ξθ′

It seems we cannot win this war without Achilles’ son. -At least that’s what Helenus says.

And, for some inexplicable reason, the commanders believe him.

This morning, I escorted Odysseus over to the Wooden Horse build site.

On the way, the General informed me that Helenus’ interrogation had revealed that Troy would not fall until Achilles’ son Neoptolemus had joined the fight.

Apparently, Neoptolemus is residing on the island of Scyros, an isle that’s closer to Ithaca than it is to Troy.

Unfortunately, the commanders took Helenus’ prophetic babble to heart. -Odysseus said all Achaean actions would be delayed until Neoptolemus was on Trojan soil.

The General then told me he will be leading the expedition to fetch Achilles’ son. -He figures it’ll take a few weeks to make the trip.

I didn’t know what to say.

As much as I would have loved to grab Odysseus by the ears and scream, “Are you a fucking idiot? Helenus isn’t a prophet, he’s just fucking insane!”, I restrained myself. -In fact, I didn’t say anything at all.

I just nodded and looked thoughtful.

Odysseus then asked that I take command of our Ithacans while he’s away. -I nodded again.

I have come to believe that a certain simplicity of mind is required of top leaders. I have seen many brilliant men of many different stations. However, I have yet to see a genuine intellectual reside in the highest.

Whether power breeds stupidity, or stupidity is a requisite of power, I am not sure. However, of one thing I am certain: servitude requires intellect.

Idiotic orders can be issued without consequence. Yet, it takes a keen mind to avoid consequence when idiotic orders are to be obeyed.

Anway, Odysseus couldn’t have been more pleased with the Wooden Horse.

Last time I saw the Horse, I was very impressed. However, it had since been polished with some sort of oil, and now the wood reflected sunlight in such a way that it almost looked like a real horse’s coat. -Even the rope mane and tail had been dyed and braided.

In addition, an enormous bronze bit extruded from between the Horse’s pearly teeth, connecting to an over-sized rein that fell loose about its neck. -The only thing the Wooden Horse lacks is a titan to ride it.

Odysseus was obviously impressed. Upon seeing it, he cried: “Mother of Zeus, it’s a thing of beauty! -It’s a goddamned masterpiece! Boys, you’ve outdone yourselves!”

At that, the entire Wooden Horse build crew cheered.

Standing side-by-side, arms on each others shoulders, Elpenor and Epieus looked like proud new parents. -Elpenor even shed a few tears of joy.

Then, to my delight, this happy moment was followed by a terrific breakfast.

Once again, Elpenor and Epieus outdid themselves. The meal consisted of several courses, including fish, lamb, chicken and pork. Each dish was uniquely prepared, and each was uniquely delicious.

Finally, to top it all off, Epieus presented Odysseus with a honey-glazed Bread Horse, filled with Achaean raisin 'soldiers'.

Unfortunately, the pleasure of dessert was somewhat diminished when Odysseus informed Elpenor and Epieus that the 'Horse plan' would be postponed until after Neoptolemus arrived.

Furthermore, the General asked they conceal the Horse until his return.

On this point, I agreed with Odysseus. -I couldn’t see how exposing the completed Horse now could be of any benefit.

Elpenor and Epieus were disappointed, and somewhat confused.

However, Epieus took the news in stride, and assured Odysseus the Horse would be kept concealed and readied for his homecoming.

Odysseus seemed genuinely appreciative.

After breakfast, I walked Odysseus back to his tent.

The General asked me to hold Helenus for one more night. -He promised to give me further instructions tomorrow.

Odysseus then asked I prepare a roster of thirty men to accompany him on his journey to Scyros.

Walking back, I ran into Polites. When he heard of the plan to retrieve Neoptolemus, he begged to be added to the crew. -I guess he has a cousin in Scyros, and has hopes to visit him.

I agreed to add Polites, and added Baius too. Macar wanted to go, but I can’t afford to lose him.

Finding the remaining twenty-eight men was easy. -In fact, once word got out that an Ithacan boat was leaving the beachhead, I was overwhelmed with volunteers.

After completing the roster, I spent the rest of the evening just wandering about camp.

Walking through the Achaean army, I became acutely aware of how permanent our siege has become.

After so many years, the prospect of sacking Troy has become much more an ideal than a reality.

Now that the Wooden Horse is complete, this stupid quest for Neoptolemus is actually somewhat of a relief.

As unlikely it is to be realized, I can’t honestly say that I am ready to see the fall of Troy. -Not just yet, anyhow.