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…But as you listen to your uncle speak, you reconsider your stance. ξενία does not bind you personally from robbing Archigeiros, your uncle successfully persuades you. And there is no doubt that Argive troopers will need the cattle - importantly, the stolen herds would partially offset the expenditures of the war, keeping morale high for the troops, staving off hunger, and preserving the Argive stock. Of course, many thousands of cattle will be butchered over the course of the conflict, but two thousand prime beasts could supply the army’s meat rations for nearly a quarter of the expedition, and could travel alongside the army under their own power, besides. As for the actual crime against Archigeiros - well, even if he and his father reason out your identity, he will likely forgive and forget the violation when he is plied with Cadmeian wealth from Eteocles’ vaults.
“- and with you and your honorguard among us, Hippomedon, we would have little to fear from the patrols themselves.” Mecisteus extols. “Hiding our tracks will likely be the more difficult task, but I have a solution…” You interrupt him by raising a broad hand.
“You have convinced me, uncle - I will join you.” Mecisteus nods graciously in approval - but guileless Pronax spoils the moment by grinning fiendishly. You announce your conditions before the moment passes:
“But we must be reasonable. Two thousand cattle is the limit - anymore, and it becomes unwieldy. We <span class="mu-i">must</span> preserve our anonymity if we can,” you advise them. Your stipulation hardly registers, as Pronax and Mecisteus clap each other on the shoulders in congratulations, clearly overjoyed to win your support. A vague feeling of unease sits in your gut, but the bargain has been made – you cannot unspeak your oath now.
A whirlwind of planning takes place.
The raiders must be kept to a small number, in order to maintain secrecy. Pronax and yourself, being superior warriors, will lead - you will be in overall command. Argyros and Mecisteus will stay in Argos to continue training the army, and conduct mock battles under the framework that you’ve developed – delays in training cannot be afforded; not with summer on the horizon.
In terms of additional items to consider: first - your honorguard must join you. As the premier fighting force of the Argive army, they are best prepared for a raid of this size. Each of the <span class="mu-i">Inachian Honorguard</span> are serviceable on horseback, although not expert riders. No matter – it is merely enough that they can ride. Two noblemen alone cannot herd two thousand cattle - you need reliable men to guide the beasts along, and enough of them to work in shifts. Tegea is not so far – a hard day's ride by horseback.
>cont
