"Good." Halcyon now knew that Yarikh was still in her home. "We have much to discuss, now that we can speak."
With a tilt of her head towards Halcyon, Thora asked, "What do we have to discuss?"
"You," Halcyon said simply and indicated the soap.
Thora retrieved it, lathered the cloth, and washed her owner, including her thick and matted hair that would require further untangling later, after Thora put oil in it. For now, the blood and grime of the kills at Thermopylae were cleaned away.
After Halcyon was done, Thora quickly bathed herself before the water grew chilly, then climbed out of the bath and obtained two drying linens from the small shelf. She hastily came to the bath's stairs just as Halcyon started up them. Thora assisted her up the steps, then dried her. Halcyon struggled with the clean shift while Thora put her still-damp chiton back on.
Once dressed, Halcyon slowly approached the sealed door, but she could barely pull on the ring. Thora jerked the door open and allowed Halcyon through first. She followed while brushing back her damp, golden strands.
As they reached the stairs, Halcyon lifted her leg to the first step, but her knees gave out under her. She fell back into Thora, who caught her easily. "Hades!"
Thora squatted and moved her arms around Halcyon, exhibiting her own hidden strength when she lifted Halcyon off the steps.
"Thora," Halcyon said with disapproval.
"No one sees." Thora and Halcyon were alone in the courtyard.
In Thora's arms, Halcyon was struck by the memory that Thora had carried her before, days ago. She shortly found herself in bed again.
"Rest," Thora said. "I will bring a meal soon." After a nod, she placed the mat over the window and silently left the room.
Nearly an hour later, Thora returned with a small plate of food and found Halcyon asleep. Glauce joined her and refilled the skyphos on the nightstand. Finally, Halcyon stirred awake and sat up in the bed.
Thora sat down after handing the food to her owner. Halcyon enjoyed the meal that Thora had made her. The dark olives were especially good with the honey. It was the first time Thora had served such a treat.
"Have you begun to write?" Halcyon asked.
Thora broke away from her thoughts. "Yes. Yarikh is a good teacher."
Halcyon considered the assessment and popped a salty-sweet olive into her mouth. "I am pleased. You have learned much in these months."
Thora bowed her head, unsure about how to reply.
Halcyon placed the dish on the table and took the filled skyphos, drinking the cool water. "Are all your people similar to you?"
"Not all."
Halcyon had a slight grin. "Perhaps taller."
Thora tilted her head at the slight tease. "Some, yes." She went to the table that had the salve and removed the wooden lid. "I must clean your wound."
Sighing, Halcyon peered over at her healing shoulder then set the skyphos on the table.
Thora carefully unwrapped the cloth after she untied it, noticing less blood than this morning on the linen. "Does it still trouble you?"
"It is fine." Halcyon hid any discomfort as Thora applied the salve, training her eyes across the room.
Thora suspected her question bothered Halcyon, but she wished to understand Halcyon's health. Instead, she had to visually inspect the wound and make her own conclusion. It appeared to be healing, and the skin had started to seal around the wound, but it would still take time. Thora retied the linen and decided it could be changed the next morning. She returned the salve and took the dirty dish. "Goodnight, ěra," she said on her way out of the room.
Halcyon remained rigid for a beat before turning and sinking into the bed again. The candles' soft glow lulled her to sleep. Tomorrow, she swore to leave the bed, rise like normal, and tell the story about King Xerxes and King Leonidas.
Chapter Eleven
Halcyon was brought to her knees and struggled against her stomach, but it was useless as partially-digested food surged up her throat. She brought up her meal after eating it just half an hour ago. As her stomach settled, she heard hurried footsteps from outside the room. Halcyon remained seated on the wooden floor, clutching her weakened stomach, hardly surprised by Thora's arrival.
Shoving the curtain aside, Thora knelt beside her owner and demanded, "What is wrong?" From the kitchen, she had heard the fast movements from the thalamus, followed by the heaving noises.
"It is nothing." Halcyon brushed off the concerns. "Leave me." She remained seated close to the ouranē, which had been emptied recently.
