Finding Ithaka

by Anna Harvey

  “There’s no rush,” said Thea. “Take a seat on this rock for a few minutes until you feel better.” She turned to Matthew. “Have you got some water?”

  “No I don’t need water,” Rob responded, roughly pushing away the plastic bottle being offered. Nevertheless he sat down on one of the boulders, his head buried in his hands. Beads of sweat glistened on his forehead, which had turned ashen in colour. As Thea lightly pressed the back of her hand against his brow, he did not shake off her touch. The pulse was racing and although the skin felt cold and clammy, there was no fever. The cause appeared not physical.

  “I can run back to the boat to let them know we’ve been delayed,” said Matthew.

  “That’s a good idea,” Thea agreed. “I’ll stay here and we’ll follow at our own pace in a short while.” After Matthew had left, Thea sat close to Rob, the silence broken only by the light breeze and the sound of waves lapping against the shore. In the peacefulness of the day, it was hard to imagine the force of the tempest that must have smashed the sailing boat against the rocks, wrecking and splintering it into pieces.

  After what seemed an age, Rob abruptly stood up and said “shall we go?” Without waiting for a reply, he set off striding ahead with Thea following as best she could. The path back across to the monastery was not so easy, narrowing in places where small brambles clawed at their ankles. It seemed that even the vegetation on the island was spiky and inhospitable.

  Matthew was already watching out for them when they arrived at the small bay.

  “Is he alright?” asked Matthew, as Rob sullenly walked past him, without a word removing his footwear and wading back to the boat.

  “Who knows,” replied Thea, shrugging her shoulders.

  *********************************************

  The sun was high in the sky, as the rugged shoreline of Paliki came into view, the grey clay mud cliffs crenellated like the edge of a serrated knife. In front of the cliffs was a distinctive narrow strip of red sand, where regimented lines of thatched sunshades had been planted. At the beach edge, a gazebo had been erected where small shapes gathered round. Gradually the blurred shapes filled out into recognisable figures, with hair, clothing and limbs. As the hum of the boat announced their arrival, faces looked up curiously to check the new arrivals.

  The routine had become familiar, as they removed their footwear to wade to the shore. This time, as Thea started to climb onto the ladder, a hand grasped her own. She did not need to look up to recognise the touch of the fingers.

  As they reached the water’s edge, Belinda and Jamie ran up to greet them.

  “Now that’s called arriving in style!” Belinda exclaimed approvingly. “You look like celebrities!”

  “Yes, I know. Isn’t it cool,” said Matthew, joining in with her enthusiasm.

  “Do you think they will take us for a ride?” Jamie asked hopefully.

  “Sorry mate,” Matthew commiserated, as the boat started to pull away, its motor gathering speed. “Maybe another time.”

  Grey plumes of smoke were already rising from the burning charcoal on the barbecue. Most of the group were clustered around the fire, chatting and watching the spits of roasting meat. Not everyone looked comfortable in this setting. Elizabeth sat detached from the group, stiff and awkward, concentrating on drawing in a sketchbook. The muted colours of her skirt and plain sweater seemed more fitting for a library and contrasted sharply with the red-sandy beach.

  For once, Alistair had peeled himself away from his wife’s side and now stood chatting with Richard, who appeared to be in his element. Dressed in loose fitting cream shirt and trousers topped by a Panama hat, Richard took on the appearance of the quintessential Englishman abroad. He had taken charge in almost military precision of the barbecue itself and the young men had been set the task of threading the assortment of meat onto wooden sticks.

  “Happy Easter, Thea,” Richard greeted her enthusiastically, looking up over the grey smoke, a spatula in hand. He nodded in the direction of the speedboat. “I see there’s been no expense spared there. You really have made a big impression on our Mr Kampitsis!”

  “It was very kind of him to go to such lengths,” Thea agreed, inwardly grimacing. It was as if signs of their relationship were on show for all to see. She wondered what reaction Richard’s words might have on Rob and looked around anxiously, but fortunately he appeared to be engaged in deep conversation.

