The Gorgon Chonicles-The Gorgon Medusa

PART III

Three weeks after the hurricane ravaged a small island in the Mediterranean Sea and deposited three ships from a distant point of origin, the survivors not only healed their wounds but managed to create a stable, tribal society. Each person had a specific duty or function to fulfill so the entire colony could continue to thrive. This colony had representatives from Greece, Kemet societies (later known as Africa), and Indian tribes of the Far East. All from very different walks of life but all united in the notion of survival.

Language barriers were not a problem as all people were able to communicate effectively with each other. Over the weeks, discussions were held among the elders, as they were referred to, if they should adopt one language to become unified. Many of the people felt taking the language away was the same evil this new empire on the rise is doing across the region. Thus the matter was dropped.

The next matter for a group discussion was to rebuild the ships and attempt to sail home to their nations of origin. Among the Greek citizens, Indian and Kemet tribesman, settling on the deserted island was a good idea versus attempting to go back. However, some of the tribes from the more remote areas of Kemet and India expressed a desire to return home.

For days, arguments flowed back and forth as easily as a river empties into a lake. In order to avoid unrest among the fledgling colony, the elders decided to allow those who wished to leave the island to repair the least damaged vessel and sail away. There would be no interference from anyone who wished to stay. Repairs would take some time as the damage had to be assessed and then materials would have to be prepared. Since there was no docking port, a mill or iron smelt facilities, all of these facilities would have to be manufactured for the repairs. Fortunately, there were a number of people who had the talent and ability to create these facilities for the ship repair. Once the planning got underway, the elders thought it would be a good idea to refit and repair all vessels wrecked on the beach in case they need to flee the island for whatever reason. All were in agreement and the people worked tirelessly to accomplish the creation of a working foundry on a deserted island.

Meanwhile, Medusa had been constantly observing her new neighbors since their arrival weeks prior. Whether it was from her cave dwelling or as close as the encampment itself, she used her abilities to mask herself from their presence. It was as simple as quieting her serpents and standing in the shadows of the night and sometimes on a dark, cloudy day. Thankfully, the people from the shipwrecked vessels did not focus on exploring the mountain regions where she had taken a claim. So far, the colonists (instead of survivors since they were intent on settling the island) were more concerned about day to day survival than exploring the island. However, the time was quickly approaching and Medusa had to decide how to best deal with them.

In the evening, Medusa went to the beach forest area and climbed a large, mango bearing fruit tree to listen in on a meeting of the colony elders. Once she found a strong branch to sit on, and a ripe mango to eat, Medusa used her abilities to see through the fabric of the tent and observed the meeting. Two men and one woman sat on wooden stools and shared a plate of vegetables and fruit. They conversed in Greek, which Medusa found surprising, to insure everyone is sharing the same thought with one language.

"The repairs on the Acestes is ahead of schedule," the tall, muscular dark skinned man named Ajani reported as he took three large cabbage leaves for himself and a sip of water from his drinking skin. "I went down to the beach and it seems the ship only suffered minor damage and the main hull is still intact. The only concern is to repair the mast, sew a new sail, forge an anchor, cut new oars and then check the steering and rudder. I think we can have the ship in the water in two weeks."

The Indian woman, Kalindi, dressed in colorful wraps took two pieces of fruit from the tray. "What of the Poseidon and the Cowin? Both were severely damaged as sea and when they crashed onto the shore. Is there any way to determine if they will be sea worthy?"

Ajani took a moment to answer. Her Indian accent mixed in with the Greek language made it somewhat difficult to understand her. However, he took the liberty of staring directly at her when she spoke. For him, it was a pleasure to pay her every bit of attention he could. She was a lovely woman with large light brown eyes and long black hair. She was also intelligent and well educated, but at times her straightforwardness made her a bit stand-offish. In which case, she kept people at arm's length. Still for Ajani, it could be a challenge to get closer to her. He shook his head to clear it and answered her.

"From what the men on the repair detail told me, one ship can definitely sail but the other will have to be scuttled and used for parts, if possible."

Alpheus turned to face Ajani. "Surely my ship can be made capable of sailing again?" he asked almost in denial of Ajani's assessment.

Ajani shook his head. "I am sorry to say your fine trading vessel the Poseidon is damaged beyond repair. The slave ship is heavier and when they both crashed, the Cowin crushed and tore the aft hull asunder. It will take months to completely rebuild and repair the ship. It may be more economical to focus on the Cowin and place the Poseidon in dry dock."

Alpheus reached for another drinking skin, one filled with ale and took a long swig. Obviously, the trader was not happy with the news of his vessel. Ajani and Kalindi shared a puzzled look as Alpheus set down his drinking skin.

"I wish you could have told me this news sooner. I love that ship! I acquired it when I was in my thirties and had it ever since. We have sailed many waters sharing many adventures. I cannot believe the Poseidon is no longer sea worthy." Alpheus took another sip of ale and he shook his head.

"It is possible to repair the vessel," Ajani declared with a reassuring tone. "It will take longer to do so. Our main focus is to build a stable dock and repair the least damaged vessel, the Acestes. After that we can turn our attention to the other ships. I promise not to have her scrapped for usable parts."

Kalindi placed a sympathetic hand on Alpheus' shoulder to comfort him. "I am sure we can rebuild your ship as soon as we can. Are you thinking of leaving with the others?"