Thora ignored the order and worriedly studied her owner's tired features. "You should be resting."
"I have rested plenty." Halcyon was harsh and felt guilty after a moment.
"You are hardly well." Thora placed her hand against Halcyon's forehead, but the fever was long gone. She was unsure why Halcyon was throwing up this morning. "The healer suggested-"
"I hardly give a damn," Halcyon said with a bite. She started getting to her feet, but she needed Thora's help. "I must go to the bouleuterion today." Halcyon took a deep breath and felt most of the nausea pass her.
"I will accompany you," Thora said.
Halcyon usually went alone, but at times, Cesare joined her. She nearly protested yet only had enough strength to go to the bouleuterion. "Very well."
Releasing a breath, Thora nodded once.
"We must go now." Halcyon cleared her throat. "But I need something to clear my mouth."
Starting out of the latrine, Thora promised, "I will meet you in the courtyard."
Halcyon was grateful for the moment of solitude. Breathing deeply, she put one foot in front of the other and went to the thalamus. First, she retrieved the message for Gorgo that Leonidas had asked her to deliver for him. She then met Thora down in the courtyard and received a full skyphos that contained the mouth rinse. Thora waited until her owner was finished, then they left home through the open gate. The walk to the agora was slow, but they made it before the meeting started at the bouleuterion. They entered from the side and took a seat near the stage. Behind them, over a hundred council members and citizens sat in the stone seats that lined up the bouleuterion. It was the first time that Thora had been inside, after passing it numerous times when she went to the agora. She struggled keeping her curiosity to a minimum.
Halcyon saw Thora's interest in the amphitheatre-style building where the council held meetings for many years now. She leaned in close and quietly said, "I will speak at some point, but you must remain seated here."
Thora nodded.
Halcyon straightened up and centered her attention on the small stage as a few members gathered before the entire council. She listened to their talks about the war with King Xerxes. Occasionally, she glanced at Thora, who was rather captivated by the council meeting. She wondered if Thora's people held such councils in their villages.
"Halcyon." A beautiful woman to the side of the stage had called out to Halcyon. Her dark hair was curly and slightly longer than Halcyon's own. A beautiful golden necklace matched her arm bracelet. She smiled when Halcyon stood up.
Thora studied the beautiful woman, who had beckoned her owner. Simply from the woman's attire, Thora summarized that the woman held power in the city.
Halcyon descended the few steps and joined the council on the stage. She went directly to the beautiful woman and offered a soft apology as she gave the king's message to her. Halcyon then was instructed to speak about what had transpired in Thermopylae. She recounted the entire tale to the council. To all present, it was obvious that King Leonidas had died with his shield and with great honor. After the story, Halcyon encouraged the council to send the army, and then she returned to her seat.
After nearly half the day, the council ended with plans to immediately mobilize the army, now that the games were concluded. The march to Thermopylae would only take a handful of days. There they would meet King Xerxes head on, without any restraint.
As the councilors filtered out of t
he bouleuterion, Halcyon slowly climbed to her feet. Thora followed her example but noticed Halcyon's weary manner. She stayed close as they entered the aisle. Their exit was cut off by the same beautiful woman. Halcyon turned on her heels and gazed upon the woman, who climbed the steps to her. She offered a smile, but it was weak from fatigue.
"Halcyon..."
Thora shifted to the side and gazed upon the striking beauty of the newcomer and recognized her as the one who had asked Halcyon to speak to the council.
"Queen Gorgo." Halcyon gave a slight bow.
"That is unnecessary." Gorgo came up another step, which was directly below Halcyon. "I wanted to thank you for speaking to the council today."
"Of course."
Gorgo studied Halcyon's worn features. Briefly, her eyes cut to the shoulder wound that had been obtained from the battle at Thermopylae. "And I thank you for your service at Thermopylae."
Halcyon's full lips turned down. "I hardly fought, my queen, and for that, I am greatly ashamed by my return."
Gorgo reached forward and grasped Halcyon's arm, feeling the firm muscle under the skin. "My husband would not have sent you home without good cause." She had yet to learn why, but she suspected the truth would come soon.
