Ten: Companion
Narcissus
'I thought I recognised you, but I couldn't quite be sure until now!'
This old man has been talking at me for what seems like centuries. Not to say his information isn't valuable (if somewhat disturbing, and a little unsurprising to be honest). But his rambling manner is not improved by the frequent pauses in his speech as he's distracted by minute things – a shift of my feet, a glance at my fingernails – even if I breathe too loudly he gets thrown off. I nearly rejoice out loud when he slips out of the room without warning, a look of bemusement in his features.
Still reeling at the saga he has unceremoniously dumped on me, I follow to find Iapyx plus the two of them, standing there, looking a right sight. Icarus is wearing some ridiculous looking cloth over his head and has that deer in torchlights expression on, and Eliana – really, he thought King Minos was here with his armies and that's who he got to help? – seems sprung like a wild boar about to lash out. I stifle a laugh.
'Icarus, am I right? Narcissus here told me of your… enquiries,' Iapyx places a hand on Icarus' shoulder. The kid freezes up. He stares hard at me as if to say 'who the hades is this and why does he know my name?!'
'He knows your father.' I state bluntly, not in the mood for suspense. He relaxes visibly.
Iapyx turns back to me with a shake of the head and gestures toward an alley.
'Not so loudly. We'll talk in more secure surroundings.'
He smiles once more, his gaze lingering on me for a second before he guides us all through the open air corridor. Dirt soon gives way to grass and we emerge on the other side into a completely transformed landscape, almost like countryside. The marketplace bustle seems miles away as we turn to enter a small courtyard.
'Wow,' someone breathes, and I'd have to agree. The place is not of great size, but the design is something to be marvelled I'll admit. Everything is made out of simple limestone or wood, no marble in sight. Yet the materials have been constructed in such a way that it forms a silhouette that glides over the eyes like a polished gem through the fingers of a rich man. Unlike the sharp, clunky angles of common design, the bricks in the wall sweep in a curved motion, like a horseshoe. Polished timber columns rise from the simple mosaic floor, smooth and faultlessly, as if the structure sprouted from the ground itself. I never knew such beauty could be replicated in buildings.
'Your father built this you know,' the healer murmurs in a quiet voice.
Icarus' eyes widen at that,
'Dad built this house?'
'Yes. I enquired if Daedalus could construct a simple dwelling, I had a limited amount of resources and space see. And this is what he came up with,' Iapyx explains as we close the gate behind us.
'Your father insisted on crafting masterpieces out of anything he worked with, even if it wasn't much.'
'Well yeah. He still does.' A look comes across Icarus' face and I can only imagine he's thinking about the near-fatal wings.
'Yes, I've heard about that famous labyrinth. You must have had some adventures, eh?'
'…That's one way of putting it. Dad must have told you all about the situation, is he here?'
Well. That's cutting to the chase.
Iapyx frowns and I know what he's thinking. He only told me a matter of minutes ago what the actual situation is after all.
'Well, I'm afraid it's only me and my partner in this house, dear boy. The last time I saw you both, you were only three years old. Since then Daedalus and I… we've lost touch. It's a shame how time does that.'
The elder man gives the briefest of glances towards me, and (even if its accompanied by a hint of lust) I know it means I have to keep my mouth shut. I've given several of those glances myself, and even if I hadn't, I personally would not want to be the one responsible for explaining to Icarus why exactly people keep giving us those strange looks whenever we ask about his father. He'll find out eventually, but now is not the time.
Trust me to be dragged into a mess like this. I might have to consider extending that two-week deadline.
Icarus
'So, are you and Dad friends? You must have been if he built this for you.'
I can't stop the words falling out of my mouth, I'm sorry but at the same time I'm not because we finally found someone, someone who knew me and Dad and maybe even Mum before all this crap with Minos happened.
'Yes, we were quite close. Best friends some might say.'
'Did you know Mum?'
Iapyx – that's his name – his face twitches for a second, before it settles into an uneasy half smile.
'I knew Naucrate too, such a beautiful woman. Do you remember much about her?'
'No. I only know what Dad told me, and that wasn't much.'
'I see…'
He's hesitating at every moment, choosing his words like he's hiding something. I recognise that too well. Maybe if I get all the awkward stuff out in the open, he'll stop tip-toeing on eggshells round me.
