Chapter Fourteen – Robbery at the Museum

The next morning Kali woke up and saw Tony had already left. She opened the door and found Takis waiting outside.
“The dawn has risen, madam,” he said. “I am to show you to your quarters so you may freshen yourself before you eat.”
Takis headed off down the hallway and Kali duly followed, trying to stifle her yawns. It had been a tough night. She had the dream about Erebos twice again before managing to drop off into a dreamless sleep. She did manage not to jump out of bed again though and Tony seemed to sleep through. He had been right though. She would have been horribly embarrassed this morning if they had done something last night. Her emotions were all over the place. It was hard trying to think for both of them in a strange world. She wished she’d never laid eyes on that chest.

They reached the women’s quarters and Adrianne had a bath ready for her. Takis left and Adrianne poured a whole bottle of perfume into the water. Kali sniffed towards her shoulder. It wasn’t entirely unpleasant but she needed a good scrub. She thought back to her home and how it had all her lovely little bottles of bath bubbles, shower gel, soap crystals… It seemed a world away from her tin bath of fire-boiled water and murky perfumed liquid. Again Kali allowed Adrianne to disrobe her and rub oil into her arms, back and legs. The perfume wasn’t all that bad, she mused to herself. Probably pressed flower petals. She lifted her hand to rub her eye and saw tiny pieces of ground petals stuck to her palm, confirming her suspicions. No wonder the water was murky.

A fresh jug of water was brought in and Kali was rinsed off. Cleansed and smelling a whole lot better, Adrianne rubbed her dry with cloths and dressed her in her old robe again. At least it was now cleaned and pressed. It had been covered in dust, dirt and dried blood from where she had cut her leg the night before last. She instinctively reached down to feel the cut. It had healed over well by now and wouldn’t leave much of a scar. She was lucky it hadn’t been a lot deeper. She could have had all kinds of infections in her.

Adrianne led her to the symposium. There, Stylianos and Tony were already feasting on freshly baked bread and dried figs. Tony was also dressed back in his old robe. They had even managed to get the wine stain out.
“My dear, please sit and eat,” Stylianos said, seeing her and waving her towards a cushion on his left.
“These figs are really tasty,” Tony said, stuffing his mouth with dried figs.
Kali sat and helped herself to the food. The three ate in silence. Stylianos did not seem his usual jovial self and Kali kept sneaking sideways glances at him. The old man looked tired and weathered.
“Did you sleep well, Stylianos?” she asked her host.
“Yes, my dear,” he replied.
“Is there something troubling you? Only you look very tired.”
“Sorry, please forgive my lack of conversation to you both. I had some devastating news this morning.”
“What happened?” Tony asked.
“My museum had been broken into. Vandalised. Some objects of value had been broken and others taken away. My guard was badly bruised and wounded. He was brought to me this morning to tell me the news.”
“Is there another guard still there?” Tony asked. “It’s important that the building remains guarded, right?”
“Yes, it is guarded,” Stylianos replied. “My other guardsman went yesterday to relieve him and found poor Yanni beaten and slumped against his post. Poor Yanni. The dear fellow was so bruised he could not walk and just had to wait for Jude to arrive to relieve him of his post. Jude managed to help Yanni to his feet and it took him the rest of the day to get here.”
“I don’t understand,” Kali said. “I thought the museum was closed anyway?”
“No, not closed,” Stylianos corrected. “I just don’t work there anymore. I still put objects on display there and people still come to see them. I trust Yanni and Jude to guard the place well and stop thieves, but from what I was told very early this morning, Yanni was taken by surprise and stood no chance. He was very lucky not to be killed.”
“Where is Yanni now?” Tony asked.
“He is in his quarters, sleeping. I will question him more when he has rested and his wounds have been treated.”
“Are we still able to go to the museum?” Kali asked.
“Of course! I need to go there anyway and see the damage for myself. I fear that some damage may be irreplaceable.”
The trio continued eating in silence. The slaves sensed the atmosphere and went about their business quietly, trying to minimise the clattering of plates as they cleared the table and replenished the milk.

A faint clip-clopping of hooves sounded outside and Stylianos got to his feet.
“Ah, Origen has brought around the horses,” he said, seeing his slave coming into the room and bowing low to him. “We shall go now.”
Kali and Tony scrambled to their feet and followed their host out into the courtyard. There they saw Stylianos’ horse, Faithful, being held still by Nikias holding her reins. Origen was fussing around the wagon stationed behind the horse, checking it was securely connected and giving it a last sweep with a broom. He jumped down and gave Stylianos a hand to help him up. Stylianos settled himself in the wagon and beckoned for Tony and Kali to join him. The couple stepped up and stood behind Stylianos. Nikias gave the reins to his master and quickly stepped back out of the way. Stylianos gave the reins a sharp whip and Faithful took off to a pacey trot out of the courtyard. Kali looked back and saw that Origen and NIkias were already gone out of sight. They passed a boy slave polishing the barred gates of the courtyard and he waved at them as they went through onto the streets of Delphi.

They journeyed back to the centre of the city and Stylianos pulled over to a side street off the square. A rather grand looking building peeked out from behind a large olive tree. At the sight of the horse, a man jumped up from his seat by the door and held his spear ready to be used.
“No need to panic, Jude,” Stylianos called out to his guardsman.
“Master, I am glad you came,” Jude said, bowing low but never taking his eyes off the arrivals.
“My dear Kali and Tony, this is Jude,” Stylianos introduced his guests. “I trust him over all my slaves. He used to fight with the foot soldiers.”
“Light infantry,” Jude nodded. “Of course they made me leave when they found out I had not yet been freed.”
“But he has been freed now,” Stylianos added. “Not that he wants to leave.”
“Slavery is all I know,” Jude said. “I wouldn’t know what to do with myself without someone telling me.”
“Please, show us the damage,” Stylianos said.

Jude turned and lead the party through a number of light and airy rooms. All had long and narrow openings at the top of the room to let in light but to stop break-ins. They reached the far room and saw the mess that the thieves had left. The tables and stands had been smashed, the floor littered with splinters and broken wood. Some broken marble also dotted the floor.
“My poor bust of Apollo,” Stylianos said sadly, stroking the marble head of the god. It had suffered a massive crack through one side of his face. The other side, however, had been completely hammered through and was in pieces by their feet.
Kali wandered into the next room and saw empty shelves.
“What was in here?” she called out. “Everything has gone.”
Stylianos came in followed closely by Jude and Tony.
“My jewellery and chests,” he said. “They’ve all been taken.”

It was clearly too much for the old man and he started to cry. He dug his fingers into his eyes and bent his head down low. He then threw his head and spread his arms out wide in supplication to the heavens.
“Did I not sacrifice enough to Apollo?” he cried out. “Was I not pleasing to the gods? Why have I been cursed with this blow to my livelihood? Oh Zeus, what misfortune have I come across? What deed has been done that was not to your liking?”
He burst into tears again and started to tear at his hair. Some wispy white hair came out into his hands and he threw them on the floor in anguish.
“He’s a bit dramatic,” Tony whispered to Kall. “Even for a religious sort of guy.”
“He’s obviously quite enamoured of the gods,” she whispered back.
“My friends,” Stylianos said, wiping his face with the back of his hands, “I must appease the gods and consult the Oracle on what to do next. I am lost.”
“Why don’t you try Hare Krishna?” joked Tony.
Kali elbowed him in the ribs.
“Try what?” Stylianos asked.
“Nothing,” Kali said. “Stylianos, we will help you in any way we can.”
“Is there a chance of catching whoever did this?” Tony asked.
“The thieves will be long gone now,” Stylianos said sadly. “They are bound to try and sell on their goods to make a living, but it may be a while before someone brings something back to me for a valuation.”
“I was kidnapped two nights ago,” Kali stated. “The leader of the group said they needed to get away from Delphi as soon as possible.”
“Two nights ago?” Jude questioned her. “They could be the thieves. Did they say any names?”
“I was kidnapped by a man called Erebos while walking from Athens. His leader was called Haemon.”
Jude nearly dropped his spear. “Haemon?”
“Yes, do you know the name?”
“Was he a tall and fairly handsome man?”
“Yes.”
“I fought with him in the infantry,” Jude said. “Haemon was a fierce warrior, the best of all five hundred of us, but he was disowned by the army after he killed his father during an argument. His lack of self control was an embarrassment to the leaders.”
“He killed his father?” Tony asked.
“Yes. He was drunk and burnt down the house, trapping Haemon’s mother and brother in the blaze. Haemon was angry and understandably wanted revenge. But he should have done it honourably, even though what his father did was terrible. Haemon crept up to his father while he was sleeping and stabbed him in the back, neck and head. He mutilated his face and cut off his extremities and fed them to the dogs.”
Kali was shocked. So was Tony. He was gripping his groin in horror.
“Everyone knows that his father should have at least been given a chance to fight back,” Jude continued. “But he was killed like a coward. And Haemon was disowned and we never heard from him again. Until he tried to rape the High Priestess at Delphi. Since then he has been leading a rowdy bunch of individuals all over Greece and they go stealing in the towns and cities. They steal anything they can sell. Even women. I heard he was trying to go over to Persia.”
“He did ask me if I was Persian,” Kali commented. “But they were going to Athens. They must have been. It’s in the opposite direction to Delphi and Erebos took me from that direction.”
“Probably scouting,” Tony added. “So they know if it’s worth pillaging.”
“Athens will always be worth stealing from,” Stylianos said. “They have so many beautiful temples and it is a city of greatness. Sometimes I wish I had not left.”
He took a long look at the empty room and made his way back out the front, his feet dragging along the dust and his head hanging sadly.

