Athens’ Akropolis was imposing and fortified. Its walls were a clear message to all commoners and enemies to stay far away. The average Athenian citizen would only step into its walls once in their lives for festivals or sacrifices to the gods. To climb the hill meant to climb up the social ladder. The palace was the zenith that even outclassed the grand temple of Athena. Humanity’s hubris on these lands was endless, but they knew well that no palace would ever reach the top of Mount Olympus, so far above the clouds.

The small group of representatives, escorted by several guards and dogs, was led through the gawking onlookers. They were just a few chains short of looking like unglamorous captured enemy generals. If it weren’t for the expensive clothes of the ship captain and the medico they might even have passed as a bunch of lower class citizens captured for misconduct at some cheap tavern.

In the middle of this procession, as if shielded by the others, the priestess was taking steady steps towards her destination. Her mission was modest enough when spoken aloud, but the true trial was far from simple. Before she could really adjust to the strange welcome she already bumped into Therses when he suddenly stopped walking. With the layout that she still remembered from her time in Athens she could tell that they had arrived at the town hall.

It was a relatively new building, built on the foundation of a former nobleman’s mansion. The Archons would not deliberate in the palace, for the issues of the city had long since been separated from the ruling class. While unassuming to the eye, the town hall was the true seat of power these days.

“Enter.” The guard captain barked. From his measured voice it was possible to infer that he was used to shouting commands and had little to offer in the way of etiquette. It was not unusual for outsiders or foreigners to be treated unceremoniously, but his behavior was still an affront.

“We will have to speak about this with the Archons.” Agapetos snorted displeased.

“Don’t start a fight over this. I want at least one last meal before biting dirt.” Bion said with a shrug.

The front gate was opened and they were let inside. The main hall reeked of polished wood and oils. The floor was covered in red and blue tiles, an unspeakably expensive display of artistic decadence. There were torches at every wall, but it was bright enough due to the windows all across the upper walls. Large staircases on both ends of the hall would lead to the offices of the Archons and staff.

Soon one of these long nosed bald staff members approached them. His chiton was tight and embroidered beyond any sensible margin. He would have made most peacocks envious. His face was clean shaven, giving him a youthful look despite his baldness. Even Eugenia could feel his sharp gaze on them.

“Greetings envoys of Eretria. I am Lupus of Athens, at your service.” He did not lower his head or made any other polite gesture, but his words were going by protocol.

“Lupus? Strange name.” Bion muttered, but received an elbow to the gut by his master.

“We are honored to be received by the great Archons of Athens. The journey was long, incredibly so. We bested the storms and suffered through the crude behavior of your guards.” The medico spoke with great pathos and showed his exhaustion. “Yet we have come in goodwill and shall be ready for the negotiations immediately.”

“I see.” Lupus did not show any sympathy, but his clever face showed that he knew full well who he was dealing with now.

“He isn’t speaking for all of us.” Suddenly captain Irvenos chimed in. He put a hand on his many scarves and aired them out casually. His one eye was resting on the peacock. “I could use a stiff drink to bring my spirits back to the land. The sea’s gotten to most of us, no?” And then he focused on Eugenia.

“Erm… I don’t…” Eugenia felt uneasy being the center of attention all of a sudden. She had never talked to the captain before, but something was definitely off about him. He had seen through her weak attempt to stand sturdy in an instant. She was still very exhausted after the long suffering journey.

“You are in luck then. Archon Achaeus is currently in an important meeting, so he will not be able to receive you until late noon. In the meantime I can offer you refreshments and a meal.” He nodded curtly and then urged them to follow him.

“That’s good hospitality.” Bion seemed pleased at least.

“We are merely passersby in their daily routine.” Therses said with his hands fumbling on his belt. His aggravation was obvious.

“A light meal cannot do the body harm.” Agapetos slapped Therses on the back and spearheaded their little formation.

