Quoted By:
“What daimon possessed you, Nikandros? Κοαλεμος, spirit of foolishness or Αλκη, on loan from my father's armguard?” The blonde man has a bemused look on his face, as he inspects the huddled slaves. His gold-flecked eyes flash -
“You may get a few talents for their sale on Delos – are you so impoverished?” he asks wonderingly. Castor, looking wearied, gently intercedes –
“Perhaps wealth is not what has motivated him, dear brother.”
Ajax’s shadow looms, and you stand at attention as he approaches - he is clearly angered, speaking:
“Nikandros, I know you little and must be clear - I will not risk the lives of our crew for <span class="mu-i">theatrics</span>. It is fortune alone that returned you! I agreed to transport you to Ilion at the behest of Agamemnon, but I owe nothing to you.” He doesn’t wait for a response – he immediately orders the Salaminians to stow the slaves below deck, and re-orient the vessel.
He turns back to you, clearly expecting a response.
>Well, you’ve pissed off Ajax – what do, /qst/? Nikandros is bound by honor/respect to any plans specified to Ajax, (currently) his vast superior in nobility.
>Explain the truth – that you were motivated to save the slaves out of sympathy. Honesty has served you well in the past, even when it does not seem the best strategy. Furthermore, you plan to release these slaves from bondage upon reaching Delos.
>Lie that you were motivated by financial gain – that you plan to sell the slaves to merchants at Delos and split what proceeds you obtain amongst yourself, Ajax, Teukros and the Dioscuri.
>Explain that you intend to grant the slaves to King Anios of Delos as a gift, for good will with your future host.
>Something else I haven’t thought of?
Ajax listens to your response carefully, saying only:
“We will discuss further once the battle is won – we must now attend to Menelaus. Nikandros, your help on the oars for the ramming was appreciated, and I’ll ask it of you once again –“ he nods toward the other galley in the distance, clearly having angled southerly from the intended course to Delos. The two pirate vessels are in hot pursuit, and even from this distance, you see that all three vessels have their sails up and oars flashing.
“Menelaus and Odysseus are leading the other pirates on a merry chase, and we must row like we have the Earth-Shaker himself pushing us along.”
You don’t argue with Ajax, despite the demeaning nature of the request. You immediately gather your helm and greaves, equip them and proceed to a rowing bench close to the stern. To your surprise, Teukros joins you as well – he provides you with a sympathetic expression, perhaps having borne the brunt of his half-brother’s anger in the past. You set to rowing, pushing hard, as Ajax belts out commands the stern-deck, from behind your left shoulder.
>Players, I need ONE roll of dice+1d20+11 to determine how quickly your galley can travel to Menelaus’ galley.