'I know that she was a slave,' I begin. I hear a movement. Look over. The girl – I forgot she was even there – is staring right into me. The words suddenly feel uncomfortable in my mouth, I try to cover them up -
'A-and before that a merchants' daughter from Aethiopia – she wasn't always a slave, she was sold by her family to pay back a debt, ended up in Attica – and then Dad fell in love with her and struck a deal with her owner to cover up her past, bought her back out of slavery cos he had way more money back then, and then they had me. But she had bad health so she died.' I blurt out all at once, fidgeting with the edge of my chiton.
I don't tell them the bit about Her though. They wouldn't believe me if I told them my mother was personally chosen by Helios to be a sun spirit, because she was so beautiful and wise you see. Dad told me not to tell anyone that part, otherwise they might try to strike her down from the heavens.
Like she did to me.
Why?
I shake off the thought and try to focus on where the conversation goes next.
Narcissus
I can tell he really wants to have a catch up with Icarus, but Iapyx, poor man, is too distracted by me. So, I step out for a breath of fresh air and take the girl with me – the conversation might get awkward for them, no need for a simple slave to gain gossip fodder. Not that it would make much of a stir, even if she did bring it up with someone; it seems the news about Daedalus the murderer has already permeated the whole of Athens.
Ironically, its only his son who doesn't know about it.
It's the moment where I grow tired of teasing her (and my mind wanders to another, much more attractive face in a nearby well) that the two of them emerge from the house into the courtyard. I turn, half expecting to see a traumatised boy run out, but Icarus and Iapyx are chatting away like nothing is wrong. In fact, I think it's the first time I've really seen him smile. You can tell it's not an expression he's used to making, not to mention it's slightly lopsided as the left side of his face is still healing. In fact, one could describe the sight as quite ugly, especially when compared to…
But somehow, just by the way his eyes shine like light on the sea, I find myself wishing that he'd smile more often. It would certainly make me feel less sorry for him half the time.
'…anything else you need, of course I'll help. Do visit again while you're still in Athens, I'll be happy to host you.' I catch the tail end of the older man's offer as they approach us.
'Why that's very generous of you,' I take it upon myself to reply as Icarus suddenly seems lost in silent thought, 'we'll be sure to come back.'
I don't particularly feel like coming back and waiting another two hours while this old man leers at me, but the boy will probably drag me along anyway -
'Healing!'
Said boy's face lights up all over again. It takes Iapyx all but two seconds to register the request.
'Ah! Of course lad, don't know why I didn't think of it myself,' he gestures to the burns across Icarus' face, neck and shoulders,
'These I could have gone in no time.'
Icarus frowns, then laughs once more,
'No no, not those. I wanna keep those.'
Why on earth would you want to keep such disfiguring scars? Its obvious that this man is some kind of medicinal genius, and the boy might even have a shot at being passably attractive without them.
'I'm talking about the job: I want to learn how to heal! Other people I mean!'
Iapyx raises his eyebrows, then looks bemused.
'Are you asking to be apprenticed?'
Oh gods no, that would definitely take a bloody lot longer than two weeks. Icarus seems to read my mind as he glances quickly my way.
'Not like, a full on apprenticeship, just you know, maybe the basics?'
'Well I don't know, son. Healing is a very complex business and one which requires many years of training to master. And as I stated before, I'm gifted in this regard: the gods took favour to me.'
'Dad always says "gifts from the gods" are meant to be shared or else they turn sour. You're sure you couldn't teach me anything in the time I'm here?'
There it is again, that hopeful inflection laced with steel. I'm starting to think this kid is already a master himself – of manipulation.
'Well…'
Icarus
Well I think that was a very successful outing.
'I thought you wanted to find your father, not badger free apprenticeships off old men.'
As we walk back through the alley Narcissus looks me up and down, eyes narrowed.
'I do want to find Dad. I can do both can't I?'
Look, I have no idea what state Dad's gonna be in when I do find him. If he's injured too, it would be useful to have some healing skills. Plus, I don't think Iapyx is telling me the whole truth; if they were as close as he says they were, he must know where Dad is.
'Fine. As long as it doesn't take up my time. From morning to early afternoon, we'll search for your father, evenings you are free to do as you wish. Eliana will accompany you there and back.'
'Eliana?'
Narcissus nods to the girl who has been silent for this whole journey. Oh. So that's her name. Oops.
'Um, I can find my own way.'
'Hahaha, no offense Icarus, but with you giving directions it took the both of you an hour to complete a fifteen minute journey back to me. If those had actually been Minos' soldiers back there, I'd be dead already.'
'Hey, I'd never been there before. I'll remember the way now.'
'I'm sure you will.' He doesn't sound convinced.
'Look, the last thing I need is you going missing like this wretched father of yours.'