“Sorry if I butted my head into somethin’ not of my concern.” Irvenos walked next to Eugenia and loosened his leather gloves a bit. His worn noble clothes at last fit this pompous place at least.

“You are kind.” She replied with a weak smile. Her weakness was obvious even to a one-eyed stranger.

“Hah! I don’t get that a lot, so I’ll take it. ‘specially from a pretty young thing like yourself.”

Eugenia turned her head away.

“Flattery usually makes ‘em happy, not melancholic.” The captain said with a tilted hurt head tilt.

“I’m aware that I am nothing compared to the Muses.” Eugenia said with a tender smile.

Captain Irvenos seemed to be caught off-guard. It was a strange comparison to make, and rather arrogant. Apparently his image of Eugenia was not congruent with such replies. He caught himself swiftly though and laughed hoarsely.

“At least take on the Graces if ya got that much pride.” He said with a hand on his face and walked ahead of her still laughing.

Eugenia smiled. The captain’s laughter reminded her of Medusa at this moment.

The dining room was just as spacious as the rest of the rooms in the building. There was a long table as well as several finely crafted chairs, but the highlight were the large silver chandeliers. It was rare to see such excess in a mere dining room. Two servants were bringing in the food and taking care of the guests. Lupus had left the moment everyone was seated, apparently returning to his master’s side.

Eugenia’s stomach had finally calmed down enough for her to chow down on some of the white bread. She hadn’t eaten any precious bread of this quality in years. Not even the wares Themistokles had carried were this good, probably because these were fresh. The roasted beans and vegetable soup returned the color to her face in no time.

The others were also partaking in the feast, but with different levels of enthusiasm. The medico pair were the only ones who seemed to have no reservations.

“Ahem, while we are regaining our strength I would like to discuss our next move.” Therses had barely touched his food at all. His face was glum. He really could not deal with the pressure well. “Do you know anything about the Archons, Agapetos?” He turned towards the oldest of their group.

“Achaeus is the man with the plan.” The silver-white haired medico said and burped. Captain Irvenos’ brow twitched slightly. “He is said to have a great head on his shoulders and has led the city for twenty summers. He was reelected as Archon three times already. If he is the one talking to us we will definitely get somewhere.”

“If we can convince him.” Irvenos said while leaning on the edge of his chair. He was casually balancing it on two legs and put his legs on the table. A seaman’s manners were just as poor as rumored.

“And the others?” Therses ignored the scarred man.

“Hm. I have never met the other two. When visiting the great scholars we talked little of politics.”

“You were busy drinking until you passed out I bet.” Bion said with a dry smile.

“I know them by name.” Eugenia spoke up while the medicos were beginning another argument. “There is Achaeus the pragmatic, Topos the impartial and Leander the hero. They ruled three years ago when I studied at the grand temple.”

“They even have fancy titles.” Bion snorted.

“Well, bein’ forced to do business here has taught me a few things about those fancy titles.” Irvenos leaned forward and stabbed a chunk of meat with his saw knife. “Leander’s a young upstart. Made himself a name by sinking pirates north and south of the Aegean Sea. Heard he knows where to point the sharp end of a sword. He’s sorta famous in all the ports.” He tore off some of the brown meat with his teeth.

“If he is that knowledgeable about the sea routes he might know who is attacking our ships.” Therses cupped his chin.

“Or he might be the one orderin’ the attacks.” Irvenos said between loud chewing noises.

Everyone grew quiet and the air became colder. The possibility was far too real that the Archons were directly involved in this scheme.

“Anyway, that old mummy, Topos, he ain’t going to be much help. Heard he was growin’ senile. Word of mouth is that’s why he is always neutral. Can’t remember the details.” He cackled.

“If he is so very old, why was he not retired yet?” Therses asked confused.

“Some say he is too respected for anyone to tell him off.” The captain shrugged.

“A new election is coming soon. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be succeeded then.”