The Greek trader cast a look to Kalindi and then to Ajani. For several days, it has weighed on his mind of attempting to leave the island, if not for the crew's sake; it was for his granddaughter, nephew and Panphilia. These children should be returned home to their families in Greece, at least for Dionysus and Panphilia. Anthea's parents died in an earthquake in which she miraculously survived. Her home was the Poseidon and always has been since she was a baby. This was foremost on his mind.

"If it was just my crew and I here on this island, we could agree to stay. We all have lived on the seas for years. Dry land is just a place where we stop, trade, rest and move on. The parents of those two children must be worried sick by now and I do not want to put them through any unnecessary grief. Besides, I want to convey my sympathy to the families of the crewmen I lost during this adventure."

For the first time in as many weeks of knowing Alpheus, Kalindi and Ajani saw the old man look tired and grief stricken. His shoulders heaved and the look of gloom cast its shadow upon his face. Since the time of leaving the port in Sicily, Alpheus and his crew accepted the burden of their actions; as moral and just as it was, it can cost them their lives and for those of their families.

Medusa noted the man's unease but noble character. More so than Ajani and Kalindi, Medusa determined Alpheus was the best individual to approach in quiet to ascertain the purposed behind landing here at her island. She continued to study the elders from the sanctity of her mango tree.

"We will always be grateful and indebted to you and your crew for giving us a fighting chance for freedom," Ajani said in a somber tone. "There is no doubt if you had not intervened, we would all be sold into Roman slavery. That is a fate worse than death."

"I feel a great sadness for the other two ships that were recaptured," Kalindi wiped away a tear and then ate another piece of fruit. "By now, families are splintered, men sold to work in hard labor, the women to be sex objects and the children…" Her voice trailed off.

All three colony leaders took a moment of silence as they reflected on the loss of the other two slave vessels Roman warships quickly recaptured. The screams of pain and death as legionnaires boarded and killed those people who resisted or attempted to flee. The other three ships sailed away into the Mediterranean with all speed. Fortune smiled on them as they sailed into a storm at sea. It thwarted the efforts of other Roman ships from pursuit but it almost destroyed the remaining three ships against the mountain side of the island.

Again, Medusa was intrigued by the plight of these people. But what to do about these strangers on her island was an answer that eluded her. Cursing them with a look into her eyes was not an option. She continued her surveillance, adjusting her position in the tree quietly.

"We have much to decide. Already, there are many who wish to attempt to return to the lands of their birth. We agreed to let them go. But are we sending them into the point of the Roman sword?" Kalindi asked as she rose to get another drinking skin, this time filled with wine. Both Alpheus and Ajani sat up straighter, smiling at what she was bringing back.

"Roman warships are formidable and they sail the seas with regularity. However, we are lucky there has been no sign of them in weeks since we have landed here. It is in their interest to search for us; we only have a matter of time before they discover this island." Kalindi said as she passed the drinking skin to Alpheus, who sipped from it and then passed it to Ajani. "This island is not on any modern map so we have that to be thankful for. Roman ships coming here will not be a problem, but what happens when we launch the Acestes? What if the crew is discovered and tortured? They may give the location of our island to them and then they will come. We will be no match for them."

Ajani's eyebrows knotted. "You are talking about some of my countrymen, Kalindi. First, the Maasai are warriors and honorable people. We will die before helping any Roman invader. They pillaged our lands, stole our people and attempted to take away our way of life. No, we will never betray our own or others to the same plight!"

Alpheus placed a hand on Ajani's shoulders. "Kalindi was not suggesting your people would openly betray us. Only under torture would someone talk or if a Roman vessel spots them and projects their point of origin, it will be disastrous for all of us." Ajani calmed down then looked to Kalindi.

"My apologies Kalindi," he spoke with his hand out in a gesture of humility.

"None are necessary my friend. These Romans are beasts, a plague on this world. I too wish to go back to my homeland, but I will find nothing but death and Romans. I feel this is the only place for refuge for now." Kalindi sighed and stared at the fire burning outside of the tent. She wished she could go back to her Indian village but that was impossible. The Roman legions decimated her small village, killed most of the men and forced the survivors into ships. Her vessel sailed to Sicily to unload some of the human cargo for work in the mines. She and some of the other women were to be sold at a private auction for Roman senators.

Alpheus stopped that transaction. In fact, Alpheus and his crew managed a daring rescue and escape of the slave vessels. The site of seeing people being mistreated and sold like goods made Alpheus sick to his stomach. He was fortunate that his ship was well known and hailed from the small Greek village from which they produce many exotic fruits and clothing. The Poseidon received a pass on the Roman controlled waters and no vessel would dare impede its path. But since the port guards and the pursuing vessels have most assuredly identified the Poseidon as an accomplice to the escape of the slaves, its immunity would surely be revoked, crew imprisoned or executed for treason. Going home was not an option at the moment.

Ajani broke the silence with inspiring news. "While we are here on this island, we could not have asked for a better paradise. The soil is perfect for planting crops if need be. The trees give us plenty of fruit. Game and fishing here is plentiful. We need to establish more permanent lodgings if we are all going to stay here. These tents will be of no help if a storm like the one we experienced comes back."

"Agreed," Kalindi said as she sat forward a bit. "But I do not want to disrupt nature too much on this island. In my culture, we learn to coexist with nature."