Chapter Thirteen – The Hospitality of Stylianos

Just as they passed the first row of houses, an old man passed pulling a horse-drawn cart, laden with jewellery, pots and tapestries.
“Excuse me,” Tony called out to him. “Do you know Stylianos?”
“Who wants to know?” the old man asked.
“Friends of Adelphos of Athens,” Kali replied.
“You are friends of Adelphos?” the old man asked.
Kali and Tony nodded in unison.
“Well, then you must be friends of mine too!” the old man said, his eyes crinkling up as his mouth pulled into a wide smile. “Come, I will show you to my house. It must never be said that Stylianos refused a friend of his brother.”

Kali and Tony dismounted and led their horses behind Stylianos.
“How do you know Adelphos?” Stylianos asked.
“He gave us a place to stay for the night,” Tony replied.
“Ah, old Adelphos,” Stylianos said. “I have not seen him for many years. The journey is a little rough for an old man.”
He turned the corner and stepped into a large courtyard where a single house was situated apart from the other buildings. It was a grander looking place than Adelphos’ and had people scurrying all over the place.
“Nikias! Origen!” Stylianos called out and two older slave boys came running out to greet him. “Take Faithful and her burden to the store house.”

The two boys nodded, one grabbing the reins and the other riding the cart, sorting out the goods as it started off around the side of the house. A smaller boy carrying a large bowl of water and some cloths over his shoulder came scurrying out and knelt at Stylianos’ feet. He poured some water over his master’s feet and towelled them dry before lifting it up so Stylianos could wash his hands.
“Nomiki, some water for our guests,” Stylianos said to the boy.
Nomiki nodded and poured what water was left in the bowl over Kali’s and Tony’s feet and hands. He dried them off with his cloths, bowed and headed back where he came from.
“Come, my friends,” Stylianos said, lifting his arm and directing them into the house. “Origen will take care of your horses.”
As soon as he had finished speaking, the slave boy from before came out, running towards the horses. He stroked them to show he would not hurt them, before grabbing the reins and pulling them behind him.

“You have a few slaves here,” Tony remarked, entering the house.
“Yes, and I call them all by name,” Stylianos said. “By referring to them by name they remain loyal to their master. To just call them ‘slave’ makes them resentful. See how they are all happy to work for me?”
Kali nodded but doubted that any happiness of the slaves was because he called them by name. They were probably loyal just through their pay and upkeep in such grand premises.
“I have to keep them happy,” Stylianos continued. “It’s important to have slaves that can be trusted when so much wealth is on display. I am careful not to take on outsiders who may exploit or steal.”
Kali definitely agreed with that. Stylianos was certainly well off. His house was grander and far better furnished than Adelphos’, with decorative amphorae and furniture adorning each room he showed them around. There were tapestries on the walls and blankets underfoot. A host of musical instruments lay abandoned on the floor of the symposium. The women’s quarters had dressing tables cluttered with small boxes of chalk, soot and dyes and a range of perfume bottles. There was even a tapestry room, complete with a loom, reams of dyed wool, and a pile of different coloured cloths on the side, waiting to be sewn up into clothes, blankets and furniture coverings.

Stylianos came full circle and led his guests back to the front of the house.
“You will wash before eating, yes?” he said to them.
He clapped his hands and called out for Takis and Adrianne. An adult man and woman appeared.
“They will show you where to go,” he said. “Please.”
He held out his hand to show them off and they obliged. Takis and Adrianne led the way but Takis suddenly took a sharp left.
“Guess I’ll see ya later,” Tony grinned, and off they went.

Kali continued to follow Adrianne back towards the women’s quarters. She was shown a small tin bath and hot water was poured in, the jugs leaving some soot on the floor where they had been in the fire. Kali was used to the unabashed attitude to nudity by now and allowed Adrianne to remove her robe and bathe her. Oil was rubbed into her arms, legs and face but she refused the application of chalk again. It had made her face feel tight and itchy and was sure that she had an allergic reaction. At her refusal, Adrianne made no protest and simply replaced the chalk onto the dressing table. She pulled out a white robe with a decorative belt and pinned it onto Kali. She fussed around the hem a little and then showed her back to the front of the house.

Stylianos was already there, drinking and reclining on the chaise longue.
“Come, you shall dine with us,” Stylianos said to her, motioning her to sit by his feet. “I would have left you to dine with my wife had she still been alive. May Hades have pity on her and not leave her to wander the Underworld alone. She was a good woman, a worthy woman of the Elysian Fields.”
“What was her name?” Kali asked.
“Ariadne,” he replied, “and just as beautiful as the one she was named for. But come, I do not know where you have travelled from. You are certainly not Greek, yes?”
“We are from a kingdom, far north,” Kali said, reeling out the same old story they had been telling everyone.
“A kingdom?”
“Yes.”
“And what brings you to Delphi?”
“Adelphos said that you have a museum.”
“Ah, yes, I stopped working there long ago, when my wife died. I still collect items though, from the people to display. Most are in my store house.”
“Does the museum have any old chests?”
“It has some chests, yes. Is there anything you were looking for?”
“A chest was given to me by a benefactor and it was stolen. It’s reputed to be the chest of Odysseus.”
“Now that is an interesting thing,” Stylianos mused. “Is much known about this chest?”
“Only that it is the one reputedly presented to him by the Phaeacians in the Odyssey. It was tied with a rope said to be bound with a complicated knot taught to him by the goddess Circe so that only he could open it.”
“Homer’s tales are well known in Delphi. I will call Urias to come after we have had food and wine, and he can entertain us with the reading of that chapter.” Stylianos motioned a slave over, whispered in his ear, and the slave nodded and went running out of the room.

Tony now entered, wearing a fresh robe like her, except it was a pale orange and came only to his knees. Stylianos motioned him to another chaise longue next to him.
“Thanks for the scrub-up,” Tony said, pulling the hem of his robe down as far he could before sitting. He was clearly conscious of the shortness of the robe.
Stylianos clapped his hands and various slaves appeared with pitchers of wine and plates of meat, dried figs, bread, olives and grapes. Stylianos motioned at them to eat and they tucked in. As they ate, three boys came into the room and picked up the abandoned instruments in the corner. They nodded at each other and started up a merry tune with the flute, lyre and tambourine. Adrianne came in and started to dance, spinning around in circles and then hopping foot to foot up and down the room, tapping her tambourine in time with the music.

The food was starting to clear and more wine was brought over. It was heavily watered down and was not the strong, cheap stuff they had drank at Adelphos’ home. Stylianos saw Tony’s face when he realised that he wasn’t as drunk as he should have been.
“Dear boy,” he said to his guest, “don’t look so surprised. You want to be drunk, yes?”
“Well, yeah,” Tony admitted. “I mean it’s never my intention to get slaughtered but yeah, was kinda hoping for some tipsyness at this point.”
“Slaughtered?” Stylianos looked puzzled. “Why would you want to be slaughtered? Are you an ox in disguise?”
“It’s a local way of saying ‘drunk’,” Kali intervened, notching her eyebrows at Tony for being so careless with his speaking.
“A strange manner of speech,” Stylianos mused, not sure what to make of this new phrase. “I was merely going to say that I do not approve of the rowdiness and behaviour that usually accompanies drunkenness so I merely water down the wine. That way it can be enjoyed without the taste being impaired and I avoid the unpleasantness that too much wine can bring.”
“It is a most fine wine,” Kali praised, lifting her cup and drinking as if to show her approval.
“I have my own stores near the stables,” Stylianos said. “I haven’t made any wine for at least two years but I have enough fermentation to last many dinner parties before I need to make any more.”