Eugenia’s ears perked up. An election? That rang a bell. There was someone who had so desperately wished to make it to Athens in time to keep his deadline. That man was certainly awaiting the election now. With all the troubles recently she had almost forgotten about him. Now she wondered if she could perhaps meet him while they were both in Athens.

“Then our choice is clear. We will have to put our bets on Achaeus.” Agapetos decided. It was convenient to him who was clearly biased from the beginning.

“If he was the one who sent us that warm welcome I’m not sure how much love he will show for our cause.” Bion played with his spoon and watched his distorted reflection.

A loud knock on the left entrance made them collectively jerk up and straighten their backs. One of the servants opened the door and made way for the newcomer.

The presence of the man that entered seemed to suck them all in at once. His posture was aristocratic and his trimmed beard slick. He was certainly getting up there in age, but his hair was still of a strong ebony color as his eyes were pure stinging blue. His ceremonial clothes were gilded in a few places, but his boots were far more military like. He gave the impression of a strategist that would lead his troops while at the same time quite capable at ending his enemies personally.

Eugenia could hear the presence of will in his steps alone. His gaze moved across the table and stayed on her for just a few seconds longer than the others. Perhaps because she seemed the most out of place?

“I am Achaeus of Athens. Archon of the city, general of the troops and your host for the duration of the negotiations. There is little time in my schedule, but I will not leave this matter to the others.” He stood at the head of the table as was his right and then glared at Agapetos who was hastily getting up to exchange formalities. “Seat yourself. My right leg was injured in battle so I require some time to loosen it before seating myself.” He put a hand on his hip and closed his eyes with a sigh.

“We are truly grateful for your time. The lords of Eretria send their regards-”

“They sent you, most importantly.” He cut him off. “To speak business I heard.” It was a rather unsubtle hint to move things along.

“Y-Yes. It is our utmost concern to ask for your gracious aid.” Agapetos nervously stroked his beard. Eugenia had not witnessed that kind of reaction from him before.

“It is always aid that they want. Asking Athens to bleed for her allies' mistakes.” He said with a disparaging expression.

“It is a matter of blood, sir.” Agapetos swallowed. “We Ionians and Atticans need to stick together.”

“Pah. Sometimes I wish we would share our ancestry with the Spartans. At least warriors have spines. Military understanding. Instead we will always be connected to farmers and fishermen.” His words were highly controversial. Athens was famously antagonistic towards their southern rivals. No matter how many ceasefires they agreed to, war was an inevitability. “Now we are even being undermined by a Rhodian fool. The city is going to the dogs.”

“Rhodian?” Eugenia knew who he was talking about. At least she thought she did.

“So what do our Ionian brothers need from us? You lost the war and our stance was made quite clear. We will not be involved in any acts of revenge. Our men will not die for petty ambitions.” His words rang clear.

“You must’ve read the letter sent ahead of us, no?” Suddenly captain Irvenos chimed in. He was not showing any sign of respect for the Archon’s towering aura. His legs were still on top of the table. “Ya know why we’re here, so let’s cut to the chase.”

“Irvenos!” Agapetos turned pale and glared at him.

“Hmph. Fitting that the captain without a homeport would speak his mind first. You have no stake in this after all.” Achaeus didn’t seem to feel insulted. In fact he was taking it well. With a slow motion he rubbed his snake ring and then finally settled down on the chair. His leg must have loosened.

“My stake is very real. A chest full’a coins is ridin’ on this.” Irvenos retorted calmly.

“Money. Anyone can be bought in the end.” The old Archon put his arms on the table. His plate was empty. “Incidentally that is something Eretria is lacking, as I am aware. You emptied your coffers to rebuild. You cannot afford ships or protected trade routes.”

“That is exactly true.” Agapetos nodded frantically and rubbed his sweaty palms.

“And there is some unknown pirate activity in waters around your port. That is the extent of the letter’s information. The pigeon could only carry so much. Go ahead then, make your shameless demands.”

