Quoted By:
“You know, Nikandros – together, we may have a proper chance of keeping Pollux in fine behavior for the diplomatic council.” Ah – of course – they do not know of the bargain you’ve struck with Electra.
Conversation turns to Delos and you inquire about King Anios – Pollux snorts dismissively, speaking further:
“He is practically more divine than man, Nikandros – son of Apollo, and great-grandson of Dionysus through his mother. As a boy, he was a true bore – always hanging about the priests, pampered by them, and he hasn’t become any more interesting now that he’s a King. He holds himself in high regard – thinks that he’s above the politics and conflicts of the world. Constantly talking about his father, as if he is unique, or that no one remembers that the far-shooter had hardly noticed him until he became King. Not to mention, he struts about the island as if he conquered itself, when all know it was King Minos who cleared the islands of rabid Carians.”
Pollux sighs before continuing:
“We could have used his help many times in the past, but he prefers to throw garden parties and watch the cliffsides for birds than do something useful. He's quite friendly with the truant King Menestheus of Athens, of course - the Athenians make their pilgrimage to Delos every summer at about this time. In fact, the Lesser Delia should begin in about two days, if they've held to their calendar. At any rate, my advice to you – don’t fall into the mania of prophecy. Men drive themselves mad over vague half-truths or raging against their particular doom, and then the gods force your fate on you as they would do anyways.”
In some ways, a fatalistic message similar to Achilles' perspective.
A minor detail quirks your interest -
"What do you mean by "truant King Menestheus?", Pollux?", you ask.
"As far as I know, the man hasn't yet responded to Agamemnon's call to arms -", Pollux explains. "despite the Oath of Tyndareus binding his action. He prefers to talk about old battles than participate in new ones, as far as I've seen."
Hmm. An interesting fact.
You continue to chat amiably with Pollux about various topics, and you're sure to mention your joy at having fought alongside the Dioscuri in battle - even if only for a day. It will make for a treasured memory, no matter your fate.
Helios' chariot is approaching the sea once the paired islands, Rineia and Delos are sighted along the horizon, and with the wind behind you, the islands grow quickly. To your surprise, there's little obvious signs of habitation on the island of Delos - you see no cities, towns, or even ports alongside the coast. Rineia, by contrast, is clearly the home of a thriving port - you see many merchant vessels, Athenian and Salaminian galleys cutting through the water as Nyx's dusky shawl is raised over the sky...
>ran out of steam here - hopefully, one more update tonight at 8-9pm.