  “This all looks very organised. I brought this for later,” Thea said, holding out the box of baklava. “Can I help with anything?”

  “Just relax as we have it all in hand,” Richard replied, gesturing sweepingly at the browning meat.

  “Can I offer anyone some wine?” asked Mark embracing Thea on both cheeks. He held a large plastic water-bottle full of retsina in his hand and had a broad grin on his face. After conscientiously filling up everyone’s cups of wine and handing these out, they sat down together on one of the rugs spread out on the sand beside Sophie and Belinda. Matthew had joined them and had now attached himself to Sophie’s side. Thea could not help noticing the affectionate glance exchanged between the two young people. She looked around at the rest of the group: Alistair had returned to his wife and the couple were speaking together in low undertones.

  “This is a pretty idyllic place, Mark,” said Thea, taking a sip of the wine, savouring the chilled resinous flavour on her tongue before swallowing. “How did you hear about it?”

  “I have my sources.”

  “Our housekeeper, Mrs Florakis, has taken a liking to Mark,” commented Sophie with a gleam in her eye. “She keeps asking why such a handsome looking man is not married. She’s always piling his plate up with the best food. I suspect that is his information source.” Perhaps it was the effects of the wine, but a flush spread across Mark’ face.

  “You look positively glowing,” Mark said, refocusing his attention upon Thea, studying her face. He lowered his voice, so only Thea could catch his words. “Like a woman in love. Is there something you’re not telling your old friend?”

  Thea pulled her knees close and wrapped her hands around her legs. “I confess I’m feeling good.” She paused, catching her words, as she felt the sunlight warming her face. It had been a long time since she had felt happy and like herself. Mark had been right after all. It had been a good decision to return to the island. Her eyes inadvertently fell on Rob’s resting figure, still recovering from his earlier fainting spell, where the air seemed to bristle like gathering dark clouds. “So how is the survey going Mark?” asked Thea, steering the conversation away from the thought.

  “A bit mixed,” Mark replied, restraining his curiosity. “Richard perhaps wouldn’t admit it, but the field survey so far has been a big disappointment. We’ve turned up only one or two small finds, pieces of pottery, but otherwise absolutely nothing from that period.”

  “You’ve still got time,” Thea said reassuringly. “There are still a few weeks to go.”

  “I know”, Mark replied, trying to instil some enthusiasm into his voice. “But I would have expected that we would have found some traces of occupation by now. I don’t think it bodes well.” He twisted his neck round to look at Thea, a grimace on his lips. “And it’s been some of the most difficult survey terrain I’ve ever encountered,” he said, speaking more openly. “Small pockets of land where either we can’t trace the owner, or it’s under heavy cultivation or it’s so badly over grown it is impossible. Everyone’s legs and arms are covered with cuts and scratches. It’s not been easy to keep up the motivation, walking up and down stretches of fields every day. Isn’t that right Sophie?”

  “It’s still been a really interesting experience.” Sophie replied tactfully. “We’re learning a lot just by being here on the field survey. And the weather has been improving,” she added. “I think we’re just all keen to get as much done as we possibly can.”

  Thea thought for a moment. “Have you tried moving the survey northwards, towards the village of Mousato
i? It’s only six or seven kilometres away from your current site.”

  “We would have to get permits from the Greeks. Why do you suggest there?

  Thea turned her face towards him, meeting his eye. “I discovered from the old Greek archaeological records Mycenean tombs were found just outside the village. I think it may be more promising.”

  Mark nodded, thoughtfully. “Alright,” he agreed, “I’ll speak with Richard and see if he is open to extending the survey in that direction.”

  At that point, Richard’s voice boomed out, “FOOD’S READY!”

  Gathering round the barbecue, they piled their plates with sticks of lamb souvlaki, Greek salad and bread. Belinda set out a plate heaped with generous chunks of green and blood-red melon.

  “Are you alright Rob?” asked Richard, noticing Rob sitting listlessly picking at his food. He had hardly eaten anything. His face had still an unhealthy pallor and his colour had not fully returned.

