The Gorgon Queen

Chapter 12

After we buried Mother next to Papa, a different type of energy filled our home. My sisters and I took the liberty in going through our daily routines, trying to process the deaths of our parents in such a short amount of time. Whenever one of us broke down, the other would offer comfort.

There was one night in particular, after the three of us went to bed I heard a sobbing coming from the room next to me. Shoving the blankets aside, I slowly opened the door that led to the next room and I found Stheno, her body shaking under the covers.

Stheno was never one to show emotion around other people. But when she was alone, she let the darkness be her only companion.

Closing the door behind me, I walked over to her bed and without saying a word, crawled under the covers, draping my arm around her. As her cries continued, Stheno took my hand and grasped it tight, accepting my comfort. That night I fell asleep beside my older sister, sharing in our pain.

But the next morning, neither of us spoke about it. The way Stheno thanked me was by resting her hand over mine as she poured me my morning tea. I knew that was her silent way of saying 'thank you.'

The deaths of our parents wasn't the only thing that plagued our minds. The information that Mother relayed on us of the Deity Stones, was something that none of us could shake. We promised Mother that we would find the stones before Hades and bring them to Zeus and the Gods, for whoever controlled the stones, controlled Mount Olympus and who was chosen to become a God. But where do we start?

As I laid in my bed, staring at the ceiling the sun rays shining through the window, I searched for answers that were not there. A knock at the door drew my attention, for I knew it was one of my sisters coming to check on me. I was usually the first one up among the three of us and the fact that was still in bed must've been causing some concern.

"Come in." I said, my voice monotone. When the door opened, Stheno appeared, wearing a maroon dress that stopped above her ankles. She was holding a folded piece of parchment in her hands as she came and sat on the edge of my bed.

"How are you feeling?" she asked. I sat up until my back was against the baseboard, "I've been better, with all things considered." I glanced down at her hand, "What's that?"

Stheno glanced down at the parchment before handing it to me, "A letter came for you."

I took the letter, wondering who could be sending me a letter during this time. I haven't left the cottage since Mother's burial, which was four days ago. Unfolding the letter, my eyes scanned the writing:

Medusa,

I heard about your Mother's passing and again, I'm so terribly sorry. I can't imagine what you are going through, losing both parents in such a short amount of time. I'm sorry I haven't reached out sooner, for I'm dealing with some new information of my own. Why don't you come over and we can discuss, for I would love to confide in you as well as you in me.

Athena

I sense rushed and frantic writing in Athena's words. Whatever news she had for me, it was something that she couldn't tell me over parchment.

"I'm going to Athena's" I said as I threw the covers off of me. I made my way to my closet, choosing a light blue dress for the day. Maybe a bright color would help my dull mood.

Stheno remained sitting on the bed, "Be back before nightfall."

Without saying another word, Stheno left me alone to dress.

* * *

The door to Athena's cottage was unlocked when I arrived. I didn't find Poseidon's tense mood, for her was off causing a storm somewhere in the north. Instead, I found the whole place a wreck. Papers were strewn across the floor, as if someone was in a frantic search for something of value. Chairs were out of place and cabinets were opened with pots and pans resting on the counter, forgotten.