Wisdom: Part 1

The older man stiffly lowered to his knees, the rough marble grinding against bone. Beads of sweat fell across his lowered brow, falling in a small puddle in front of him. His chest heaved from the numerous stairs he climbed to reach the sacred temple. It was not an easy journey, with it being on the side of a mountain. His joints ached from the effort. But Leander was desperate for the most invaluable thing known to man: wisdom. The middle-aged woman in front of him sat with her legs crossed. Her eyes were shut in meditation, her brown hair pulled atop her head. The Pythia seemed like a phantom with the swirling vapors dancing around her. The man cleared his throat to fend off the thick cloud. The sound echoed through the temple's walls, loud enough to silence the cacophony of voices from the line forming behind him. The sun just began to rise, illuminating the Pythia from between the stone columns, the spirit of Apollo filling her mortal form. The sun also lit up the three maxims inscribed on the columns to her right: "Know thyself", "Nothing to excess", and "Surety brings ruin". The words began to shift as the man's head swam.

"Great Oracle of Delphi," the Pythia's eyes flew open at the sound of the man's voice. Her gaze was soft and unfocused, seeing visions over his head from far beyond this realm. "I wish to know my son's future. In exchange, I have brought four of my best sheep."

"He will come across great fortune and power when he forges an unbreakable knot." She said, her voice lilting. The old man's heart soared. Leander was nearing the end and wished the best for his son. He had provided all he could as a farmer, but he was afraid it hadn't been enough. Now he could rest easy knowing he could be safe. Although, he wasn't sure how an unbreakable knot was formed. His brain was already spinning, but the Oracle continued. "Be warned: if the sky burns to ash, he will die."

The Pythia closed her eyes. That was the end. Leander rose with a crackle of his knees. He limped as blood began to circulate down his legs. His head still felt as though he was floating, mood light. He laughed to himself as he began his descent down the mountain, past the line of people. His son would be rich and powerful. And he would be forever, for how could the sky burn to ash?

Leander excitedly told his wife the news, but at the warning, Phoebe's face grew solemn. He reassured her that it was impossible. They would all soon be rich if they could figure out how to forge an unbreakable knot. Their son, Hector, burst through the door still covered in grime from his duties. Hector wrapped his father in a hug, already taller than him by a head, he was quickly growing into a strapping young man. Leander cast a silent message to his wife over his son's shoulder. He did not tell his son he was going to the Oracle of Delphi and would not tell him the prophecy. Terrible things tended to happen when people focused on the words of their own fate, and he did not want to worry him with the threat of death. And Hector was already stubborn in nature.

Over the next couple days, between caring for their horses, sheep, and chicken, Leander taught Hector different knot variations with frayed rope they used to tie the horses up with at night. For two hours a day Leander had Hector tie and retie knots until his fingers were rough. Even with the tightest knots, Hector could unwind them with enough effort. Leander grew frustrated, wishing he could solve the Pythia's riddle. Leander made sure his family had enough to eat, and whatever else they needed they bought through money made at markets. But he wanted a more comfortable life for his son.

The next morning, the men loaded up the sheep milk, cheese, and eggs into their cart to sell in the marketplace. Phoebe would stay behind this week to look after the house while they were gone. She kissed them both on the cheek and sent them on their way with some fresh bread.

The town center was a far walk, both men trudging along either sides of their horse which pulled their wagon of goods first through a dirt path and then along the cobblestones of the town. By the time they reached the market, it was in full swing. Vendors were set up along the city blocks selling fish, meat, vegetables, pottery, jewelry, fabrics, and other goods. Men sat across from each other shouting competing prices, vying for the attention of wealthy merchants. Leander and Hector began to set up their wares near the end of the long street, to the left of two older women selling expensive looking silk gowns.

Leander was not a pushy sales person, he liked to be friendly enough to be memorable. Soon their regular customers came and went with hands full of their eggs and milk. Phoebe had also made soap from the leftover milk and dried herbs they had this week, which drew many new women to their wagon. Hector let his father do most of the talking while he gathered up the items. As Hector slipped another dozen eggs into his father's hands, his eyes caught on someone at the stand next to theirs. A girl in purple robes flashed a blinding smile as the old woman clucked over her, showing her swaths of fabulously dyed silk. Her father had a hand around her shoulder and chuckled while pointing to a few samples. The girl's eyes shimmered as they met Hector's. Color creeped into her cheeks and Hector looked away sharply, embarrassed he had been caught gawking. Leander was completely unaware of this exchange as he told Hector to retrieve some more milk. As Hector turned around, the girl appeared in front of him, a vision of wheat-colored hair and long lashes. She looked more well-polished than most girls his age. A glittering necklace sat delicately across her chest. He slowly walked up to her as if in a dream.

