Chapter 1: The Fall of Troy

Priam hangs his head in shame and prays. Cassandra slips out of the crowd and clutches her father's robes. They speak quietly.

When Kouru tries to sedate Ajax, he's thrown off guard by a sudden motion of the shamed soldier. Blade cuts skin again, and this time all goes dark.

The Greek soldiers fly into a frenzy, hurling rocks at Ajax, when suddenly a voice cries out. Bold Odysseus, demanding they spare the soldier. The others protest and in a rambling mess explain Kouru's negotiation, Ajax's insubordination, his threat to Athena's servant, and the desecration of her altar.

He shouldn't be killed for being an idiot. Odysseus says plainly. As for the statue, we're raiding the city. These things happen. As for the girl, nothing actually happened at all. So either avail yourselves of the other rich houses here, or help pack up the temple.

Priam finishes a tearful goodbye to Cassandra. It seemed their relationship was quite strained before the war.

Kouru's body burns, and his head pounds, as if he was in the forge with his father. But the sound fades, and his temperature cools, and he almost thinks he hears a voice.

It's an important distinction, you know. Well done.

He opens his eyes and sees Cassandra and the king. She finishes tying a bandage and pulls her hands back.

Promise me, I beg you, Priam begins, that you will not harm her without just cause. I know slavery is not comfortable, but I cannot bear the torment of any more children.

"... because sometimes what seems like a weakness can make you even stronger" The Riddle of Bronze... copper is soft, tin crumbles, but together... they are more "Wise king of Ithaca" he'd begin, rising up to lean on his spear and letting the men subdue Ajax... because he couldn't. Rather than the heavy full bands of plate worn by the infantry, Kouru wore only the bronze breastplate of a soldier - or had, before the final blow had sundered it from his chest leaving the leather jack and his skin a tattered, bloody mess "His death was never my goal. He was offered the chance to leave after this area was claimed, honorably. I had first claim, which he relented. I claimed these people - including those two" here he'd rest his spear on the wall... no, that's the statue of Athena - because he couldn't actually hold it any more and needed to lean on the wall himself, but ostensibly so he could point at Priam and Cassandra "Before the gods. They and their gods all belong to Sparta. To my family, and thus to Good King Menelaus. I claimed Ajax as a prize for assaulting a superior, brawling, and treason during the heat of battle... but I will relinquish him to your custodity if you can simply promise that my claims will be respected. As one eye begins swelling shut the old scout would cough wetly, then make firm eye contact with the foreign king "If so, you have my word that nothing will be said about his conduct from me this day forward" The ringing of the forge-hammer echoed in his ears over and over as he looks down at the beaten king of Troy, the motion causing the world to tip just so "You've seen my conduct, Trojan King. You've seen my word is good, as strong a bond as the oath of the famous friend of the Great Achilles"

Odysseus listens intently and grasps Kouru's less-injured shoulder. Well spoken, soldier. I find your terms agreeable. I'll handle Ajax. If you wish, my man Nikias will take you and yours on his ship. We pass Sparta on the way home to Ithaca, and he has space after suffering losses to his own ranks. You've made quite a wise claim for Sparta. These riches will shine in your temples long after looted blades are dulled and mere trinkets are spent.

He smiles and steps back to tend to his own matters. May you hear the tales they sing of you for years to come.

For Priam's part, he bows his head to Kouru, satisfied that at least one of his children is safe for the moment being. Then he looks to Tiwaz.

You will understand when you are older, Luwian, that courage to admit failure is not always fulfilled in combat. And yet, if my captor permits it, I find it poetic to fall to the hand of one of my own subjects, for they are the ones I have harmed most through my hubris.

The king looks to Nikias. You are either very loyal or very stupid. Do you think Odysseus cares about this woman? He wanted his horse trick to work.

He has nothing to say to Iantha, which is telling. He draws his sword and pushes past Nikias.

Gingerly a hand would reach up to grasp the one on his shoulder, the soldier nodding in respect "And to you, blessed King of Ithaca. I'm sure they will one day sing songs of your wisdom" His one unswollen eye would look over at Priam, then shift to squint at the Anatolian mercenary "What? Lad, he's a slave, he has no honour. And you" wincing slightly he'd point at the kin- at the former king "are needed to teach my children what happens when you let your loins rule over brains. This matter is already decided. King Odysseus, the highest of all of us here, has agreed. Why do I need to keep having this conversation?? Wavering slightly the ranger would glance at the aged priest of Ares, still uncertainly holding his ceremonial blade in veiny hands Servant of Ares, direct the priests and servants. Anything you would like to see survive needs to be packed, and quickly" turning to Cassandra he'd gesture toward his freshly bandaged side "You, princess, oversee your people. You chose well today, and you'll be rewarded for your foresight. I trust that you will allow none of those here to attempt to hid anything from us. You all belong to me now, and so long as you do not try to cheat us you will be protected. As for you, old man" shifting slightly his close-cropped grey head would turn to Priam "Come help me walk. I've bled today protecting you and your people. Pick up my shield and serve as my crutch, here under my arm" "Why does everybody want to keep taking my stuff? It's worse than my brothers trying to take my toys... I wonder if Mother and Father have found a wife for me. I wonder if the Temple will fit all of these things. I wonder..." Eyes were getting somewhat glazed as his mind wanders, blood still seeping into those bandages. Blinking owlishly his gaze would land on the servants milling around "And one of you grab my breastplate! That thing cost a fortune!"

Hold, Luwian! Odysseus barks. This temple belongs to Sparta, thus King Menelaus. Priam is to return as his slave.

The sacred Palladium crashes to the ground to the horror of those below. Tiwaz leaps to the ground, misjudging the height and wounding himself somewhat in the fall. But as intended, he springs out of the temple to continue battle.

And continue he does.

Until some....thing pierces his body as a mighty jaw. It is a jaw! Tiwaz can see the massive snake's eyes - gray as Athena's.

Pallas Athena. The Palladium was her sacred symbol, and he desecrated it.

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Agamemnon avoids the trip, and tosses Helen to the side. She doesn't seem terribly injured, and from your vantage you can tell she's trying to escape her bonds. The king stabs Iantha when he regains his position (11 damage). Loyal Chryseis joins the fray, and while she's unable to land a hit yet, her flanking is a great boon.

If you are traitors, I will not hesitate to slay you! the king barks. What then of your home and families - dishonorably killed? Do you want to subject them to that fate?

Agamemnon doesn't notice, but you all do. Helen is unable to break her bonds, her wrists gripped by a goddess. Horkus bickers with her, but she remains steadfast. Her ornate crown includes a plume of peacock feathers.