A/N: This chapter will be one of the last appearances of Briseis for a
while, but rest assured dear faithful readers, she will return. ( Also, I
did a bit of research on Poseidon and I hope that scene doesn't seem to
"Clash of the Titans" for you! LOL... The Poseidon description came from an
amalgamation of a bunch of depictions I saw online. Also, Thanks for the
R&R's!
July 18 2004: I updated this chapter and rewrote it a bit, the god scene bothered me a bit. Thanks Cara for your sweet insight. ( Also, remember Cara that back then, 40 would be considered old would it not? Life expectancy back then was maybe, possibly 50-years-old.
Chapter Four: The Gods Willing
The black sail flew proudly in the air as Achayus rowed the boat out into the open water. It wasn't a large vessel, just big enough to fit himself, his weapons and some supplies. A meager sailboat like this only cost him a four cold coins. He was on his way out into the sea.
Then a thought crossed his mind. He felt a fool to have not thought about this before. Grumbling, he voiced his opinion.
"Where exactly is Haitus?"
The fear and uncertainty of his question settled in his chest. How was he to get to an isle when he had no idea where it was in the first place? Shaking his head, he pushed the betraying thoughts into the back of his mind. He sat firm in his belief that if the gods heard his vow, they would assist him on his journey.
Turning his attention from his destination, he began to gaze at the now graying span above him. The sky had been bright and clear when he had left. Now, the clouds hung in a stark murky darkness. The wind was whipping wild and he had to work hard to keep the boat plowing straight. He could feel the sweat trickling down his brow as he worked and pulled the oars to himself. His head down in concentration, the only thing in his mind was his mothers face.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Deep under the blackening sea, a man stood in a regal hall decorated with all the wonders of the ocean. Tall pillars of coral and walls of limestone made the ambience of the palace of Poseidon. The man was tall and muscular. He wore a blue suit of armor that made his already graying hair pale in comparison. In his hand he carried a staff that bore three prongs. His triton, this was the king of the sea. Poseidon, brother of Zeus.
On the westerly wall a heavy gilded mirror hung. It was wide and circular and the gild was pink shells from the sea floor. It glowed an ethereal green and Poseidon sighed at the summoning. He walked briskly to the mirror and stood squarely in front of it, his perfect jaw jutting out in acceptance.
"Who calls on the mighty Poseidon?" he called. The mirror glowed brighter and then in the center, he saw a small, elderly woman kneeling in her home praying to the god.
"Mighty Poseidon." She said. "I pray for your kindness. My son has traveled against my will into your territory. I want him returned to me safe. Let no harm come to him. I beg you great and mighty god of the sea, take care of my son." Came her tear soaked prayers.
The god looked with placid interest. Who was this woman? So, out of his own curiosity, he asked.
"Who are you." He said to the mirror image. The praying woman sat up startled. Her hands on her cheeks, she wiped the tears from her eyes. She gave no reply save a startled expression. Becoming annoyed, the sea god repeated his question.
"Insolent mortal, when a god poses a question do you not answer? I asked you your name."
The woman looked around bewildered and quickly blurted her name.
"Briseis dear Poseidon. Former priestess of Troy. To what favor do I owe this appearance oh mighty sea Lord." She said bowing low.
Poseidon stood dumbstruck for a moment. Briseis, she had been talk on Olympia for a long while. Finding a love for the great warrior Achilles had been deemed impossible. Achilles loved no one and no thing other than the adrenaline of battle. T'was said that not blood that flowed through his veins, but molten metal.
When Hermes had come storming through the Olympian gates bellowing that Achilles had found a love, the gods and goddesses clamored to know who was the maiden that melted iron into blood. Yes, Briseis was a familiar name.
"Briseis. Are you the woman of Achilles?" he asked the mirror. He watched the woman nod.
"Aye I am mighty lord. Does this please you?"
The god scratched his chin. It did please him - mildly. His daughter Thetis had mentioned that she was a grandmother. She had never seen the child, but she felt him in her bones. She'd heard his laughter, and felt his sorrow. She knew he was the mirror of her son.
Poseidon looked through the mirror and almost felt pity for the groveling woman. He recalled faintly an argument that all of Olympia has heard only a day ago. It included a vow of some sort. Ah yes, he remembered a young man named... name... Achayus! Yes, a boy named Achayus vowing revenge upon the people who exiled his mother. He wondered -
"Lady Briseis, what is the name of your son?"
The woman sat up and straightened her gossamer toga.
"Achayus Titus." She replied. The god nodded, knowing fully that she could not see the gesture. Licking his lips, he posed another question to the bleeding heart of the former priestess.
"Why should I not fulfill a vow to the gods. I remember your sons cry. He vowed revenge."
The woman nodded, a fresh set of tears welling in her eyes.
