Eros led the three gods out of Roma. The sun was inching its way down across the horizon, casting shadows upon the cobblestone road as the four walked. In those shadows, Anahit found herself lost briefly in a memory. Swaying slightly, she noticed the scent of sage in the air. She closed her eyes and sniffed deeply.
***
The branches seemed to whip past Anahit as she allowed the hill to guide her feet. Behind her she could hear Tir grumbling about a rock lodged in his foot. They were running. In front of their path was a bustling city, full of people pulling large carts and trollies full of grains and livestock. The donkeys that pulled these trollies shook impatiently while their rider’s beckoned customers. Anahit and Tir weaved their way through the busy streets of Tigranocerta, their hoods concealing their identities.
The two twins were not allowed to leave the castle often, if ever, for fear of kidnappers, or worse. Tigranes the Great, their father, ensured their safety by keeping the two extremely close to home. Pythia, on the other hand, the castle oracle and teacher of the two, had quite differing opinions on letting them explore beyond the castle. Sometimes, when there were fewer guards patrolling Pythia’s section of the castle, she would allow the two to sneak and roam the streets of Tigranocerta. The old, blind oracle would make them promise one thing, never to reveal themselves to anyone else they come across. And so, with a shake of the head and a flick of the wrist Pythia would send them off on journeys, sometimes one that had them picking up an item or herb needed for the lesson that day.
The two had a specific mission today: to find a fresh bushel of sage and mint. Pythia was having them to complete a lesson in medicinal healing. Anahit, already extremely well versed in selecting and crushing herbs, naturally wanted to challenge herself in maneuvering through stores and stands to find the best herbs for healing. She found it fascinating that a tiny plant could do so much for a person’s health, even in extreme cases of snake bites and stab wounds.
Anahit and Tir passed by various stalls and people, slipping through alleyways and back yards. They then found themselves in the main street, where it was the busiest and loudest. Anahit led the way as she scanned the open area, her eyes landing upon a store with the words “Herbs and Remedies” plastered above it in bold ink. She looked toward Tir and pointed towards the sign. The two nodded in agreement as they walked through the doors of the shop.
The shop was filled to the brim with plants and herbs of all sizes. As the two stepped through the threshold a various concoction of scents attacked their nostrils. Jars filled with medicine lined the walls of the shop while in front of them stood a long table. Behind the table sat an older man, squeezing what appeared to be Rosa damascene into a small vile, creating rose oil. The man looked up towards the two and nodded. “Is there somethin’ you two are lookin’ fer?” His dialect was that of Southern Armenian, burlier and loader on the ears. Anahit and Tir glanced at each other before Anahit cleared her throat. “Yes, we were hoping to buy some sage and mint from you. Do you have any fresh in stock?” The man scanned the two before answering. “You two look quite young, are yer sure yer parents are fine with the two of you’s roaming the street.” Tir interjected. “Our mother is quite sick, and our father is busy. We are just helping the two of them out. Thanks for the concern but we are fine.”
“Well… I s’pose that’s fine. I remember running around these cobblestone streets when I was the two of yous’ age. Here, I have some sage and mint right here. I also have a remedy already made up with the two included. Would you like it?” Anahit took a quick scan of the medicinal concoction before her before asking, “Can I feel of it?”
The man nodded and took the lid off the jar, slightly shifting it towards Anahit. The mans eyebrow raised in curiosity. As Anahit rubbed the smooth remedy between her index finger and thumb she expressed bluntly, “It’s a bit watery; I suggest adding less water and massaging the sage, instead of grinding it.” Her face then paled slightly. “I’m sorry I did not mean to correct you on your methods. My teacher tells me that I need to do a better job of listening, rather than lecturing.” She quietly cursed herself for her rudeness.
“Ah, is lit’le lady familiar with herbalism? To tell you’s the truth, I had to stretch my last bit of sage out, so I added more water than I usually do. Prices have gone up it seems, and with that less quality products. I apologize if lit’le lady does not wish to have it.” Anahit shifted slightly before turning to Tir. His face was completely shrouded by his cape, but she could tell he was scowling. “No, it is fine! It is fine for basic scratches and scrapes. Thank you, sir.”
The two of them were preparing to pay and leave before another customer walked through the door. Anahit and Tir inclined their heads slightly and saw a malnourished youngster scanning the inner shop for some type of item. The child was around their age, fifteen, and had long, vividly dark, ginger hair. When Anahit stared further, she noticed the child wearing torn, shabby clothes. Bruises adorned their pale body and face. She turned back to the old man, afraid that her staring would offend the youngster. As she brought up her coin purse to pay the man the youngster abruptly grabbed a jar of tea leaves and scampered out.
