Chapter 1: The Fall of Troy

Kouru was a soldier, born, raised, trained, and battle hardened. He trusted his superiors to care for their duty, just as he knew they trusted him to do his. Frankly, after Odysseus had declared support for his claim, the matter was closed. His concentration was on the gathering of the priests and servants, and of course preparing for the temple to be packed: it was now Spartan, and would be packed, transported, and loaded with Spartan efficiency. And then... the Hittite jumped up on the roof, and cast down a woode- "There's no way that's what I think it is" reaching out to try and catch the idol, he'd of course collapse to one knee, helplessly watching as Athena's blessing bounced on the floor.Raising his head the scout would glare up after the mercenary, growling under his breath "Hittites. Bloody barbarians, every single one of them. '𐤓𐤀𐤁, 𐤓𐤀𐤁, 𐤓𐤀𐤁, Look at me try and rob the spartan, then throw a temper tantrum and desecrate a temple, 𐤓𐤀𐤁 ,𐤓𐤀𐤁 ,𐤓𐤀𐤁.'"

The Palladium is a hefty slab of wood. On it is carved an image of Athena, a sword in one hand, and weaving supplies in the other, showcasing the duality of the virgin goddess. Praise the gods it does not shatter when it falls, but it does crack partway through, visually separating her peacetime tools from her.

The Amazonian's spear strikes true, and the king stops, startled that the woman was able to land a hit on him. This forces him to take pause and hear Nikias's words.

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The coils loosen and Tiwaz is left in a sort of hammock position among the snake's scales. A voice echoes in his mind.

Fangs and venom, coils and scent. Which most defines the serpent?

A wise choice, Son of Woe. Knowledge guides battle. Yet what good is scent without the body to actualize? And what good is the body without scent to guide?

All of a sudden you realize you're sitting on the ground, and the normal sounds of the fallen city fill your ears again.

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The king's face falls, and he lowers his blade.

I am tired, son of Ithaca. And perhaps more worn than I thought.

He steps past you without protest and leaves you in the alleyway with Helen.

I have no idea what sort of debt you're expecting, but I suppose I owe it.

She seems particularly impressed with Nikias' words and Iantha's bladework. But if you didn't notice the spectral interloper before, you do now.

Nikias' vision of Horkus has faded, but the woman holding Helen's bonds raises an eyebrow.

I am the protector of marriage and a scorned woman myself. I suppose you would not understand, Amazonian.

Helen appears startled, for once. Of course, there are those who say she's a daughter of Zeus. The woman continues.

I have simply been curious to watch you proceed. You three are adamant this woman twice-wed is to live as a maiden. But what now? She is no soldier and your kin have the city in ruins.