Elektra

by Jennifer Saint

I smile at the girl. ‘Prepare him for burial,’ I tell her. Aegisthus follows me, radiating annoyance, but I am not interested in what he feels. A funeral for her father is the only thing I can give to Elektra.

Elektra I scream until my voice is exhausted, until there’s nothing left in me at all, until I’m curled into myself on the floor, drained and numb.

This tomb is like everywhere I have known for ten years: devoid of my father, bereft of solace.

This morning, I thought I would see my father again at last, but instead I stand outside his tomb without the consolation of a single embrace. I have nothing to comfort me, nothing at all except the tiny spark of revenge I must nurture in my breast until the time comes when I can let it rage and burn everything I loathe to ashes.

Elektra ‘Where is he?’ I’d prepared myself to see her, but the moment she appears beneath the stone lionesses, I recoil. I didn’t know hatred could feel so strong. And, along with the hatred, fear.

I can’t resist pressing my advantage further. ‘You brooded so much on Iphigenia’s death that you opened the door to a man who would kill your son.’ I laugh. ‘Isn’t it a little late to play the loving mother? To pretend that you care what happens to Orestes . . . or me?’ She’s confused. She didn’t expect this.

I know that Aegisthus has sent men out to search for my brother. It is the only time when Clytemnestra’s facade cracks; the anxiety flares briefly in her eyes when they return empty-handed. I wonder if she is more afraid that they will find him or that he will remain missing.

But whilst they may fear what Agamemnon’s son might do, I think everyone has forgotten that I am here at all.

‘Elektra!’ he says, hurrying towards me. ‘Orestes?’ I ask, casting a glance behind me to make sure no one has followed. Georgios nods. ‘I delivered him to my friends. They will take him on to Phocis. The king there, Strophius, is married to the sister of your father. It’s likely that Orestes will be received kindly there.’

‘Yes,’ I say. ‘We will marry. It will thwart any plans Aegisthus might have.’ It’s a strange acceptance of a marriage proposal. It weighs heavy in my heart; another sorrow heaped upon my others, dragging me down beneath the surface, further away from the light than ever.

I force myself to go on, to say more, even though I know the words are wounding. ‘But that is the only reason why. I would not give this answer otherwise.’ ‘Of course. I understand.’ He nods. ‘We’ll wait together, until Orestes returns.’ I take his hand. My friend, the only friend I’ve ever had. I wish I had more in my weary soul to offer him in return for his kindness, but this is all I can muster.

Clytemnestra Everything is at odds in Mycenae and nothing is as it should be. I felt my life spin into a tumult when I took my eldest daughter to be married and she was slaughtered like an animal before my eyes instead.