“Ah, dear Lycothena, it is lovely to see your face after so long away. How are your parents?” the general asked.
She nodded and smiled. “They are well, but I am not here on their behalf. There is a young soldier who left Athens with you named Euphron. Is he here somewhere?”
Phileoneus’ brow furrowed, and he looked at the young woman before him. Lycothena could tell from his expression that the news was not good before he uttered a word. She suddenly felt of two minds, one of which dispassionately recognized the world around it while the other suddenly felt itself falling into a dark smoky pit of despair. “I’m afraid he died in battle,” said the general.
“No!” she gasped. “No, he cannot be dead! He promised me that he would return.”
“I’m sorry,” said Phileoneus. He clapped her on the shoulder in an awkward attempt at compassion before returning his attention to the others who were deciding the boy’s fate.
Lycothena suddenly could care less about what happened to the boy, or any other cursed Macedonian for that matter. She felt shock, and a sickness rising from her gut. All she could see was Euphron’s face, and feel his arms about her. “No,” she sobbed.
Suddenly she felt a hand on her back and she turned around. Another soldier, this one a few years older, powerful, rugged looking, but handsome with bronze skin stood there. “You are Lycothena,” he said. “I recognize you from all the times Euphron spoke of you.”
Lycothena first thought to brush the man’s hand from her, but then she decided that he would be useful for information, if nothing else. “You knew him?” she asked.
The soldier nodded. “He was a good friend, and one of many that we lost in the final battle. He spoke of you often, and your name was the last thing he uttered before he passed to the underworld.”
“Who are you?” Lycothena asked.
“Piletaseus,” he replied. “He asked me to give you this,” he said, extending a hand and dropping a gold necklace into her palms. “He acquired this from an Egyptian that we met along the way and intended to give it to you himself when he returned. During the battle, he rode a chariot and killed numerous Macedonians, but he ultimately took an arrow through the chest. In his final moments, he spoke of his love for you and demanded that I give you this. He clung to life until I agreed, and then I saw his body go lax. I’m sorry.”
Lycothena clutched the necklace and then embraced the soldier, burying her face in his chest for a long moment before sinking to her knees, holding the necklace to her cheek.
Three weeks had passed since learning of Euphron’s death, and Lycothena found herself not terribly excited about the prospect of moving forward with her life. While she was the daughter of wealthy land owners and likely had a life of moderate luxury to look forward to, the notion of doing so without Euphron sapped her enjoyment. In recent weeks, she had taken to spending time with Piletaseus, who told her the stories of their exploits in the enemy territory. She had to admit that the tales were exciting, even if she knew that the inevitable conclusion of their adventures was his death.
When not spending time with the soldier, she would sit near the docks and watch the ships arrive in the harbor, sometimes with Ophene. Oddly, her typically envious friend had taken her advice, found a soldier named Menander, who had not seen a civilized woman in months, and started an affair with him. Lycothena did not consider the man particularly handsome, but he made up for it with his kind attitude. Despite her friend’s good fortunes, or possibly because of them, Lycothena found that she was not enjoying their time together as she normally would, and she began avoiding her.
Piletaseus, on the other hand, was an emotional challenge to her. She had not known this man prior to his return from the war, but she always felt as though he knew her, possibly better than he should. Of course it made sense that Euphron would have related stories of her to the man while they were on the road – from the sounds of it, he had missed her terribly after leaving Athens – but there was something more to it than that. For the life of her, she could not discern why he tolerated her presence! She was continually moping about Euphron. But his interest in her seemed genuine.
One day, as the two of them sat by the docks together, basking in the warm breeze, she ran her fingers through her hair and gave him a coy smile. “Why do you put up with me?” she asked.
Piletaseus smiled and put his arm around her shoulder. “Foolish girl,” he replied, “How is it not obvious? Euphron was a good friend, and he always held you in his heart while he was away from you, but he is gone now. He is a pleasant memory for us both.”
Lycothena could not help but notice once again that Piletaseus was one of the most beautiful men she had ever laid eyes upon. “So you do it solely in memory of your friend?”
She expected a measure of shyness from the soldier, or perhaps a weak denial of his true intentions, but her own intentions were becoming less pure with every passing day. As he had said, Euphron was in the realm of Hades and there was no way forward with him, short of taking her own life. Instead of shyness, his response was smooth. “No, I spend time with you because of you. You captivate me.”
Her greatest hopes and fears were instantly realized. Piletaseus was not interested in keeping her as a friend, but rather sought to take Euphron’s place in her life. Yet despite his admission, she could not help but feel drawn to him. Before there had only been Euphron, and her desire for him had slowly dawned on her over time as she grew fond of the boy who had teased her incessantly for so many years. Her feelings for Piletaseus had been born in tragedy, but she could not deny the physical attraction that she felt for the man. Euphron had been a boy, but Piletaseus was a man, and a very desirable one at that. Where there had been only sorrow, there was now confusion and desire. “I’m not sure what to think,” she said honestly.
Piletaseus took her hand and pressed it to his mouth. “I know that your heart is filled with sorrow, and I do not wish to worsen that. You are a wonderful girl and I fear that what you need is time.” He stood up and began to walk away.