'Why would it matter to you?'
The comment slips out. He gives me a look – almost like he agrees – before stating,
'It would just be inconvenient is all.'
'Right.'
He shakes me off with an exasperated 'ugh.'
'I would prefer it if you weren't alone. I know it's not conventional, but all my manservants are occupied with more important business. Besides,'
He smirks at Eliana,
'It's a woman's job to look after children, isn't it?'
It takes a second to realise that he just insulted me. I think? Before I have time to think up something witty to poke him with, Narcissus strides ahead of us. My eyes slip to the girl next to me. There's a small twist in her lips and a furious blush on her cheeks as she glances back at me. Is she annoyed? Or does she find it funny? Why are faces so hard to read? And is she pretty or not?!
I spend most of the walk back kinda pissed off at Narcissus. I don't know why. Maybe cos he's an arrogant prick... Maybe I'm just in a bad mood. Dad should be easy to find, I thought he was a famous architect! It's not my fault that… well actually it sort of is…
Never mind.
We're back at the house by late afternoon, and Narcissus doesn't even have lunch before passing out on a kline in the andron. I forgot he'd stayed out all night, he must be exhausted. I slip up to my room. There's a bundle of dirty linens at the end of my bed: the travelling clothes Narcissus gave me. Actually, this works…
'Hey, um, Eliana?'
I'm in the doorway trying to smile at her but she barely glances up from her work, stitching together a tear in what looks like one of Narcisuss' hunting cloaks.
'Yes?'
'I… uh… have some laundry. I'm not sure when you're going to have a wash day so… what should I do with them?'
'You could do them yourself.'
'Oka- wait, what?'
She turns around fully, expression unreadable, and states,
'Well considering the status of your mother, you should know how to do all these things yourself shouldn't you?'
My heart thuds and chest tightens. Of course, she was in the room when I said that. I didn't think…
'You've been acting all high and mighty since you got here, do you know how my workload has doubled because of you? You didn't even bother to learn my name, and now I find out that your mother was a slave?'
Her tone is chilling but her words burn like hot wax,
'The last time I checked, slaves don't have slaves.'
'Don't ever let them tell you that. They are liars. I am free and so are you, my precious son.'
The memory slaps itself in my face without any warning and -
'I am not a slave!' I find myself nearly shouting,
'I… I'm…'
I'm…
Who am I, out here?
A prisoner on the run?
A stupid naïve child?
Inside I was always Dad's boy, right hand man, assistant and apprentice – but how can I be the son of Daedalus now when I can't even find him?
Her eyes glare at me like hot coals. Daring me to say something, anything, to challenge her.
'I'm sorry.' I state, defeated. There's no use in arguing when I haven't even got an argument.
'I didn't realise I… offended you? I wasn't thinking. You're right to be angry.'
The look on her face changes from irritation to something like shock. I guess she's not used to being told she's right. I know the feeling.
'It must be hard for you, being Narcissus'… you know. He probably doesn't treat you great.' I stammer, thinking back to the way he plays with his helpless followers. Silence stretches across the room.
'On the contrary, he could be much worse,' her voice comes out gentler, but she doesn't sound convinced.
'He gives me a pittance. He doesn't have to. Just enough to feed my mother.'
'Right…'
Unsure of what to say next, my eyes stop on the sewing she hasn't put down through this whole conversation. I stare hard at the motion of her fingers, the rhythmic swaying of the fabric and the needle…
'Can I help you with anything?' I blurt out. That stops her in her tracks. She raises her eyebrows, curious.
'I mean, to make up for, you know… being an ass?'
She pauses for thought, then suddenly bursts into laughter.
'You're entirely clueless aren't you? You're like a butterfly, meaning well but causing trouble wherever you go.'
'A butterfly?'
She shakes her head,
'It's an expression. Do you know how much trouble I'd get in if someone caught you in the gynaeceum?
'The gynae-'
…Oh.
'I shouldn't be here should I?'
'Not unless you've developed new anatomy in the past few hours, then, no.'
Just then I hear a stifled giggle from behind me. I turn to see the two other girls – no I don't know their names either – leaning on the banister the other side of the stairs. I turn back to Eliana. She's rolling her eyes.
'How long have you guys been there?' I stammer, trying to casually grin away my embarrassment but failing miserably.
'A while now,' the blonde one answers, before the two sweep away down the stairs, smirks hidden behind amphorae. Eliana's smirking along with them.
I get the hell out of the women's quarters and back to my room.
I think I'll stay here for the rest of the day.