As the last food plates were cleared away, another large pitcher of wine was brought in by two young slaves, followed by an elderly man. He was dressed in a long, dark blue cloak, tightly wrapped around him and had a long and wispy white beard floating down from his chin. The slaves left and the old man stayed in the room, bowing low at Stylianos.
“Ah, Urias, my friend!” Stylianos greeted the man, clasping his hands and shaking them.
“Dear Stylianos!” Urias greeted his host, pulling him into a hearty embrace. “It has been a long time.”
“We must not wait until I next have guests before we meet again.”
“You called for me.”
“You must entertain us with the tales of Odysseus. My esteemed guests request chapter eight.”
“I would be happy to oblige.”
Urias unwrapped his cloak to reveal a dark floor-length tunic and settled himself down on a large cushion next to the musicians. He took up a lyre and started to deftly pluck at the strings. The other musicians listened to the tune and picked up the melody, a slow but light hearted tune, well suited to the nature of the requested chapter.

“As soon as Dawn appeared, fresh and rosy-fingered,” Urias began to sing, his voice strong and confidently pronouncing each word as if the text was etched on his memory. Kali was delighted. She had never heard a sung version of The Odyssey and was enjoying the melodic voice of Urias. He sang of how Alcinous granted Odysseus a safe passage home, even though he did not know who he was or where he was from. The king ordered a feast for all the princes at his palace in honour of his guest. The bard Demodocus sings of the quarrel in Troy between Achilles and Odysseus to entertain the people during dinner which upsets Odysseus. Alcinous notices this but says nothing, instead ordering that sports be played by the guests and so games are organised. Various sports are played and Odysseus excels. Demodocus afterwards entertains them with the story of how Aphrodite and Ares were caught making love by Aphrodite’s husband Hephaestus. When Odysseus gives praise to Alcinous’ dancers, the king is pleased and demands that everyone there gives Odysseus a parting gift as appropriate.

Kali listened intently as this part of the chapter was sung. She knew that every detail would matter.

“Meanwhile,” Urias sang, “Arete brought out from the inner chamber a fine chest for their guest, in which she packed the splendid gifts of clothing and of gold which the Phaeacians had made him. To these, on her own account, she added a cloak and a tunic of fine quality, and then addressed Odysseus with words that flew.
‘See to the lid yourself, now, and tie the knot, so that you may not be robbed on your journey home when you‘re enjoying a sweet sleep later on as the black ship carries you along.’
Noble, much-enduring Odysseus took her advice and fixed the lid on at once, fastening in neatly with a complicated knot that the Lady Circe had once taught him.”
“That is what I wanted to hear,” Kali told her host. “But there was no description of the chest. I cannot tell whether the one given to me was truly that of Odysseus or not.”

Urias continued to sing of how King Alcinous of the Phaeacians finally demands the name and home country of his guest and what has happened before he landed on the shores of their country. The chapter ended, Urias stopped singing and plucked a little more at the lyre to signal the ending of his song. Kali applauded and Stylianos and Tony joined in with her.
“That was wonderful,” Kali told Urias. “I adore the Homeric tales.”
“I am happy to have pleased you, madam,” Urias replied, getting up and wrapping his cloak back around him tightly.
“I will have Adrianne give you some food and a skein of wine to take with you,” Stylianos said to Urias. Adrianne acknowledged the order and left the room immediately.
“He’s leaving already?” Tony whispered to Kali.
“Yeah, he literally has to sing for his supper,” she replied. “Bards memorise all the old tales and then recount them for the entertainment of others. In return they are offered food, wine, blankets, gifts. It’s not a bad way of making a living, provided you have an excellent memory.”
“I once read a story that had a character with a good memory,” Tony said.
“You read a book (?)” Kali said with mock-sarcasm.
“Ha ha (!)” Tony replied with the same sarcasm. “I do read books, just not very often. Anyway it was one written by a mate. This monk, yeah, had memorised every word from a monastery’s library of books. I dunno how big a monastery’s library is but it’s probably massive. That guy would have been a good bard. It was a good read, actually.”
Urias was now given some food and a skein of wine wrapped in a blanket and he embraced Stylianos and thanked him for the gift. He then turned and hobbled slowly out of the doorway.

Stylianos sat back down on his chaise longue and poured himself another cup of wine. “We shall go to my museum tomorrow, if you wish,” he said to Kali and Tony. “We can look through the chests and see if you can find the one you are looking for.”
“That would be good, thanks,” Kali replied.
“Now my friends, if you will excuse me,” Stylianos said, getting up and stretching his arms. “I have had a long day and my body does not stay awake during the night like it did in my youth. I will retire to my bed and see you tomorrow. Takis will show you to your room when you are ready to retire.”
“Thank you,” Kali said.
“Yeah, thanks,” Tony added. “It’s been a good evening.”
Stylianos gave a wide smile and bowed very slightly before turning and leaving the room.
“That was a nice thing to say,” Kali remarked to Tony.
“Well, it has been a good evening,” he replied. “And I think I’m getting the hang of this dinner party stuff. Just eat, drink and praise your host all the time.”
“Yeah, that’s pretty much it.”
“Well, I’m bushed!” Tony stretched his arms upwards and yawned. “It was a long night and the heat today has been exhausting.”
“I agree,” Kali replied, trying to stifle her own yawns. “We should ask Takis to show us to our rooms.”
As if he heard, Takis entered the room and said to them, “Stylianos has asked that you be shown to your rooms when you are ready.”
“We are ready now,” Tony said, getting up and holding out his hand to help Kali up as well. She took it and he hauled her to her feet smoothly.
“Please follow me,” Takis said and turned.
They followed him and they diverted off to a sharp left.
“We’re going back to the men’s quarters,” Tony whispered to Kali. “This is where I went earlier. There are a lot of perfumes in the men’s rooms. A bit worrying if you ask me.”
“Not really,” Kali whispered back. “They don’t have soap so need smelling things to cover up bad odours.”
“I guess,” Tony shrugged. “Still a bit worrying though.”

Takis came to a doorway and stopped. “This is your room,” he said. “I bid you a good night.”
He turned and left. Kali and Tony looked at the door, at each other and then back at the door.
“We’re in the same room?” Kali asked.
“Looks like it mate,” Tony replied, pushing it open.
The room was fairly large and decorated like the rest of the house, with blankets spread across the floor and pots placed in areas to make the room look inviting. Some beeswax candles lined the dresser and there were two chairs and a pile of cushions on one side. In the middle was a large bed made up of hay and two thick blankets on top.
“Bagsy the left,” Tony said, and jumped onto the bed. It was surprisingly springy.
Kali cautiously approached the right hand side of the bed and quickly lay down, her back facing Tony, looking out to the dresser.
“Don’t I get a goodnight kiss?” Tony asked playfully, giving her a push.
“Leave off,” Kali replied. “Thought you were tired?”
“I am.”
“Well go to sleep then.”

