Quoted By:
You clear your throat expectantly. There is an awkward pause as Aristonax double-takes in your direction, and the lines in Argyros’ weary face deepen. The evening is falling around your shoulders swiftly now, the golden strands of your hair glimmering faintly in the fading light. Bearded Pantaleon stares at you flatly – surprisingly, you’re beginning to become a bit fond of him, and his surliness. Aristonax scowls in dismay once he realizes that you intend to offer a commentary on his plan of battle – you sense that he only barely restrains his urge to bark at you.
“Lord Aristonax, equal to Zeus himself in counsel – you have rightly noted that we have the element of surprise. Should we not compound the advantage? By placing our men along the hilltop, we can shower the beasts with heavy stones. Let us honor Athos the Gigantes in our warfare! The beasts will then need to advance out of the valley and up the hill itself, where we will have the heights. Lusty creatures that they are, they will not hesitate to spit themselves upon our spears.”
Aristonax’s air of frustration evaporates a bit as he considers further, and he surprises you by nodding quickly in assent.
“Very well, Lady Deianira. Let us put your counsel to the test.”
“And one more thought – the men should advance up the hillside in groups of five or ten, guided by Pantaleon. Under the light of Selene, the handholds will be clear enough. With luck, they will not dislodge the stones.” Aristonax nods again, clearly reconsidering his opinion of you. Delight swells in your chest, but you do your best to keep your face expressionless, a mask of solemnity.
The spearmen are not pleased to learn of the plan – they, too, prefer the simplicity of the downhill charge, and letting the gods determine who lives and who falls. Needless to say, you are a bit disappointed by this reaction (Νίκων, you’re sure, would have offered you a compliment), but ultimately, they’ll see the wisdom of your strategy when it wins them the day...
>more coming
