Deimos will mingle among all the armies trying to learn what he can.

The soldiers have many differing views but most seem to be looking forward t the war. The Spartans are most in favour of the war, as they feel insulted at Helen's loss. Most others also feel the insult but aren't enthusiastic about sailing and fighting in Asia. Others are there only out of duty or force and feel that if Menelaus couldn't keep his wife locked up then he deserved to lose her.

Religion and superstition are common among the armies and the priestesses of Athena make good coin from the men. Soothsayers, mystics, and other charlatans wander around the camps earning money selling fortunes and idols to the soldiers.

Among the leaders of the Greeks are many of the great heroes of this age, among them are other children of the gods like yourself. Chief among them is Achilles, the greatest warrior in Greece.

Deinos seeks out Achilles.

"Greetings! What glories do you seek in this upcoming war?"

Achilles gives Deinos a knowing nod, in recognition of one child of the gods to another. He speaks with little animation; direct and to the point.

"Prince Hector has proclaimed himself the greatest warrior in the world. I would put that claim to the test. Reports also mention a new hero in their city who may be Hector's match. I will also kill him.

"Why do you go on this cursed voyage, god of Sparta?"

"A new hero, huh? What do you know about him? As for why I go, let's just say it is a matter of pride. And why do you say this voyage is cursed?"

"I know only a little of the man," Achilles says while staring into the fire and tearing a cooked chicken apart in his hands. "He showed up in Troy not so long ago and quickly rose through the ranks of the city's defenders. We all must have our glory in the battle, for you I have chosen Sarpedon. On the battlefield you can hunt him down and send him to the grave."

He eats some of the chicken.

"The war is cursed. Already the witches and fortunetellers predict the loss of most of us. Menelaus speaks of revenge and restitution. But those are unworthy reasons to fight. Sparta lost her honour when Helen left; winning her back will not erase the stain. It would be better to Menelaus to find a new, better wife and produce heirs for his city. The gods will deal a just fate for Paris and Helen in their own time."

"Cheer up, man! Are we not eating good chicken having good conversation sitting by a warm fire? Perhaps we are the just fate that the gods have ordained!"

Dienos' good cheer doesn't bring Achilles out of his dour mood.

"Have the Fates woven the thread of our lives through this war? Are we unable to change our destiny? Or is fighting against the Fates simply what they have determined for us?"

Two others come near the fire. One is a tall muscular man who places his hand on Achilles' shoulder as a comforting gesture as he sits down beside the demi-god. The other is a woman who keeps her face mostly covered by her shawl and stands at the edge of the fire's light. She stares at Dienos though she gives no clue as to the reason for her interest.

"Greetings!" Deinos says to the man. "And greetings to you as well," he says to the woman. "Will you not sit by the fire and bring some cheer to this gloomy conversation?"

The woman giggles shyly then turns and runs off.

"It seems that you have caught the eye of Iphigenia," the newcomer says. "Not a surprising occurrence when a young girl spies the hero of Sparta.

"I see that you have been trying to lighten the clouds above Achilles," he continues, "Truly a labour of the gods. Zeus would not even dare to set such a task for Heracles."

This man seems friendly enough although he doesn't give his name. But as he seems so close to Achilles Deinos can deduce that he is Patroclus, Achilles' tutor and companion.

"Perhaps you will have more luck there than me, Patroclus. I will get some sleep before we sail. Until the morning..."

While heading back to his camp Deinos gets many cheers and salutes from the assembled soldiers. Obviously, word of his godhood and defeat of the Scythians had made the rounds.

Early the next morning the commanders bein the long process of loading up supplies and troops aboard the ships. For those still waiting on shore, some enterprising soldier has started a mini Olympics and is looking for athletes to participate.

Deinos enters the competition. What are the events?

Wrestling, javelin, archery, foot races, shot put, equestrian. None of the other great heroes seem to be about and looking at the competition Deinos doesn't think that he will have much difficulty winning any event he partakes in.

He sees Iphigenia looking on with her face still covered but showing a bit more leg. Many of the athletes have seen her too and flex and show off in an attempt to get her attention.

Deinos walks up to Iphigenia. "Dear lady, do you know where the other great heroes might be? I was hoping for some competition in these games."