  “I’m just not feeling well from the boat journey,” Rob said slowly raising his head. “I’ll feel better once I’ve slept this off.”

  “Do you need anything?” Thea offered. “I may have something to help with nausea?” He shook his head and settled himself on one of the rugs once more, wrapping a blanket tightly around himself.

  *********************************************

  Once they were satiated with the heady mix of food and wine, a lull fell over the party. Thea found herself stretched out on a blanket, soaking up the balmy heat of the sun. In a semi-doze, her mind drifted back over the last few weeks and in particular to Dimitri. Since returning from Athens, he had acted the part of an ardent and attentive lover. There had been daily phone calls, snatched texts, and extravagant gifts. One night, they had driven down a narrow twisting lane, through the orange and olive groves, leaving the small villages and tourist pensions behind. The restaurant, brightly lit, overlooked a secluded bay and offered a quiet refuge from the darkness. It was the kind of place where holidaying couples might come to share a romantic dinner. It had only occurred to her afterwards, that Dimitri might not just have chosen it for the intimacy but also the isolation: there was less chance of encountering someone he knew.

  That evening they had been the only guests for dinner. Dimitri had dressed immaculately in casual jeans and an expensive looking fine-knit sweater. His cheeks were freshly shaved and smelt of spruce eau de toilette. A draught swept through the open-fronted building and Thea had hugged her cashmere sweater around her against the chill. They dined on swordfish, green horta leaves picked from the mountain and salad accompanied with white rombola wine, with the hypnotic sound of the sea as a backdrop. The waiter had left them to their own company once their order had been placed and the food served. They had talked more about the project.

  “I hadn’t realised that you were so interested in the story of Odysseus,” Thea had commented.

  “Of course,” Dimitri replied, pouring a generous portion of wine into her glass. He raised his own to his lips and took a sip. “He is the hero of our Ionian islands and of Greece itself.” Settling back into his chair, he looked at her directly, his eyes gleaming. “He was a man who lived his life to the full and explored to the limits the world, with his cunning and intelligence. A man for all time.” He paused, a smile poised on his lips. “I like to think of myself as being like him, only a modern Odysseus. And you will be my Penelope,” he added, in an affectionate voice, reaching over and squeezing her hand. At his touch, a tingle ran down Thea’s spine but she shifted her position and regarded him uncertainly.

  “I am flattered by the comparison,” Thea began steadily, “but I don’t think Penelope was his true love.” Her words caught him by surprise and a frown crossed Dimitri’s handsome forehead.

  “But everyone knows this is so.” He spoke more high-pitched and his aspirated accent had become pronounced. “What makes you say such things?”

  “My reading of Homer.”

  “But if Penelope was not his love, then who?”

  “I suspect a woman he stayed with on his way back to Ithaka.” Thea studied Dimitri again: the deep olive eyes, square cheeks and flawless features. He exuded a charisma and presence that seemed to fill the empty restaurant. She could see why she had loved him so much and how he reminded her of Odysseus. The old feelings of attraction were beginning to stir again, radiating from deep within her body.

  “Wait,” Dimitri announced, suddenly breaking the spell. “I have something for you.” He reached into his pocket and produced a small box, elegantly wrapped. “This is for you, Thea. I hope it gives you pleasure. I just wanted to show how much you mean to me,” he said with genuine feeling, his face upturned to reveal the prominent square cheek-bones.

  Carefully unwrapping the gift, Thea discovered inside a golden ring in an unusual design. It was made of shiny-pure gold, beaten and edged with small rivets. It reminded her of the embossed jewellery from the tomb of Atreus at Mycenae, which she had once seen displayed in the National Museum in Athens.

  “It’s beautiful,” she had exclaimed, examining it in her fingers.

  “This is the ring I was never able to give you,” Dimitri said, his voice brimming with emotion.” I hope that when you wear it, you wear a small part of me.” He placed it on her third finger of her right hand, like an engagement ring. It fitted perfectly.