"It is the same in mine," Ajani spoke up. "For every tree we use for building material, we plant three in their place." Both Alpheus and Kalindi nodded and Ajani continued. "Also, we need to move deeper into forest, further away from the beach in order to reduce the threat of flooding. In the afternoon tomorrow, I want to lead an expedition into the mountains, to understand the terrain there better, in case we will have to flee if the Romans make land and search for us."

Ajani pointed outside of the tent and toward the semi-distant mountains. Both Alpheus and Kalindi nodded in agreement. The fourth party in the tree did not agree. Medusa frowned on the notion of exploration parties venturing into the mountains. One of them will most assuredly venture into her cave and the resulting meeting would not be enjoyable. Her first thought was to leap down from the tree and confront the elders about exploring the mountains. But then a harsh, frontal approach was not the best idea.

"What will you do Medusa?" the Gaz'don demon asked out of genuine curiosity.

"I don't know," she whispered to herself. "But I must speak to one of them now before they start sending out scouts to survey the caves."

Medusa continued to observe the three leaders and decided she will speak to Alpheus, her fellow countrymen. The meeting lasted several more minutes until Ajani and Alpheus exited Kalindi's tent. She focused on Alpheus and tracked his movements toward another row of tents closer to the shore. One large tent sheltered the sailors from the Poseidon. In a smaller tent, three children slept peaceably. The last tent was reserved for Alpheus. She turned her attention back to the two men as they headed closer to the beach.

"Good night Alpheus. May your gods watch over you and your house tonight," Ajani held up his hand, praying for Alpheus.

"Good night my friend Ajani," Alpheus returned the gesture. "May your gods give you peace as you and your house sleep tonight."

As Ajani made his way to his tent, Medusa stayed focused on Alpheus. She waited patiently in the shadows and observed. First he went inside the tent where the sailors were fast asleep, all snoring loudly. He then checked on the children, who were also asleep. The old Greek trader kissed each of them on the foreheads and then left his tent.

"He seems like a devoted man to his family, crew and all other people," the demon remarked. "Admirable."

Medusa smiled and made her move. She used her powers to lift herself out of the tree and settle into some bushes behind Alpheus' tent. A moment passed as two sentries walked through the camp, watching over the survivors as they slept. They shared some water and baked fish before moving on to the next cluster of tents.

Alpheus entered his tent, unable to sleep. He lit a small lantern, looked around for his scroll, a quill and sat on his mat. No sooner did he start to write, the lantern light was blown out by a sudden gust of wind. He relit it and was stunned to see what the light revealed: a dark cloaked figure sitting on a wooden stool facing in his direction.

Alpheus was startled at first but then recognized it was the same being who rescued all three ships weeks prior. Something deep inside the trader told him to remain calm and offer the stranger some food or drink, but he was declined. At a closer inspection, Alpheus concluded the cloaked figure is a female but kept her eyes, hair and much of her body concealed and kept a discreet distance.

"I imagined you would have come sooner to our camp to at least introduce yourself," Alpheus finally said after a long moment of shock wore off.

Speaking in a calm, normal feminine voice, Medusa replied, "I was here several times, in the shadows watching all of you. I wanted to know who you were without your knowledge. If you knew you are being observed, I would not have been able to ascertain your true nature and purpose."

"It seems more like you were spying on us than just gathering information. If you had revealed yourself to us before on the ships, then revealing yourself to us afterward it would not have been a shocker. We would have thanked you at the very least." Alpheus put aside his scroll and sat up to meet her gaze, which she was not returning.

"I considered that but I value my privacy. Allowing you to land here was a tough decision but I could not allow you all to die in the sea or on the mountain cliffs," Medusa sighed as she picked up some sand between her fingers and let it fall to the ground. The falling sand piled into a small mound. Alpheus noted her gray skin and metallic nails. They looked strange but something in his mind told him it was familiar. "And it is the mountains I wish to speak to you about."

Alpheus focused on the sand mound and then on the cloaked woman. "What about the mountains?"

"I overheard you, Ajani and Kalindi talking about them. You were going to explore them by sending men out to investigate. I cannot allow that because I reside in those mountain caves and I will not permit you or anyone to enter my domain." Medusa noticed she was becoming angry but calmed down immediately.

Alpheus appraised the woman sitting in his tent. He wondered about this enigmatic being sitting across from him. The Greek trader, upon first viewing the stranger, thought it be a man in disguise and not a woman. It was odd how she now chose to reveal a little more about herself without disclosing her identity. She was definitely an interesting character. Coming back to himself, Alpheus knew it was true an expedition would venture into the mountains. But the odds were small they would actually find her cave. Then with a sudden burst of inspiration, Alpheus decided to treat this visit as a business transaction and began to barter.

"So, you save our lives but want your solitude, knowing it is in a person's nature to explore. You don't want to associate with us but here you are in my tent, after weeks of spying on us, close but not too close. You forbid us to go into the mountains but are we free to roam anywhere else?" Alpheus paused to watch his guest ponder his words and then continued. "If you want us to leave, well some of us are leaving to sail home. The rest of us have nowhere to go. If we leave, there is a good chance we could be captured and executed. The Roman Navy is a formidable foe not to be trifled with."

"Romans? Who or what are the Romans?" Medusa asked. She heard the elders mention this group and now seemed appropriate to ask about them.

Alpheus' eyes widened in disbelief. "How have you not heard of the Roman Empire? They have conquered many of nations in the Mediterranean, in the east and in the northern region of Kemet, which they now call Africa. They conquered Egypt years ago!"