"I'd like to buy one of your soaps. They smell lovely," she said sweetly. "How much?"

Hector was ready to hand her their whole stock. He carefully held out one of the best-looking ones, with delicate lavender sprigs the same color as her robes. "No charge for you miss," he said. His father wouldn't be too angry, it had been a particularly busy day today. Besides, the girl's father was talking to Leander, and wanted to buy the rest of their stock. The girl's soft fingertips brushed against Hector's as she took the soap.

"Thank you," she offered softly. She gave him a final smile before helping her father carry some eggs back down the main road. He stared after her dumbly as Leander put away the money they had made and untied their horse.

"Well, we had an excellent day today, huh son?"

"Yeah," Hector mumbled, watching the purple robes disappear behind the bustle of the crowd.

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Phoebe was waiting with fresh food for them when they came back. Leander kissed her and handed her fresh fish, herbs, and new slippers they had picked up in town. He talked excitedly about how well they had done after a wealthy man bought the entirety of their wares. Hector mumbled that he was going to freshen up before dinner before disappearing into his room. At dinner, he seemed quieter than usual, but happy as they ate in quiet conversation. Phoebe eyed him suspiciously.

"Did anything else exciting happen at the market today," Phoebe asked, directed at Hector. Phoebe and Leander stared expectantly at their son for a long pause before Hector realized he had been asked.

"No, it was normal," he said, his cheeks flushing. Phoebe grunted her dissent but let the topic drop. Later that night when Phoebe was alone with Leander, she spoke her concerns aloud.

"Do you think Hector has been acting strange today?"

"Yeah, I suppose he's been off since the Market. Why?"

Phoebe fidgeted with her wedding band. She had a strange feeling about the Oracle's words since she had heard them, but who was she to deny her son a better fortune? She worried that the Fates could be fickle and could not help but think of the worst outcome. Still, she could not keep things from her husband.

"I don't think the 'unbreakable knot' is made of rope." Phoebe held out her hand. The flickering light of their lamps shown across the Heraclean Knot on her wedding band. Her husband took her hand, brows knit together as the information pieced together in his mind.

"Of course! He is destined to marry rich! My, what a smart wife I have." Leander wrapped his arms around his wife.

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The next week, Phoebe took Hector back to the market, confirming her suspicions. The aristocrat's daughter showed up to their wagon early in the day. Phoebe smiled broadly and thanked them for their generosity. She asked whom to address her thanks. The young girl who looked about Hector's age was Aethra. Her father, Diomedes, and her older brother, Cadmus accompanied her. Diomedes remarked on the quality of their products, mentioning he owned a large estate with multiple agricultural fields, but their food quality was not nearly as high. Phoebe stuttered at the high praise and offered tips on what to feed their animals and how to care for them for the best results.

"I don't mean to be presumptuous, but I was looking for workers to care for the animals. I would provide a high salary and accommodations for your family on my estate, of course, if you were interested," Diomedes suggested with an incline of his brow.

Phoebe sputtered. Working under Diomedes would require a lot more work than they currently did, but they would be more than comfortable without ever having to do market sales again. Phoebe glanced at her son from the corner of her eye, where he was locked into the gaze of Aethra. Cadmus looked between them with disgust, then away with a bored expression. Diomedes encouraged her to think about his offer and again bought all of their stock. Servants took handfuls of eggs and milk to a cart and followed behind the aristocrats. Phoebe's mind was reeling at the offer. She would have to talk it over with Leander, but she had a feeling he would be ecstatic with the news.

"It looks like you may be seeing more of Aethra," Phoebe said to her son knowingly.

"Oh," her son mumbled, scratching his neck with discomfort. She laughed and patted his arm, encouraging her to help him pack up.

