He started to turn toward her, but she grabbed his shoulder and turned him away. Even as she did the touch of her hands sent a chill through his body.
The warmth was gone!
"Tell Zeus Medusa shall attend the ball. Fare the well, young man. Now, flee for your life."
The calm air was stirring, and pellets of frozen snow that had been peppering the icy landscape were now blown wildly about. The wind mounted in howling fury, and soon the blizzard was upon him. He rushed southward, not daring to look back.
It was no longer the unseen companion alone he feared.
"You're back!", Zeus roared in evident surprise. "Well, yes, you're back. Been expecting you. Eh, nothing unusual about Medusa, I take it. I mean, nothing strange and, eh, stultifying?"
"A beautiful lady, sire. She welcomes your invitation, and shall attend the ball."
"The ball, yes. She will attend the ball! Zounds! What to do? Well, it may serve my purpose. I shall invite some special friends. Oh yes, very special friends! My charming brother Pluto. Serve him right. And a few other who have done me dirt. The ball is in the third month. And Medusa is in such a mood that month! Yes, I must invite some very special friends."
Zeus rubbed his hands together and smiled cherubically.
"Oh, Demo, of course you are invited."