"Would you believe I have been under a rock," Medusa replied with a smile. "But tell me, what age is this? I have been away from Greece too long. Years it feels like."

Alpheus appraised the hooded one. "From your accent, you came from the plains of southern Greece."

Memories of her past life on the farm and her family crept into her mind. She had not thought about her family in decades, over a century. Medusa knew the demon granted her longevity and a host of other powers, but she can only account for about 121 years of her life, those were when she was born to being killed by Perseus and then the 50 years she spent on this island. The time between then was a mystery. How long was her head in Athena's possession? How long was she roaming underground? She needed answers and Alpheus could provide them to her but if she alienates him, she could lose a vital link to the outside world.

"According to the Greek calendar," Alpheus started looking through his scrolls to find a calendar of the modern day. "It is the year 62 Anno Domini."

Medusa used all of her knowledge of astrology and astronomy to figure out the time. She came to the conclusion that it is nearly one thousand years since her 21st birthday. How can this be? Did she make a mistake? Can't be so long! Medusa gasped and placed her hand over her mouth. It was at that moment Alpheus saw the hands up close and tried not to be so startled. The skin on her hands was a deathly gray color, accented with bronze nails. Something about the attributes of the woman's hands was familiar but Alpheus could not remember what it could be.

"I think I understand your current plight and I don't think you need to be ashamed." Medusa turned her head toward Alpheus who had a bit of a smile. "You have been inflicted with some sort of blight and it is so terrible that you merely don't want anyone to look at your disfigurement."

Medusa's mouth opened in shock! Alpheus could have just come out and said she was a Gorgon and revealed her identity to the Greek man. She almost did. Clearly this man was insightful and intelligent. Deep within her mind, Medusa could hear the demon taking offense to being compared to a disease, even though the union between this Gaz'don demon and Medusa caused some minor side effects.

"You are definitely intelligent and wise, Alpheus" she said after a few moments of silence. "I am inflicted but not the way you may perceive such things. I value my privacy and I do not want any one from this encampment to trespass into the mountains. You are free to explore the rest of the island, it is very beautiful and I want it to remain that way."

"And if we decided to defy your wishes?"

Medusa let out a breath so slowly making it sound like a snake. "Then you will force me to reverse my decision to save you and I will cast each and every one of you back into the sea." She let her anger boil a bit and she sounded fierce. But deep down, she knew it would be a painful action if it came to that.

Alpheus regarded his guest for minute. She was a difficult one to figure out. He then realized he may have a bargaining chip. "I have a counter proposal to offer you."

Medusa cocked her head to the side, interested in his offer.

"If you allow us to stay here on your beautiful island and allow us to explore the mountains, except for the on you inhabit, we will be more than willing to share our knowledge of the outside world and provide any necessities you may require. We can leave them at the base of the mountain and you can retrieve them at your leisure. As a token of good faith, I will give you a copy of maps, scrolls and other writings to familiarize yourself with the world you don't know."

"This is a sly, and cunning trader this Alpheus is," the Gaz'don noted. Medusa had to agree with him. She knew he was probing for an equitable vantage point. She finally relented.

"I will agree to the following: explore the mountains except for the one with the tallest peak, which is where I reside. I will come to you and you only to converse and share information. And every now and then, I may ask for some items and other small necessities. I can provide for myself very well." She stopped and thought a moment. "And if I can have a cooking pan, we will have a deal."

Alpheus smiled and gathered the items and placed the scrolls, a large cooking pan, writing implements, a skin of cooking oil in large brown leather bag. He handed it to his guest and smiled.

"I take it this will conclude our transaction?"

"Yes, it does. Thank you." It has been countless years since Medusa has talked to another human being. This one was kind, helpful and not out for her head. All the more reason for her to keep her distance until a day will come she will decide to reveal her true self. Maybe she has found a friend here in this small village of diverse peoples. A thought entered her mind of the days when she was a high priestess, the temple by the shore, the town's people and fisherman, the sense of community. Medusa longed for those days when she could say she was happy. Unfortunate was the circumstance that she cannot have those days exactly as she remembered them.

"I think I have selected the right person to speak on the matters of great importance. I won't be a stranger, yet I will only speak to you. If need be, you may pass on the conversation to the other leaders of this colony so no one is left in the dark." Medusa bowed her head in respect and made for the tent opening.

"Wait!" Alpheus started after her and stop short. "Who are you? What is your name?"

Medusa almost spoke her real name but decided against it. "I am the Gray Witch of the Mountains."

She disappeared in a blur, leaving Alpheus in bewilderment.

* * *

"The Gray Witch of the Mountains? I don't know. The Gorgon Medusa has a better ring to it," the demon chided.

Running out of the forest and onto the green hills, she turned toward the mountain she claimed as hers. "The name Medusa still has many negative connotations attached to it. No one alive remembers who I was before our meeting."

"True, but do you think this could be an opportunity to change the image from death to life, despair into hope? We have been through much together and although we have killed many in our time, we saved so many people and don't forget the wild dog we cared for."

Medusa reached the entrance to the cave and lit a torch. She unpacked the satchel and situated everything in its place. She was eager to look at the scrolls and learn about the world. But the new cooking pan took greater interest, so she decided will read them tomorrow morning. Hanging from a line near all of the food she kept were two flatfish Medusa caught, dried and prepared for cooking. Once a she got a fire going, she used the new cooking pan and oil Alpheus gave her. The fish sizzled and cooked evenly much to Medusa's delight. This was going to be a good meal, she thought to herself. She scoffed at the old pan she fashioned and thought to toss it into the sea. She decided to keep it but more for a decoration and for sentimental reasons as she crafted the pan with her own hands.