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Soon after, the family packed up their personal items and animals and traveled across town to Diomedes' sweeping estate. While their new home, a cottage east of the main estate, was dwarfed by the large mansion at the center of the estate, it was still much larger than their old home. Leander and Hector would work long hours, but Diomedes supplied them with the newest tools, making their endeavours much easier than before. Aethra would often find herself strolling the grounds, stealing small glances at Hector as he toiled. Hector anticipated her inconspicuous visits and would begin showing off, lifting heavy packs of grain and guiding the animals. Sometimes Cadmus would come looking for his sister, often pulling her away while sneering in Hector's general direction.

Phoebe saw them both, worry gnawing at the back of her mind. The prophecy couldn't be right; Diomedes had no reason to allow his daughter to marry someone below her station. Although the longing between the two was palpable, she would probably be set up for a powerful political marriage. Still, she urged Leander to take Hector to a blacksmith. She warned him to keep the prophecy a secret, scared that knowing the future would cause Hector immense stress.

Leander had said he would, but it was difficult for Leander to keep things from his son. They had been nearly inseparable from the day he was born. He pushed silver coins into the blacksmith's hand and asked if he could show his son how to make a wedding band. The heat around them pulsed, causing the men to sweat as if they had run across the fields in the midday summer sun. Hector placed the iron into the forge to heat it until it was red and glowing. Then, the blacksmith showed him how to hammer it around a pole to form a ring. The clanging of metal reverberated in Leander's chest, loosening his thoughts. As Hector began filing the piece and putting in the details, Leander spoke.

"I always want the best for you, son," he began. "I want you to be happy and well-off long after I've gone. To be sure, I went to the Oracle of Delphi and asked about your fate." Hector looked up at him, completely forgetting his task. Curiosity sparkled in his wide eyes. He had only heard whisperings of the traditions at the Temple of Apollo.

"The Pythia said you would form an unbreakable knot and come into wealth and power," Leader nodded down at the ring in his son's hand. "I hope this will guide you to your fate."

Hector glanced back down, running the ring's surface between his fingers. "I will make you proud, Papa."

Leander squeezed his shoulder. He left out a warning about his death, it would only cause strife. Besides, why warn him of something that is impossible to come true? He shared Phoebe's doubts about Hector being of high enough station to marry Aethra, but he had to put some faith in the gods' wisdom. He urged Hector to be patient.

"Allow her older brother to marry first before you pursue her. For now, be kind and courteous, especially to her family."

Diomedes had been exceptionally kind. With the addition of Leander's help, his profit had soared, with people complimenting the supremacy of his product, and he had payed Leander and his family exceptionally well in kind. While they were still his workers, he was kind to them. Aethra followed her father's lead, although most of her attention was spent on Hector. Cadmus was less amiable. While he was not outright rude to them, it was obvious he did not feel like they belonged at the estate. Most of his ire was reserved for Hector, who had captured the adoration of his sister that he seemed to protect. That would be a challenge, especially since Cadmus would inherit the estate after his father was gone.

Leander reached back into his pocket and pulled out a gold coin. He looked to the surly blacksmith, ash gathering in the crevices of his face. Leander asked the man if he knew someone who could make an ornate kylix. He said his wife excelled in pottery. Leander pushed the gold coin into his hand. It would cost him a month's salary, but it was worth it to secure his son's future. They would return in two weeks to retrieve the ornate cup, bedecked with scenes depicting the great labours of Heracles, but that day, they left with an iron band tucked safely in Hector's pocket.

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"Hector!" Diomedes called jovially as Hector and Leander guided the sheep back to the barn for the night, sweat rolling down their backs. "Bring your family over to the dining room for dinner tonight. We're having a celebration!"

Hector assured him that they would clean themselves up right away and gave him a wave. He urged Leander to finish their chores, and they hurried back to their cottage. Phoebe already had their nicest clothes on the edge of their beds. She was busy piling her dark hair at the top of her head in a fancy updo he had only seen her do on their wedding day.

"It is an engagement dinner," Phoebe confirmed. "Cadmus has proposed to Electra. The maids have been flitting about all day and chatting about it." She shooed them both to the bath, reminding them to scrub all the dirt from their fingers and ears.

