The Spartan Games
Most honored matriarch,
I have a few moments to write before the events of the day continue. I am still in Sparta and am waiting on my companion Ouroboros to have his champion’s bout at the end of the Spartan games. It has been an interesting day. I should however start by telling you of the evening before. I stole out in the late hours and by talent and guile made my way into the Desmeth the Oaf’s villa. Finding his room was easy enough. I sectioned some parts of his personal outer garb and then made my way to the villa of the younger king Eudamidas. I left a small piece in the soil near the window that allowed my new companion Silenos entrance. I also made my way to the public chains where the Amazon Niobe was so recently escaped. I’m hopeful that these small things will serve to embarrass the oaf and perhaps mark him as someone to speak to about the burglary of the king’s abode. After I was able to sleep very contentedly, one does not abuse my crew and not meet with repercussions.
The following morning, we met at breakfast before the start of the Spartan games. Many discussions took place. Silenos spoke briefly with Lady Alexandra, while I’m not sure what they spoke of, it left her disturbed. Her eyes darted about the room repeatedly and she clutched her staff a little tighter as well. The lady Thalia is having a degree of misgiving about her labor. I endeavored to help her feel less bad, noting that often the wake of actions impacts far away from the ship. I’m not sure how much it helped. Of course, we also discussed the forth coming games. Lady Alexandra helped Nicolos emblaze upon his flesh a large blue O and across his broad shoulders the name Ouroboros. I suggested that the O should be the eponymous tail eating ouroboros. It seems that the games are open to all the citizens and visitors; this was very interesting. The hour to gather at the hippodrome. When we arrived, several events were on the lists for the day: foot races, long jumps, javelin throwing, discus throwing, a chariot race, and the capstone for the day the bout of Ouroboros. I decided to enter the foot race, I can’t help myself. Silenos entered every event except the foot race. Nicolos entered the discus and the chariot race. While chatting with the man taking names for the contests, I learned that Desmeth was supposed to race chariots on the day, but the law keepers had withdrawn him from the competition. A very interesting turn of events.
As the least of the events, the foot race was first. We gathered on the field and as Spartan kings sat to watch a gong rang and the racers started. The field in whole were not bad runners. I was able to take their measure for a few laps, but then it occurred to me I should strive to bring the effort to abeyance. In keeping with the gifts of yours and of fathers, I bound ahead and finished the race with a flourish, taking pride of victory. It was most satisfying. The long jump event was next. Silenos made an impressive jump but was ultimately undone by one of the Spartans. He also showed well in the javelin throw but was also undone. The discus event was next and saw Silenos throw mightily and took the victory. Nicolos didn’t fare as well but made a good show. Next up was the chariot race. Silenos spent a couple moments petting and talking with his team, then he stepped into the vehicle. I was more worried when Nicolos stepped into his and the wheels seemed to sink low to the ground. Soon the starting gong was struck, and the racers were in motion. Silenos and a Spartan were neck and neck, leaving the other behind. Poor Nicolos was in the last rank. As the leaders approached to lap around Nicolos, he let out an impressive bellow. The Spartan’s team spooked slightly and gave advantage to Silenos, who took the race by a nose. There was much lauding of the winner who in turn shared the lauds with Nicolos. I wandered through some of the Spartan crowds muttering about how they were lucky that Desmeth wasn’t on the field today. Several of the crowd did seem to wonder where he was. I must be honest I see why your little name’s sake enjoys playing with the mice she catches. Again, one does not beat one of my crew.
As I write this, they have announced the pinnacle event for the day, I’ll be interested to see how Ouroboros fares. I’ll let you know the outcome when next I write, until then I remain your loving son…
Gyasi