"You make a fine point my friend," Medusa spoke aloud to the demon. "We shall see if they keep to our arrangement and then we shall decide."

The fish cooked to Medusa's liking and was placed on a clay plate. She smiled as her fingers closed in on the cooked fish, anticipating a good evening meal.

Sunrise, Island of Medusa, 62 AD

"She called herself the Gray Witch?" Kalindi exclaimed as she listened to Alpheus story with his late night encounter. "Do you think she is a danger to us?"

"No, I do not think so," Alpheus walked with Kalindi to meet with Ajani at the shore. The Maasai elder woke up early and decided to speak with the shipbuilders before they began their work for the day. So far, they managed to build a crude but sturdy dock for the repairing the Acestes. The other two vessels still lay in their shipwrecked positions, but other crews were working to keep the vessels from being damaged by the crashing ocean waves. Standing in what appeared to be an observation spire; Ajani saw Alpheus and Kalindi in a deep conversation. He lowered himself to the sand and ran over to them.

"Looks great does it not? We should be ready to position the Acestes into the dock and start the final repairs on it within three days!" Ajani was looking for some form of adulation from the two other elders but the news of new dock did not reassure them. His expression turned serious. "What has happened?"

Alpheus recounted the tale with his visit with the Gray Witch. Hearing it for a second time, Kalindi still could not bring herself to believe the events as Alpheus experienced. Ajani had a similar experience of what Kalindi was feeling. "So, from your story, this witch will neither harm nor hinder our survival on this island. Why don't we visit her cave and demand she leave or just toss her into the sea."

Alpheus shot a harsh look at Ajani. "This witch, as she refers to herself, saved all of our lives and simply wants to be left alone. She is willing to allow us to live here provided we do not approach or enter her cave. Otherwise we can coexist together."

Ajani shook his head. "Have you asked yourself Alpheus, what is it she truly wants? Why did she save us? Maybe she will kill one of us for sport. This...witch…may be nothing more than a simple trickster. The calm in the storm could have been a natural occurrence and God may have simply smiled on us."

Kalindi interjected herself into the conversation. "The fact of the matter is that she made contact with us, rather with Alpheus, and for now this enigmatic stranger is comfortable with our being here. If the price of our survival is to stay away from her dwelling in the mountains, I am sure we can find other areas of interest." She looked at Ajani in a meaningful yet stern way. "Let us not anger our landlord and savior. Let us live in peace. Something we have not had in a long time since the Roman plague."

All three leaders nodded in agreement. A noise of calamity erupted as one of the support beams from the dock broke away and nearly landed on two workers underneath. Thankfully no one was hurt but everyone moved swiftly to clear the beam and replace it as soon as possible. Ajani excused himself to join the rest of the workmen.

"Do you think he will honor the agreement between you and the witch?" Kalindi asked in a low tone.

Alpheus nodded his head. "I think so. I think he is tired of living under some form or oppression. We all are weary of some singular being dictating our lives. Ajani has his hands full with the ships. We will focus on exploration and seeing to needs of all of our peoples." It occurred to Alpheus that among the survivors, there were at least six different cultures all living together in peace. It was a beautiful sight, only if the Romans had seen the world in this fashion instead of trying to conquer, plunder and rape the earth; they may find something more precious than gold or jewels.

A gentle morning breeze brought the mixed scents of the sea, sand, burning wood and ripe fruit of the trees. It was a summer breeze and no matter where Alpheus was in the world, he recognized it.

"I should take Anthea for a walk through the forest and to the hills today. It feels like it will be a nice day but rain may fall later."

"She beat you to it," Kalindi remarked as they reached the encampment.

"What do you mean?" Alpheus asked with concern.

"Very early this morning, Panphila and Dionysus asked my permission to take some of the children out of the camp and go to the hills and empty fields to play."

"You allowed them to leave the camp without supervision? Are there any adults to watch over them?" Alpheus was obviously concerned about not only Anthea, but Dionysus and Panphila.

Kalindi smiled and placed a hand on the shoulder of the older Greek man. "It will be fine. Some of the older children have gone with them. They are armed and know how to use the daggers and short swords we have in our makeshift armory. They took food, water and their playthings to entertain themselves. I did warn them to stay in the open fields and not to venture into the mountains. This was before you told me of your visit. I am sure the children will be fine. Come, I will make you a nice morning meal."

Alpheus was about to make another comment but decided against it. He was sure Kalindi was right and the older children will watch over the others. Besides, the Gray Witch should have no interest in children anyway.

* * *

Medusa was awake ever since she returned from Alpheus' tent. She read most of the scrolls he gave her and with strong mixed emotions. First, she could not believe how many years had passed. The Greece she knew was long gone and many of the provinces she remembered and visited as high priestess were conquered, destroyed or abandoned. The world had truly changed. She allowed herself to access the part of her mind that held the memories of her past life. Her parents, brother and two sisters filled her mind's eye. Medusa wondered if she would have relatives or descendants still alive in her homeland. It would be interesting to see if she could locate them. However, if there were any descendants, none of them would recognize her and the meeting would not be a happy reunion. She sighed and continued to read.