Kali closed her eyes and drifted off almost immediately. She dreamt of her home. She could see the big red couch inviting her to sit on it. She sat down and was engulfed by the soft material. Her cat, Mittens, came and sat on her lap, curling into a ball. She stroked Mittens’ head and she purred softly in return. Kali could swear that Mittens had the ability to smile. Her cat was cute; a jet black coat with white fur on her paws gave her the name. She lifted Mittens off her lap and dropped her gently onto the floor. She walked around the coffee table and the corner jabbed into the back of her leg. Suddenly she could see Erebos glaring at her and felt him grabbing her around her waist and pulling her onto his horse. She kicked out and fell onto the floor with a thump.
“Aah,” she yelled out, suddenly awake and lying on the floor of Stylianos’ guest room.
“What happened?” Tony yelled, coming over to her side of the bed. He leaned over and looked at her spread out over the floor.
“I fell off.”
“Obviously,” he said, holding out his hand. She took it and he hauled her up to a sitting position so she could get back into bed. She sat on the edge, her legs over the side. Tony swung his legs over too and sat closely next to her.
“I had a nightmare,” she admitted.
“Wanna talk about it?”
A pause.
“I dreamt Erebos had kidnapped me again.”
Another pause.
“You okay?”
Kali looked up at Tony. She could feel the tears starting to creep into her eyes.
“I was so scared,” she half-whispered. “I didn’t know what was going to happen to me.”
Tony pulled Kali into a hug as she suddenly broke down and cried. He stroked her hair and gently rocked her. She finally pulled away and studied the wet patch she had left on Tony’s robe.
“I will not let anything happen to you,” Tony said, lifting Kali’s chin so she faced him.
She looked him in the eyes and saw the seriousness. She believed him. She nodded and wiped away the wetness on her face. Tony lifted a hand and brushed an imaginary tear away with his thumb. Kali felt goosebumps rise up on her neck and looked at Tony’s lips, moving slowly towards him and brushing them with her own. He pulled back a little, looked at her, and then came back towards her. This time the kiss was stronger, their lips slightly parted, each slowly savouring the taste of the other. It grew more intense and Kali moved her hands towards Tony’s torso. He suddenly pulled away and held her hands still.
“No, it’s not right,” he said, placing her hands on her lap.
“What do you mean?” Kali asked, confused.
“You’re highly emotional. I don’t want you doing something you will regret later.”
“Since when did you care about consequences? You’ve stolen food, been drunk, spoken about modern football rules and said modern phrases out loud. All these things could have gotten you into trouble and you’ve never given it a thought.”
“This is different,” he insisted. “I don’t have to stay in the company of any of the people I stole from or said things to. I do have to stay with you. And…”
He paused, not sure how to phrase what he wanted to say next.
“What?” Kali asked.
“I care about you, okay?” he said. “What you said the other day, about me needing you? You’re right. I wouldn’t last a day on my own. And when I saw you being taken away I didn’t only think of myself. I thought about you. I was genuinely worried for you. You could have been raped or murdered or anything.”
“So why won’t you let me kiss you?”
“Because you might think differently about me in the morning.”
“Isn’t that my decision to make?”
“Do you have protection?”
Kali shook her head.
“Me neither, and I can’t see there being a pharmacy around the corner, can you?”
Kali shook her head again.
“Just sleep, okay?”
Kali laid down, lifting her legs back on to the bed. Tony got up and walked around the other side and laid down too. He placed a hand over Kali’s and closed his eyes. Kali interlinked her fingers with Tony’s and fell asleep too.

Chapter Twelve – Escape to Delphi

Kali woke up as the sunlight hit her face through the cloth of the tent. She had finally managed to get a few hours after she had hunched her shoulder up and rested her head against it. It hadn’t been particularly comfortable but it was all her tired body needed. She yawned and shook her head a bit, trying to wake herself up. Haemon and his slave girls were still fast asleep and she could hear some faint snoring going on outside.

“Hey! Psst!” a whispered voice came out from behind her.
Kali turned her head around as far as she could and saw Tony, grinning from ear to ear, and brandishing a dagger.
“Wanna break free?” he said, ripping the rope around her wrists apart with the dagger.
“My feet too,” Kali whispered, looking at Haemon to see if he could hear them. He didn’t move a muscle and his breathing remained constant.
Her feet cut loose, she silently took Tony’s hand and crept outside. He slowly approached one of the horses and stroked his nose. It didn’t even make one noise. He joined his hands together and bent down.
“Come on then,” he whispered. “Before they wake up, yeah?”
Kali put a foot on his hands and was hoisted up onto the horse’s saddle. Tony pulled at the horse’s reins and mounted another horse for himself. They then slowly trotted back up the valley. Some stones were loosened and rolled down the hill.
“Shit, go for it,” Tony said to her.
Kali looked back and saw some of the men rouse at the noise.
“Thieves!” Gregorios yelled, brandishing his sword and running towards one of the horses.
Kali and Tony looked at each other and both kicked their horses hard. Their horses neighed and took off at a gallop. Kali looked back and through the dust could make out Gregorios and three other men galloping after them.
“Tony!” Kali yelled over at him. “They’re going to gain on us!”
Tony looked back and then at her.
“We’ll get to Delphi before they do,” he yelled back. “It’s not far now and we’ll get protection.”

Kali didn’t question how he knew all this information. They just had to get out of there and lose the men on their tail. There was nowhere to hide and they couldn’t hide their tracks as so much dust was being lifted off the ground by the horses. Tony was riding faster than her and was obviously quite an accomplished rider. She had ridden about twice in her life before this, and it didn’t include her kidnapping the previous evening. She copied Tony’s stance, leaning far forward and gripping the reins tightly. His feet kicked a rhythm against the horse’s side and she did the same. Soon they were level-pegging and managed to gain some distance. Kali looked back and saw their pursuers slowing down. It was only then that Kali realised that Tony had picked up the only two horses that were not saddled with any stock and would be faster in a chase. She started to feel a new-found respect for her companion, who was obviously not as dumb as he first appeared.

As they lost their pursuers they slowed down their horses, not wishing to burn all their energy. Delphi started to appear on the horizon and they kept up a good pace, looking behind them occasionally to see if they were still being followed. There wasn’t anyone to be seen, save some workers in the fields. The wheat was being harvested in the heat of the day. Browned men attacked the stalks with scythes and were followed by others, picking and bundling up the wheat and loading the carts. They all looked up as Tony and Kali passed through the field but did not say anything. They merely stared for a few moments and then continued with their work.

As they approached the city walls, they dismounted and led their horses on foot, giving them relief from their passengers. People bustled about and took barely any notice of the travellers walking through.
“Told you it wasn’t far,” Tony said. “How are you doing?”
“Not bad,” Kali replied. “My ankles and wrists still hurt though. That rope wasn’t nice at all.”
She held out a wrist to show him. It was red and sore where the rough material had rubbed against her skin as she had struggled in an attempt to escape.
“Ooh,” he said, screwing his face up. “Have to find something to put on that.”
“I’ll be fine,” she replied, rubbing it and blowing on it to cool it down. “So, how did you know where Delphi was?”
“When you were taken away by that man I left my stuff to try and catch up with you. Obviously I didn’t manage that so just carried on walking in what I thought was the right direction. It wasn’t too hard with those hoof prints in the dry ground. During the night I stepped on what felt like a piece of cloth, looked down, and found this map. Your kidnapper must have dropped it from his saddlebags.”

He handed her a small piece of cloth. On it very faintly was a rough diagram of upper Greece with the main cities marked in big crosses. There were no names for the cities but they each had a diagram next to them to describe what they were. Erebos obviously was not a reader. There was a diagram of an olive branch by Athens. Then there were mountains where the Gulf of Corinth lay. Their destination, Delphi, had a sun with beams coming out of it. In various areas between the cities there were big dots.
“How did you know Delphi was the sun city?” Kali asked, surprised.
“Adelphos told me,” he replied, taking the map back from her. “He was going on about the sun god and how Stylianos worshipped him over the other gods which was why he had moved to Delphi.”
“What about those dots?”
“Hiding places. I followed the horse hooves and it directed me to roughly where one of these dots were. All I had to do was wait until everyone outside was asleep and creep in for you.”
There was a pause. Kali broke the silence.
“Thanks. You know, for rescuing me. They thought I was a Persian spy.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“Yes. I think the Persians are about to wage war on the Greeks.”
“Let’s hope we’re out of here before that happens.”

They were heading further into the city now and came across a market. Tony saw a man selling pots and asked him where they might find the museum. The man pointed in the direction there were going already and Tony nodded his thanks. They walked further and further until the houses started to peter out and they found themselves the other side of the city.
“Did we pass it?” Tony asked.
“I don’t really know what I’m looking for,” Kali admitted. “It’s not like it’s going to have any signs or a tourist attraction symbol.”
“Maybe we took the wrong turn?”
“What turn? We’ve been walking straight!”
“Maybe we should have taken one?”
“Oh.”

They stood there in silence for a bit, deciding on their next move. Kali rested her head against her horse.
“I’m so tired,” she said. “I couldn’t sleep because I was standing up all night.”
“Me too,” Tony admitted. “It was cold walking through the valley. My legs are killing me.”
“Maybe we should ask for Stylianos by name?” Kali suggested.
“Would people know who we were asking for? Maybe there’s more than one Stylianos.”
“Maybe, but there can’t be that many that own a museum.”
“It’s a plan.”
“We should head back then,” Kali said, scrambling onto her horse. “I just need to rest my feet a while.”
Tony mounted his own horse expertly and they slowly ambled back into the city.

