The Pandora Curse (Greek Myth Series Book 4) by Elizabeth Rose Page A

tonight.”
    “Yes, my lady,” said Zetes hurrying Agatha to a nearby tent.
    Vara then turned her attention to Nikolai who still hadn’t moved.
    “What did you mean by that comment?” she asked. “Are you saying I’m vulgar?”
    “I am only saying you eat like a man. Most ladies nibble at pieces twice as small as the ones you place into your mouth.”
    “Well, I am a warrior, not a lady!”
    One of the hounds bayed at the moon just then, and the men all burst out laughing. She threw down her food and stormed over to Nikolai. Her eyes were very dark. She pressed close when she spoke.
    “I will not tolerate your insults, seer. Especially in front of my men.”
    “I did not insult you,” he responded. “I merely made an observation.”
    “I think perhaps I have made a mistake hiring your services as a seer.”
    “I am here as advisor, not seer, if I must remind you. And you are not paying me, so I have not been hired.”
    “Then leave!” She threw her hands up in the air and let out a growl. “Leave my camp so I never have to set eyes on you again.”
    “Is that your anger talking prodded by the Furies, or is it your true feelings?”
    “Of course it’s how I feel. I only say what I mean.”
    He didn’t believe a word of it, but decided it best not to anger her any more this evening.
    “As you wish, then. I will stay for the night and be on my way first thing in the morning.”
    “Good,” she shouted, and headed back toward the fire. She didn’t stop to turn around or second guess her decision. Her anger was in full swing, and he could only hope she would not throw him out of camp before morning.
    He watched her pick up a leg of mutton, then look over toward him. She made a big show of biting into it, ripping off hunks with her teeth much like the hounds did when they ate.
    “May the gods help me,” muttered Nikolai under his breath.
    He could only hope Baruch came back soon to help him with his plan. If he didn’t, Nikolai may just abort this mission of his own choice. He didn’t know how much more of The Pandora Curse he could handle.

Seven
     
     
    Baruch came back just before sunup.
    “Where have you been?” Nikolai hissed to the minion who looked tired and worn, but no longer broken.
    “Niko, Niko, Niko, you almost sound like ya missed me.” He reached out with open arms, but his breath was so foul, Nikolai couldn’t help but push him away.
    “We have work to do,” he instructed. “I need you to go to Vara’s tent before she wakes up.”
    “What?” Baruch’s eyes popped open and he shook his head. “I don’t want to go anywhere near that shrew. Especially before she’s had the chance to have her breakfast.”
    Nikolai dressed and hurriedly pulled on his boots as he spoke. “Last night she told me to leave.”
    “Oh. That’s not good. Let’s go.” Baruch headed for the tent opening.
    “Get back here.” Nikolai reached out and grabbed the minion by one of his large ears, pulling him back. “I found out her mother killed herself because of the curse.”
    “So? Why should you be surprised?”
    “I’m not. Not really. But Vara watched it happen. You didn’t see the sadness in her eyes that I did. I can’t leave her. And I can’t let her send me away. If she does, I’ll have no chance to collect the vices. I have to help her, Baruch.” He shook the vials in the pouch at his waist to stress his point.
    “It seems to me,” said Baruch, “she’s not going to give them up willingly. If you ask me, she enjoys being wicked.”
    “That’s not true. The curse makes her act that way.”
    “Well, since you can’t tell her what you’ve been sent to do, I guess she will never change.”
    “Not true again. I have a plan that is sure to touch her inner goodness. And all you have to do is convince her that she needs me and shouldn’t send me away.”
    “Why would she listen to a little green minion like me?”
    Nikolai got to his feet, filling the tent completely. His head