Many of the people in Greece abandoned the worship of the gods. This news made her smile and the sight of Olympus being destroyed renewed her soul of hope and happiness. But the Gorgon wondered if the gods still existed, would they have prevented the rise of this Roman Empire from Italia? Would the gods destroy them before they entered the territory of Greece? There was no way of telling how events would have shaped the region if those false beings continued to exist. Only misery would be the end result, either the gods would have destroyed the enemy and demanded additional praise and worship from the people or the gods allow the Romans to enslave and destroy the society just to watch in amusement. She decided not to give them any more thought. The demon was also interested in the information Medusa was reading, despite it continued warnings to rest and sleep. Medusa was just too excited about this new world she existed in.

"The sun has risen and is crossing the sky," the demon started. "Will you be awake to greet it when it rises again? You need rest!"

"I am fine," she said aloud as she was now studying maps and learning how the Greek landscape had changed over the years. She looked for the ancient village she was born from and she also attempted to find the old location of her temple along the coast. For both she was not able to find a trace.

"Are you thinking of returning to Greece? What do you hope to find there?"

"Elements of my past that can make me feel more human. No offense my friend," Medusa apologized.

"None taken," the Gaz'don replied. "But should you go about traveling the world, are you prepared to deal with how the world will treat you?"

"If I left today, no I am not ready. But soon with time, meditation and a clear path of what I hope to achieve…" her voice trailed off. "Then I will be ready!"

"And I will be there with you every step of the way."

"If you had a choice?"

"If I had a choice, you and I would not be so closely related. But it has not been a bad experience." The Gaz'don paused as Medusa rolled up the scroll and started viewing another one. "But would it be possible if you could please get a few hours of sleep?"

Medusa put the scroll she just opened down on her mat. The Gaz'don demon was right, she needed to rest. It was not like she needed to sleep but even a demon women required rest and refreshment. Stretching and letting out a sigh as she yawned, Medusa rose from her mat and drank some cool water from a bowl she set out the previous evening, and then she heard it!

It took a moment for her to realize what it was since she had not heard such sounds in centuries: the sound of children at play. Cheers, squeals, laughter and yelling filled her cave and her ears. Using her enhanced vision, Medusa saw two dozen children of various ages running, playing and laying on the tall grass watching the clouds pass by in the sky. A few of the older children, teenagers, paired in groups of three, male and female, were off by themselves kissing and hugging one another. If Medusa could, she would blush. For the most part, children were out and about enjoying the day. A few of them were flying kites and gliders of various shapes. She hoped the children would keep to the fields. There was no way of telling how an encounter between a Gorgon and a child would present itself.

* * *

Gray clouds were floating in but slowly. The skies threaten to pour rain on the children playing on the hills beneath the mountains. Although these children were taken from their native lands, packed away on ships and shipwrecked on a deserted island, none of them exhibited signs of trauma or pain. For them, having a chance to run about and play was the best therapy for their situation.

A small group of children played with kites and flown them high above the hills. Some of the kites were basic, geometric shapes while three others were the shapes of whimsical characters from stories their parents told. Four of the children possessed a crude form of glider kites. These were shaped as great birds of the sky, dressed in colors of blue, red, white and a dark brown. The children ran and launched them into the air watching them glide on the wind currents. On the hills the currents were strong as the winds whipped around the mountains. Sometimes the gliders simply dropped straight into the ground, eliciting laughs from the other children toward the owner of the failed glider flight. Other times the gliders sailed on the winds for minutes at a time. The four children would sit down and watch them fly. But when the wind beneath their fabricated wings failed, the children scrambled after to catch them before crashing in the ground with damaging results.

Anthea, granddaughter of Alpheus, owned the glider resembling an eagle. In all fairness, hers flew the best and stayed in the air the longest. The other children did not mind that, they enjoyed the flights of their gliders. And also, they made her in charge of assigning the flight patterns of each glider. Sometimes she would tell the others to face in four different directions and throw. Another time, she paired every up and they would throw two at a time. A brilliant and creative throw by one of the children stayed up in the air the longest. Most of the children playing other games watched in amazement. Anthea prompted the other kite flyers to throw their kites into the air. Astonished, the other three kites seemed to follow each other in the sky, turning, diving and sailing in the same direction and speed as the first glider. Even the older children were impressed, though only for a moment as they returned their attention to the person they were kissing.

Dionysus and Panphila looked at the sky and noticed the clouds were getting growing darker and the wind started to pick up. A cold breeze accompanied the clouds as the sun disappeared behind them.

"We better gather everyone and head back to camp. I think a storm is coming." Dionysus continued to watch the sky as he unwittingly tightened his grip on a short sword he borrowed from the armory.

"I will gather the youngsters, you get the older ones." Panphila pointed to the ground where they were standing. "Meet back here in three minutes." Dionysus nodded and took off running toward the older children while Panphila clapped her hands and called for the children to get their things and make for the camp. Anthea and the other three children continued to play.

"Anthea, I think we should be going. That sky does not look so friendly," observed an African boy about the same age as Anthea, named Ade.

Another boy, from the Far East named Ming, agreed. "Yes, we must go now before our gliders get ruined.

The other girl from India, Denali, ran to Anthea. "The boys are right. Come Anthea. Best we go now before the older ones come and get us. See, Panphila is gathering all of rest of the children."

"Okay, one last throw. The wind is blowing just right!" Anthea held the glider at its base, set her arm behind her head and the launched the glider at a steep angle upward.

