pa
used, nodding his head. Forgive me, Pyth, I forgot myself. I don't like that he will walk away without any repercussions for his actions.
"Who said anything about him walking away?"
A bright flash of light entered the room, hitting Linos squarely. The man fried right before their eyes, his expression frozen in fear before his body disintegrated.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Nine
Aella froze, staring at her father. “What?” She knew she was gaping, but she hadn't expected this turn of events.
"I always hated that whiny little man. Good riddance.” Poseidon frowned, lowering his trident.
He turned to Aella, holding open his arms. With a cry of joy, she ran to him, letting him lift her up in a massive bear hug. Leaning back, she studied him.
"Where were you? I tried calling you and calling you, but you wouldn't answer. I can't get a hold of Iaha or Adara either and I just know something's wrong. The seals are dead, that crummy man poisoned them to get back at you for something that happened millennia ago and I've finally found my mates. You won't believe all that's—"
"Breathe, Aella,” he interrupted. “I know what's happened."
"How can you possibly know? You haven't even been here."
"Have you forgotten where you're standing? Anything and everything that happens within one of my temples instantly becomes known to me. When you entered, Zeus lost his hold on you and I was able to break the blockage he put in place."Poseidon looked behind her. “It appears you've found my men."
Aella slowly extracted herself from her father's embrace, blushing madly. “Um, yeah."
Pythias appeared on her left, Damon on her right. Both men bowed their heads to Poseidon, remaining silent.
Guess this is all up to me to explain. She bit her lower lip.
We are here with you, do not fear. Damon's voice calmed her and she sent him a grateful smile.
Yeah, we're here with you. Although I'd give anything to be balls deep within you at the moment.
Aella smacked Pythias in the chest, glaring at his smirking face. My father could have heard that, you moron.
"You're father did hear that.” Poseidon shook his head.
"Kill me now,” Aella moaned, burrowing her face in her hands.
"Now, now, you know better than to say things like that in front of a god. I may just take you up on it one of these days if you aren't careful."
"Father,” she started. She didn't know how to ask this, or even if it was something the men wanted. But she couldn't let this chance go when he was standing right in front of her. They were his men, but she wanted both Damon and Pythias. She'd risk her father's wrath if it meant being with them. She was in love with the exasperating men.
Her father smiled gently at her. You don't have to say the words, daughter. I would never refuse your happiness. If you want them, they are free from my service.
She gasped, unable to form the words.
"My lord god. We have been your loyal men for centuries and I would ask now for a boon.” Pythias squared his shoulders, stepping in front of her. She placed her hand on his back, confused.
"Anything you ask will be granted to you.” A twinkle appeared in his eye, Poseidon studying the men who looked so serious. What were they doing? Aella stepped back, watching as both Pythias and Damon went down to one knee in front of her father.
"Release us from service. We belong with your daughter, if she will have us.” Pythias looked back at her, a hint of vulnerability on his face. She turned her head, bringing her hands up to her face again to touch her heated cheeks. Damon studied her from beside Pythias, a question in his eyes.
Will you be ours?
"Oh, I already am,” she cried. Aella stood in place, unable to move for fear that the men were a figment of her imagination, too beautiful to be real.
Pythias grinned broadly, swiveling to look at her father again.
"Granted, my most loyal men. You are free from my service. But, if you harm her in any way, trust that you'll end up like the pile of ash over there that used to be Linos."
Aella laughed, rushing forward to be enveloped by Damon. He lifted her clear off her feet, swinging her around in a circle. When he stopped, Pythias was there, embracing her from behind, both men holding her tight. She breathed deeply, smelling the familiar scent of the ocean coupled with the wild winds that she loved so much. They were hers.
Always, we'll always be yours. You hold our hearts.
And you hold mine. Both of you.
We belong together. I knew it from the moment I saw your beautiful face. It has only grown since I've known you. My heart is full.
She sniffed, overcome by the emotion in Pythias’ voice.
Hey, I thought you couldn't do the ‘emotion crap', as you called it. Way to outshine me, buddy. Damon's voice was full of mirth.
She laughed, peeking past her mates at her father. “I still have one question."
"Shoot."