Chapter Eleven – Bandits in the Hills

They rode on for what Kali felt like was forever. As the moon peeked out from behind the clouds again, Kali could see they were approaching a dip in the valley. As the horse slowly made its way downhill, Kali could see a band of men huddled around a large fire right at the bottom. It was a perfect place to camp out for the night, hidden from view and sheltered from the cold wind. They had to be bandits. Why else would they be hiding in the valley?
“Woohoo!” a yell came from the group as they saw the horse approaching.
They drew nearer and her kidnapper jumped off the horse and tied it to a tree where five other horses were tied up and feeding from a stack of wheat. Three were stacked up with supplies and the other two just had saddles and reins.
“Erebos, we thought you’d never get here!” a stocky man said, patting her kidnapper on the shoulder.
“Had to have a stop on the way,” Erebos said, jerking his head in Kali’s direction.
“Hey, pretty!” the stocky man said. “Who’s first?”
“She’s not for you, Gregorios,” Erebos said, holding the man back. “She’s for Haemon.”
“Haemon always gets the pretty ones,” Gregorios muttered, scratching his pock-marked cheek.
“And so I should,” a tall man said, walking up towards them. “I am your master. If you do not like it, you know you can leave.”
“No, master, of course not, forever grateful master,” Gregorios said quickly, bowing and backing off towards the fire.
“What have you bought for me, Erebos?” Haemon said, passing him by as he walked towards Kali.
“A pretty maiden all alone in the land,” Erebos smiled. “She is different, yes?”
“Certainly different,” Haemon agreed, stroking Kali’s hair. She flinched as his hand travelled down the length. “Bring her into my tent.”
Haemon walked away and Erebos looked at Kali.
“Come on then, girl,” he said to Kali, untying her from the saddle but not untying her hands. He jerked his head back towards the one tent there. “The master wants you.”

He pulled Kali by her wrists past the fire and she felt its warmth for a fleeting moment. She counted six men huddled around it and wondered briefly why they didn’t have a horse each. Erebos pulled her into the tent. It was quite big, with blankets and soft cushions scattered all over the ground. Haemon sat in the centre with a slave girl sat either side of him. Another was preparing food at the side. Erebos pushed Kali onto the ground and she fell on her knees.
“You will be subservient for master, yes?” Erebos said.
Kali didn’t say anything. She just looked up and stared at Haemon. She decided that he was handsome for a bandit. Not that she knew any but he certainly wasn’t like her scar-faced kidnapper or the acne-ridden Gregorios.
“She is not Greek,” Haemon observed. “Her hair is very light.”
“Yes, master,” Erebos agreed.
“Do you understand me?” Haemon said to Kali.
“Yes,” Kali said.
“Ah, and where are you from?”
Kali hesitated. “A kingdom far away.”
“A kingdom?” Haemon raised an eyebrow. “You are a subject from Darius?”
Kali shook her head. Of course she did know of Darius, king of Persia. But then she also knew that if Darius was on the throne at this time then the Persians would be trying to take over Greece and that would make her an enemy.
“So where is this kingdom? Does it have a name?”
“The United Kingdom is far north,” Kali replied. “But I’m not quite sure how I got here.”
“Hmm,” Haemon said, stroking the trimmed beard on his chin.
“Maybe she is a spy, master,” Erebos whispered. “The Persians are twisters of words.”
“Have you searched her supplies?” Haemon asked.
“No, master,” Erebos replied.
“Search them and see if you can find anything that says where she’s from.”
Erebos turned and disappeared quickly out of the tent.
“But I’ve just told you,” Kali protested, “I’m not Persian, I’m from the north.”
“But you do not know how you got here?” Haemon said, laughing at her.
“There was a bright light and I landed in Athens,” Kali replied truthfully. “I simply have no idea how that happened but I’ve been walking all day… and carrying that heavy bag of stuff… and I need to get to Delphi… and I’m a long way from home and…”
Kali didn’t know why. Maybe it was because she needed the sleep. Maybe it was because of the prolonged exposure to the sun she’d had over the last two days. Maybe it was because she was terrified of this hostage situation and her knees were really beginning to hurt being on the scratchy blanket. Whatever it was, she was feeling highly emotional and was going to cry at any minute.
Erebos rushed in. “Just a robe, some blankets and half-consumed food and drink,” he said, slightly out of breath. “Probably picked it up in Athens.”
“Thank you, Erebos,” Haemon said. “That will be all.”
Erebos bowed and left.

Haemon took a good long hard look at Kali, stroking his beard and musing something. He got up and walked around her, his eyes staring right through her. He wandered round to the front and finally spoke.
“I want to believe you,” he said. “And I don’t doubt for one minute that you are not Persian, for I have never seen a woman with such light hair before. It certainly is remarkable.” He reached out to touch it again. This time Kali didn’t flinch. His touch was gentle and was not threatening. “I would normally torture anyone I suspected to be a spy but I don’t want to ruin that wonderfully pale skin and it certainly would be a great loss if I was to dispose of you.”
Kali’s bottom lip trembled slightly. This man was speaking about her like he could just extinguish her being with a click of his fingers. And she didn’t doubt it for one second. He was powerful and had a private army of bandits waiting outside. Even though she was terrified of what might happen to her, she felt his presence holding a sway over her. She would never dare try and escape in fear of what might happen if she was caught.
Haemon saw her lip trembling and held a finger gently to it. “I will not harm you, as so long as you do as I ask.”
Kali nodded.
“Erebos!” Haemon called out.
Erebos came running in and bowed. “Yes, master?”
“Take Dione and Arête,” Haemon ordered. The two slave girls sat either side of him stood up immediately at the sound of their names. “They are to be shared with the men. We are to celebrate for having such a mysterious and beautiful woman in our presence.”
Erebos bowed again and left, taking the girls with him. There was a shout from outside followed by cheering.
“They will not disturb us,” Haemon said, taking Kali’s tied hands and raising her up onto her feet. He led her to the edge of the tent and tied her hands behind her around a tent pole. He then bent down and tied her feet as well.
“You must be thirsty,” he said, and clapped his hands. “Eurydice, some water!”

The slave girl preparing the food stood up and brought a jug of water, bowing as she presented it to Haemon. He took the jug and poured some onto Kali’s face. She opened her mouth, twisting her head around to lap up all the water she could.
Haemon put the jug down and sat himself among the cushions. Eurydice knelt by her master and fed him meat, bread and olives. He would open his mouth slightly and she would carefully tear the food up into small pieces and deposit them onto his tongue. Occasionally he would pick up a piece to give to her, his fingers lingering on her lips. She handed him a cup and he leant back, sipping the wine and staring at Kali.
“You have a name?” he asked her.
“Kali,” she replied.
“Kali,” he repeated, letting the syllables float around his mouth. “That is an unusual name.”
“It’s Indian,” she said before stopping herself.
“Indian?” he asked. “And what is that?”
“It means it’s from India, an Eastern country, far beyond the borders of Persia,” she replied. “My ancestors are from there.”
“I have no knowledge of any country beyond Persia. How do you know this?”
“I have travelled to many countries in the world.”
“How do you have ancestors from the east if you are from the north?”
“They travelled north many years ago and settled there.”
“Interesting.”

Eurydice was now clearing their meal away and Haemon pointed at Kali, holding out the plate that held the meat. It had barely any scraps left on it, mostly bone and sinew. Eurydice bowed and took the plate from him, taking it to Kali. She grabbed what meat was left on the plate and held out the palm of her hand to the hostage. Kali bent as far down as she could and ate off Eurydice’s hand. Kali could see Haemon out of the corner of her eye while she strained to reach the meat. He was smiling broadly and enjoying watching his victim suffer.

Eurydice pulled her hand away and carried the dishes outside. Moments later she came back, the dishes dripping with water, and she dried them with the corner of her robe. She washed her hands in a bowl and brought the bowl to Haemon so he could wash his hands too. He dipped them and rubbed them dry on Eurydice’s robe. He then took the bowl from her and pulled the pin on her robe from her shoulder. The robe came off and he stood up behind her, lifted his own robe, and entered her. Kali closed her eyes and turned her head. She heard some grunts and then it was all over.

