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Well, that’s it. Odysseus and his crew are off.

They left just after lunch.

I woke especially early this morning to ready the ship. As I expected, Elpenor showed up not long after, carrying a sleeping role and three over-packed rucksacks.

Thankfully, only Biaus was there to witness me letting him down.

As gently as I could, I explained to Elpenor that I needed him here. -I said some things about how he was so valuable because of his knowledge of the Wooden Horse and whatnot.

Although my reasoning didn’t make too much sense, I think it helped to soften the blow. Even so, Elpenor was a little misty-eyed as he walked back up the beach with his luggage.

Not long after Elpenor left, Diomedes’ small Argosian contingent showed up, sans Diomedes.

Odysseus and Polites followed soon after. -Odysseus was wearing Achilles armor.

A large amount of supplies were still lying on the beach, and I instructed Diomedes’ men to finish loading the ship.

As Odysseus was there and Diomedes was not, I knew the Argosians couldn’t really question my order. In fact, I was happy to see that Diomedes’ captain was pretty pissed off about it.

I then asked Polites to fetch our Ithacan crew. Meanwhile, Odysseus and I watched the Argosians struggle with the provisions.

Odysseus was in particularly good spirits.

He told me he had forgotten to write Penelope, and asked that I compose a letter for him after he left. -That’s going to be interesting.

After a short while, a number of our Achaeans began to show up to see the crew off.

Odysseus and Diomedes quest is now common knowledge about camp, and I think the men are excited to see the Son of the Son of Peleus. -Perhaps Neoptolemus’ presence will boost the army’s morale.

In fact, now that I think about it, this might be the whole point of the endeavor. Maybe the commander’s hope Neoptolemus will fill his father’s shoes and inspire the army once again. Judging by the crowd that gathered this afternoon, the commander’s might be right. -Maybe I underestimated them.

Anyway, after about an hour, there were a couple of thousand Achaeans on the beach.

Actually, when Polites arrived, the first task for our Ithacans was crowd control. As the bystanders were swarming the ship so much, I was worried the remaining supplies might disappear before the Argosians could get them onboard.

Finally, just after Baius informed me the ship was completely readied, Diomedes arrived.

Diomedes was accompanied by about ten other generals, including Agamemnon, Nestor and Menelaus.

The Generals arrived in somewhat of a parade, followed by a few covered carts and a number of officers.

I could tell Odysseus was a bit bummed he hadn’t taken part in such a conspicuous appearance. However, upon arriving, Agamemnon embraced him and loudly wished him well on his travels. That brought many cheers from the Achaeans, and a large smile from Odysseus.

Furthermore, Agamemnon announced he had brought a feast to celebrate their mission.

That brought more cheers as well.

At that, the officers who were accompanying the carts uncovered them to reveal large stacks of bread, pork and some assorted vegetables. Climbing atop, these officers began tossing the goods into the crowd.

Predictably, things quickly got out of hand.

Our army is not starving. However, this chaotic and impromptu offer of food threw the Achaeans into a feeding frenzy. -It was only a matter of moments before the carts were seized by the mob and overturned.

Agamemnon had brought food for the commanders as well. Unfortunately, we could only watch as our tables and the officers who were setting them were swallowed by the horde of hungry Achaeans.

In fact, we had to back down to the waters edge to avoid being consumed ourselves.

Agamemnon seemed somewhat frustrated at first, however, when Nestor quipped: “Maybe we need to rethink our portioning of rations...” the commanders shared a hearty laugh.

Eventually, some of Agamemnon’s battered officers emerged from the crowd with enough food for us.

It was actually pretty casual, eating pork and bread, standing in the surf with the army’s commanders. They all seemed to be in good spirits and there was a lot of joking and back-slapping. -Even Menelaus would quietly giggle every time a large wave crashed at our feet.

Soon, post-meal lethargy settled the crowd.

Agamemnon then made a short speech, wishing Odysseus and Diomedes good luck on their endeavor.

Then, amongst the cheers of all those present, crew embarked and set sail.

As I walked back to the camp, Agamemnon approached me. Patting me on the back, he said: “Well, Captain Eurylochus, you are now head of the Ithacan army. -You let me know if you need anything.”

I guess it's true. At this moment, I am head of the Ithacan army.