"Aye, but he made a promise to me that he would remain in Phenelaos and ne'er think of seeking wrath upon my former family. All I want is my son returned home."
Poseidon thought to himself. In Olympia, a vow to a god is sacred, but a vow to blood takes precedence. Could it be possible to both punish the boy for his insolence and give him his vengeance? He thought for a moment and concluded.
"I will tell you what I will do Briseis, former Priestess of Troy." Poseidon told the maiden. "I will punish your son for breaking his promise, but rest assured that no harm will come to him. We gods, as cruel as you mortals think, have hearts as well. I know your story well dear Briseis and I weep for you, but your son swore an oath to Olympia that he would see your family dead. While I cannot give him the weapons he needs, I can provide his way. It is my duty to fulfill his quest. Whereas I know the pain of losing a child –"Poseidon stopped for a moment and hid daughters youthful expression flashed for a moment before his eyes. "I must also give him his revenge. He vowed and so it must be so. I cannot promise no harm once he reaches his destination, but be sure that on my sea he will be safe."
Briseis looked up.
"But-" she began.
"Is my generosity not favorable to you woman? Have you another way? Perhaps you'll suppurate your son home. " the king of the sea said, his anger flaring.
"No great lord. I did not intend any offense. I apologize greatly and thank you for your kindness. You are truly merciful." She said.
"Now, close all your doors and secure every opening. There will be storm today." Poseidon said calmly.
"But the sky is as clear as a mirror Lord." The woman said confusedly as the mirror ceased glowing.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Briseis sat on the floor of her humble home and stared with wide eyes. She had just received message from Poseidon. All she had asked for was his mercy on her boy at sea and his safe return. Instead, the tricky god had told her he was going to punish him with a storm and send him to his revenge.
Standing up, she wandered to the window of her small home. The waves crashed against the beach and the winds were picking up. Sighing, she pulled the pieces of sail she'd fashioned into curtains and secured at the bottom of the window. Doing this for every window and door in her home, she finally kneeled at her altar on the westerly wall. To her left a familiar piece of cloth lay in a pile. Reaching out, she pulled it close to her.
Holding up the cloth, she found she held a tunic she'd made for her son. It was deep maroon in color. She clutched it to her breast and pictured her sons handsome face. His bright blue eyes and dark hair. His lean, lithe build so similar to his fathers. His father – the though caught her off guard. Quietly, she stared into the dark abyss of night
"Oh Achilles," she whispered. "Watch over him from your place across the River Styx."
A/N: Sorry its short. LOL... The next one will be longer I hope.
July 18 2004: I updated this chapter and rewrote it a bit, the god scene bothered me a bit. Thanks Cara for your sweet insight. ( Also, remember Cara that back then, 40 would be considered old would it not? Life expectancy back then was maybe, possibly 50-years-old.
Chapter Four: The Gods Willing
The black sail flew proudly in the air as Achayus rowed the boat out into the open water. It wasn't a large vessel, just big enough to fit himself, his weapons and some supplies. A meager sailboat like this only cost him a four cold coins. He was on his way out into the sea.
Then a thought crossed his mind. He felt a fool to have not thought about this before. Grumbling, he voiced his opinion.
"Where exactly is Haitus?"
The fear and uncertainty of his question settled in his chest. How was he to get to an isle when he had no idea where it was in the first place? Shaking his head, he pushed the betraying thoughts into the back of his mind. He sat firm in his belief that if the gods heard his vow, they would assist him on his journey.
Turning his attention from his destination, he began to gaze at the now graying span above him. The sky had been bright and clear when he had left. Now, the clouds hung in a stark murky darkness. The wind was whipping wild and he had to work hard to keep the boat plowing straight. He could feel the sweat trickling down his brow as he worked and pulled the oars to himself. His head down in concentration, the only thing in his mind was his mothers face.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Deep under the blackening sea, a man stood in a regal hall decorated with all the wonders of the ocean. Tall pillars of coral and walls of limestone made the ambience of the palace of Poseidon. The man was tall and muscular. He wore a blue suit of armor that made his already graying hair pale in comparison. In his hand he carried a staff that bore three prongs. His triton, this was the king of the sea. Poseidon, brother of Zeus.
On the westerly wall a heavy gilded mirror hung. It was wide and circular and the gild was pink shells from the sea floor. It glowed an ethereal green and Poseidon sighed at the summoning. He walked briskly to the mirror and stood squarely in front of it, his perfect jaw jutting out in acceptance.
"Who calls on the mighty Poseidon?" he called. The mirror glowed brighter and then in the center, he saw a small, elderly woman kneeling in her home praying to the god.
"Mighty Poseidon." She said. "I pray for your kindness. My son has traveled against my will into your territory. I want him returned to me safe. Let no harm come to him. I beg you great and mighty god of the sea, take care of my son." Came her tear soaked prayers.