Halcyon swallowed hard and replied, "It is my own failing."
Gorgo bit her bottom lip. "Perhaps one day soon, you will explain such to me." She finally released Halcyon.
"Perhaps." Halcyon was nearly drained from the day, which was hardly over. Apollo's chariot was at its highest point in the sky, hours still to go until darkness.
Gorgo pressed no further and instead looked to the right at the unusual slave who accompanied Halcyon.
Halcyon understood Gorgo's interest and held out her hand to Thora. "Queen Gorgo, this is my slave, Thora."
Gorgo studied the tall slave, who had light-colored hair and sharp blue eyes. She did not risk repeating the strange name, which was most likely in the slave's native tongue. She doubted the polis owned the slave, which meant she was Halcyon's personal property. "Where did you find such a slave?"
Halcyon was slightly uneasy but had known Gorgo for a long time. It was hardly a secret that Halcyon's father had made his fortunes in Athens and brought them to Sparta. After a nervous breath, she answered, "From Telamon." She suspected Gorgo was familiar with the slave trader.
Gorgo could hardly move her eyes away from Thora. "Where is she from?"
Halcyon nearly spoke with her lips parted halfway.
"I am Norsk," Thora said, proudly.
Gorgo slowly raised an eyebrow.
Halcyon gave a faint warning look to Thora but glanced at her queen again. "As you can see, she has quickly learned our language."
"Yes," Gorgo replied thoughtfully. She turned her amused features onto Halcyon. "And I can also see she has an independent spirit, like her owner."
Shifting on her feet, Halcyon simply bowed in silent request. "My queen."
Gorgo understood Halcyon's unspoken need to go. "I expect an invitation once you are well enough, Halcyon." She left her last words between them and went back down the steps.
Halcyon watched her queen leave, and she noticed Thora did the same. "Come."
As ordered, Thora followed behind.
Halcyon sensed that Thora was unnaturally close to her and most likely concerned about Halcyon's well-being. She inwardly sighed but decided it was hardly worth an argument. "What did you think of the meeting?"
Thora had a thoughtful look and replied, "It is different than the Norsk way."
Halcyon tilted her head in interest. "How so?"
"We are led by one."
Halcyon understood because Spartan culture had kings too, but they were often balanced by a council. In other Greek poleis, the government was controlled by the people.
"There is no council," Thora said.
Approaching the open gate of her home, Halcyon slowed beside the entrance to the courtyard and waited until Thora was at her side.
"It greatly intrigued me."
Halcyon heard a hint of appreciation and would again take Thora, who enjoyed the Greek culture.
Thora noticed Halcyon's worn posture. "You should rest."
"You have said that many times to me of late."
"Only out of concern," Thora said. "You have yet to heal." She eyed the shoulder wound with open worry. "I must change your dressing soon."
Halcyon was pleased by Thora's administration to her health and well-being since her return from battle. She suspected, between Giles and Thora, she recovered sooner than most. "Join me upstairs, then."
Following, Thora watched Halcyon's unsteady movements up the steps. Once in the thalamus, she found Glauce cleaning and putting new sheets on the bed. She instructed Glauce to prepare a meal. Halcyon smiled at Thora's command over the house slaves, including Cesare. She was thankful for Thora's newfound authority over them.
Thora gingerly pushed one of the chiton's straps off Halcyon's injured shoulder. After she redressed the wound, she helped Halcyon change into a fresh night shift and asked, "Do you wish to eat here or in the andron?"
Halcyon weighed the options and replied, "In the courtyard."
Thora understood the desire to be in the courtyard where it was sunny and even calm. "I will return to wake you."
Halcyon nodded, then lowered onto the bed and fell asleep as Thora's footfalls faded away. She slept fitfully for the next few hours until Thora roused her. She went to the courtyard, and Thora emerged with several plates of food. Halcyon eyed the honey-coated olives. Thora was about to return to the kitchen, but she was halted by Halcyon.
"Join me."
Thora squinted at the strange request.
"We still have much to discuss." Halcyon noted Glauce, who arrived with the wine. "Glauce, fetch another plate and skyphos after you finish pouring my wine."