“Please, sir, we have no intention of making demands!”

“We owe you nothing and you have nothing to offer in return. You can only demand, entitled as you seem to feel.” He said sharply. The pressure exuding from his glare was enough to make lesser men back off. And so did Agapetos. He clearly felt intimidated. Bion noted it with a neutral expression, but the grip on his spoon had gotten tighter.

“Lord Achaeus.” Of all the ones present it was Therses who withstood the pressure. “My name is Therses and I am also of Eretria. I am the son of a simple fisherman, not worthy of your presence.” He lowered his head. “But I was selected to speak for my people. The people of Eretria, not the aristocracy. Our ships are sunken every day by these evil forces. We lose our very lifeblood to these malicious attacks. You do not owe Eretria anything, but as a fellow Ionian and believer of Athena! I beg of you, such evil cannot stand before her justice!” He said with complete conviction.

“What does a worm like you know of Lady Athena’s will?” He replied stoically.

“What?” Therses was shocked.

“Lady Athena has not told us to intervene. She has not passed judgement on pirates or any other city. The priestesses have no shortage of offerings for her, but she will only respond to matters that are changing the lives of Athens’ citizens for the better. Eretria has fallen off the faith recently, has it not? Your Dionysus cult is growing stronger by the year, as expected of grape farmers.”

“Sir, Lord Dionysus is a distinguished god. He is not simply the father of the grape-” Agapetos was slightly offended, but his indignation stopped the moment focus returned on him.

“I am not here for religious debates. The human world is my domain and I will act in the best interest of my people. Not Eretria’s people. Do you have anything else but tear filled pleas and religious babble?” His words became harsher yet.

“Religious babble?” Therses seemed furious. “You may be the ruler of this city, but you still answer to the gods!”

“Do not tell me who I answer to, boy. I know my place in the grand scheme of the gods. Soon enough I will fulfill my destiny.” He was worked up, but then cooled himself.

“Then you have to listen to us! Because we have a messenger of the gods right here!” Therses rose up and pointed his hand at Eugenia.

“Calm yourself Therses, my boy…” Agapetos raised his hands to calm him, but the damage was done.

“Oh? A messenger you say? That unimpressive lass?” Achaeus turned to Eugenia. His initial gaze had been locked on her, but now she realized what it truly meant to be in his sights.

“She is a follower of the great Athena and a direct messenger from Lord Poseidon!” Therses claimed with pride.

“The letter mentioned something of the kind. So you claim to be personally sent by two of the great Olympians?” His mocking tone was all too transparent.

Eugenia was surprisingly calm. She felt the pressure get to her nerves, but compared to some of the situations she had been in since her expedition began, this seemed almost trivial. In the end Achaeus was just one angry man. Not as clever as Typhos and not as terrifying as an angry Medusa.

“I serve Lady Athena without question.” She replied truthfully. Lying about her convictions and purpose was out of the question. But there were always ways to bend the truth a little bit. She had learned that recently.

“Hoho, so you will tell us that you have a better idea of Athena’s will than the priestesses in her own patron city?” His dismay was growing.

“I cannot speak for Lady Akacia and the others.” She shook her head. “But I know Lady Athena.” Better than most mortals at least.

“The gods wish for us to support Eretria then? To send our ships to protect their waters? Waste resources on a fool’s errand? Where is the wisdom in that?”

“It is the right thing to do.” Eugenia replied honestly.

“Justice is a fickle mistress. It may change directions on a coin flip.” He said slowly. “The acropolis in Eretria might have fallen for some exaggerated sailor’s yarn, but what proof do you have that you are a chosen messenger?”

“I…” Eugenia felt a sting in her heart. Of all the things she never wished to rely on it was probably this fate that she hated the most. There was just no alternative if she wanted to help those poor people in the fishing village. Was this the trial? “I was blessed by Athena as a child. I have been chosen by her.” She pulled back her hood and revealed her milky white eyes.

