Andromeda and Perseus

She wept bitterly as the waves pounded the rock on which she stood, sending walls of spray over her already drenched body. Her struggle against the heavy iron shackles was futile. The rough metal cuffs were attached to massive chains, they bit into her wrists and ankles. The narrow rock jutted out of the water like a pillar, the slippery platform beneath her feet was barely big enough for her to stand on. Her only clothing was a thin linen tunic which clung uncomfortably to her body, her unbound long auburn hair plastered to her in sodden locks. 1

She was being punished for another's sins, the sacrifice for her mother's boastful words. They had been uttered in the middle of the Feast of Poseidon held by King Nereus. She remembered the silence that echoed around the dining hall after they were spoken. 2

I am more beautiful than King Nereus' daughters her mother had said. More beautiful than all the daughters of Olympus. 3

She saw the large grey shadow glide through the water and an icy shudder ran down her spine. A row of shimmering dorsal spines sliced though the swell and her heart jumped with alarm. This was the monster that had ravaged the coast of her native land for the last month. 4

Three large fishing boats had disappeared and merchant fleet from Tarshish had been suffered severe losses; the locals had blamed her mother for uttering her treasonous words. After consulting an oracle the priests had said it was a curse from Poseidon for insulting his brother Nereus' daughters.5

Her father resisted the priests' insistance for a sacrifice; he sent two boatloads of seasoned warriors to challenge the monster. All that had returned was splintered decking, and single spear. So finally, reluctantly, he agreed to sacrifice his only daughter to the sea monster. 6

She raised her pitiful cry skyward begging the gods of Olympus for mercy. But there was no one to hear her, even the gawping townsfolk had gone back to their businesses. So distraught was she that she did not notice a distant sail on the horizon. 7

A figure stood on the deck looking towards the port. He was almost home! It had been a long and difficult journey and the sight of albatross drifting on the wind was a welcome sign of land. His body was battle-scarred and weary, his mind churned with images of all the strange and wonderful things he had seen. 8

As he leaned against the prow of the ship his gaze was drawn to the rocky pillar that marked the entrance to the port. He swore he could see movement. Perhaps it was a trick of the light, or maybe it was an animal stranded by the raging waters. 9

"Captain!" he shouted. "Captain, move us closer to that tall rock off the port bow!" 10

"Aye, Sir. But we dare not get too close, there is talk of a monster in this region." 11

"I have seen many monsters on my travels, Captain. Many monsters," he replied. "Bring us closer and let us take a look."12

As they neared the rock he could see that a human figure was standing on the narrow rocky outcrop. He supposed at first that a careless fisherman had left his luck too long. But as they neared and studied the figure more closely he realised that it was no fisherman. Nor was it a monster.13

"Captain! I see... I see a woman. She is chained to that rock!" he exclaimed in great alarm. "Pull the ship in as close as you can."14

"But sir, that will bring us close to the rocks..." said the captain, hesitantly. 15

"Aye captain it will, but we cannot leave her to perish. I wonder how she.."16

He was cut off mid-sentence as a massive form erupted from the water sending a surge of water towards the ship, almost capsizing it. It was a huge serpentine beast with rows of shimmering scales, like armour-plating; it lunged towards the rock bringing its jaws together with an almighty snap. A terrified scream tore from the woman's mouth, audible even over the fierce wind. 17

Then, as suddenly as it had breached, the creature slammed back into the sea with a BOOM that resounded off the surrounding headland. He watched as its grey shadow slid past his ship. He was sure that the creature was circling in for another attack; perhaps backing away to gain some momentum. He knew he had to act... fast!18

"Captain!" he bellowed. "Take us in closer."19

The captain of the ship stood motionless and trembling at the helm.20

"What did I tell you, Sir. That ... that creature..." he muttered.21

"We must try to rescue her. Whoever she is, whatever she has done, she does not deserve this fate."22

"Aye, sir. She does not look like she will last much longer." the captain said, with a reluctant nod, pointing to the rock.23

She slumped wearily against the rough cold rock. Now her only prayer was that her end would be swift. Her arms and legs were numb with cold, and every breath of air she took sucked salt water into her lungs. She wept no longer, having used up all her tears.24

Goddess Athena, she prayed, silently. Remember this injustice; remember that I have done nothing to injure or insult any of the gods of Olympus. Remember me.25

She closed her eyes in resignation to her fate; another wall of water slammed against her and she felt her resolve wash away with its ebb. 26

As the ship neared the rocky outcrop he fastened the curved length of sword to his thigh and tightened the straps of his leather armour. He clamped the helmet firmly on his head, then finally he tied the thongs of his winged sandals, the ones Goddess Athena had given him. 27

"This is as close as I dare bring her, sir." bellowed the captain over the ocean's roar. The ship was at least a fathom from the rock face; he balanced precariously on the bow of the ship as it pitched and tossed on the violent waves. With a quick prayer to Athena for help he leaped towards the rock. 28

He flew through the air, as though borne on the wind. He landed on the rock, alighting carefully beside the collapsed maiden. She was cold to touch, barely breathing and drenched to the bone. He brushed away the saturated lengths of hair and looked at her motionless face. She was beautiful and his heart moved with compassion for this helpless damsel. Without thinking he kissed her lips. 29

Then he heard a sound, like the growling roar of a bombora, he looked back towards his wind-tossed ship. Then he saw it. The shadow of the leviathan undulating through the water, gaining speed and momentum.30