“No,” she said. “Don’t go. I don’t want you to go.”
Piletaseus stopped, turned toward her and held out his arms, catching her in an embrace. Lycothena pressed her lips to his and tasted him for the first time. As they held one another, she felt an intoxication that she had only felt before with Euphron. She instantly felt safe. The confusion seemed to melt as she ran her hands over his powerful shoulders. She wanted this man.
“I know a place we can go…” she started to say, but Piletaseus put his finger to her lips to silence her.
“I would love to, but for now, I must return to the barracks. We are about to start an afternoon of drills and my absence will be noticed,” he said.
Lycothena kissed him one more time, and then swatted his firm backside. “Then I suggest you return to your duties. Perhaps you could slip away tonight?”
Piletaseus smiled. “I would be more than happy to meet you tonight. Come to this place after the last trace of sunlight is gone, and we will go for a walk.”
“I can’t wait,” Lycothena replied.
“You seem unusually happy today,” Ophene commented.
“I am happy. Today is a wonderful day!” Lycothena replied. “Tell me how things are with Menander!”
Ophene snorted. “He’s out of my life forever. I caught him with a prostitute in the agora two nights ago.”
Lycothena couldn’t repress a giggle.
“What’s so funny?” Ophene demanded.
“A prostitute? Weren’t you giving him what he desired?”
“Apparently what he desires are big tits, wide hips, and full lips. I can give him none of those things,” Ophene said, her voice beginning to rise. “I put faith in that bastard and he repaid me by running to the willing arms of a woman who was only interested in his money! I should put a dagger in his back.”
“Or you could realize that there are better men than him and find someone who would not betray you like that
.”
“What’s with this sudden burst of optimism from you?” Ophene asked. “You’ve been crying for weeks and now you act like…” There was an odd silence as Lycothena saw Ophene jump to the correct conclusion.
“Yes,” Lycothena replied.
“So soon?” Ophene asked. “It seems like just a day ago that you learned of Euphron’s death.”
“Euphron is not coming back,” Lycothena replied. “I will always love him, but he will never return to me. I must move on or I will go mad.” She had found a man that excited her, and with the sudden breakup between Ophene and Menander, Lycothena couldn’t help but feel that things were once again right with the world. She did not wish her friend unhappiness, but she had always felt that Ophene was more likely to end up in the arms of a woman rather than a man.
“So who is he?” Ophene asked. “Is it someone I know?”
“He’s a soldier, a friend of Euphron’s.” Lycothena related the story of what had happened at the docks.
“How exciting,” Ophene said without a great deal of enthusiasm. “Well, at least this one hasn’t tried to pee on you.”
They both laughed as Lycothena playfully slapped her friend across the cheek. “I can’t believe you said that, you miserable bitch!” she said, mocking offense.
“But what do you actually know about him? Does he own land? Is he from Athens? If you were to take him as yours, would he be able to provide for a family, or would he get himself killed as a soldier like Euphron?”
“I have not asked him such things.”
“Perhaps you should. So what are you going to do about this?” Ophene asked.
“I don’t know,” Lycothena admitted. “He’s the perfect man and I enjoy his company.”
“But you aren’t over Euphron,” Ophene stated.
Lycothena noted that it wasn’t even a question. It didn’t need to be because it was so obvious. “Of course not, but he makes me feel good. And he was a friend of Euphron. He’s told me so many stories of their adventures in Macedonia. I don’t feel that he would care.”
“But do you care?” Ophene asked.
“I’m confused,” Lycothena admitted. “I like the man but not the timing. I wish this were more clear.”
“Perhaps you should ask the gods,” Ophene commented.
Lycothena laughed. “When have the gods answered when I ask them a question? I sacrifice, as is required of me, but I don’t believe that they listen, or care. Even the priestesses at the Parthenon admit that Athena has been silent for a long while.”
“Then you will have to trust yourself. But I warn you that moving on too quickly will cause you more pain than you are in now,” Ophene said.
“Such wisdom from a woman who can’t keep a man.”
“I should slap your cheek for that comment,” Ophene replied with a smile.
“And I would deserve it,” Lycothena admitted.
Lycothena almost didn’t go down to the docks that night. As the day dragged on, she couldn’t get her friend’s voice out of her head. Euphron had been in the ground for just over a month and already she was thinking about moving on without him. She could only imagine that she was considering breaking some sort of proper mourning period. Granted, the only one who would truly care would be herself. People faced death every day. She had seen some she loved pick themselves off the ground and find another love within days while others had spent the rest of their lives in mourning. Her grandmother, she recalled, never found another man after the death of her grandfather. And what a long wait Lycothena would have if she decided to remain alone for the rest of her life!
She thought about the man she had lost, who she had known for so long. She missed his humor and his energy. This felt wrong, but no matter what she did, she would never see him again.
It was dark outside and the sun had set a couple hours ago. A chill breeze blew in through her window, and she looked out to the stars twinkling above. He would no doubt be waiting for her. Please, give me a sign of some sort, she asked of the gods. Give me some clue whether this is right or not.
