Warrior Rising (Goddess Summoning #6)(13)

“But the bedroom is not the battlefield.”

“Any strong emotion can bring on the berserker,” Thetis said. She shook her head sadly. “There is no mortal woman who would be willing to look beyond the rage and see the man, especially now that he has become so battle scarred.”

“Battle scarred?” Athena tried to think when was the last time she had actually seen Achilles, and decided it hadn’t been since he was a boy on this very beach. “But he was beautiful.”

“He used to be, but his victories in battle after battle have come with a price. He is not invulnerable, you know,” Thetis said defensively. “He is mortal. It is only when his rage is awakened that the berserker claims him.” The sea goddess wiped away a tear that had slipped down her cheek. “Sometimes it takes a lot for his rage to be awakened, and his body shows the remnants of a young life filled with blood and death.” Thetis dropped to her knees before Athena. “I beseech you, Athena, as I did the day this horror was placed upon him, help my son break free of his terrible fate.”

Athena took Thetis’s hand, pulling her gently to her feet. “I may be able to finally answer that prayer. Can you get Achilles to withdraw from the fighting, even for just a little while?”

“Without a reason?”

Athena considered for a moment, then asked, “Achilles is less impetuous than he was as a boy, but is he still as proud?”

“Sadly, I believe he is.”

Athena smiled one of her rare smiles. “Then I can give you a reason for Achilles to withdraw. Listen carefully…”

* * *

CHAPTER FOUR

"I like the lovely wine color of these robes, don’t you? They complement her dark hair well.” Venus arranged the silken drape of the stola that swathed Polyxena’s unnaturally still body.

“Anything that brings you pleasure brings me pleasure, Goddess,” said a nearby satyr.

“Yes, darling, I know. That’s why I wasn’t asking you. Now run along and finish wiping the last of that blood off the floor.” Venus patted the creature’s cheek to take the sting from her words. “Eleithyia, I was asking you.”

“Oh, yes, Goddess. I think the color is beautiful.”

“Then why are you frowning?”

“Well, it’s quite, um, unusual that you’ve arrayed the maidservant in such finery, too.”

Venus smoothed the creamy silk tunic so that the maidservant’s blush colored stola wasn’t wrinkled. Then she frowned at the little priestess. “Child, it is true that this is a servant’s body, but the soul that is going to reside there is definitely not a servant. It’s going to be a big enough shock for poor Jacqueline to wake up in a strange body and find out she has to play the part of maid to her best friend.”

“You are, of course, the Goddess. I bow to your intelligence and wisdom and—”

Venus waved away her compliments. “Bow later. Right now just tell me that the fabric is perfect.”

“The fabric is perfect.”

“Oh, Venus, the satyrs have done a wonderful job setting my temple aright!” Hera bustled in beaming at the randy woodland creatures and making them wriggle with glee.

“I told you they were marvelous,” Venus said, blowing kisses at the beasts closest to her.

“I am surprised that they did such a good job getting out all the blood and gore,” Athena said, materializing not far from Hera.

“And them.” Venus gestured grandly in the direction of the two newly cleaned and clothed bodies. “Don’t you think they look lovely, too?”

“The mortals look beautiful, as does my temple. Thank you, Venus, for a job well done,” Hera said.

“They are beautiful, though little but empty shells without souls,” Athena said.

Venus ignored the Goddess of War. “All went well with Agamemnon?” she asked Hera.

The Queen of the Gods curled her lip in distaste. “My opinion of that insufferable man hasn’t changed one bit. I do feel terribly sorry for poor Briseis.”

“Which means he’s going to take her from Achilles?” Athena said.

“Yes.”

“Good. Thetis will take care of nudging her son into withdrawing from the battle. She’ll make it a point of pride. Apparently Achilles has matured from the impulsive teenager who chose glory and battle and he is not thrilled with the fate he chose for himself, but he’s still typically prideful. Thetis assured me there will be no problem getting him to withdraw, at least for a short time,” Athena said. “Now all that’s left is for your mortal to work her magic and continue to keep Achilles out of the fray long enough for the Trojans to claim victory and then this whole mess will be ended.”

“Don’t worry about my mortal. She’ll do just fine.”

“Really? Does she speak ancient Greek?” Athena asked pointedly.

Venus hesitated only briefly and said, “She will after I do a little…” The Goddess of Love waggled her fingers, causing glitter to form in the air.

Athena snorted.

“Venus, perhaps you could put the souls into the bodies and we could get this business underway?” Hera said.

“Oh, yes! Of course. Satyrs.” Venus clapped her hands commandingly together. “Return to Olympus. I’ll send some Nyseideian nymphs to thank you for aiding me.” The hoofed creatures cheered as they disappeared. “All right. Stand back. Give me room to work.” The Goddess of Love smoothed her long blond hair and then raised her hands, palms up. “I call the mortal spirits I recently made free—Katrina and Jacqueline, I command you come to me!”