Chapter 18
PERA, PYRGOS
Daris rode beside Hermes as they crossed into Pyrgos. He was still coming to terms with being Terena’s eudaemon. As they rode, he recalled all those little moments that now made sense. How Terena’s blood healed his wound after General Peleon had stabbed him in the eye. Daris scoffed when he thought of Melanos, staring at him and calling him ‘eudaemon’ when Terena had Bethana’s fangs in her arm. At the time, he’d allowed Rydon to push him aside, despite the overwhelming urge to give her his own blood.
Cursing under his breath, Daris shook his head. He should’ve asked Melanos about it. The god clearly had known their connection. Hells,Darishad known. He’d dreamed of the woman all his life, and yet he allowed the circumstances to sway him.
He wondered if Terena knew. And if she did not, what would she do when she found out?
“Look how they cheer for you, lord!”
Daris was jarred from his thoughts by the shouts of the crowd as Hermes waved royally at them. The god did not fear that wordwould spread of his large army advancing on Emperor Solon. In fact, everywhere they went, he had his men travel to nearby towns and villages, spreading the news.
“Are you not worried he’ll send his armies ahead of your arrival in Metilai?” Daris had asked, sitting across from the god in a tavern little better than a hovel. Hermes had laughed as if the question was ridiculous. He’d looked so at home in the shabby environment, Daris wondered if the stories of the gods being greedy landlords, hoarding riches they collected from the temples in their names, had any merit. Looking at Hermes surrounded by the humblest of people, Daris doubted it. More likely, the priests held onto those riches, their fat bellies getting fatter while they preached to the poor.
By the time they reached the border near Tursk, the mayor of the wealthy town of Pera opened his arms and his home to the god, who graciously accepted the mayor’s beautiful manor for their accommodations.
Hermes stood in the dining hall with his closest men, including Daris and his Liodari. The rest of the army built an encampment outside of the city, swelling the taverns and inns with business unlike any they’d seen in years.
Raising a crystal goblet filled with ruby red wine, Hermes smirked at them.
“It’s good to be king,” he murmured, shattering the expectant silence and the men roared their approval.
Daris took his seat at the god’s right hand. He’d been reluctant to sit there while his men sat further down the table, but Hermes had been insistent and Daris did not argue.
As servants set heaping plates of food before them, the men tore into the bounty. Dried figs, fat pigs surrounded by roasted vegetables and fruits, cheeses of every available variety and wine, so much wine, lay before them in an excess Daris had only ever seen on the high days in Sparta. He supposed this was aspecial occasion. How often had anyone the opportunity to dine with a god?
“I’ve sent Soros ahead with a host to find Terena in Calla,” Hermes said, startling Daris out of his thoughts. Captain Soros was the only one of his officers Hermes had deigned to introduce back when he and the god had first spoken. The god seemed to favor the captain, and Daris had wondered if it meant he was the most cunning of his men.
Looking over at Hermes, who popped a dried fig into his mouth, Daris speared a piece of meat. “With news of Sonah?”
“Aye,” the god said in a low voice. Daris leaned closer. “I don’t want her thinking I lied to her and sent her on a fool’s errand.”
Daris chewed slowly, thinking. “I have men searching for Sonah,” he said at length, glancing up at Hermes. “But there hasn’t been any news.”
“She’ll pop up sooner or later,” Hermes said with a shrug. “She’s one of the reasons why I’ve been spreading word of our progress through the provinces. If she’s anywhere near civilization, she’ll hear of it and come to us.”
Daris grunted. “Good. If we can find her and bring her to Terena?—”
“She’ll be more willing to forgive you?”
Daris had years of training to control his emotions, and yet his hand jerked at the god’s response, his fork clanging against his water glass.
“You think I do not know of your betrayal?” Hermes purred, his voice like silk, though Daris heard the sharp edge to it. “I’ve spoken at length with my niece about you,” he added when Daris remained silent.
“I did not betray her,” Daris replied, his tone short. “I did not kill her prince.”
“I know,” Hermes said, surprising Daris.
He gawped at the god, who winked at him. “You know?”
“Aye,” Hermes scoffed. “I know the crown prince lives.”
Daris turned his head so he could better see the god. “Did you tell Terena?”
Hermes made another snorty scoffing sound as he waved his fork at Daris. “Of course not.”
Fuming, Daris set his cutlery down beside his plate and glared at the god.