She slipped on her sandals and quietly climbed out of her window. Since Euphron’s death, her parents had given her the space she required, though they would likely be angry with her if they found out that she was leaving the house at night. Even in these enlightened days, women were not safe moving about in the dark alone.
She stopped just outside her window and looked up into the sky when she noticed it. To the west, just above the horizon, was one of the wandering stars. It was unknown what they were, or how far away they were, but she was certain by the color and the position in the sky that this was the one known as Aphrodite. It was an aspect of the gods themselves.
Perhaps the fact that she noticed this object on this evening was the sign that she sought. “Enough of this foolishness,” she said aloud. “It’s just a man. It isn’t as though this is a matter of any consequence at all!”
With determination, she pulled her cloak about her in an effort to conceal her feminine curves and headed toward the docks. A short time later, she arrived to see Piletaseus waiting for her. He had changed out of his armor and now wore a simple linen chiton. Lycothena hesitated for a moment, then approached the man that had so captivated her.
“I was unsure that you would come,” said Piletaseus.
She felt an overwhelming attraction to him the moment he acknowledged her. His nearness was again intoxicating. “I don’t think I could stay away,” she said.
Piletaseus took her hand gently and began to lead her away from the water. “I apologize for the trouble I’ve caused you. I recognize that the timing of our meeting could be better.”
Lycothena smiled and placed her arm around his waist. “When is timing ever perfect?” She thought of Euphron one last time and fought back the urge to descend into sadness once more.
Piletaseus smiled and looked out over the bay one last time. “Tonight is perfect. It’s a wonderful evening… the moon sparkles over the water, and I can see the stars reflected in your eyes. I can’t think of a more wonderful night since I arrived and met you.”
“Yes, it is as perfect a night as I can remember. It is still warm out and the wind doesn’t blow. It’s almost dreamlike. But I have to ask... You’re a beautiful man. You could have any woman you desire. Why do you desire me?”
“Why does a man desire any woman?” Piletaseus laughed. “There are intangible qualities that make a man fall in love with a woman. Perhaps it is the curves of your breasts, or your unblemished face, or your beautiful eyes and mouth. Or perhaps it is something else. Maybe it is your kindness, or your vulnerability. All I know is that the moment we spoke, even though the only thing you felt at the time was pain and loss, I was drawn to you.”
“You certainly can have me,” Lycothena breathed as she pushed her hood back and leaned in for a kiss. It was night and they were in Athens, but she did not fear to be recognized as a woman while in the company of this man. No doubt, he could defend her if the need arose. He returned her kiss and she could swear that she felt energy course through her lips, her body, and down below, where she had only let Euphron before. This was a new sensation that she had not felt even with him. She caught her breath. “Where are we going?” she asked with a sense of urgency. She could think of nothing now other than giving in to their desires.
“I would take you outside the polis tonight and make love under the stars,” he replied.
“Such a long way. Can we not find a closer place to be together?” she asked, sliding her hand beneath his chiton and feeling his chiseled muscles below.
“It is not so far on horseback, but I will cede to your wishes,” he replied.
“Horseback? No, let’s take this journey, as long as we don’t stray too far from the polis and I am home by morning. I don’t wish for my parents to worry over me.”
The horse was a white mare that was stabled a few blocks away. Piletaseus climbed atop the creature and then helped Lycothena up behind
him. She held on to him, feeling his muscular torso as they rode. They soon arrived at the polis gates, and they were riding next to the water a short time after that.
The moon and the stars were reflected in the water, and they were even clearer out here away from the lights of the polis. They neared a tree and Piletaseus slowed the horse and tied it to the trunk. He then helped her down and led her to the beach. There was not a person or creature in sight.
They began to kiss and he ran his hands over her body, removing her peplos with expert skill. She felt pure exhilaration as he moved his powerful hands over her body, cupped her breasts, and found the spot below that she so desperately wanted to feel filled by him. “Mmm yes,” she moaned.
A short time later he was disrobed and he lowered her to the grass. He climbed on top and she felt him enter her. The pleasure was immediate and powerful, and she fought to stop from climaxing instantly. She’d been intimate with Euphron many times before, but it had never been as intense as this. As Piletaseus repeatedly thrust into her, she could not stop herself from slipping into a euphoric orgasm that shook her body and continued well beyond anything that she had ever felt in the past. The pleasure was such that she felt as though she would pass out several times, but each time it was as though he reached out to her and pulled her back from the brink of pure ecstasy. To her, it felt like hours of pure ecstasy as Piletaseus explored her body in ways and positions that she did not even know were possible. Finally, she felt his body become tense and she knew that he had reached climax. Her pleasure became suddenly intense, and when she opened her eyes, she saw a faint but unmistakable white glow emanate from his body.
A few moments later, as they lay naked on the beach together, the fact that the experience was beyond the capacity of mere mortals suddenly dawned on her.
“That was amazing,” she said. “I’ve never experienced anything like that in my life.”
“It has been over a year since I last lay with a woman, and I have to say that I enjoyed that more than any other I’ve been with,” he said.
Echoes of Olympus (The Atheniad Book 1) Page 2
