very clear, like a hawk borne upon the highest aether. I said, “He would never have been happy here.”
“But because of us, he went with Athena.”
It had hurt once, but that was only pride. “She is far from the worst of them.”
Them, I heard myself say.
“I give you the choice, Penelope. What would you do?”
A wolf stretched, her mouth squeaking a little with her yawn. “I find I am in no rush for Sparta,” Penelope said.
“Then come, there are things you must know.” I led her to the kitchen with its rows of jars and bottles. “There is an illusion upon the island to make it appear inhospitable to ships. That will remain while I am gone. But sailors are reckless sometimes, and the ones that are most reckless are often the most desperate. These are my drugs that do not need witchcraft. There are poisons among them, and salves for healing. This one causes sleep.” I handed her a bottle. “It does not work immediately, so you cannot leave it till the last moment. You will need to get it in their wine. Ten drops will be enough. Do you think you can do it?”
She tipped the contents, felt their weight. A faint smile touched her lips. “You may remember I have some experience in handling unwelcome guests.”
Wherever Telemachus was, he did not return for dinner. No matter, I told myself. The time when I had softened like wax was past. My path was laid before me. I packed my things. There were a few changes of clothing and a cloak, but the rest was herbs and bottles. I picked up the spear and carried it out into the warm night air. There was spell-work to do, but I wanted to go to the boat first. I had not seen it since Telemachus began his repairs, and I had to be sure it was ready to sail. Streaks of lightning flashed over the sea, and the breeze brought a distant smell of fire. It was that last storm I had told Telegonus to wait for, but I did not fear it. By morning it would blow itself out.
I stepped into the cave, and stared. It was hard to believe I viewed the same boat. It was longer now, and its bow had been rebuilt and narrowed. The mast was better rigged, and the rudder more trim. I walked around it. At the front a small prow-piece had been added, a seated lioness with her jaws open. The fur was in the Eastern style, each lock separate, curled like the shell of a snail. I reached to touch one.
“The wax is not set.” He stepped out from the darkness. “I have always thought every ship needs a prow spirit.”
“It is beautiful,” I said.
“I was fishing in the cove when Helios came. All the shadows disappeared. I heard you speak to him.”
I felt a flare of embarrassment. How baleful and outlandish and cruel we must have seemed. I rested my eyes on the boat so I would not have to look at him. “Then you know my exile is ended and I sail tomorrow. I asked your mother if she would go to Sparta or stay. She said she wished to stay. I offer the same choice to you.”
Outside, the sea made a sound like a shuttle weaving. The stars were yellow as pears, low and ripe on the branch.
“I have been angry with you,” he said.
It surprised me. The blood rose stinging to my cheeks. “Angry.”
“Yes,” he said. “You thought I would go with Athena. Even after all I have said to you. I am not your son and I am not my father. You should have known I do not want anything Athena has.”
His voice was even, but I felt the sharp edge of his reproach. “I am sorry,” I said. “I could not believe that any in this world would refuse her divinity.”
“That is amusing coming from you.”
“I am not a promising young prince of whom great things are expected.”
“It is overrated.”
I ran my hand across the lion’s clawed foot, felt the sticky sheen of the wax.
“Do you always make beautiful things for those you are angry with?”
“No,” he said. “Only you.”
Outside, the lightning flickered. “I was angry as well,” I said. “I thought you could not wait to leave.”
“I do not know how you could think that. You know I cannot hide my face.”