The Song of Orpheus by Tracy Barrett Read Free Book Online Page B

themselves to fight for Pallene’s hand. King Sithon felt he was nearing the end of his days, and besides, he could use a young man in the family to help control his kingdom. So he was finally ready to allow someone to become his son-in-law.
    “Never fear,” he told the two men. “You won’t have to feel the shame of fighting an old man. I have a new plan, one that will give honor to the victor. I will unveil it at dinner tonight.”
    Pallene and her sister, who had given up on ever marrying, were thrilled at the news of the arrival of these suitors. Rhoeteia helped Pallene dress for dinner with particular care—twining fresh flowers in her dark hair, using the burnt end of a twig to line her eyes with charcoal—as they tried to guess their father’s plan.
    That night, they entered the banquet hall under the watchful eyes of their parents and their beloved guard. Quietly, they took their places at the women’s table. As musicians played pipes and stringed instruments, a juggler and an acrobat performed, and dogs yipped and fought over scraps, the girls discussed the strangers.
    “They’re both handsome,” Rhoeteia said.
    Pallene agreed, but her eye had been caught by Kleitos. He
was
good-looking, but more than that, he listened courteously when others spoke, and when the performers circulated among the diners with their bowls, he generously gave them large helpings off his plate.
    “I like that one,” Pallene said. “The shorter one, with the light hair.”
    Eros, the god of love, happened to be there with a quiver full of the golden arrows he used to make people fall in love. Being in a good mood, he decided to help the princess, so he shot two of his golden arrows: one into Pallene’s heart and the other into the heart of Kleitos, just as he glanced at Pallene. Both fell instantly in love.
    When King Sithon stood, the room fell silent. “Honored guests,” he began, “here we have two suitors for the hand of my daughter Pallene. I am an old man—” He waited modestly until the cries of “No, no!” and “You’re still in your prime!” died down. “It’s time for the girl to be married, but her husband must be worthy of her.” He turned to Dryas and Kleitos. “In three days, the two of you will fight one another from chariots. Whoever wins will become my son-in-law. Whoever loses,” he looked around the room, “will die.” The king sat down as low murmurs and buzzing conversation rose around him.
    Pallene had lost her appetite. A strong, tall man would stand the best chance of winning such a swordfight, and Kleitos was smaller than Dryas. She knew that she could not change her father’s mind once he had made a decision. All she could do was pray that somehow Kleitos would be victorious. And over the next few days, the more Pallene saw of the two, the more she liked Kleitos—and the less she liked Dryas.
    The night before the chariot race, Pallene didn’t sleep at all. How could she bear it if Dryas won the fight? Toward morning, she wandered into the garden. The stars moved overhead, and when dawn broke in the east, she sat on a stone bench and sobbed quietly.
    “What’s wrong, princess?” The familiar voice of her old guard broke in on Pallene’s thoughts. At first, she was reluctant to confide in him, but he managed to coax the truth from her. “You’re sure you wish to marry this man?” he asked.
    “Oh, yes.” She started to cry again.
    The guard stood up. “I’ll see to it.” His voice was firm. “Don’t worry. If this is the man you want to marry, you will marry him. Just leave it to me.” He hesitated. “It will take a little money.”
    “Whatever you need.” Pallene handed him the pouch of coins she wore around her waist. She didn’t care what his plan was, as long as Kleitos won. “If it’s not enough, just tell me.”
    The guard hurried away, and Pallene went to the field of combat. People had been gathering since the night before to get a good view of the