“Kali, you will look upon me,” she heard Haemon say.
She opened her eyes and saw him still clothed and reclining in the arms of a naked Eurydice.
“You will tell a story from your country, your kingdom.”
Kali started to think hard. She didn’t know any stories, not ones that would interest Haemon anyway. The only really good one she could think of was the one her Indian grandparents used to tell her all the time, the Slayer of Raktabija. It was about the Hindu goddess Kalika, or Kali, whom she was named after. Would it harm things if she mentioned a goddess he was unfamiliar with?
“I will tell the tale about the goddess Kali,” she ventured.
“You are named for a goddess? But of course! Only one so beautiful would be a goddess.”
“Would it not be sacrilegious or blasphemous to you if I spoke of a deity who was not from Greece?”
“There are many gods for many people. I believe that they are all the same but we name them differently. It is normal for you to have your own names for the gods.”
Kali was impressed by Haemon’s tolerance.
“Very well,” she started.
Haemon smiled and settled down, closing his eyes to soak up the story.

“Kali was a powerful goddess in the country of my origin. Some mistake her for the demon goddess and rightfully so, for Kali is associated with death and destruction. She is a figure of darkness, of violence and of annihilation.

“There was once a powerful demon by the name of Raktabija. He was a curse upon the country and was fought off bravely by Durga and the Matrikas, a band of seven dangerous goddess with inauspicious qualities. But no matter how many ways they killed him, with no matter what weapon, the demon would snub these wounds by cloning himself from every drop of blood that was spilt by them. Very soon the battlefield was filled with Raktabija and his clones, a massive battalion of duplicates.

“Durga called upon Kali to help in their battle and the goddess sprung forth from Durga’s forehead, brandishing a sword and noose, filling the sky with her thunderous cries. Kali was a fearful creature, her eyes bright red and her flesh emaciated, her mouth gaping wide and ready to feed. She killed Raktabija by sucking out the blood from his body and swallowing it. She then ate the clones of Raktabija until there was nothing left of the demon.

“Kali was pleased by her actions and in victory, danced upon all the dead bodies of those killed in the action.”

Haemon opened his eyes and smiled at Kali.
“I liked the tale,” he said, “but your description of the goddess does not do any justice to the woman named after her.”
“It’s a popular tale and one of the most famous.”
“I do not doubt it. Come, sleep a while. The dawn will be coming soon and we must leave here.”
“Where are we going?”
“As far away from Delphi as we can.”

Haemon called for Dione and Arête, and the two slave girls returned to the tent. The three girls positioned themselves around Haemon and all four were asleep in minutes, drowsy with all the wine they had consumed.
Kali couldn’t sleep. Every time she nearly did drift off she would wake up with a jerk. She was completely unable to sleep standing up. Her wrists were beginning to hurt and she desperately wanted to shift her feet around, but the rope was bound too tightly.

Her mind was racing with thoughts. They were going to travel in completely the opposite direction from where she wanted to go. Why did they want to flee from Delphi? They had probably stolen some stuff from there, she decided. That meant that she couldn’t have been much further from her original destination. But she was in no position to protest. She would simply have to go along and hope that they would head back towards Athens. Now Tony had lost her and it was unlikely he could find her again, all she needed was to get back to that chest and go home. Tony was probably already there, hoping that she’d be able to come back. He was stuck too without her. She just hoped he wouldn’t do anything stupid like trying to rescue her. The army of bandits outside wouldn’t hesitate for a second to run him through with their swords. Tony wouldn’t stand a chance.

Chapter Ten – Trek to Delphi

They walked along in silence for a good while. Kali was concerned about the overhead sun and pulled out one of the lengths of material from the leather skin and draped it over her head. Tony was still waking up and staggered alongside her, looking bored and kicking up the dusty dry mud under foot.
“Someone needs to invent shoes,” he muttered.
“What were you doing yesterday anyway?” Kali asked.
“Went and sat right by where we came through the portal, guarding the chest.”
“You dug it up?”
“Nah, just sat near the markers in case someone else had that idea.”
“You know you’ve probably attracted more attention by doing that then if you had just left well alone.”
“Well someone had to protect it!” Tony said crossly.
“What about now while we’re on our two day trek to Delphi?”
Tony kept quiet. He obviously hadn’t thought that far ahead.
“Anyway, how much did you drink last night?”
“Why?”
“Well, you were pretty gone. Do you remember dancing like a drunken idiot?”
“I remember dancing really well, actually.”
“Yeah, like a drunken idiot!”
“Look, I was enjoying myself!” Tony cried out. “That Adelphos was a diamond geezer, a proper up-for-it bloke. And then you had to blurt out about the chest and drag us away from a free-for-all booze up and willing slave girls!”
“I thought you wanted to find out the value of that chest?”
“Yeah, well, there was plenty of time for that! Just 'cause you didn’t get any nookie you want to go and spoil it for everyone else.”
“You think I wanted to leave because you were getting some?”
“And you weren’t.”
“Funnily enough I don’t think that sex is the most important thing right now. I’m more concerned about finding out the value of this chest so we can go home and you can cash in.”
“Sex isn’t important?” Tony asked mockingly. “You know, people who say that are either regulars or just frigid.”
“What?”
“You not getting a regular boost?”
“It’s none of your business!”
“I knew it! You’re just uptight.”
“I am not!”
“Prove it!”
“Excuse me?”
“Blow me.”
“Well, excuse me if I decide not to fancy you!” Kali said crossly. “Even if you were the last man on earth I wouldn’t even kiss you let alone do anything else. You are a greedy, selfish and simple-minded individual so forgive me if I just pass.”
“Uptight.”
“Whatever.”
“Maybe I’ll just leave you to go on your little journey and go back to Adelphos.”
“You want to leave me and go back?” Kali laughed. “Be my guest! But Adelphos won’t let you stay forever rent free and while I have the knowledge and the means to go home, you’re better off with me.”
Tony stopped. Kali continued walking. She knew Tony was bluffing and that he would probably be following her from a distance. She didn’t dare look round and show that she cared. She knew they both knew that he couldn’t survive without her and that if he ever wanted to go back, she had the stone.

She walked for at least a couple of hours before starting to get tired. She saw a tree and rested under it, glad of the cool shade it provided. She glanced discreetly in the direction they had come from. Tony was definitely following her. She could see the bundle of supplies sticking out from behind the rock where he was trying to hide from her. Man, he was a twat sometimes. She went through her bundle and found some meat in a cloth and a small skein of watered wine. She drank gratefully and demolished half of the meat. When Tony had finally come out of his sulk he’ll come back and walk with her, asking her a load of questions. Even if he didn’t she was fine without him. She knew enough about the culture to survive. And even if he wanted to stay he could. She could go back and leave him behind. At least the idiot wouldn’t ever bother her again.

The sun was high overhead now. The dry heat was blistering and Kali rooted around in her supplies to try and find some water. She found a large skein and gulped its contents. The water was ice fresh and gratefully received. She took one last look around and saw Tony packing up his goods. She packed up as well and started off again.

She walked for the rest of the day alone. Now and again she’d pretend to have cut her foot on a particularly hard area of ground and turn as she was inspecting her soles. Tony remained behind her but did not close the distance at all. It was like he was trying to spite her. Oh well, she thought, if he wanted to be juvenile about it then he could. All because he wanted to have his cake and eat it. She hummed a tune to herself as she went along, trying not to think of how tired her legs were getting. Her feet were starting to feel sore too. She was in fairly good physical health but she definitely wasn’t used to just walking all day long. Even if she was sightseeing for the day she would have been able to rest in gift shops or cafes during her travels. This was just continuous walking in the same direction at the same pace with the same stupid rocks and occasional olive tree. And all in the dry heat of Greece. She wasn’t even sure if she was going in the right direction. She knew where Delphi was generally but without a proper road she would miss it if she was a few miles out. There was a rough sort of beaten track going in the same direction as she thought she wanted to go but as the day wore on she became less certain of her navigational skills. Her common sense told her that the path had to lead somewhere and even if it wasn’t Delphi it couldn’t be that far off and she was bound to find someone who could tell her where it was. But she really didn’t want another day of just walking all alone.

