ρε′

We are missing three of our fourteen ships.

Unfortunately, one of the missing ships is our captured Milesian barge. -That boat contained nearly all of our Trojan treasure.

Thus, after ten years of war, we could be heading home empty-handed. No one is talking about it, but I know it's on every mind in the fleet.

Of course, the greater tragedy is the possible loss of a few hundred of our men. -Or at least it should feel like the greater tragedy.

Achaemenides' ship is one of those absent. As odd as he was, I kind of liked that guy. It's bothered me more than I'd expect.

I'm not so sure Odysseus should have given Achaemenides command of a ship. He did prove himself in battle a few times, but I don't think he was ‘leader material’. -Maybe I should have said something.

Losing men at sea always seems harder for some reason.

At any rate, although the weather has improved, the mood of the fleet definitely hasn't.

I only saw the General for a moment today.

Absent all morning, Odysseus appeared as Misenus and I were having lunch. He inquired about our missing ships (the Lil’ Tethys is still out looking for them), and whether the men were ready for our upcoming raid upon the Ciconians.

I reminded Odysseus that we distributed our arms the day before yesterday, and that I'd see to it the officers were readying their men. -He thanked me and returned to his cabin.

It's a good thing we got our supplies out of that barge. If the storm hit us a day earlier, we’d not only be without our treasure, but most of our weapons too.

Misenus suggested the other ships might have simply headed for home. I thought he was joking at first, but he didn’t laugh. -I'm not sure what I think about that.

Anyway, after returning to my quarters tonight, I spent some time looking at the ornate sword Odysseus gave me. I couldn't stand to leave it on the barge, and have kept it 'hidden' under my cot.

To be honest, I take the thing out almost every night.

I don't think Odysseus would think about it, but if he did, he might consider that I'd lost the sword with the barge. -In fact, I haven't worn it since we left Troy.

This ridiculously expensive sword means I don't ever have to work again.

I don't think I'll wear it on our journey home.

Apollo’s ass. -I kind of hate this sword.