  Afterwards they had walked down onto the beach, past a closed up bar, the tables and chairs neatly stacked away. Where the restaurant light’s gave way to pitch darkness, they had sat watching the endless stream of the white frothing waves rolling in and lapping against the sandy beach. In the clear dark sky, away from light pollution, the stars had been out and they had gazed at the constellations: Orion with his belt and the recognisable zig-zag plough of the Great Bear. Only the distant lights of a sea port punctuated the darkness. Dimitri had put his arm around her and held her close to him, pressing his lips against her. It felt as if they had never separated. Slowly he moved his hands over her, feeling the contours of her body, her thighs, her stomach and then her rounded breasts. He kissed her now more forcibly, his weight pressing her body into the soft sand. His exploration now took on a renewed intensity as he fumbled with her clothing and Thea knew he would have made love to her there, if she did not restrain him.

  “We can’t do this,” she said, forcibly pushing him away. She jumped up and started to dust the gritty sand from her hair and clothes.

  “Can’t you see the effect you have on me?” Dimitri’s face was obscured by the darkness, but there an entreaty in his voice. ”I love you.”

  ”Not here,” Thea firmly replied. “It’s too indiscreet. If someone comes across us, they will recognise you instantly. It will be all around the island like wildfire and everyone will know. We must wait.” She had started to walk back towards the bright lights of the restaurant, almost panicking that she could not trust her body and her feelings might get the better of her. Reluctantly Dimitri had followed, entwining her fingers in his hand.

  Just before the hotel, he had stopped the car and leaned in to kiss her once more. “I have to go away with Clemmie and the family over the Easter,” he said. “Promise me when I get back, we will go away together for a few days. I know a wonderful place in Switzerland, an exclusive hotel, overlooking a lake and mountains. We can spend some time there alone, just you and me. No one would know, not even Stelios. Can we do that, give ourselves that opportunity?” He seized her hand and pressed it to his lips.

  She had nodded her head in agreement, knowing he intended to consummate their relationship. He had lifted up her chin with his fingers, kissing her on the lips and lightly running his fingers across her belly.

  Thea fingered the ring once more. In the light of day, the thought of the hurt they could cause to his children and family unsettled her.

  And yet, she reminded herself, we loved each other deeply. Dimitri hadn’t abandoned her intentionally. It had been against his will. Always he had been the phantom in her marr
iage, always there to question, always there to compare against her love for David. She knew herself too well – that she was on the brink of giving Dimitri a second chance. Perhaps this time, they would finally be together. And with that thought, Thea felt the anxiety and doubt lift.

  The clear sound of Sophie’s voice roused her from her thoughts.

  “Are you coming in for a swim, Thea?” she asked. Already a group of the students were in the sea, tossing a ball and splashing each other with water to piercing shrieks.

  “Has your leg healed okay?” Instinctively, Thea picked out the pale pink scar running across Sophie’s leg. Already the swelling had gone down and the skin was knitting together cleanly. In a couple of months, there would be no sign of the injury.

  “The doctor said that it’s healing nicely. Whatever you put on was a miracle treatment.”

  “Then, I’ll brave it with you.” Thea expected that the water would be cold but after the initial shock of the cold sea water, she quickly acclimatised.

  “You and Matthew seem to be getting on well.”

  “He’s been coming over every weekend to stay with us. We started to get closer over the last week or so,” Sophie said, wrapping her arms around her body for warmth, as her body shivered. “I really like him.”

  “I’ve been impressed by him,” Thea agreed, “especially his maturity and self-composure. You seem to fit well together.” The younger woman smiled bashfully.

  “We’ll see,” she replied.

  When they emerged from the sea, Thea noticed Rob’s head tracking her movements. Hastily she turned her back on him and grabbed her towel, covering herself with her shirt. Mark appeared at her side with more drinks.

  “So you think Vardianoi Island may be the one mentioned in Homer, Thea?” asked Richard. He had come to join them, wine bottle in hand, playing the part of a bon viveur.