Chapter 5: Yes More Delays

Nikias approaches Iantha and Kouru - as this voyage continues, he finds them ever faithful and trustworthy allies as they float upon the sea. "We are not in need of contact with this ship, but it is possible they could have news from Greece. What do you think, Iantha, Kouru - should we engage them for conversation or stay our course?"

After spending some time on the towed fishing ship - more to get a little space in his own head and work for his hands than anything else - he'd look up from the bow of the ship where he was leaning and holding a half-chewed piece of dried fish. As he was addressed the scout would turn and nod in salute, glancing at the amazon before speaking "Well, sir, it's tradition to share news with other ships in passing. Good way to be on the alert for plagues and pirates as well. Speaking of which..." sparing a squint toward the horizion at the approaching ship he'd reach down and absently handle the knife at his waist "... might be a good idea to quietly call the lads to arms, just in case."

"I'm of the same mind. It never hurts to be prepared, just in case."

He signals a nearby captain and gives him the word to prepare the men for a possible fight.

'I am sure a little conversation will be fine. If they have any other intention we will deal with that when it comes'

It was a small thing, but he was proud to have contributed something to his father's design: a youth spent aboard various ships had caused a far younger Kouru to suggest a simple quartet of small holes throw which two loops of rope might be tied, making the perfect place to stand. And stand he did, feet resting squarely in their designed place, one hand clutching the top of the mast while the other shields his eyes. Peering down toward the other vessel he'd frown before calling down to the rest of the crew "Captain?" came his carefully directed call before the experienced sailor would slide down the mast to land grinning before his commander "Very respectfully, sir, dibs" his grin would widen as he'd lean in, whispering for the ears of his companions alone "I suggest we prepare for full honours with exactly half the crew. Full armour, full kit, blow a horn, the whole lot. That there is yet one more prize for the taking, they just don't know it." sneaking a look over his shoulder the scout would chuckle quietly, then wink "Might be we can even convince them to join us peacefully. Not like the Trojans have a city to return to"

"We'll make it so!" Nikias calls up to the man.

"Men, to arms and armour! I want 40 men standing on deck prepared for a fight, now! Turn into the ship's path - we shall run abreast and parlay or board in style, depending on their answer!"

Nikias stands afront his gathered men with his allies and looks upon the ship of mummers closing upon them.

He scans for their leader, or the largest and toughest amongst them, and focuses upon them.

Snapping a quick salute the scout ducks below deck to snatch up his quiver and bow. Reaching down to toss his quiver over his shoulder he'd glance at Cassandra and pause "There may be a spot of trouble. Stay down here out of sight if you can, keep each other safe" before he'd shimmy up the ladder and back up the mast, the thought finally catching up with him "Pay attention to the cast in front of you, not how you'll bind the spearhead to the shaft" came the voice of his father from decades ago. He was already thinking of the pair as members of his household, not prisoners. Brushing the thought away he'd stand back in those stirrups he'd helped design, one hand on the mast and the other waving enthusiastically. "Ἀσπάζομαι!" he called across the water, just like every sailor in history hoping for news from home as he peers down toward the approaching ship "Ahoy!"

Iantha grips her spear as the ship approaches, uncertain about the way the crew is acting.

'Everyone look away. We need to pull away. Now. No-one look at the ship.' Iantah shouts ordrs as Sshe averts her own gaze and yo Looks to Nikias. ;Trust me on this please. The beast on the boat is not one your men want to face.Isuspect a gorgon.'

"A gorgon?!" Nikias hisses. "Look away men - do not pay the passengers on the ship any heed! Stare at your feet if you must!"