Dominion of the Moon by Kostas Krommydas

Author:Kostas Krommydas [Krommydas, Kostas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Greece
ISBN: 9781980358374
Published: 2018-06-26T23:00:00+00:00

The first day of the symposium had just ended, and everyone was gathering in the foyer. A large table set up in the center served as a bar, and a woman dressed in black dominated the space, sitting on a small stage set against the wall. She held a cello between her legs, and provided the musical accompaniment to the hushed conversations of the attendees. Her thin fingers slipped on the musical instrument, weaving a gentle melody.

Iro stood beside the stage, gazing at the cellist in admiration. Her father and Miltos were engaged in conversation beside her. The waiter, failing to entice them with his tray of drinks, made to leave, nearly running into the woman who had suddenly materialized beside them. She grabbed one of the glasses, thanked him, and then extended a hand toward Alexandros Varvis. “Good evening, my name in Alkistis Cosma. I’m an archaeologist. I’ve been working at the Sanctuary of the Great Gods these past few months.”

Alexandros ignored her hand and nodded indifferently, watching a blush spread from her neck to the roots of her closely-cropped hair as she awkwardly stood there. Trying to make up for her father’s rudeness, Iro took her hand and shook it warmly. “Pleased to meet you. Iro Varvis. This is my father, Alexandros Varvis, and my fiancé, Miltos Ramiotis. Welcome to Samothrace. We hope you enjoy your stay here, and please don’t hesitate to contact us for anything you may need.”

Despite Iro’s obvious disinclination to engage in anything other than polite formalities, the young archaeologist smiled, undeterred. “Thank you for your welcome, but I’ve been here for a while now. I am leaving for Athens tomorrow to visit the exhibition at the Acropolis Museum. It’s on the mysteries of the Great Gods. When I return, I would like to meet to discuss a matter concerning old excavations that took place on your land. Any information you have on that subject would be useful. I tried to contact you before.”

Alexandros gave the young archaeologist a look of disdain. “Excavations have never taken place on our land. There has never been a need for excavations on our land.”

Iro, acting as peacemaker once again, spoke up, handing over a business card. “Please call me at the foundation offices one of these mornings to make an appointment, and we’ll discuss whatever you want. Now, if you will excuse us …”

“Yes, certainly, I did not mean to interrupt. We’ll talk soon. It’s been a pleasure.” Alkistis moved to the other side of the room.

“Father, you don’t always have to show what you feel,” Iro whispered to Alexandros. “Everything is under control. Why don’t you go to the evening reception with Miltos? I’ll make sure everyone gets on the buses, and join you later.”

“I wish your mother could have seen you like this,” Alexandros said. “You were wonderful today. The nine days of the symposium will pass quickly, and as the big day approaches, you seem more and more ready for it …”

She picked up his wrinkled hand and kissed it respectfully, then turned to go.

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