To his credit, Achaeus did not even move a muscle in his face. Captain Irvenos was the one who gasped instead. He was the only one of the group who was not aware of her blindness before.

“Blessed you say? A blind priestess?” Achaeus kept rubbing his snake ring as if he tried to heat it up until it glowed red-hot. There was faint recognition in his eyes.

“I implore you deeply, please consider helping Eretria. These people did not do anything wrong. Whoever is responsible for those attacks is not acting with the blessing of the gods.”

“Surely not.” He agreed in contemplation and cracked his fingers. “If you are truly blessed, you must be able to confirm this with the head priestess, correct?”

“Yes.” She nodded.

“Hypothetically.” He rose from the chair and circled the table. “Hypothetically, if this is the truth. If your priestess is not a fraud, then the gods are incensed by these actions. Even when Athena has been silent for such a long time, I would not wish to risk it.” He admitted. When he passed Irvenos he sighed. “Still I ask: What will I get in return? What will Athens gain from this aside from a chance to prove its faith once again?”

“The aristocrats offer their unquestioned support in all future war efforts. We will lessen the trade tax. And we will concede some of the profits made from successfully established trade routes.” Agapetos counted down the list quickly.

“Frankly, those are worthless concessions.” The old Archon replied matter of factly. “Your military presence is negligible. The tax you impose is unjust in itself, for we are the ones keeping your trade alive in the first place. We should not merely partake in the profits.” He waved every single point off. “Eretria cannot even handle a simple pirate issue? In that case you should forfeit your control over the area to Athens. We will deal with this issue swifty and decisively.” He hammered his fist on the table and sent the cups flying upwards for a moment.

“Y-You cannot ask us to give up our sovereignty.” Agapetos was sweating heavily now. The greatest fear of the aristocrats had been spoken aloud now.

“You came crawling to us for aid. Even the gods wish this issue to be resolved quickly, no?” He smiled darkly toward Eugenia. Her stomach cramped up like she had eaten buckets of snow. He had used their trump card against them! “Athens does not ignore injustice, but we are not foolish enough to leave these matters to incompetent hands." It seemed they had made their bet on the wrong Archon. Achaeus was taking advantage of the situation.

“I couldn’t care less who controls the seas.” Irvenos said with his good eye on the ceiling. “But if ya invade Eretria you’ll be dealin’ with her enemies too. Ya might be biting off more than ya can chew.”

“Yes, captain Irvenos of nowhere.” He put a hand on the table and glared at him. “Who do you serve? Why are you representing Eretria?”

“My contractor has a big stake over there. All they want is you to consider the deal.” He replied almost disinterested.

“Very well. If you can make greater concessions we might find a compromise.” Achaeus changed his tune after exchanging a quick glance with the captain. “I shall not be known as the unreasonable one. I have learned a few things from Topos over the decades.”

“Seriously?” Bion lowered his bent spoon and leaned on one hand. His shoulder length hair bent to the side. Why was his expression so stern?

“We are so thankful!” Agapetos almost groveled before him.

“I have not agreed just yet. We shall reconvene tomorrow after I made some deliberations with the others.” The sharp Archon was still far from friendly. “For now we can raise our cups to the occasion. Wine has always been a partner to greatness.” He clapped his hands and the servants brought in a large tray full of amphorae. Right behind them came Lupus, the subordinate.

“The wine from southern Attica has come in, sir.” The bald man held up a special amphora with a red seal. It was a wine-soaked cork.

“Smells spirited.” The Archon replied with a satisfied smile.

The servants went around to fill the cups, but the first one tripped right next to captain Irvenos. The wine was spilled across his long coat and scarves.

“My, what a clumsy ass.” Achaeus growled and snapped his fingers. The servant cried out in fear, but there was no escape. He was dragged away by two others and then disappeared into the basement. “My apologies captain. Good personnel is hard to come by.”