After 30 minutes, Leander and Hector shifted uncomfortably in their stiff pants and squeaky shoes while Phoebe finished lining her eyes with khol. It was a short walk to the main building, though they had to go around to reach the front doors. Leander strode confidently in front of his parents, who walked hand in hand. Phoebe squeezed her husband's hand for support as the doors opened like a gaping mouth in front of them. Hector squeezed back reassuringly. They had been inside the main building a few times to speak with Diomedes in his office and parlor, but never in the grand dining room. 

The large oak table had been set with sparkling dinnerware and glasses filled to the brim with dark wine. Diomedes greeted them with a warm smile and gestured for them to sit down at the nearer end of the table, next to a couple around the same age as them. They were bedecked in finery that rivaled Diomedes’, with their daughter sitting beside Cadmus. Leander and his family settled in, feeling the couple’s gaze scrutinize them. While Electra and Cadmus gave each other shy smiles, they seemed awkward next to each other.

Probably arranged since birth, Phoebe concluded.

“Welcome all! Tonight we celebrate," Diomedes raised his glass full of wine in the direction of the young couple with a warm smile. Phoebe raised her own glass, elbowing her husband and son to copy her. "My son Cadmus and Electra will marry within the month, combining their lives as well as our businesses." Diomedes gestured to Electra's father with his glass. Soft clinking filled the air as everyone toasted in their honor.

The red wine melted on Phoebe's tongue, lacking any of the bitterness she was used to. She let the sip settle into her stomach before she took a second sip, trying to remain as ladylike as she could, especially with the sharp glances Electra's parents cast in their direction. She tried not to focus on that. Instead, she watched Aethra as she stole glances at Leander across the table. 

Leander couldn’t help but notice her glances. While Diomedes was just chatting with Electra and her parents, he gave Aethra a wink. A pretty flush of color spread over her freckled cheeks. He was infatuated with her clear blue eyes as they turned back toward her father. Leander had never wanted anything more, and it seemed Fate was on his side. It was not only his wish but the will of the gods for them to wed, after all. He could feel Cadmus’ eyes on the side of his face, so he cast his gaze downward and continued to eat. He just needed to buy a little more time.

“Thank you for the wonderful dinner, father. Although was it really necessary to invite the farmers to the table?” Cadmus chuckled.

A hush fell over the polite conversation, and the clink of silverware ceased. Aethra gave a sharp kick to her brother across the table. He did not jolt, but she could tell it had hurt by the way his shoulders tensed. He was hardly this protective over her when he pulled her hair or stole her books from her hands. 

“Well, they helped put the food on this table,” Dionysus said, fingers spread over the spread of cheeses, rich and savory lamb, and lush green vegetables. 

“Good thing. You sure do eat a lot of it,” Aethra mumbled.

Dionysus barked a laugh, and everyone followed suit. The conversation turned to Electra’s home life. She talked about her love of horseback riding and her travels around the Mediterranean. Aethra nudged a piece of cheese across her plate. Her adventures sounded miraculous. Aethra had been holed up in this estate with nothing but her father, brother, and tutors to keep her company. It seemed like her family had been hiding since her mother died when she was born. Perhaps that was why she was so drawn to Leander. He seemed the opposite of the people she grew up around: confident, unshakeable, physically strong. Plus, he was kind to animals. While it was true Aethra happened to catch Leander working in the fields a few times, she also loved to look at the horses and sheep and cows he kept. Animals seemed so much more likable than people.

At the close of the meal, Hector politely thanked Dionysus for his generosity and wished Cadmus and Electra a happy engagement. The family left, knowing they should not overstay their welcome. Electra's parents began to loosen. They had barely spoken in their presence. Still, the family left with their heads high. Leander’s hand closed protectively over the iron ring in his pocket as the doors closed behind him with a snap.

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The estate was bustling for the next two weeks in preparation for the wedding. Hector and Leander worked grueling hours, harvesting crops, retrieving eggs, slaughtering animals. Dionysus had boasted of a grand feast for his guests, so Hector and Leander had to work tirelessly. They were also tasked with groundskeeping. The wedding would be held at their estate, so the house itself had to look immaculate. Hector tried to keep up with everything but was beginning to slow down with his age and the harshness of the late summer sun. Leander gladly picked up extra work, his mind always on the future. Even though he was currently cutting shrubs with giant shears, in his mind he was feasting in elegant robes seated next to his future wife. It kept him motivated as his muscles ached and thirst burned his throat.