Her thoughts occupied her mind and as night fell and the air became cooler she was able to walk a bit faster and make more headway. As it became darker though she had to stop. There was no light even from the moon. The sky was cloudy and it was pitch black. She was suddenly afraid and wanted Tony as company. She heard the soft clip-clop of hooves and turned. She squinted in the dark towards the sound as it got louder and louder. It was heading straight for her. Too late she saw the horse cantering up and she fell over a rock as she tried to get out of its path.
“Aah!” Kali cried out as she hit the ground hard and the rock dug into the back of her leg.
The horse hooves stopped and slowly trotted back towards her.
“I am terribly sorry,” a man said, jumping off the horse and running up to her.
“That’s okay, really,” Kali said, lifting her leg off the rock and trying to examine any damage.
“No, do not move,” the man said, touching her leg gently. “There is some blood there but nothing major.”
The man pulled out a dagger and ripped a piece off a blanket draped over the horse. He quickly twisted it and bound it tightly around Kali’s leg.
“What are you doing out here alone anyway?” the man asked.
“Oh I’m not…” Kali started but then stopped herself.
“You’re not what?”
“I was with someone but I’m not now.”
“You’re certainly prepared for a journey,” he said, eying up her supply bag.
“I’m headed towards Delphi. I’m on a mission.”
“The Oracle doesn’t just see anyone, you know.”
“Oh, I’m not.”
“Why else would you go to Delphi?”
“I’m visiting a museum.”
“Alone?”
Kali didn’t like the way this conversation was going. She would find him a gift in return for his help and then he would be on his way.
“Here,” she said, pulling out one of the blankets. “Please take this as xenia and to replace the one on your horse.”
“There is no need for that,” he replied, “when you can be my xenia.”
“I can be your xenia?”
“Of course!”
Kali most definitely didn’t like the way this was going.
“You are an attractive woman,” he continued. “I do not have a woman with such fine fair hair such as yourself.”
He reached out and stroked her hair. Kali shuffled back slightly.
“You will not refuse me,” he said, and he suddenly grabbed her around her middle and hauled her up. She stamped on his foot and he yelled out, letting go of her to jump around on one foot. Kali left her supplies on the ground and started to hobble away towards Tony, in the sheer hope that he would see her and help her. She felt a strong arm around her middle again and was hoisted up in the air. She screamed out, kicking her legs out but her arms were trapped and she couldn’t even elbow him hard to make him let go. He lifted her onto his horse but she wasn’t having any of it, still writhing around, trying to escape.
“Keep still or I’ll have to hurt you and the master won’t be pleased with that,” he hissed, his dagger waving around in front of her face, the blade now glinting in full moonlight.

Kali could finally see clearly as the clouds parted and saw the face of her abductor. He was a very skinny man, with a deep scar across his right cheek. She watched him deftly tie her wrists together in front of her and saw his little finger on his left hand was missing. Her arms were then tied to her sides and knotted around the saddle so she couldn’t escape or worse, fall off. The man then tied her supplies to one of the saddlebags and they rode off. Kali grabbed what she could of the man’s shirt with her tied hands and tried to look behind her. Sure as anything, Tony was madly running behind, his supply bag abandoned, desperately trying to keep up with the horse which was thankfully cantering and not galloping away. Unfortunately he had no chance of keeping up with her and was falling further and further behind. Like her he had been walking all day in the heat and had no chance of being able to run after her all night. She watched as he got smaller and smaller till she couldn’t see him anymore. The clouds covered up the moonlight and again it was pitch black. Yet the horse continued to canter away and Kali shut her eyes tightly, wondering what on earth she had gotten herself into.

Chapter Nine – The Morning After

The next morning Kali could smell the fresh bread being cooked. She ran her fingers through her hair and tried to make herself look presentable in her crumpled robe and mussed up hair. It badly needed washing. She crept to the front room and saw Adelphos and Angela eating bread and drinking milk with three small children.
“Ah, Kali, come!” Adelphos said, seeing her.
Kali entered and sat down on a cushion.
“Jason!” Adelphos shouted.
The slave boy appeared carrying a large jug of milk and put it in front of Kali. She dipped her bowl in and started to drink.
“Please, I would like to introduce my children,” Adelphos said. “This is Damas, Darius and my little girl Dacha.”
The children smiled and waved as their names were mentioned and Kali smiled back at them.
“I hope the bed was to your liking,” Angela said.
“Oh it was a lovely night’s sleep,” Kali lied. She had barely got a wink all night what with the antics next door and the scratchiness of the wheat bedding under the blanket.
“Where is your husband?” Adelphos asked.
“I haven’t seen him,” Kali replied. “He’s probably got a hangover.”
“A what?”
“Hangover. It’s what we call the headache you get the morning after drinking lots of wine.”
“Headache?”
“When you’re forehead throbs?”
“Ah yes, the banging of drums you hear?”
“Exactly!”
Kali ate the bread in front of her and some olives.
“So what brings you from your kingdom?” Angela asked.
“Well, I was looking for a chest,” Kali replied.
“What sort of chest?” Adelphos asked.
“Well, you’re going to think I’m crazy or something,” Kali warned. “And I need to know that I can trust you not to tell anyone about it. I don’t need a riot on my hands.”
“A secret?” Angela asked.
“Yes, a big secret. It must not go beyond these walls. Can your children and slaves be trusted?”
Adelphos clapped his hands. “Leave us!” he ordered, and the slaves in the room duly left.
“I trust my family but never my slaves,” he said. “You can tell us and we will not breathe a word as long as we are alive in great Athena’s land.”
The children all nodded, waiting with baited breath and eyes wide open in anticipation.
Kali took a deep breath. “I’ve lost a chest reputedly to be the chest of Odysseus.”
Angela and Adelphos looked at each other and then at Kali, eyes wide open.
“The chest of Odysseus?” Adelphos asked. “How did you come across such a magnificent gift?”
“It was given by a benefactor.”
“How were you so careless in losing it?” Angela added.
“It was stolen,” Kali said, truthfully. It was stolen. By Tony. “I’m trying to find clues as to its whereabouts.”
Adelphos and Angela were silent.
“What about Uncle Stylianos?” Damas spoke up.
“Uncle Stylianos?” Kali queried.
“He has mysterious objects in his museum,” Damas said. “Maybe he has been given your chest?”
“Damas, my son,” Adelphos said, “you are wise. Of course I forgot that brother Stylianos once owned a museum. I’m not sure that he still does. It has been ten years since I last saw him.”
“But it’s possible he may know?” Kali asked.
“Yes.”
“How do I reach him?”
“He has a plot of land in Delphi. His ownership of the museum brought in much money and he was able to cultivate the blessed land near the Oracle.”
“How far is it from here?”
“Two days. I’m afraid I only have one donkey and cannot lend you her.”
“I wouldn’t ask for her. Tony and I can walk.”
“You wish to leave immediately?”
“Yes.”
Adelphos clapped his hands. “Jason! Niobe!”
The slaves appeared almost immediately.
“Pack supplies for our guests. They have a long journey ahead of them.”
The slaves disappeared again and Tony staggered through the doorway.
“Ah, Tony, come, sit!” Adelphos beckoned him over.
“Nah mate,” Tony said, yawning and scratching his head, “nothing for me.”
Adelphos looked confused.
“He will have some bread with us,” Kali stated, and pointed Tony to a cushion. “I think he has not woken up fully yet and does not mean to offend his host.”
“No offence has been taken,” Adelphos said, and passed a bowl to Tony for him to scoop up milk.
Kali nudged him as Tony plopped down on the cushion next to her.
“You mustn’t refuse anything offered,” she whispered. “They think you are being rude.”
“Sorry!” Tony hissed back, obviously grumpy.
“Adelphos and his wife are supplying us with goods to take on our travel to Delphi,” Kali said more loudly.
“What’s in Delphi?” Tony asked.
“Clues about the chest,” Kali said.
“Oh, cool,” Tony said helping himself to bread and stuffing it in his mouth.
“If you have time, I would be glad to have you as guests for more time on your journey back here,” Adelphos said.
“We thank you kindly,” Kali said. “We are most grateful for you help and hospitality.”
Adelphos looked as pleased as punch at this. Angela left the room and came back with two lengths of materials draped over her arms.
“For you,” she said. “You can’t be wearing that robe all the time.”
“Thank you,” Kali smiled gratefully and took the clothes from her.
“I will have Niobe pack extra blankets and another tunic for your husband.”
Kali looked at Tony. He had wine stains on his robe. At least their hosts were polite, she thought. Tony looked up at her.
“We’re leaving now?” he asked.
“The sooner the better.”
“But…” he trailed off.
“Yes?”
“Nothing.”
“Good. Then we leave now!”