“Don’t I know it?” Instead of losing his temper the captain laughed! “If I was not used to the smell of cheap wine on my clothes I couldn’t be a sailor. I’ve been pouring it myself countless times.” He rose from his seat gracefully and picked up the wine from the tray.

“You should not lower yourself-” Lupus seemed shocked beyond reason to see a guest pour wine for the party, but the captain ignored his protests. He filled everyone’s cups carefully and without spilling a drop.

“One cup won’t upset your goddess.” He said when he reached Eugenia who had meaningfully reversed her cup.

“I don’t drink.” She refused with an awkward smile.

“So you were the real deal.” He muttered and set the amphora down next to her. His scarred eye seemed to itch as he scratched it repeatedly. The dozens of scarves covering his mouth and hair were probably reeking of wine.

“Then once again, to our future collaboration!” Achaeus raised his mug above his head. The others followed suit and then sipped on their drinks.

Agapetos was the first one to finish his mug. A seasoned drinker indeed. The rest took their time. Achaeus did not drink because his leg acted up and he had to adjust his posture. Irvenos took long, but measured sips below his scarves. Eugenia wished she could see what his mouth looked like below the scarves, as their rustling made it hard to make out the facial movements by sound alone.

Lupus seemed to be a true connoisseur as he had finished his cup the second fastest and smacked his lips greedily. He had a slight red tinge on his cheeks already.

“Do not imitate a starved dog now Lupus. You may drink my cup too. I know you love the Attican ones the most.” Achaeus generously offered him his cup as he hit his leg with his other fist. He didn’t seem in the drinking mood anymore.

“My thanks Archon.” Lupus bowed his head and took the cup gratefully.

Irvenos tensed up ever so little and stopped his cup from moving.

“Truly a good drop.” Agapetos praised it.

“I don’t know. Tastes just like the booze you let me have after the deed.” Bion said while stretching out his tongue in disgust.

“You are such an amateur. I feel nothing but despair when I consider the Medicoriam’s future.”

“W-What deed?” Therses gulped. His throat seemed to be burning up from the wine.

“Why don’t you drink with us Eugenia? I don’t wanna finish this.” Bion held his cup towards her.

“I don’t drink.” She repeated with a mask-like smile.

“C’mon, no priestess sticks to the rules for all her life.” He kept pushing it towards her. She pushed it back.

“I do not drink.” She said with a colder smile.

“Are you a lightweight?”

“Whatever are you suggesting?”

“Or are you a bad drunk?” He said with a grin.

“I am not! I don’t drink and I am never drunk!” She stammered.

“Bullseye.” Bion said as if it was settled now.

“Krkk… garrhg…”

“Speaking of which. This guy doesn’t seem to hold his liquor too well either.” The slave apprentice pointed at Lupus who was bending over.

“Lupus? What has gotten into you man?” Achaeus seemed alarmed.

The bald man’s body was shaking. His eyes were bulging out and he clawed at his throat. Then his mouth began to foam and he collapsed.

“Guards! Call for the guards!” Achaeus shouted and then drew his sword. He moved next to the twitching man and inspected him. Afterwards he grabbed the half emptied cup and smelled it. “Poison.” He showed the small black leftovers in the red wine.

“By Lady Athena’s mercy…” Eugenia covered her mouth in terror.

“P-P-P-Poison?!” Agapetos looked at his empty cup and turned paler than parchment.

“Master, throw up right now.” Bion said with an unusually serious tone.

“I do not believe that will be necessary.” Achaeus interrupted. “This poison was meant for me alone.”

“Who could have done this?” Therses was losing his cool and seemed up and ready to scream. That was the first time he had seen someone die.

“None of you were poisoned despite drinking from the same wine.” Achaeus glared them down. "Except for the priestess all of you tasted it. Am I wrong?”

