Tamer of Horses by Amalia Carosella

Author:Amalia Carosella [Carosella, Amalia]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: The Trojan War, Theseus, centaurs, Helen of Troy, bronze age greece, historical romance, historical fiction, classical mythology, Helen of Sparta, Amazons, Historical fantasy
Publisher: Thorskona Books
Published: 2016-10-03T05:00:00+00:00

It was a subtle campaign, Hippodamia decided. He made no demands upon her that night, only held her in his arms, stroking her hair and soothing her grief. His kisses were soft, all affection and kindness. Like the first they had shared, when Centaurus had put her hand in his before the palace gates.

But of course, that reminded her that her father was gone, and when the tears welled up, then spilled, Pirithous hushed her gently, brushing them away with a tenderness that surprised her.

“Tell me,” he murmured, nuzzling her ear. “Let me help.”

And so she spoke, haltingly, of her argument with Centaurus. Of the way she had dismissed his wisdom, though she did not say precisely what it was he had warned. What she had done was awful enough without insulting Pirithous, as well. And what good would it do to reveal her loyalty, so foolishly misplaced? It would only give him hope for what she was no longer certain they could ever have.

“What rites would you have performed?” Pirithous asked, when she had finished. “I will see them done, for Centaurus deserves the honors, one king to another, and I would not have you feel that you have not done your duty.”

“I would see his body cleansed and anointed myself, but it must be returned to my people, Pirithous. He must be given up to them, that he might return, too, to the mountain itself.”

He pressed his lips together, his gaze growing distant. “Perhaps Theseus and Antiope might do us that kindness. And deliver my bargain to Cyllarus, besides. Your people are much less likely to strike at Poseidon’s son on such an errand, and mine will recognize the wisdom of it far more readily if the suggestion comes from Theseus’s lips.”

She knew it was true, but she hated the thought. Hated that she could not see her father’s body given back to the Horse Lord. “Is there no way I might accompany them?”

“If you do, and the centaurs disappear from the mountain, my people will believe you betrayed them by giving warning.”

“And will they not think the same of Theseus?”

“After he and Antiope fought so fiercely for the Lapiths?” He shook his head. “Even if they had given only a token wave of their swords, there is not a man in Achaea who would dare speak such slander against the king of Athens. Not when he is known so well for his judgment and wisdom. If Theseus sees fit to warn them, and perhaps some might whisper it is so, they will think it is proof of his greatness, not a reason for mistrust.”

She bit her lip on her reply, rolling away from him in the bed. What good would it do to object? To remind him that she had fought against the centaurs too, had helped to kill Eurytion as he had carried her away? What difference did it make at all if his people would not trust her, even after she had defended them and sent the centaurs back up the mountain? She was not even certain she would stay.

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