Kali carried her clothes outside and saw the slaves had left the goods wrapped in two leather skins for them to carry. She bundled the clothes into one of the skins and remembered to take their precious striped blanket with them. The last thing they needed was to lose their regular clothes, or the stone. As she thought about it she instinctively felt her bra cup. It was still there.
“What’s wrong? Think you’ve lost ‘em?” Tony came out and observed Kali poking her breast.
“Shut up,” she said.
Adelphos came out, followed closely by his family. Kali and Tony set off towards the hills.
“Farewell,” Adelphos called. “May Athena bestow bright blessings upon you and Hermes keep you safe on your journey.”

Chapter Eight – Dinner with Adelphos

The sun was starting to set and Kali made her way back to Adelphos’ stall. Tony was already there, chatting about the rules of football.
“This offside rule is too complicated,” Adelphos was saying as Kali approached.
“It’s not,” Tony insisted. “Look, it’s just a matter of timing.”
“And what have you been doing all day?” Kali interrupted as she got closer.
“Stuff,” Tony replied, “what’s it to you?”
Adelphos looked shocked. “This how you treat women from your country?”
“Our country?” Kali asked.
“You are obviously not from around here,” Adelphos smiled, eying her light brown-blonde hair. “Your husband tells me you are from a kingdom.”
“Yes, the United Kingdom,” Tony said. “Of course it’s split into different countries and stuff… Ow!”
Kali nudged him. “Stop chatting to Adelphos,” she scolded, “he’s trying to pack up.”
“No, I like to hear you talk,” Adelphos said. “Of course, I knew you must be from a country with a king, for how else would you have a blessed object if you were not from a kingdom?”
Adelphos finished packing up his stall and loading his goods onto the back of his donkey and cart. He pulled at the rope around the donkey’s neck. It brayed but obediently followed his master’s footsteps as Adelphos led it away into one of the side streets.
“What have you been saying?” Kali whispered to Tony. “If you give away too much we’ll look like nutters.”
“I said we were from the United Kingdom. How is that bad?”
“They think the north of the world is Turkey.”
“You’re joking me.”
“I am deadly serious.”
“Well, he seems happy enough with where we’re from.”
“I guess we haven’t too much to worry about. It’s not even called that yet.”
“It’s probably not even got people!”
“It’s not quite the Ice Age!”
“I’m just sticking with what I know.”
“Like football?”
“I can’t believe he doesn’t understand the offside rule. I’ve explained it tons of times.”
Kali rolled her eyes and walked along silently. The quicker all this was over the better.

They approached the doorway of a narrow dwelling and Adelphos called out for Jason. A small boy came rushing out and took the rope from Adelphos, pulling the donkey to the side and tying it up. Adelphos motioned them inside and immediately another small boy came out with a bowl of water and a cloth.
“Some water for our guests,” Adelphos ordered. The boy complied and came out moments later with two bowls and more cloths.
Adelphos began to wash the dust and dirt off his hands and feet. Kali and Tony followed suit. Jason now appeared and both slaves began to wipe their feet dry.
“Angela!” Adelphos called.
A young woman appeared and knelt at Adelphos’ feet.
“My wife,” Adelphos said. “This is Tony and Kali. They have travelled far from a kingdom and request a room in exchange for a blessed object.”
“But of course,” Angela said, bowing slightly at them. “Come!”
She held her hand out to Kali and she took it. Tony went to follow but was stopped.
“No, Tony,” Adelphos said. “We drink.”

Kali was led out of the room and into the back where the women’s quarters were. Here was the hustle and bustle of the kitchen, setting up a basic meal of bread, olives, meat and wine. Angela opened up an intricately decorated chest and pulled out an embroidered robe.
“You must wear this for dinner,” she said.
Kali held it up against her. it was of far better quality than the cheap robe she took from the Parthenon. Angela clapped her hands and two girl slaves appeared.
“They will bathe you,” she said.
“Oh, no,” Kali said, trying not to look horrified. “I will bath myself.”
“Oh, but you must!” Angela said, shocked. “I would not have you think of me as ill-mannered.”
“In my country we bath ourselves.”
Angela looked perplexed.
“It’s a privacy thing?” Kali offered.
Angela still looked confused.
“In my country we would not have others look upon ourselves in a naked state.”
“Oh!” Angela said, finally realising that it wasn’t rudeness but still a bit confused. “Well, I will leave the amphorae for you by the back, yes?”
“That will be fine. Thank you for your kindness.”
“I will take my leave,” Angela said, bowing slightly again and leaving the room, the slave girls following closely behind. They reappeared moments later with two large amphorae and placed them by what looked like a small tin bath in the back. They bowed and took their leave.

Kali looked at the beautiful robe she was meant to wear and then at herself. Oh what the hell, she thought, and pulled off her robe and underwear. She stepped outside into the back and felt the warm air on her skin. She tentatively dipped a finger into an amphora. It was lukewarm water. She stood inside the bath-like object and poured the water on herself, rubbing her skin with her hands. She dipped a finger into the other amphora. It was warm oil. She dipped her hand in, scooping up some oil, and rubbed it into her arms and legs. It was smooth and didn’t feel all that greasy. She was careful not too put on too much; she didn’t want to literally cook in the hot sun. Even though evening was approaching fast, it was still incredibly hot. Oiled and dressed, she made her way back inside and Angela was by a dressing table, smearing her eyebrows with soot. She clapped and a slave girl picked up some chalk and started on Kali’s face. She knew the ritual and kept still as they made her face and neck white, coloured in her eyebrows and lips, and pinned her hair up, twisting and plaiting the strands. All ready, Angela took Kali’s hand and led her back to the front room.

Tony and Adelphos were already seated on a chaise longue, drinking wine out of cups and laughing. Tony was laughing a bit too loud and looked like he’d had enough already.
“Whoa, what happened to you?” he said, seeing Kali’s white face.
“They’ve dressed me in some beautiful clothes,” Kali replied, trying to keep it normal.
She sat down next to Tony and was handed a cup by the slave boy who wasn’t Jason.
“How many have you had?” she hissed to Tony, drinking demurely from the cup. “This stuff is unwatered!”
“Great innit?” he said, grinning from ear to ear. “Cor, dancing girls!”

Kali looked up and it appeared the entertainment had already started. Jason and the other boy slave brought in the various dishes for the meal and a lyre player settled himself against the wall. He plucked at the strings and the two slave girls now started dancing. Tony was ogling them and practically drooling. Kali elbowed him hard in the ribs and he exclaimed, rubbing his chest frantically, giving her a dirty look. They took the lead of their hosts and began to eat, picking at the food with their fingers and then dipping them into small water bowls to keep them clean. The dancers were joined by the boy slaves and they all started singing a tune as they danced around the room. Tony got up and started dancing with one of the girls. Adelphos laughed and started to clap in time with the tune. More wine was produced and it flowed heavily. Kali tried to keep a lid on the amount she was being given. The last thing they needed was one of them to slip up and mention anything futuristic and they’d be chaos.

The food had barely been finished when Angela stood up.
“I must see to my children,” she said and left the room.
“You will go too,” Adelphos said, “and Niobe will make up your bed.”
Kali left the room, hearing the lyre player pick up speed as she left. The two slave boys now rushed around the room to clear up the empty bowls. She walked into the women’s quarters at the back and saw one slave girl making up a bed.
“Thank you Niobe,” Kali said to her.
Niobe smiled briefly and bowed before leaving quickly.
Kali took off her robe and put on the one she had before. She laid down but couldn’t sleep. She didn’t know if it was because she wasn’t tired or because she was in a strange place. She saw Angela walk past and heard her say something about food for the next morning. She then walked past again, obviously to retire to bed herself.

Kali got up and crept back to the front room. She peeked around the wall and saw Adelphos starting to feel up Niobe, who was now clearing the empty wine cups away. The girl obediently put down the cups and unpinned her robe, letting it fall to the floor. Adelphos started to caress her naked body and said to Tony, “Either one of them you desire shall be yours.”
Tony was delirious with delight as he looked keenly at the other slave girl he’d been with all evening. Adelphos nodded at her and she unpinned her dress, letting it fall to reveal herself to her. As she went to lift his robe over his head, Tony looked as if all his Christmases had come at once.
Kali quickly pulled her head back and ran back to her bed. She didn’t need to see or hear any of that! She laid down, screwing up her eyes and clamping her hands over her ears, hoping she would fall to sleep before they made any real noise.