Quoted By:
The truth sprays from Polynices’ mouth:
“Yes, Hippomedon. Forgive me – <span class="mu-s">but it is the order of our king</span>. I am to organize your wedding by any means necessary – even through deceit. Adrastus cares only for the future of Argos, and there are too few princes. My sons will need enforcers, Hippomedon - Thessander will need YOUR sons, when we are old men. What if Euanippe cannot give you sons? Some men have many wives – Priam of Ilion has been gathering them for decades…” he trails off, spluttering.
The cruelty of your uncle astounds – you may act as the famed Argive prince that you are and betray your wife, or instead, act the loyal husband that you are and betray your nation. You vomit a string of vile curses as only a soldier can. You had no idea he was capable of such ruthlessness. If he was present, you might even raise your hands in anger - you realize your grip is tightening on Polynices' robes; his eyes are as round as coins, clearly terrified that you might kill him on the spot.
But Polynices is not to blame.
You release him, and he falls to the polished stone floor, sighing in relief. Polynices supplicates in the formal manner, embracing your knees from a kneeling position -
“Hippomedon, please - I beg you - do not reveal to Adrastus that I broke my oath of secrecy. It would shame me - tarnish my honor…”
>vote part 1: make a binding promise to keep the secret? Polynices will obviously greatly appreciate this
>yes
>no
You can hardly think through the rage - but behind it, under it - you see the faint outlines of your uncle’s plan.
And it is not without merit.
Argos <span class="mu-i">DOES</span> need strong sons. And there are too few in your generation – too few in the next. Something must be done, to preserve an Argive future. And this alliance with Iphitos – if it could deny a powerful ally to Thebes, it may speed the end of the war, and save the lives of many in the process. But it is madness to think that you would betray your wedding vows – but should one man’s marriage threaten the survival of a nation - of an entire people? You have never once betrayed an order from your king – this is the first time you have even contemplated subordination, but what Adrastus asks is simply too much! The conundrum fractures your core - you feel unsteady on your feet. Your hands grip your scalp - you cannot think!
>vote part 2: this is a huge decision point for Hippo. Much rides on this 24h vote.
>Remain the loyal prince of Argos and secure an Argive future – seek marriage with a daughter of Iphitos as Adrastus orders, betraying your beautiful wife, Euanippe of Thessaly, and the mother of your newborn daughter, Deianira.
>Remain the loyal husband of Euanippe of Thessaly, mother of your newborn daughter, Deianira, and refuse Polynices' mission, now that you know the truth. In the process, betray the interests of Argos. Let the war come as it may – you would rather die than betray your wife.
>Something else?
