Of Ambrosia and Stone: Pandora's Curse

16

The elaborately carved gate creaks open as I enter. I pull back the ivy vines that separate the private garden from the servant’s stairs. I resecured the door.

“Arista, I”m determined to make this home. Look what I have got.” I showed her the three packages. “Three packages of daffodil seeds for us to plant.”

The night is fully spread across the sky. At least the torches are still lit. I found the table and chairs that Uncle and I sat at. Uncle welcomed me to come here at any time. I doubt that he expected me to come in the dead of night, but this was the first time in days that I have been able to get away from the infirmary.

“Lovely!” She squealed, “A perfect addition to the garden.”

First, I work to pull the weeds from the garden. Following the outline of what appeared to have been there once before. Most plants appear dead. Others are overgrown. Though there’s no rhyme or reason to predict which. The entire thing was odd, but I shrug it off as being related to the magic of the gods.

Ari whispers, “I wish we weren’t in this palace, but I”m delighted you have found time to grow flowers.”

“Yes, I know Arista.” Smiling, as I pull weeds from the garden as we continue our chattering.

“Growing food is so boring. Flowers are a much better use of garden space.” Arista stands from her position, she twirls in the mounds of flowers.

Having your hands in dirt has a way of making you reminisce. “Growing food reminds me of my mom.”

Deep down, I almost feel lost. Like being taken by a rip current in the ocean. Not able to choose where to go. Not able to pull myself out of the dark depths.

“Do you remember your mother?” Ari pauses looking intently at me. Trying to make conversation. Everyone has a mom but not everyone has one they can remember.

Furrowing my brow, I freeze. “No. No, I don’t.” I would have sworn that she was also an avid gardener. Where would that come from? Maybe dad told me about it when I was younger?

“Memories are a funny thing. Fickle as can be.” Arista plucks a nearby daffodil from a bunch.

“Looks like daffodils used to grow here.” I poke at the flowers, “Maybe we can try to grow the old bulbs and the seeds. Then we can see if either takes to the garden.”

“Seems like a good plan to me,” she agrees.

The petals appear withered. Like it has seen many days in the sun without enough water.

We take care to prep an area, plant the seeds, and clean up where the old patches once were. As the evening moved even later into the night, I can’t help but grin at the feeling of the cool air around me.

I start to water each set of flowers. Taking several trips, I fill the bucket in the nearby pond. Lugging the bucket, I pull the water and bring it close.

Surveying the area, I puff my chest with pride at the progress. “Maybe this garden can be our home away from home, right Arista?”

A soft chuckle fills the clearing. But it’s much deeper than Ari’s. Swirling backward, I squint my eyes, peering into the darkness of the now open gate which leads to the main garden.

I feel breathless. My fear is bleeding into my words. Should I have listened to Apollo? “Who”s there?

A dark figure looms at the door.

Grasping at the water bucket in my hand, I ready myself to throw it at the figure. “Who are you?”

Uncle Ov steps into the light.

“OV! You nearly scared me to Hades!” I sigh in exasperation.

His booming laugh fills the clearing. “Apologies Pandora. I was taking my nightly stroll and happened to hear you.” Entering the garden he surveys my progress. “Look at all the work you’ve completed in the garden. Great work. You seem to be blessed with the green thumb of Demeter herself.”

I grin proudly. “Aww thanks. I have been craving to come back ever since our tea chat.”

“It is great to see life return to this garden. It used to be the most beautiful in all of Olympus.” Memories flash across his eyes. “Now I”ll need to take my leave. Tomorrow is the Dekate. A day when citizens from all over the court come to pay their taxes to the kingdom. I”ll need all my energy for a day as strenuous as what tomorrow will be. Good night, dearie.”

“Oh well it sounds like it will be busy tomorrow. Good night, Ov.”

“Good night, my dear.” He smiles before latching the gate shut.

A busy and crowded castle. Perhaps this is my chance to flee. Blending into the waves of people entering and exiting the city. Fading away into the streets.

“No. You can’t leave Artemis,” Ari whispers.

“Arista, but even Artemis, Apollo’s own twin, is bullied by the man. I don’t think I have ever seen someone so harsh.” I mutter under my breath, “Plus, weren’t you the one who was telling me how awful this place was?”

“But… Artemis.” Murmurs a forlorn Ari.

She didn’t need to tell me. I knew it. My soul hurts to even consider leaving my friend but I’m not sure what choice I have.

Walking to the back corner where the ivy meets the walls, I pull the vines back and enter the servant hallways. Heading back upstairs to bed.

I know that tomorrow is my chance, my day to escape this land.