They all stayed silent. Eugenia had a suspicion. It was like her heart froze over when she noticed the unchanging heartbeat next to hers. The perpetrator did not even feel stressed in this situation…

“Then the poison must have been administered to my cup specifically. But there was nothing in it before it was filled.” He threw the cup down and shouted. “You attempted to poison me Captain Irvenos!”

“What?!” The others turned to him with fear. Only Eugenia did not flinch. She had felt something was off about this person from the start.

“What a cryin’ shame. Foiled by a thirsty bureaucrat.” The captain shrugged carefree. The same moment armed guards stormed the room. They grabbed all the representatives and checked for weapons. The captain had a few dozen daggers in his clothes, but when they tried to feel inside his chest pockets and below the scarves he kicked the guard in the shins and threw him against the table. Six swords were aimed at him in an instant.

“Do not resist, assassin. Who are you working for?” The Archon interrogated him angrily.

“I won’t give away my contractor that easily. You should know better.” The captain laughed hoarsely.

“What was your goal? If you kill me there will be no hope for Eretria.”

“Is that so? Not my problem.”

“You are his accomplices.” Achaeus turned towards the others. “What is this treachery?”

“W-We did not know about this!” Agapetos shook his head afraid like a pig before the slaughter.

“Irvenos did this on his own.” Therses insisted.

“Nonsense. You were sent by the same people with the same goal.” The Archon put his sword back into its sheath and breathed deeply to calm his red angered face down.

“Ah, this is painful. You really have no idea?” Irvenos mocked. “Everyone knows that you would have ignored the plea for help. So ridding the world of your stubborn head would only improve our chances.”

“Then you are Eretria’s servant?”

“You will not get anythin’ else outta me.” The finely dressed captain turned mute.

“What underhanded weasels you are.”

“That’s not true.” Eugenia called out. “He is lying. The aristocrats… they were not involved in this. They genuinely wanted a peaceful solution!” Her emotions were overflowing. This was all wrong. She had talked to those men heart to heart. They just wanted to stay independent, but they had no malice in their hearts. She had promised them to solve this problem. She had sworn it!

“Naïve wench, you were used like a puppet.” The Archon declared and kicked Irvenos in the back of the legs. He fell to his knees and was then dragged away. “Ignorance does not excuse your sins, however. None of you will escape punishment.” He pointed at the group and then signaled his guards to take them away. “Lock them into the guest quarters until tomorrow. Then we will send them to the dungeon until judgement is ready. Enjoy your last days among the living. You will be executed before the end of the last summer day.”

“You can’t do this! I am a distinguished man! I am important!” Agapetos shouted as he was dragged off.

“I got my last meal at least.” Bion didn’t resist at all. His dull eyes were only judging the situation.

“This is injustice.” Therses was devastated. Then he turned back and resisted the muscular guard. “At least leave Eugenia out of this! She is not to blame!” He got beaten every time he tried to turn back.

“Pease stop it Therses.” Eugenia said with tearful eyes.

Her quiet plea finally got him to give in. The last guard grabbed Eugenia roughly by the arm and pulled her along as well.

“Ares’ spear and Zeus’ lightning tear us down, what is the meaning of this?!” In that moment a man burst into the room and shouted his displeasure. “Achaeus, why this commotion?” It was a man in his mid-20s. His hair was chestnut brown and he had a full beard. He seemed confident, yet humble from his posture. The rage in his voice was not hateful, but righteous.

“Leander, these are assassins.” Achaeus walked over to him and blocked the door. The men were already dragged away and only the guard with Eugenia had to wait.

“Murderers? In the town hall?” He was in complete disbelief.

“It is Eretria as I told you. They declared war.”

“Gods be merciful…” The man named Leander grasped his face and bit his nail. “Are you certain?”

“They openly tried to poison me and sent an envoy with ludicrous demands. They are arrogant. Have a death wish.” Achaeus whispered conspiratorially.