"Yes, ĕra." Glauce smiled at Thora's hesitation to take the seat next to their owner, until she was reminded to go.
Halcyon collected the bowl of honey olives and quickly popped them into her mouth. "These are very good." Thora had noticed Halcyon greatly favored the olive treat. "Have you tried them?"
Thora shook her head.
"Then you must." Halcyon handed her the bowl.
Thora was leery of the honey-coated olives, but she ate one. She blinked a few times at the salty and sweet taste that filled her mouth. Olives were a strange food compared to what her people ate in the Norsk lands. Halcyon chuckled at the startled expression. Once Glauce brought a plate and filled Thora's skyphos, Halcyon told her to leave them, wanting their discussion to remain private.
"We do not have these in Norsk." Thora pointed at the bowl of honey olives.
Halcyon placed different items on her plate. "What did you often eat?"
"We ate much fish," Thora replied. "Also cow and pig and other livestock."
"I enjoy fish," Halcyon said. "When it is affordable."
Since her enslavement, Thora had very little fish, greatly missing it.
"Are there figs in Norsk?"
Thora shook her head. "I like the fig. It's much better than the olive."
Halcyon chuckled and smiled. "I cannot imagine my life without olives."
Thora remained quiet and focused on the food. She tore up slices of bread and coated it with the olive oil and herb dip.
Halcyon sensed Thora's hidden dismay and knew it had to do with her enslavement and loss of home. She sighed. "You must miss home greatly."
Thora remained quiet as she composed her reply carefully. "I have learned to accept Greece."
Halcyon had a thin frown and sadly said, "I am afraid Greece will not fully accept you." Her cold words held only the truth.
Thora knew that Halcyon was different from the rest of the Greeks. She let her own pain ebb and remarked, "It does not have to accept me."
Halcyon silently agreed. She took a piece of bread and ate it. "Tell me what your name means."
Thora had a slight grin, which
lightened her dismal features. "It is Norsk for…" She tried recalling the Greek word but was at a loss. She bit her lip and looked up to the sky. "When there is rain and light in the sky. The sound that the storm makes?"
"Thunder."
Thora had a wider grin now and nodded. "That is my name."
Halcyon smiled at the perfect name for her slave.
"And what of your name?" Thora drank some of her wine.
Halcyon shook her head. "My name means peace and calmness."
Thora choked on the wine and hastily put it on the table, coughing several times until her throat cleared itself.
"Do I amuse you?"
Thora shook her head and hoarsely replied, "I apologize, ěra."
Halcyon kept a stoic expression, but a grin broke it.
"You are a hoplite."
Halcyon shrugged and crossed her legs. "It is a slight naming error on my father's part." She remembered her father's tale about her name. "A Halcyon is a bird, who once was a woman."
Thora tilted her head.
"She had a lover named Ceyx, who had lost his brother and wished to seek him out. His lover, Halcyon, pleaded for him to stay, but Ceyx could not be dissuaded, so he boarded a ship for the journey to the Oracle of Apollo." Halcyon sipped on her wine, then held the skyphos by one of its handles in her lap. "Halcyon bid him farewell with tears."
"Did he make it to the oracle?"
Halcyon shook her head. "He did not. On the very first night, the seas were treacherous and the winds so strong. The waves lifted his ship to the gods then fell away, and his ship crashed to the bottom of the ocean." She noted Thora's continued intrigue. "Ceyx floated along the monstrous seas and cried for Halcyon to no avail until he drowned to death. The same night, Morpheus, the God of Sleep, came to Halcyon and told her of Ceyx's death."
Sighing sadly, Thora leaned back on the bench. "What happened then?"
"Halcyon raced to the cliffs and saw her lover's body had floated close to shore. With such grief, Halcyon threw herself over the cliff, but before she hit the seas, she turned into a beautiful bird." Halcyon paused and reclaimed the bowl of olives. "She flew just above the water and went to Ceyx. She collected him into her wings and cried out her grief. She tried kissing him with her beak, but it was in vain. Then the gods took pity on Halcyon and Ceyx."
Thora Page 10