The god looked with placid interest. Who was this woman? So, out of his own curiosity, he asked.
"Who are you." He said to the mirror image. The praying woman sat up startled. Her hands on her cheeks, she wiped the tears from her eyes. She gave no reply save a startled expression. Becoming annoyed, the sea god repeated his question.
"Insolent mortal, when a god poses a question do you not answer? I asked you your name."
The woman looked around bewildered and quickly blurted her name.
"Briseis dear Poseidon. Former priestess of Troy. To what favor do I owe this appearance oh mighty sea Lord." She said bowing low.
Poseidon stood dumbstruck for a moment. Briseis, she had been talk on Olympia for a long while. Finding a love for the great warrior Achilles had been deemed impossible. Achilles loved no one and no thing other than the adrenaline of battle. T'was said that not blood that flowed through his veins, but molten metal.
When Hermes had come storming through the Olympian gates bellowing that Achilles had found a love, the gods and goddesses clamored to know who was the maiden that melted iron into blood. Yes, Briseis was a familiar name.
"Briseis. Are you the woman of Achilles?" he asked the mirror. He watched the woman nod.
"Aye I am mighty lord. Does this please you?"
The god scratched his chin. It did please him - mildly. His daughter Thetis had mentioned that she was a grandmother. She had never seen the child, but she felt him in her bones. She'd heard his laughter, and felt his sorrow. She knew he was the mirror of her son.
Poseidon looked through the mirror and almost felt pity for the groveling woman. He recalled faintly an argument that all of Olympia has heard only a day ago. It included a vow of some sort. Ah yes, he remembered a young man named... name... Achayus! Yes, a boy named Achayus vowing revenge upon the people who exiled his mother. He wondered -
"Lady Briseis, what is the name of your son?"
The woman sat up and straightened her gossamer toga.
"Achayus Titus." She replied. The god nodded, knowing fully that she could not see the gesture. Licking his lips, he posed another question to the bleeding heart of the former priestess.
"Why should I not fulfill a vow to the gods. I remember your sons cry. He vowed revenge."
The woman nodded, a fresh set of tears welling in her eyes.
"Aye, but he made a promise to me that he would remain in Phenelaos and ne'er think of seeking wrath upon my former family. All I want is my son returned home."
Poseidon thought to himself. In Olympia, a vow to a god is sacred, but a vow to blood takes precedence. Could it be possible to both punish the boy for his insolence and give him his vengeance? He thought for a moment and concluded.
"I will tell you what I will do Briseis, former Priestess of Troy." Poseidon told the maiden. "I will punish your son for breaking his promise, but rest assured that no harm will come to him. We gods, as cruel as you mortals think, have hearts as well. I know your story well dear Briseis and I weep for you, but your son swore an oath to Olympia that he would see your family dead. While I cannot give him the weapons he needs, I can provide his way. It is my duty to fulfill his quest. Whereas I know the pain of losing a child –"Poseidon stopped for a moment and hid daughters youthful expression flashed for a moment before his eyes. "I must also give him his revenge. He vowed and so it must be so. I cannot promise no harm once he reaches his destination, but be sure that on my sea he will be safe."
Briseis looked up.
"But-" she began.
"Is my generosity not favorable to you woman? Have you another way? Perhaps you'll suppurate your son home. " the king of the sea said, his anger flaring.
"No great lord. I did not intend any offense. I apologize greatly and thank you for your kindness. You are truly merciful." She said.
"Now, close all your doors and secure every opening. There will be storm today." Poseidon said calmly.
"But the sky is as clear as a mirror Lord." The woman said confusedly as the mirror ceased glowing.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Briseis sat on the floor of her humble home and stared with wide eyes. She had just received message from Poseidon. All she had asked for was his mercy on her boy at sea and his safe return. Instead, the tricky god had told her he was going to punish him with a storm and send him to his revenge.
Standing up, she wandered to the window of her small home. The waves crashed against the beach and the winds were picking up. Sighing, she pulled the pieces of sail she'd fashioned into curtains and secured at the bottom of the window. Doing this for every window and door in her home, she finally kneeled at her altar on the westerly wall. To her left a familiar piece of cloth lay in a pile. Reaching out, she pulled it close to her.
Holding up the cloth, she found she held a tunic she'd made for her son. It was deep maroon in color. She clutched it to her breast and pictured her sons handsome face. His bright blue eyes and dark hair. His lean, lithe build so similar to his fathers. His father – the though caught her off guard. Quietly, she stared into the dark abyss of night
"Oh Achilles," she whispered. "Watch over him from your place across the River Styx."
A/N: Sorry its short. LOL... The next one will be longer I hope.