"Why can't I talk to Iaha or Adara? What's going on with them? Linos’ made it sound like—"
Poseidon held out a hand, stopping her. “They are both fine. Iaha and Adara have had their own set of adventures lately. Zeus has been a busy little bee by going after all three of you at once. I had an inkling he might be trying something, so I sent for the best men I could think of to throw in his path.” Poseidon preened, obviously proud of himself.
"Are they okay?” She stepped forward and reached for his arm, looking up at him.
"See for yourself."
Poseidon extended his trident, pointing it at the rock wall beside them. A bright flash of light erupted within the room, briefly blinding Aella.
When she could see again, she gasped in surprise.
"Oh, my gods, you're okay!"
She launched herself at Iaha, hugging her sister tightly.
"Hey, what about me?” Adara laughed, coming up to their right and joining the sisterly embrace.
Iaha ran her hand down Aella's arm, smiling. “You two all right?"
Aella nodded, conscious of the two men standing behind her sisters. She wrinkled her nose, studying them. The first man was tall, well built with sandy blond hair. He was frowning, his gaze moving constantly around them. Strangely, he had one hand extended, in a way that was very familiar. He looked like her father right before he was going to attack someone with a bolt.
The other man was stunning. His skin flickered red and black and he stared at them with deep onyx eyes. Demon. He had to be. Obviously these two men thought there was a threat to them within this room.
Aella tensed, stepping away from her sisters and keeping her gaze on the two men. Pythias grabbed her from behind, drawing her into his body, Damon stepping up beside her.
All of a sudden, the testosterone in the room ratcheted up a few notches. Her men were tense, completely still.
"What's going on here?” Adara asked.
Poseidon stepped forward between the two groups, holding out his hands.
"Step down, all of you. There's no threat here."
The demon was the first to move, his skin changing to a more normal human color. She wasn't sure which she liked better. The demon had looked quite impressive before.
You won't be noticing the gods damned demon! Is that clear? Pythias’ furious voice sounded like a bell in her head. She winced, glaring at him.
I wasn't thinking of him like that, so you can just stop with the theatrics, big guy.
So that wasn't you thinking he was impressive? Damon's normally calm tone was tight. Gods save her from jealous men. She shook her head, turning her back to her sisters and the men who had appeared with them.
Placing her hands on her hips, she stared down her stupid mates.
"Enough. You know how I feel, and I'm not going to repeat myself every time another male happens to appear in my vicinity. You're both acting like children, afraid their favorite toy is going to be taken from them."
"Aella, what's going on here?” Adara rep
eated herself, a hint of impatience in her tone.
Aella threw up her hands, staring at her father. “Ask him. This is all his doing."
"You've all had dealings lately with Zeus in one way or another. It seems my brother wanted to test me, by testing my youngest children. He's done it before and he'll definitely do it again. Old goat just can't resist a challenge,” he muttered.
"Iaha was thrust into looking for the lost Yumani, Adara happened upon a threat from the demons and Aella had to deal with a skirmish that started in Syracuse millennia ago. The men standing in this room have all mated with one of you. There, that should answer your questions. I must be off. People to see, cities to destroy, women to bed."
Aella blinked, staring at the space her father had occupied only minutes before. She opened her mouth, closed it and then opened it again.
Adara started to laugh. “Well, I really shouldn't be surprised by any of this."
"What happened to Jace?” Aella asked.
"History and I'm much better off without him. Trust me. This is Nalameir, the heir to the underworld and the man I'm in love with.” She looked behind her, holding out her hand for the demon to grasp.
Aella waved to him, conscious of her glowering mates beside her. She turned her attention to Iaha.
"This is Shedd. It's a long story, but we got married yesterday."
"It's nice to meet you.” Shedd stepped forward, embracing Iaha from behind.
"You got married? And didn't tell us?” Adara gaped at their eldest sister.
"I'm more interested in who the two men are behind you."
"It's a long story.” Aella fidgeted.
"I have the time."
"Look, Iaha, uh, it's like father said. I was kind of thrust into something bigger than I could handle. I couldn't reach you two and I really didn't know what else to do. It just kinda happened and—"
"You're babbling, and you still haven't told us who they are."
Shedd was grinning behind Iaha, studying them close.
Siren's Song [A Siren Sisters Anthology] Page 18
