ξϛ′

Apollo’s ass, Achaemenides was right.

Dolon was a spy.

Well past midnight, Achaemenides rushed into my tent, shouting in a state of exhilaration: “Captain Eurylochus, we’ve got him! We’ve got him! I kept looking and waiting, and looking and waiting, and we got him! We’ve got him, Captain!”

Forcing myself into lucidity, I calmed Achaemenides somewhat, sat him down, and asked him to elaborate.

Achaemenides then anxiously explained that he had taken my order to ‘look into the Dolon situation' very seriously. -It seems he has been dutifully ‘looking into it’ ever since.

Achaemenides is a hell of a soldier.

Anyway, Achaemenides’ watchful eye caught Dolon and another Trojan sneaking into the Wooden Horse build site tonight.

Achaemenides quickly alerted Misenus and his guards, and both spies were apprehended without incident. -I guess they had climbed into the horse and were easily trapped inside.

Stepping outside my tent, Achaemenides presented me with his two captives. Both were bound and held by Misenus and his Wooden Horse guards. Misenus gave a swift kick to Dolon who was ceaselessly squirming.

I asked Misenus what had transpired, and he echoed Achaemenides story.

Dolon was trying to speak or shout, but he was gagged, and Misenus wasn’t having any of it.

Dolon was wearing a tunic with Ithacan colors. Dolon’s companion, who was also bound and gagged, wore simple white robes. He stood silently and unlike Dolon, he looked very afraid.

After confirming the story with Misenus, we then escorted the captives to Odysseus’ tent.

To our surprise, Odysseus wasn’t sleeping. As a matter of fact, Odysseus, Diomedes and Sthenelus were engaged in some sort of orgy with a handful of lady-friends.

It wasn’t that I actually saw the orgy, but upon hearing some distinct sounds as we walked up, there was no mistaking it.

Dolon let out a muffled chuckle. Once again, Misenus kicked him hard.

However, I can’t say that I blamed Dolon. As we approached, someone in the tent (unfortunately, I think it was Odysseus) yelled: “Mother of Eros! Mother of Eros!” –At this, some of our Ithacans let out a chuckle as well.

As awkward as it was, I motioned to Odysseus’ door guards to announce our presence.

At first they hesitated, but Misenus spoke some words of encouragement to them.

One of the guards then reluctantly, but loudly pronounced: “General Odysseus, Captain Eurylochus wishes to see you.”

Not long afterward, Odysseus appeared, adjusting a backwards tunic. -He was obviously drunk.

Unexpectedly, Odysseus didn’t seem the least bit perturbed or ashamed by our interruption. On the contrary, I think he was pleased to be caught in such a state.

In fact, as he shouted for Diomedes and Sthenelus to join him, the General deliberately tossed back the tent canvas so that we might get a glimpse of his company.

It was no doubt to his pleasure, then, to watch our men crane their necks, and to hear his female companions shriek in embarrassment.

I tried my best not to respond.

Anyway, soon Diomedes and Sthenelus appeared, laughing and jovially punching one another.

Finally, Odysseus inquired about our business.

Acting as soldier-like as I could, I explained to Odysseus the circumstances of the Trojan’s discovery, and of their capture.

Odysseus was shocked.

Looking to Achaemenides, he gasped: “Do you mean…this, this is the bastard that stole Hermes!?”

Gravely, Achaemenides nodded.

At that, the General lunged forward and punched Dolon square in the face, knocking him out cold.

Odysseus then clutched his fist and shouted: “Oh fuck, my hand!” -This sent him, Diomedes and Sthenelus into a laughing fit.

Dutifully, our Ithacans began to nervously laugh as well. -That is, except for me and Achaemenides, -who was looking a bit confused.

The second Trojan looked mortified.

Anyway, when the Odysseus could speak once again, he waved us off and chuckled: “That’s a hell of a job boys… A hell of a job. Achimender, I’m giving you a medal. You’re getting a big, huge, medal. -See you in the morning.”

With that, Odysseus, waved to Diomedes and Sthenelus, and the three laughing generals retired back into the tent.

However, moments after, Odysseus’ head appeared once again. He pointed to me and said: “Eurylochus, I can give you a medal too. -Goodnight!”

Odysseus disappeared. Soon there were some more shrieks, followed by more laughter.

I instructed Misenus to hold the prisoners until the morning, and to double the guard about Horse site.

I told Achaemenides that he had done a great deed, and that he would be needed tomorrow when the General was feeling better. He nodded, looking somewhat reassured, and excused himself.

The sun will be coming up soon, and I’ve got to get some sleep.

However, this whole thing has really got me worried.

I mean, how can we be sure that this was Dolon’s first look at the Horse site? And, even if it was, how much do the Trojan’s already know about it? Could Dolon have already learned about the Horse when he was guarding Odysseus’ goat?

In any case, it’s a damn good thing that Achaemenides caught him. Odysseus is right, that guy does deserve a big, huge medal. -I’m going to see to that.

Anyway, I guess we’ll find out more tomorrow. -I suppose I’ll sleep in a bit, and find Misenus around lunch.

I’m sure Odysseus won’t be waking up early.