“Lit’le rodent!” The man roared. “Get back here and pay!” Before the man stormed out of his shop Anahit slammed a gold coin down and grabbed Tir’s arm. “That should suffice for both of us! It’ll even allow for you to make proper remedies.” Before she could stay to hear the man’s protests, she ran out of the shop, dragging Tir as she went.
“Where are you going?! Why are you in such a rush?” Tir exclaimed.
The two were flying through the street, bumping into people as they went. A hoard of grumbling voices and curses sounded behind them as they made their way through the crowd. Anahit could only scream out an abrupt “Sorry!” as she dragged in the direction of where the child ran. “That—that child!” She managed to mumble out through breaths. “I recognize that red hair!”
Tir was behind her still being dragged along. “Okay?! And?! We already paid for them, why follow?
Anahit turned to him and let out an impatient “Humph!” “Didn’t you see them? They were obviously in pain. With all those bruises and wounds, they must have been beaten and ended up stealing medicine as a last resort. Only, they didn’t steal medicine, they stole cheap tea leaves. They won’t be able to heal those would with that!”
Tir let out a sigh and titled his head towards his sister. “Running through the streets, chasing a thief, and bumping into people isn’t so conspicuous Ana; did you forget who we were? You can’t save every abused child you come across.”
“I’m not. I’m saving one.”
As the two rounded the corner they caught a glimpse of a flash of red hair. Anahit was locked on target and pushed forward shouting, “Hey! Little kid! Stop! We are not going to hurt you!” The child turned, their face paling as they did so, and ran forward, into an alleyway. Anahit muttered under her breath as she and Tir followed suit after the youngster. It wasn’t long before the two came to a dead end where the teen was attempting to climb a tall, brick wall.
Anahit let go of Tir’s arm and crossed her arms impatiently. “Jeez, you’re a fast little thing. Look we only want to talk. We are not going to get you arrested or anything.”
The teen whirled their head back towards the young twins and glowered at them. Spitting with every syllable they yelled back, “Pedicabo ego vos et irrumabo!”
Anahit took a step back, her face reddening as she did. What a vulgar, unruly child! To curse so opening and to say such thing… Have they no shame! Although Anahit was taken aback by the sudden vulgarity spat at her she recognized the language. This child was from Greece! Anahit then switched her dialect from Armenian to Latin. “I mean no harm! We won’t turn you in! Here!” She then pulled out the jar of medicine she had bought from the man. “Those tea leaves will do nothing for your wounds. This will help you.”
The child stopped struggling up the wall and slowly lowered themselves down. Scanning Anahit again they quickly stepped forward towards the two. “Yes, that’s it!” Anahit coaxed. “You’re fine. Here, let me help you apply it.”
The child made no protests. They seemingly were only curious of the two twins. As Anahit sat with the child and lightly touched their skin, applying the ointment, she noticed how neglected they were. Although the ointment was somewhat well made, it seemed to mix with the dirt caked on the child’s body. Anahit took out a jug of water she had stored at her side and cleaned the areas visible on the youngster’s body. She moved quickly and seamlessly, leaving no bruise or scrape untreated. Bringing her water jug up to the childs face, the two made eye contact. Although, from a distance her hooded disguise worked well, Anahit was unsure whether being up close would make her recognizable. She had no fabric to cover her face, nor a scarf to bind all her wild, curly hair. The youngsters’ eyes were wide, and Anahit could make out specks of gold in the contrasting sea of amber and brown. Before she could control her mouth, she asked, “Do you know of Earl Lycaon, son of Pelasgus?” The child’s face darkened at the question. They turned their head and muttered some profanities under their breath. Anahit thought her ears would start bleeding from all the curse words she was hearing. “I’m sorry. I did not mean to offend.” With that, the two remained in silence while Anahit worked her way through the grime on the childs face. Behind her she could hear Tir impatiently shifting in his sandals.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
The water now had washed away the dirt of the youngsters’ face, revealing high cheek bones and a youthful glow. Anahit could now see that the child was a gorgeous young girl, a little younger than her. She let out a slight gasp, alerting the young girl before her. The young girl just glared in her direction. Anahit quickly contained herself and went back to work, applying the medicine to the apple of the youths’ face. As she began packing up the young girl quickly stood and looked like she was about to bolt out of the alleyway. “Wait! I never got your name..” Anahit expressed eagerly.
