Quoted By:
Of all these men, you desire the counsel of Lord Amphiarus above all – as a seer, he may have caught glimpses of the machinations of the gods, and beyond this, the man is a close friend of your uncle’s and has advised him on matters of state for decades.
There will be a narrow window where discussions are permitted (in formal dinners, speaking openly during the feasting is considered inappropriate), but King Adrastus does not stand to make his formal announcement. You take the initiative, springing out of your bench, goblet in hand, and quickly join Lord Amphiarus at his end of the table. As you approach, one of the younger Melampians sees you coming, and scurries out of the way, making space for you upon the bench. As you sit upon the lacquered oak, Lord Amphiarus nods his welcome – he is essentially unchanged since your last meaningful discussion with him, on the day of your father’s funeral pyre. He is a thin and agile man in his fifties, with piercing brown eyes, angular face and of average height - although threads of silver now are present within his brown hair and beard, and laugh-lines have begun to gather under the corners of his eyes.
You trade your greetings, but you haven’t the patience or time for further pleasantries. You cut to the heart of the matter.
“Lord Amphiarus – has my uncle been ensorcelled? Are so we so confident in the weakness of Eteocles in Thebes?” Amphiarus’ eyes meet yours - they shine in understanding before he replies.
“You may be a seer yourself, Hippomedon – the announcement will come as a surprise to many. But no – there is no sorcery upon your uncle’s head, nor are Polynices and Tydeus the type of men to trade in witchcraft and magics.” You have the sense of his honesty here – and perhaps some relief to speak openly of the matter to a peer.
“As for Theban weakness – they are strong, as well you know, and the city of Thebes is under the protection of Dionysus and his divine mother, Semelê Θυωνη.” he mutters. “It will be an uncertain thing – this war – and you must know that I have not sought to learn the outcome of it. Some things are not meant to be known, Hippomedon – not all prophecies should be uttered aloud; sometimes I feel the speaking of them is to bring them to pass.”
You lean back momentarily in consideration – if the man will not conduct prophecy, then you must learn his counsel to Adrastus. You press forwards:
“Then you must have advised my uncle to seek military support - there will be diplomats issued to the other kings – Mycenae, Sparta, Phthia? My uncle cannot be so foolish as to attempt such a war on Argive strength alone, not when the outcome is unknown.” Amphiarus grins in response.
>thought I would get started on today's update early - I hope to have the rest out by early afternoon. Be warned, Amphiarus is about to name-drop a ton of people, so don't be alarmed if you're not familiar with the political scene.
