Quoted By:
How best to assist your uncle, and Argos in turn?
The answer is obvious - as the foremost soldier of the nation, you must leverage your talents and improve the performance and status of the Argive troops. Some men would overlook the common trooper’s contributions on your battlefield (your cousin, Capaneus, for example), you know better than most that this would be a mistake. You’ve seen any number of fierce nobility surrounded by “lesser” men - lions who were first exhausted, then blooded, and finally, torn apart by wolves. More importantly, control of the battlefield provides mobility and maximum effectiveness to most dangerous weapons at Argos’ disposal: namely, yourself and the other men of the Argive Royal Family. Finally, you have plenty of Kleos and Timae to your name already, and your contributions to the present security of Argos are unassailable; no risky adventure is needed on your part to further prove yourself.
Your decision made, you announce your intentions to your uncle.
“Very well, nephew - do not hold back! Break them down and reforge them if you have to!” Adrastus replies cheerily. Your uncles, Mecisteus and Pronax, nod approvingly at your choice - the three of you will be quite busy over the months of summer, but your assistance means that they will be better able to focus on logistical matters of equipment and supplies. Amphiarus seems to be faintly disappointed - although, you might feel the same if you had been asked to travel with Capaneus through months on end. In all likelihood, your uncles will not actually be joining the rest of the Argive forces in war – after all, someone must rule in Argos while Adrastus is occupied elsewhere. Adrastus calmly regards each man present one final time:
“We march to Thebes in three months’ time, at the end of summer – and by summer of next year, this matter should be put to rest. Polynices will sit on the throne of Thebes and Eteocles will be dead or in exile himself. Tydeus – your restitution will be the next business of Argos.”
A silence builds, as each of you consider Adrastus’ words – Polynices grinning warmly, Tydeus’ face stony. Mecisteus and Pronax are trading glances at one another, and Adrastus stares meaningfully at Amphiarus – some conversation between them is not yet finished. There is no cheer or celebration at these final orders – the silence curdles awkwardly, going on for a bit too long, before Adrastus finally barks:
“Well, don’t hang around! Drink of my wine, be at ease – tomorrow, we begin!” The circle is broken, and each of you returns to your seating places – although you catch your flowing-haired uncle Mecisteus for a moment, letting him that you will be sending Eupous and Argyros tomorrow morning, to reclaim your father’s bronze.
“As well you should, Hippomedon – ah, what I wouldn’t give to see you marching at the head of the army, the crests of your father’s helm standing straight and tall…”
