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I woke up today to find Neoptolemus staring at me.

I am not sure what awoke me. Yet, as I opened my eyes, I found the son of Achilles gazing coldly at me, his narrow eyes peering out of a brilliantly plumed helmet.

I almost dashed out of bed to grab my sword. However, as I rolled over in panic, I saw that Odysseus was there too. -The General was looking very tired.

I then realized it wasn’t quite morning.

“Eurylochush…” the General slurred: “We’ve gotsh a meeting. Tomorrow. -We’ve gotsh a meeting to have, to-morrow.”

I stood.

As I did, Neoptolemus’ eyes followed me. I was standing just about two feet from him, but he didn’t back up. He just continued to stare. I couldn’t tell if he was drunk, angry, or just curious.

The son of Achilles stared at me like a child does at deformity.

Anyway, doing my best to ignore Neoptolemus’, I answered Odysseus: “Yes General, we will meet tomorrow. Would you like me to come to your quarters?”

At that the General avidly interrupted: “No, Eurylochush! I am going to bed now. Apollo’s Ash, it’s late. Don’t come to my quarters. -I will see you tomorrow.”

Not attempting to explain myself, I just nodded.

With that, Odysseus called after Neoptolemus and walked out.

However, Neoptolemus didn’t immediately follow. For nearly half a minute, he just continued to stand there, blankly staring at me. -I’m still not sure he wasn’t sizing me up.

Feeling a bit perturbed, I refused to move.

Then suddenly, as if he had just come to, Neoptolemus wheeled around and walked out the door.

No doubt he’s his father’s son.

After a moment, I looked out to see Odysseus and Neoptolemus ambling away. The sun wasn’t up, but it was already getting lighter to the east. -I couldn’t get back to sleep.

After about an hour of lying awake, I got up and went to find Misenus.

Misenus always gets up early, and the two of us shared some tea as the camp came to life.

I asked Misenus about Aegle again. He apologized, but said that he had made every effort to find her, save walking into Agamemnon’s quarters. I nodded, somewhat embarrassed for appearing so interested.

Anyway, after breakfast, Misenus and I went to visit Macar.

When we got there, Macar was arguing with an Argosian officer about Diomedes’ share of the spoils. Although the division of the spoils had been agreed upon yesterday, this officer had come back today to request some more. I wasn’t really in the mood, and so I cursed out the Argosian and sent him on his way.

After he left, Macar started to chuckle. -I guess the officer had personally sent Macar some sheepskins yesterday as a gift, and Macar had accepted them for just that.

Unintentionally, I had just relieved Macar of any obligations of reciprocity.

As Macar had spent most the night finishing the task of inventory, I just spent the afternoon setting aside a selection of spoils to be given to Agamemnon on Odysseus’ behalf.

I went to the General’s quarters after lunch.

Odysseus didn’t look much better than he did last night, and our meeting wasn’t very fruitful. In fact, I had to remind the General that we had scheduled one.

Odysseus asked a few questions about the horse, and about our Ithacans, but he didn’t seem honesty interested in any of my answers.

I told Odysseus I had set aside some spoils for the Commander-in-Chief, and he did seem sincerely appreciative for that. Upon hearing it, he asked that I delivered them right away. -Our meeting ended with that.

As I walked back to fetch Agamemnon’s spoils, I ran into Achaemenides. I asked him to carry Agamemnon’s treasure for me.

Although I had brought Achaemenides as a display of rank, as we approached Agamemnon’s hut, I began to regret it. -Aegle was talking to some of the Commander-in-Chief’s housemaids, just outside his tent.

Aegle smiled. As did I. -Her companions giggled.

Although I would have looked a bit silly walking up alone with Agamamnon’s booty, I would have liked the chance to speak with Aegle. With Achaemenides present, that was impossible. I tried to communicate as much, but it was to no avail. Agamemnon’s guards quickly stepped forward to attention, which required me to stay in military character.

Agamemnon was grateful for the offering, and he related his emphatic thanks to General Odysseus. I thought it kind of strange, but the Commander-in-Chief called me ‘Captain Eurylochus’ about five times. Each time, I swear he stressed the ‘Captain’ part.

Maybe it was just me, but it kind of pissed me off.

Seeing Aegle was gone by the time I was excused, didn’t do much for my mood either.

I spent the rest of the day debating whether or not I should go back to see her.

Now it’s too late.

I should have just gone.

Mother of Zeus. I can assemble a phalanx and lead an attack within fifteen minutes. How is it a woman can have me hiding in my tent, sweating over the act of just visiting her?