He drew the sword swiftly from its sheath and swung it with all his might at the thick chains. The mighty blade sliced through the links as if they were butter. In one deft movement he sliced the last chain and gathered up the maiden in his arms. This time he leapt not towards the ship but towards the shore, a good twenty fathoms away. 31

As his feet left the rock, the creature lunged with full fury from the water, angry at being deprived of its prey. The same wind of good fortune carried him and his precious cargo to the narrow strip of sand. The creature's momentum carried it to the shore also crashing head first onto the sand. It thrashed wildly on this unfamiliar territory, snapping its slavering jaws hungrily. 32

He gently deposited the woman on the sand, then stood protectively in front of her, sword raised and ready for battle. Seeing the beast floundering, he seized his opportunity and leapt up onto the beast's writhing head. The mortal blow was delivered quickly and decisively.33

The only thing she knew for certain was that the pounding waves had stopped and she was now lying on sand. She felt cold, so cold and she shivered uncontrollably as the sea winds blew over her still-wet body. Perhaps this was Hades. 34

She felt herself being covered with warmth, wrapped up like a child. The shivering eventually stopped and her eyelids opened slowly; she was enveloped in a woolen cloak and she could see the warm glow of a camp fire. As she sat up carefully, she found herself looking up into a concerned face. The face belonged to a young man about her own age, yet traces of battle scars belied its age. He looked directly into her eyes, a small smile graced his face lighting up warm hazel eyes and giving him an unaffected handsomness.35

Perhaps I am in Elysium instead. she thought with an internal sigh. 36

"Hello there," he said, kindly. "I am Perseus of Argos, completely at your service."37

"I am Andromeda and you are my deliverer," she said softly. "It is I who am in your debt."38

"Tell me who has done this terrible thing to you, and I will avenge you." Perseus replied, with all seriousness. 39

"My father had no choice, the oracle said King Posiedon sent the beast as a curse to our city. I was the sacrifice to appease his wrath." she explained. "My mother's words were rash and boastful..." 40

She broke off; overwhelmed by a flood of confused emotions she wept again. He crouched before her and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. She raised her head and looked at him; he was still clad in his leather armour and sandals. There was loneliness and fatigue behind the kind countenance. She raised her hand to touch the deep scar that ran along his jaw; the iron manicles were still attached to her wrists.41

"Here, let me take care of those." he offered. Taking hold of her hand he turned it palm upwards, then he slipped the blade of his sword under the cuff and twisted it carefully. The manicle opened and fell to the ground. He repeated this action with her remaining shackles then replaced the sword in its sheath.42

"Now you are free." he said, as she rubbed the feeling back into her bruised wrists and ankles. A joyous feeling filled her heart. He slowly stood, raising her up so that she was standing also. She pulled the cloak around her poorly clothed self. He drew her closer so that she leaned against his tall muscular body.43

For the first time she noticed the slain beast lying some distance from them. If not for his actions she would now be inside its belly. She shuddered involuntarily, burying her face in his neck so that she could not see the loathsome creature anymore. Seeing her reaction to the ghastly sight, Perseus said quietly, 44

"It is quite dead, my dear. It cannot hurt you now, no one can hurt you now." 45

"I do not know how to thank you, Perseus." she said in response, looking up at him. He was slightly alarmed to feel a blush creep across his cheeks, he dropped his head, somewhat abashed. The mighty warrior felt disarmed by this young woman. Something about her made his heart yearn for the simplicity of home and hearth.46

"My journey has taken me to many far away places and I have fought dreadful foes. The gods have been with me throughout and I have seen amazing things, but now I desire to be home. To go back to my land and my people." Then he uttered what his heart longed for.47

"Andromeda, I ask that you might come with me. Be the queen of my heart and of my people." he asked with a surprising intensity. She looked at him in amazement, his eyes were suffused with emotion; she felt drawn to him.48

"Yes, I will come with you, dear Perseus," she said at last. "There is nothing for me here, though I am promised, by my father to Phineus."49

"You will come with me?" he asked, half expecting her to refuse. She leaned across and kissed him, by way of confirmation; he tasted of the sea and adventure. He responded in kind, returning the ardour of her kiss, not at all minding the unkempt appearance of her still-wet hair or the taste of salt-spray on her lips.50

When they parted, Perseus fave a sharp, high-pitched whistle. A tall, snowy white steed with long white pinions landed on the beach beside them. Then it walked towards them bending its graceful neck and nuzzling Persus' hand.51

"Hey Peg, we have places to go," he said, stroking the magnificent creature's muzzle. 52

"He is splendid!" she exclaimed, reaching her hand out gingerly.53

"He is a ... a reward for my struggles." he explained.54

It knelt accommodatingly in the sand, he carefully lifted Andromeda onto its back, in front of its folded wings. After gathering his helmet and a dorsal spine he had cut from the foul beast he leapt up behind her. 55

With a single downbeat of its wings the beautiful mount rose skyward till they were high over the beach. Perseus could see his ship, missing its mast but amazingly still afloat limping towards the port. He could feel her soft weight as she leaned against his chest. His heart told him he had found a greater reward than even the mighty Pegasus.56

Andromeda looked down towards the rock that had been her prison and then at port city that had been her home. She listened to the steady beat of Perseus' heart and felt the warmth of his strong arms around her. 57

"That is where once my body was captive and my heart longed to be free," she said, quietly. "Now my heart is captive and and I long to be no where else but here. Goddess Athena heard and remembered me and I am happy."58