All four children watched the glider catch the wind and sail nearly straight up. They attempted to follow the glider with their eyes and head until they fell backwards on the soft grass. The eagle glider continued its flight on the winds. Unluckily, the wind's intensity increased and carried the glider higher and higher. Panphila ran over to the children.

"Come everyone, it is time to go. A storm is coming." She waved the children toward the rest of group. "Anthea! Let's go, now!"

"Wait!" she pointed to a small object in the sky that is her eagle shaped glider. "I cannot leave my glider!"

"You will! Unless you want to explain to your grandfather why you are not paying me any mind as you know you should." The other children fell into line behind Panphila with their gliders. Anthea frowned, more so in anger for not having her glider and also not staying behind to retrieve her toy.

A glance back at the glider in the sky revealed the wind taking it into a nearby mountain cave and suddenly disappeared into it. Anthea started to walk with the others down the hill but walked slower and waited until they were out of sight. She turned and ran as fast as she could after her glider. She had an idea where it flew into and hoped the glider was still intact. Anthea also prayed she would not be disciplined to harshly by her grandfather Alpheus.

* * *

Medusa listened to the children play in the foothills of the mountains. It was peaceful and soothing. The weather started to change and threatened rain. It was fine with her as the children would be going back to the camp and comforting sounds of raindrops will calm her anxious soul, prompting her to get some needed sleep. Sitting cross-legged on her mat, Medusa inhaled deeply and exhaled. She repeated this breathing exercise several times until she felt relaxed and ready to go to sleep. Suddenly, a large bird flew into her cave and collided with her forehead. At first she thought a bird actually and foolishly flew into her cave as she opened her eye and scanned the floor for the errant avian. To her surprise, it was a replica of a brown eagle made of parchment material and thin twine. The feathers were painted on but the eyes of the eagle had a fierce look. Whoever constructed this toy was very skilled. Medusa bent down to pick it up. Its left wing appeared to be broken but the rest of the gliders was not damaged.

"What is it this?" the Gaz'don inquired.

"It is a glider. It floats and glides on the wind. Children play with these. I remember seeing these in my village and at the temple. It is a great way to pass the time, as well as kite flying. This particular one belongs to one of the children I saw on the hills below us." Medusa assessed the damage and determined she can repair the eagle glider.

"You don't think the owner of this toy will come looking for it. Do you?" the demon made a good point. What if a child wandered into cave and looked Medusa in the eyes. A thought she refused to entertain. However, the reality was what she will have to deal with. The sounds of footsteps at the mouth of the cave alerted Medusa. With her vision, she saw a little girl make her way up the path and stopped right at the edge of the cave.

"Medusa, she is here. What are we going to do?" The demon felt Medusa's anxiety, anticipation and fear. In no way did the Gaz'don want to be a party to the death of a little girl. That would invite others to seek out the Gorgon and not one positive situation will emerge.

"She came here for glider. I will toss it back out to her. She will follow it and leave." Inhaling deeply, Medusa blew out a torch that was lit in the back of the cave near her mat and worked quickly to fix the broken wing of the glider.

* * *

Anthea peered into the dark cave while slowly taking careful steps. She could not see anything nor did she hear anything that could present a threat. Her palms began to sweat as she took a couple of steps into the cave. Slowly she moved into the cave as the light from outside grew less in luminance. Dripping water along the wall caught her first attention and she continued to move. Careful of where she was stepping, Anthea was being extra cautious of not only stepping on any bugs or a small rodent, but also if she accidentally stepped on her glider.

She heard the sound of something moving and ruffling in the deeper part of the cave. Anthea paused and then moved on. Walking into a dark cave, without light, without a grownup and without a weapon were things Anthea promised she will never do again. However, determination (sprinkled in with foolish) compelled her to find her glider. Then the sound that made Anthea stop dead in her tracks made it to her ears. Snakes, dozens of them! Anthea almost ran out of the cave but she didn't.

As quickly as the sound came about it faded. Before she could determine what it was, if it was snakes, something brushed past her hair in the darkness. She turned to see her glider land gently just at the cave entrance. She smiled and ran after it. She picked it up and checked for damage: the left wing appears to have been broken but fixed.

"Hello?" Anthea called into darkness. "I know someone is in here. I just want to say thank you for the glider and fixing it."

No reply came.

Anthea took several steps forward and then said, "If you were the same one who saved us on the ships, thank you and blessings to you for saving all of us."

Deep in the darkness, Medusa smiled but kept her eyes on Anthea, who was approximately eight feet away. She watched the child stand her ground and then brazenly strode deeper. Medusa intervened.

"Stop right there child. Come no further!" Medusa wished she had not spoken aloud but now she must send the child away. The memories of the wild dog came back to her.

"I knew you were in here. Please come out and let me thank you in person. Grandfather says you should always thank people if they do nice things for you." Anthea gestured with her glider. Medusa recognized the little girl, she was Alpheus' granddaughter. Now she wished she repaired the glider sooner, but nothing Medusa could have done would have prevented the chain of events she was now facing. Hopefully, she will deal with it as best as she can.

"I appreciate your gratitude and there is no need to thank me." Medusa chose her next words carefully. She had to be firm but not frightening at the same time. "I must ask you to go and never to come back. I value my privacy."

"But if you do, would you not have let us die on the seas? You even visited us in the camp with grandfather. He told us the story from last night. You left a lasting impression on him."

