A helot once more

Dearest and most revered mother,

  I hope this latest missive finds you well. Things here in Sparta have been interesting and entertaining. As I wrote in my last letter, my newest companion Silencos and I engaged in some clandestine investigation of King Eudamidas the younger. As mentioned, we came away with a few critical elements specifically some texts for Lady Alex and the blade belonging to the amazon Niobe. We met up at our rendezvous and exchanged some interesting information. It seems that Silencos has some relationship with Artemis, and she placed him on a path. Not unlike what father has done for me. It seems he must stop some rampaging giants in the mountains.  I feel it is only right to help him, as he has helped me. As you taught, one does not bite the hand that provides the cream. We also swapped swords, the king’s infantry blade in exchange for the amazon’s. We then parted ways.

I made my way to where Niobe was bound. Thanks to your blessing of nimble fingers, I was able to shed her of her bonds and return to the sword at the center of the task presented by father. Niobe was very thankful and made her escape with the promise to return in time to settle our personal debt. I wish her the very best, she seemed quite formidable. I don’t know what brought her into conflict with the younger king, but I feel her fierce resolve bodes ill for him. Not long after several people came from the forums buildings and startled at Niobe’s escape. Guards were summoned, alarms rang, but even over the course of the following day no news of her re-capture has been heard of.

Our companion Ouroboros who was on trial of some sort, was released successfully. He has been returned to his status as a Helot. I’m not sure I find that an improvement, but it is what he wanted for his own labor. We in small groups returned to the Leche Palace for an evening repass and sleep. The following morning, we met briefly with ladies Thalia and Alex along with the other companions. I turned over the texts to her that she’s asked about. Hopefully those will provide her information about her endeavors here in Sparta. Thalia spent some time with the younger king, explored the villa and provided some details about some of the areas that weren’t well examined the night before. We also worked out a plan to have some evening discussions as she feels keeping some distance between herself, Ouroboros and myself wise. I can’t find fault with that, both of us stand out and could end up drawing much attention. Speaking of Ouroboros he rushed out to attend to his work, whatever that was going to be.

Shortly after your name’s sake went for a wander in a very uncharacteristic manner. I followed her discretely and found our way to the empty amphitheater. There father made a brief appearance. He was happy with his task being completed with such speed. He mentioned that eventually I’d be gifted with an invitation to visit that sacred mountain of the Greeks. It will be quite an honor, but so far away from the sea which I know. As you say, new experiences are what life is about. He also gifted me with some boots in his idiom. They have remarkable tiny wings at the ankle which flap slowly. It gifts me with some limited ability to fly. This will be very handy in the mountains I figure as I help Silencos and Nicolos with their tasks.

After our trip to the theater, I spent the bulk of the day wandering listening for rumors or tales of the recapture of Niobe.  As I mentioned, there was no sign of her. A good many people talked about what they would do if they found her. The level of animosity is significant, almost as if she had cheapened their manhood’s or honor. While she was fierce and very imposing, I’m not sure how she engendered such bile. However, those stories paled by mid-afternoon. It seemed Ouroboros was gifted a significant beating by some of his old tormentors amongst the Spartan citizenries. As rumor has it he was very stalwart and took the blows even returning to his feat in silent resolve, while his tormentors ranted and raved like lunatics. One does not do that to a member of my crew. This news makes me teeth and claws itch, I must admit. Listening to several of the stories, it becomes clear that Desmeth of Sparta is the leader of this cabal of thugs. It didn’t take over long for me to locate him and his companions deep into cups, ranting, raving and intimidating the locals at a place called the Persian Gardens. I stepped in long enough to get a good look at them and backed my way out.  As you might have guessed I stalked this Desmeth and followed him back to where he sleeps. It seems his behavior wasn’t too welcome amongst the elders of Sparta as one escorted him home and was clearly angry. I’ve headed your wisdom mother and banked that ember until I can speak with Ouroboros, but some degree of recompense is required.

I closed a very long day with a brief conversation with the lady Thalia. She is the guest of the younger king still, so I knew what window to approach easily enough. We discussed how she is getting along and what some possible steps forward are. It seems that the younger king might not be all that bad, which was giving her concerns with her task. I know not about the man or his character, I only know that the gods or fates want to play a direct role in someone’s life then they have earned that. It might be boon or weal, and it likely isn’t as simple as it appears. Her task is not an easy one, though she did seem to brighten when I pointed out that perhaps Niobe would appear and stab him though the heart. While bloodthirsty, it would be a broken heart. Sometimes a change in perspective is what is needed to see alternative solutions to a problem. One of the many lessons I am thankful to both you and father for. I will write more after the upcoming Spartan games. They should be interesting…

Your loving son,

Gyasi