“I can’t believe this. I was in Eretria before, they are not mad dogs. Perhaps this is a misunderstanding.”

“Lupus died due to this misunderstanding.”

“Lupus… is dead?” Leander was devastated.

Achaeus picked up the corpse from the chair it had been rested on.

“No… no no no. My old friend.” He grieved with a twisted face.

“They are savages without morality or faith.” Achaeus said darkly.

“All these people were just here to take a life?” The younger man put Lupus back on the chair and wiped a tear. “Even this innocent lass?” He pointed at Eugenia.

“She must have been tricked. They made her lie about being a priestess or something, do not mind it. She will be punished as the others-”

“She is a priestess?” Leander questioned loudly.

Eugenia had listened to their quiet conversation with ease. What she could garner was that this Leander might have indeed been the famous Archon of the same name. And he was not convinced of their guilt just yet!

“I am a priestess of Lady Athena!” She called out.

“Quiet you-!” Achaeus growled, but Leander stopped him with one hand.

“I have come here in peace to convey the message of the gods, yet all I found was rejection and death.” Eugenia said with her best attempt at dignity. If only she could have been half as proud and arrogant as Medusa…

“Achaeus, you know that priestesses are not bound by common law. They are judged by the clergy.” Leander said seriously and then ordered the guard to let her go.

“But you have to consider…”

“We govern this city by the laws. A soldier who ignores orders will lead his battalion to doom.” Leander put a hand on his comrade’s shoulder and implored him. “We will find the truth together. But we have to do it justly. What is your name lass?”

“Eugenia.”

“Then Eugenia will be moved to the grand temple. The grand priestess will confirm her claims and judge her accordingly.” He ordered and the guard saluted. “This is a dark day. Lupus needs to be prepared for his journey to the Underworld. I need to find out more about this group.”

“Leave this to me Leander. You are overworked as it stands.” Achaeus said with rather feigned concern.

“Perhaps. But now this is personal.”

Eugenia was escorted to the grand temple of Athena not too far away from the town hall. Compared to her previous escort this one guard seemed not much of a threat. For a second she considered trying to flee. He didn’t even have a hunting dog. But even if she did escape, she would only throw more suspicion on the others this way.

How did everything go so wrong, so fast? Why would captain Irvenos do such a foolish thing? She had not much freedom to worry about others either. Returning to Sarpedon was the least of her worries now, wasn’t it?

“I am to hand over this here priestess to the uh… priestess.” The guard was clearly not used to discourse with women as the blank stares of the priestesses at the temple entrance made him extremely nervous.

“Please take me to Lady Akacia.” Eugenia helped him out. The guard sighed in relief and then moved off. The two girls stared at her. They must have been relatively new, so they probably didn’t know her. She could not really tell. There were too many priestesses in this temple.

When she turned the familiar corner towards the quarters of the head priestess she wondered if the statues were all cleaned until they would reflect their faces. She had polished them so many times as punishment…

“Tell him that I cannot force her to listen to me, just like I will no longer be forced to listen to his complaints.” An authoritative woman’s voice echoed through the halls and signaled the inevitable approach of the storm that was the head priestess. “If I knew that I would be joining the Oracle of Delphi! Give him my regards.” She sent another messenger out of her room and then slammed down a feather against an ink-covered piece of parchment. “I swear by the uneven rims of Athena’s armor if I see one more problem today I will-”

“L-Lady Akacia?” The two girls pulled the curtains aside and called her out. “There is a problem.”

A deep sigh was drowned in a moan of frustration.

“Alright, leave them to me. Go sweep the yard or something.” She shooed the girls away.

When she stepped out and saw the ‘problem’ she crossed her arms below her bosom and became very silent. Her eyes mustered the fellow priestess carefully to make sure she was real.

“You.” She said in utter dismay.

The priestess had returned to her old teacher. The baleful gaze of a shared past would lead the girl to the next stage of the trial.