Medusa felt this conversation was going in her favor. "I did not know that. But did the elders of your small village tell you not to come up into the mountains?"

"Yes, they did."

"And did he tell you I am a witch?"

"The gray witch, if I recall."

Medusa's voice lowered a few octaves. "Then you know witches can summon or even turn into monsters that eat little children!" If the demon inside of Medusa could shake its head in disappointment, it would. Anthea laughed at her.

"Truly, if you were a monster, would a monster come to our little village? Fix gliders? Talk to young children? Or even save unfortunate souls from the embrace of a deadly storm?" Anthea took step close inside and was able to back out a shape of person stand in the dark but nothing else. "Monsters, to my knowledge, do no such things and you are no monster!"

The Gaz'don demon delighted in hearing that from Anthea. Medusa shared in that delight. For the first time since becoming a Gorgon, Medusa and monster were terms that were far apart from each other as the sun and moon. However, this girl had no idea she was speaking to a being that most likely killed members of her ancestors' families all those years ago. This young child had very little fear and spoke her mind. Medusa appreciated this and decided to drop the scare tactic altogether.

"Your name is Anthea?" Medusa asked.

"Yes. What is yours?"

"Call me M for right now."

"M, the gray witch. Not much of a name if you ask me. No offense."

The demon to Medusa, "I like this child. I think we should keep her! She and I think alike."

Medusa shot a thought back to the demon. "Don't be absurd. Now be silent!"

"Touchy aren't we?" The Gaz'don made no further comment but reveled in the fact it was right. Medusa turned her attention back to the child.

"It will do for now. But you must return back to Alpheus. He will be worried about you." Medusa was shocked to see Anthea turn around and walk to the cave entrance. She followed behind but not too close.

"Oh no! The rain has started." The clouds grew low and dark enough to release a light, rejuvenating rain onto the island. The winds picked up a little but this was no type of weather for a little girl to tolerate alone.

"Wait a moment, Anthea. I will help you." Medusa went back into cave and into the chest she received from that dead ship years ago. She found a tattered, black and purple cloak she could give Anthea. After shaking it out, cutting it with her finger nails, the cloak was small enough for Anthea to wear comfortably.

She approached Anthea and wrapped the altered cloak around her quickly. Anthea saw for the first the form of the witch and provided no reason for Anthea to think she will ever be harmed.

"Anthea, due to the weather, I will walk you as far as the edge of the forest and then you will be able to make it back to your camp." They walked to the cave's entrance as the wind picked up a little and the cloaks of both Anthea and Medusa. Medusa made sure her hood concealed her face and head.

"I thank you and I didn't mean to bother you," Anthea apologized. "But it would not be a bad idea come out of your cave and meet us, get to know the people you saved."

Medusa snorted a laugh. "Your grandfather made a similar argument." She paused and turn toward the little girl. "I cannot be friends with you all because of my condition." She held out her hand to reveal gray skin and bronze nails.

Anthea grabbed her hand and held it gently. "I honestly don't think it is necessary to hide. We all come from different backgrounds and situations. And since you saved us, and fixed my glider, you deserved to be thanked."

Medusa was about to reply when she heard and spotted one of the older boys with the group of children calling for Anthea. To Medusa's recollection, he must also be related to Alpheus. "There is a young man with dark hair, a dagger and buckler calling for you from the forest edge."

"That must be Dionysus. I don't think he will be too happy with me wandering off. I think I will be alright." Anthea let go of Medusa's hand and made her way down the mountain with her glider tucked underneath her borrowed cloak. She stopped a few feet away and yelled back to the Gray Witch.

"I will return soon as possible to compensate you for this cloak and to say thank you properly." Anthea turned and continued down the mountain.

Before Medusa could respond Anthea made her down the mountain. At the bottom of the mountain, at the foothills, Dionysus met up with Anthea. A few words were exchanged and then he hugged her tightly. He placed an arm around Anthea and they made their way toward the forest. Anthea turned suddenly and waved back at Medusa, who in kind, waved back. And then she was gone.

Medusa returned into her cave and relit the torch. She looked at her scrolls and decided to leave them for later on in the day or tomorrow altogether. Putting up her hooded robe, she sat down on her mat, thinking about Anthea, Alpheus, the children and all of the people living on her island. The snake hair moved and hissed gently, but the one different snake, a white one which was the physical representation of the Gaz'don, rubbed its head along Medusa cheek. She stroked it with her hand and continued to think.

"They are not bad people," the demon started. "The people you knew were of a different time and weaker mentality. No offense."

"None taken my friend," Medusa agreed. "We worshiped the falseness of nature instead of seeking the truth of nature. We were all weaker then. But you are suggesting that these refugees could be better than those we left behind in Greece. Not so fearful or ignorant?"

"It is possible, but we will not find out until we speak with them, maybe reveal yourself to them and let them judge for themselves in your eyes."

Medusa understood what the Gaz'don demon was saying. It was also beneficial for her to reclaim her humanity if she fellowships with the humans on her island. Time will tell.

"You realize that the little girl Anthea will return."

"Yes," Medusa whispered, her eyes narrowing. "She will return."

"And what will we do with your new friend?"

"Be polite, honest and truthful. She is wise beyond her young years." The image of Airlea came to her mind. Maybe the best thing to happen to Medusa was the landing of these refugees on this island. As she noted before, time will tell.

END OF PART III

* * *