The girl turned to face her. With a head tilt and a wide grin, she said, “And would you tell me yours if I asked for it back?” With that, the girl nodded in Anahit and Tir’s direction and scampered off, disappearing beyond the alleyway and into the bustling street.
“Come on.” Tir said. “Pythia will be wondering where we are. We better get back before she orders for a search party.”
Anahit packed up in silence. As they sneaked back into the castle and into Pythia’s chambers Anahit couldn’t shake the smell of sage in her nostrils and the color of amber now burned in her retinas.
***
The three gods and demigod reached the outskirts of Epithmia. Nightfall had come, enveloping their path with blankets of moonlight. During their travel they had decided to stop by an inn and continue into Epithmia the following day. Eros, being somewhat familiar with the area, directed them to an inn his mother had mentioned to him before. Reaching the garden path, the four were struck with sounds of laughter and cursing. Eros led the way, breaching the doors. As Anahit scanned her surroundings, she noticed quite a few people adorned in skimpily clad outfits flittering around. The men were brandish and loud, chugging glasses of wine and gossiping with other patrons. She had been following closely beside Eros.
She tugged at his blush pink and gold robe, alerting his attention. “Where exactly did you take us?” She questioned nervously.
Eros turned to her, a grin showing his pearly white teeth. “Like I said, Venus had mentioned this place to me. I figured since it was on our way, might as well stop.”
“I know that!” Anahit stated impatiently. “It’s just… are you sure this is just an inn?” From behind her she heard her brother grumble. “They’ve taken us to a damn brothel!”
Eros swiveled his head, squinting his eyes at Tir. “I have done no such thing! I—”
Just then, from the wide set doors of the grand hall of the inn a woman burst through, and man clumsily stumbling behind him. “I have cash! I have cash, I promise! Please… my lady I did not mean to deceive!” The woman tutted as she yelled loudly, “Leave! Leave before I get my men to beat you to a bloody pulp!” The man slumped further. He scooted past the four and slowly left the inn. An eruption of laughter sounded from behind him. Some of the patrons seem to point, gossiping behind his back.
The woman had turned to face the four deities. Her long flowing brunette hair was neatly tucked in a double knotted braid. Bold bands adorned her body and a long, revealing velvety dress wrapped tautly around her alluring frame. The woman’s eyes were sharp, while her face was almost vulture-like, with her high cheek bones protruding out of her slim face.
“Well?!” She stated haughtily. “Are you all coinless too or are you able to pay my women properly!”
“….”
Anahit turned yet again to Eros. She could see his face reddening while he muttered under his breath. “How could I have known?? Venus had only mentioned the place once!”
A smile formed on the goddesses’ face while she tried to stifle down a snicker. She faced the woman before them and with a start began, “Would it be possible to stay here for the night? We have been traveling a long way and simply wish to sleep and rest.” The woman scanned Anahit and with a “humph” she responded. “I don’t give a damn! If you are able to pay for it, you’re welcome to our beds and baths.”
Aries piped up at that moment. “Well, I mean I’m not opposed to using your other service— OOF!” Before he finished Tir jammed his elbow into his side. “Never mind.” Aries said, slumping over in pain. “We are fine with that.”
“Wonderful!” The woman said, a smile creeping upon her pale face. “How many rooms?” Tir and Anahit spoke at the same time. While Anahit shrugged “Two,” Tir let out a hasty, “four.” The two made eye contact in that moment.
“Why two? Why not get separate rooms?” Tir expressed.
“Why waste our coins? We can just share.”
Tir grunted at this answer. “Because I don’t want to share,” he stated bluntly.
“Why not, it is not like we have anything to hide?” Anahit questioned.
Eros, looking at the two twins arguing quickly interjected. “If I may, Anahit makes a good point—” The demigod was quickly cut off by Tir’s threatening scowl. The two went on bantering quietly back and forth. Anahit was beginning to fume, frowning at her brother. She was about to argue further with him before she remembered the woman, waiting patiently for their response. She turned in the woman’s direction but found the space empty. Swirling back around she caught a glance of a set of two keys dangling from an Aries hand.
With a smirk he said loudly, “What was the woman supposed to do? Wait for you two to finish your little argument. I went ahead and paid for two rooms… Sorry Tir, but my stomach still hurts from where you elbowed me.”
Anahit thought Tir’s face would permanently get stuck in a frown by how much he was scowling today. She let out a gleeful laugh as she snatched one of the keys. “Thank you very much Aries. Eros and I will take a room while you can share one with my grumpy brother.”