His thoughts were interrupted by the vision herself in the flesh. She strolled along the stone pathway. She gazed out across the fields with a basket hooked around her arm, humming to herself. She seemed unhurried, so Leander called out to her.

“ ‘Afternoon, Lady Aethra.” 

She stopped, flashing him a blinding smile. “Good afternoon, Leander.” 

Even through the heat, he could feel the warmth that filled his chest at her attention. As she moved closer, her sweet scent filled his senses. From here, he could see she had a book and some food tucked away in her basket.

“Where are you off to?” He tilted his chin to the basket’s contents.

She shifted a bit. “Somewhere quiet. The castle is bustling with the wedding preparations, and I find that I’m just in the way.”

They both gazed up at the estate. Leander could see maids and servants shuffling through the halls from each window. The mumble of conversation just reached them outside. Leander was surprised Aethra would rather be out here than picking out dresses and tablecloths. 

“Well, at least take this with you.” Leander reached into his pocket and held out a pink apple to her. He cringed internally at his dirty fingers wrapped around the smooth surface. He was saving it as a snack, but he hoped Aethra would appreciate it more. He was sure this was the right choice as their fingers met as she took the apple from him. 

“Thank you, Leander.” She smiled, placing the apple carefully at the top of her basket. She continued up the path. Leander watched her long after she left until his father’s yelling broke his reverie. 

“Boy, you better get back to work. It’s past midday, and we have a lot more to do.” Hector scolded. He softened a bit when he followed Leander’s gaze to Aethra’s retreating form. He sighed and placed his hand on his son’s shoulder. “I picked up the Kylix. I think you should be the one to give it to Cadmus.” Leander nodded, knowing he would do anything he needed to secure wealth for his family. He would do anything to have her. 

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Leander rolled his shoulders, exhaling heavily. He stood outside the study that he often saw Cadmus enter after dinner. He rapped his knuckles softly on the chestnut door. Through its thick surface, he could hear papers shuffling and a chair creak as Cadmus stood up. He opened the door a few inches; his eyes, wide with shock, quickly narrowed in suspicion. 

“What,” was all he said. He looked ready to slam the door in Leander’s face. He probably would have if he didn’t care about attracting attention. 

“I brought you a wedding present from my family.”

Leander held out the wide cup using the handles on each side. The surface was a glossy black with depictions of Heracles strangling the Nemean Lion, the first of his great labors. It was wonderfully ornate and solid, fired clay. 

Cadmus took a step back and opened the door further. Leander carefully set the chalice on the ornate desk, noting the various maps and trading ledgers all scribbled with furious notes. He quickly turned back to Cadmus to prevent adding to his ire. 

“How are preparations? You must be excited to inherit such a large kingdom—,“

“You’ll never marry her,” Cadmus interjected.

Straight to the point then.

“I don’t know what you mean.”

Cadmus strolled past him to place himself back in the chair at the head of the desk. He looked over the desk at him like he had already inherited his father’s estate, cool and powerful. He shuffled a few papers into piles, placing them away from Leander’s prying eyes. 

“Do you think I’m stupid? You’ve been making eyes at my sister since you first got here. You cannot expect me to believe that you love her.”

Leander wiped the sweat from his palms on his dirty pants. The young men stared at each other across the desk. Under the scrutiny of his gaze, Leander realized he could not lie to Cadmus. Not wholly. He sat down across from him, placing his elbows on his knees. He leaned across the desk and lowered his voice, as if confiding in Cadmus.

“I do love her. As much as I’ve loved anyone -”

Cadmus rolls his eyes, beginning to disengage, but Leander draws him back in. “But more than that, I want to secure a future for my family. My father grows older, and I am not as great a farmer as him. I want to be able to provide and care for them.” 

At this, Cadmus leaned back in his chair, his eyes distant. After a minute in silence, he shook his head. ”It still wouldn’t work; our father would not let her marry someone below her station.”

Leander breathed a sigh of relief. “Maybe not. We will see.”

Cadmus gave him a nod. Leander excused himself. His steps were lighter on his walk back through the estate. He whistled to himself. He really had no idea how to get Diomedes’ approval, but it didn’t really matter. It would work out.