Chapter 3: Oizys

With the brunt of Athena's wrath apparently at bay for now, the men of The Andromeda begin making minor repairs. Luckily, the dolphins guided you past many of the dangerous rock formations around the island, and the beast you encountered only damaged part of the port side of the ship. The sea still boils in the distance, though it appears to be calming down. You're safe for the night, and can set out to explore the island come morning. Cassandra tends a fire by the shore line while Helenus arranges the rabbit's entrails for discernment. Do you want to go watch? she asks. It'd be good to learn eventually. On deck you have more of a chance to examine the beast - well, the severed parts of it, at any rate. One of the hooks from its wicked tentacle would make a pleasant battle token, and the inky blood is interesting as well. The man who was grabbed by the creature staggers on deck, bandaged well but still weak from the ordeal.

Hey, he mutters, glancing around to make sure nobody's watching. Don't tell the others I'm worried, but you seem to know a lot about....things like this. Was that thing poisonous? As things settle down for the night, Sinon (now definitely sober after the monster's attack) finds you during a scouting round with some of the other men. Sir, there are bodies on the shore. Do you want us to investigate them now, or in the morning?

While the sea monster fled before you could take its entrails, there's no use passing up good.... or at least viable.... food. Helenus makes space for you at the fire while Iantha finishes up.

I was hoping you'd come, fledgling. You must have a lot on your mind so far. Simpler questions, or less important questions, can use small sacrifices. The more complicated and important, the more valuable the sacrifice must be. Bulls in their prime are usually saved for the sorts of foresight that could change the course of war, for instance.

He takes some of the ash from the edge of the fire and sprinkles it over the entrails with a flourish. Now, Cassandra is Athena's servant, so she'd be better suited for this, but she needs her rest, and the question "Is Lady Athena still pissed off at us" has a fairly clear answer.

He glances at you briefly as he finishes arranging the space. Your first time is always difficult. But eventually you'll learn nuances that you and your god share regardless of the sacrifice.

He smirks. And of course, they can always throw something in your face unprompted.

---

The soldier with Iantha lets out a relieved laugh. Certainly. I'd hate to be gone from home all this time just to get finished off by a fish! I'm Antiochos. And I must say I'm glad you're on our side.

Just then, Sinon comes running back with Mikros and Kallon.

Captain! Captain! They're Greek soldiers! We found four, asked the others to bring them to camp. I don't know if we'll find more come morning. It's too dark to tell if they're Ithacan or not. But they were recently drowned. Surely in the storm.

Helenus nods. I was the same before Lord Apollo instructed me. She has become worse since she denied him. But even less exceptional seers report symptoms like a concussion.

Part of you expects snark for ignoring his earlier theatrics below deck, but there is none.

A fledgling does not understand, at first, that being pushed from the nest is a learning experience. He looks at you across the entrails, suddenly serious. You saw Astyanax. Our infant nephew. His smile catches the firelight with eerie shadows. And you couldn't find his body, right? No concussion showed you that.

---

While certainly it is a tragedy for these brave men to fall so close to home, you are relieved to see that none of them were part of your king's fleet. Sinon and the others discuss where to find wood for a pyre, and a good location separate from cooking. You have a somber sense of calm that whoever incurred your lady's wrath has paid their due.

Antiochus, insisting on feeling helpful, uses his uninjured arm to poke and prod at the cooking fire. Iantha, you're able to let him and a few of the soldiers know what "done" looks like on a beast like this. The men aren't necessarily thrilled with the intense briny flavor, but they're practical enough to appreciate not tapping into their food stores tonight.

While the ordeals of the day hampered the men's enthusiasm for going home, they do make camp and relax some, confident they're safe. Then you both hear an unsettling sound, like a child singing.

The voice isn't in distress, per se, but it's definitely humanoid.

You'll need to figure that out on your own, Helenus replies. Perhaps you're right. Or maybe someone noticed you years ago and waited for the war to end to reach out.

About this time you also hear the childlike singing, and notice Nikias and Iantha's inquisitive response. Helenus raises his eyebrows. Hoo boy...

At the fire, Chryseis turns to the others.

Should we go look? It's late but our health is all right.

A few of the soldiers take note with concern, but most chalk it up to an odd bird or hound, are deep in conversation, or have returned to the ship to sleep on deck.