Aries face slightly frowned at this. “But…” He looked at Tir and then at Eros and shivered. “Nope, good choice Anahit. I’m fine with Tir.”
Eros noticed his discomfort and wiggled his eyebrows. “What? You don’t want to sleep with me. That’s rather shocking considering—”
“Shut it.” Tir said, shifting past the three, in the directions on the rooms. “I suppose this is a better, since we won’t be separated…”
Anahit came up behind Tir, her hands cupping his broad shoulders. “What is this? My brother agreeing with me? It truly must the last days if that is the case.” She continued to pester her twin brother. “Also, stop interrupting Eros, that’s the second time you’ve done it.”
“Third.” Tir countered.
“Whatever.” Anahit said, letting out an annoyed breath. Behind her she could hear Eros letting out a faint giggle.
***
Anahit and Eros’s room was dimly lit. As they stepped past the threshold and into the chamber Anahit noted the odd décor. A chandelier, the only source of light, took up the center of the room. Offset to it were two large beds. A short side table separated these two beds. To the left of the room though was a lounging area, with cushions like that of Venus’s (only less elegant), beckoning the two deities to sit. In the corner of the room, only separated by a wall, was a sink and latrine.
The demigod Eros plopped down on the cushion, seeming to already be making themself at home. Anahit opted for the floor. Going near the center of the room, slightly below the chandelier, she sat down. Bringing her thumb to her mouth she bit down hard. Blood drizzled its way down.
“What are you do—”
A knock came from their door. Hearing that it was just Tir and Aries, Eros let them in.
“These rooms are pretty drabby are they not?” Aries expressed; his arms crossed behind his back. Tir followed silently behind him.
“Quiet.”
The three watched as Anahit drew an incantation. Tir went to knelt beside her. Brushing away the ringlets of hair from his face he asked, “who are you summoning.”
“Do you not feel them?”
“Who?” Eros asked, now growing apprehensive.
Tir answered flately, “She means the souls here. There are at least 300.”
Aries and Eros shifted awkwardly at this comment. Anahit drew silently. Taking her thumb, she traced out a “U.” Drawing a line through it she then incased the entire sketch in a circle. Above the circle she began writing a “P.”
“You’re calling her. Are you sure that is wise?” Tir expressed, his face wavering slightly.
“She was our teacher Tir. Who better to ask to communicate with souls than one who resides with them. Besides you’re here with me, aren’t you? It’s not like I’m disobeying Nane’s orders.”
Anahit’s fingers hovered over the flooring slightly. Continuing her strokes, she made a “Y,” “T,” “H,” “I,” and ended with a looping “A.” The goddess had drawn the “circle of souls” incantation, specifically summoning the soul of Pythia. Known for her gifts in speaking with the dead, as well as her prophet work, Pythia could help Anahit talk with the spirits residing at the brothel. Beside Tir and Pluto, all other gods, goddesses, and deities were barred from speaking with spirits. Because deities of the past manipulated souls, fragmenting them beyond recognition, cursed souls were created. As such, Nane limited the communication between spirits and deities. Souls are extremely fragile, especially in their journeys of the “city of fire,” or in other words, the underworld. Thus, if one were to take one of these souls and fragment it, they would be able to create a fierce ghost, or worse, a dejall, like Scarlet Death. Other souls through the process of fragmentation could be made into puppets, doing the bidding of whomever had created them. The practice became such a problem that gods and goddesses began murdering humans and snatching their innocent souls before they could be guided to the underworld.
She finished drawing the incantation. Sitting back, shoulders slightly back, and head tilted upward. Anahit began chanting, deep and rhythmically, her silky voice reverberating off the walls of the brothel room. Her chants were undiscernible, going between mumbles and high-pitched tones. The room dropped in temperature. Aries and Eros, who stood a great distance from the two twins, could now see their breaths. The chandelier above Anahit began to vibrate slightly alongside Anahit’s incoherent chant. Then the room steadied; the smell of rot and decay lingering in the air. Anahit lowered her head and turned it slightly to the corner of the room, where the cushions were scattered. There, shrouded in darkness, was a hunched over figure. A disfigured older woman stood; her piercing murky white eyes gazing in Anahit’s direction.
“Ah, so you finally decide to call upon me after more than 1000 years.” Pythia’s voice was shrill and venomous. The sound of a cane struck the floor as the once great oracle made her way to the goddess. “And what does your greatness need with an antient relic like me?”