Quoted By:
Lord Amphiarus is a distant relative of yours, a third cousin, and as such he does not resemble you. His branch of the family, descended from the legendary seer Melampus, has contended with your branch for the Argive throne for generations. In cases, successfully – Amphiarus is living proof, having briefly reigned as King when you were an infant. However, once Amphiarus surrendered the throne, and Adrastus returned to resume his kingship from exile in Sicyon, Amphiarus was married to your paternal aunt, Eriphyle, and together they have had five children. By all accounts - a happy end to Argive strife, and a happy marriage - not one purely made of political considerations. He is a lean, athletic man of about forty summers, and considerably shorter than you - despite his smaller size and religious work as a priest of Apollo, you’re told that the man is surprisingly competent with the spear and not to be underestimated. You know him mostly by reputation.
In this moment, he looks does not look the supremely-confident priest. His eyes are in deep shadow - a frown ages him beyond his years; he is unsettled.You surprise yourself - as Adrastus comforted you, now you are driven to comfort this man.
“I know he had become a friend to you, Lord Amphiarus,” you begin. “My condolences for the loss of your companion.” Your voice is hoarse from your shouting earlier, but steady. Amphiarus is startled, turning to you before speaking wonderingly:
“The bereft son offers me condolences on the day of his father’s funerary procession? Perhaps there is wisdom yet in Argos…” His eyes shine as he regards you fully, continuing. “Thank you for your winged words, Hippomedon Aristomachides - you have embarrassed a high priest of Apollo.” He does not smile, not quite – but you sense the man’s gratitude is earnest. You have helped him, perhaps unknowingly, but your words were well-taken nonetheless.
But the seer’s eyes grow shadowed once more, and he grows stern. “All sons should endeavor to be better men than their fathers – swear the strong oaths that you shall do this, prince of Argos – under penalty of Zeus.”
“I swear it,” you say, grasping his arm without hesitation. You have sworn the same oath many times in the training yards, although never spoken it aloud. Let Zeus observe your labors and be pleased with the dutiful son of Aristomachus. Amphiarus, seemingly satisfied, exits promptly, and you are left alone in the field, watching the embers of your father's pyre cool. You will hold the vigil this night, and in the morning, collect his bones into a funerary urn for preservation. You will carry your father home to his - to your - palace, and your stewardship of the estates begins. There is much to learn - for you had not been expected to take his place for many years...
>no vote for this update, lads - just some flavor. Get ready to meet (nearly) the full cast of SATQ this weekend - big party at Uncle Addy's house!
