Afternoon light filtered through the arched window. It cast dappled shadows on the oak chairs spread with sheepskins.
The white roof of Aphrodite's temple gleamed between distant maple leaves. A breeze carried the fresh scent of lemon verbena.
In the quiet window corner of the estate hall, Dido nodded gracefully. "I will distribute Dardan's refined salt and 'Nectar of the Gods' across the Mediterranean. Each visit, I'll bring grain and copper ingots in exchange." Her deep auburn hair cascaded over her shoulders. Her gaze held a young woman's earnest intensity.
Aeneas struggled against an impulse to ruffle her hair.
He reminded himself, She's a princess now. Can't do that.
A wave of relief followed. A trade partner! Our salt and 'Nectar' will finally reach premium markets...
The pact was clear. Fifty Talents of grain per month. One hundred and fifty copper ingots. In exchange for three hundred Mina of refined salt and one hundred jars of the Nectar. It was a volume that would push Dardan's production to its limit.
But his joy soon soured. Wait. The Trojan War starts in a few months. Once the Greek fleet blockades the great port of Ilion, no merchant ship will reach our river port...
His finger traced imaginary sea routes on the window frame. His brow furrowed.
He wasn't a computer. Had no Google Maps in his head.
He searched his memories for alternative passages. His black-and-gold curls shifted as he thought.
A large island south of Troy... Should be safe from the fighting there. Dido could secure it. Use it as a transshipment base.
A map of the Troad formed in his mind. He sketched out routes bypassing Ilion's harbor.
Abarbarea has a temple... Dedicated to the river Aesepus. So that's another major river. Must find time to see if we can build an alternate port there... Shift to overland transport to connect to Dardan...
A longer, more roundabout route. Requiring carts partway. But a necessary contingency.
"Lord Aeneas, is something troubling you?" Dido leaned forward, concerned. She'd accidentally used the respectful address from their childhood.
Outside, on a branch, the golden eagle Eye of Zeus let out a sharp cry. As if objecting to its mistress's humble tone.
Aeneas started to answer. But Dido's expression changed abruptly. Her fine hand gripped the windowsill. "I nearly forgot crucial news! This morning, my fleet passed Ilion's river port. We saw about fifty hoplites mustering from Sigeum. They were marching. Likely toward the Dardan lands."
She twisted her fingers in self-reproach. Her deep auburn hair veiled her face. "I was so caught up in our reunion. I forgot to tell you. If this delays your preparations, I'll never forgive myself."
Aeneas reassured her gently. Gave her shoulder a light pat. "It's not your fault. Don't worry. Our new outposts and watchtowers will give us ample warning."
He smiled easily. But his mind was already racing. Fifty hoplites... That bastard Helenus is making another move? Planning to force the issue this time! Ready to tear off the mask? So confident I won't kill him?
He knew these Trojan regulars too well. Bronze armor. Two-meter-long spears. Bronze-rimmed shields. Excellent on plains. In defense. But poor mobility.
In Dardan's mountainous terrain, these "tusked turtles" were practically asking to be slaughtered.
But as the young lord of Dardan, he knew this force could still wreak havoc on the river valley town. The thought disgusted him. Angered him.
Aeneas rose immediately. His tone turned resolute. "We must convene the council. Now. Dido, thank you for the warning. It may have saved countless lives."
Just then, the golden eagle Eye of Zeus outside the window beat its wings. It flew west. Toward Sigeion. As if sensing the threat, it had gone to scout ahead.
Sunlight blazed on its golden feathers. A speeding warning signal. Tearing through the afternoon's peace.
Aeneas strode quickly into the main hall. Ready to announce Helenus's approach to everyone.
******
In the spacious stone dining hall, the lingering festive mood clashed sharply with the new tension.
Anchises was silent for a moment. Then he thumped his oak walking stick on the floor. His lips, beneath a grizzled beard, pressed tight. "Son, command is yours." His fingers absently twisted his beard. His brow furrowed. "But remember. Helenus is still a Trojan prince. Don't be... overly harsh."
Aresya added her concern, silently gripping her winter-rose ring. "Protect the domain. But also spare the royal house's dignity." She bowed her head in prayer for her son. Her mature, intelligent profile looked especially soft in the sunlight.
Aeneas was moved. My parents still trust me completely, even now...
But then he thought, 'Overly harsh'? If Helenus dares harm my people, I'll show him what 'harsh' means.
He saw his parents' worry. Took a quiet, steadying breath. Calm. Handle this properly!
Once everyone knew the news, they took their seats for this impromptu "war council."
Melanippe slammed the table and stood at once. Her Amazon armband glittered defiantly. "Just eliminate Helenus! Keeping such a man alive only invites more evil." Her dark brown hair shifted with the forceful movement. Righteous anger burned in her eyes.
Ainippe smiled and nodded. "The princess's suggestion matches my own."
Well. Predictable.
Achates scanned the room steadily. "We should put the domain on alert first. Protect the civilians from the fighting."
Finally, a reliable suggestion.
Sergestus straightened confidently. "I know the defenses well now. Fifty elite slave soldiers within the estate are ready."
Nisus and Euryalus exchanged a grin.
Euryalus played with his obsidian arrowhead necklace mischievously. "Plus us. Twelve of our thirty-seven longbowmen are master marksmen. Deadly within a hundred paces. Tell us to shoot the bastard prince, young master, and it's done!"
Nisus shot his partner an annoyed glare. "Stop that nonsense! We follow the young master's orders!"
Well then... So if I ordered Helenus shot, he'd really die, huh?
Ninsarina rose gracefully. Offered a bow. "Actually, my ten personal guards are all highly skilled. If the estate can provide arms, we would be honored to aid in Dardan's defense."
Aeneas knew this was a political investment. But he was still touched by the timely aid. Whatever her motives, anyone who helps in crisis deserves gratitude.
He nodded to her politely. Smiled. "Thank you for your aid, Miss Lina. Dardan does not forget its friends."
Dido spoke up next. Her deep auburn hair cascaded over her shoulders. "The sixty crewmen from my three ships are all seasoned. They await your orders." Her sincere gaze made Aeneas return a grateful smile.
Then Thaleia spoke, her face pale, voice trembling. Her fingers twisted the fabric of her dress. "Perhaps... perhaps if you just handed me over to Helenus... this war could be avoided..." Her deep brown eyes, beneath her black hair, were full of fear and self-blame.
Aeneas stood up immediately. His tone turned sharp. "Don't say that! I would never give you up. Not while I live." He meant he wouldn't abandon any friend or family. But Thaleia seemed to take it differently. Her face flushed deep red.
Thaleia began to weep softly, overcome. Melanippe felt a twinge of jealousy. But her inherent sense of justice wouldn't allow her to stand by while Helenus took Thaleia. She took Thaleia's hand to comfort her. "We will all protect you. We won't let that monster Helenus have his way."
Aeneas looked around at the people gathered with him. A warm current flowed through his heart. In this moment of crisis, every one of them stood by him without hesitation.
He addressed them all. "The entire domain is now on a war footing. Protecting the civilians is our primary goal. We adopt a defensive posture for now."
"Dido's ships will be ready to evacuate people across the river. Scouts and outposts will intensify watch on the Sigeion approach."
The moment the orders were given, the estate stirred to life. Like a giant rousing from sleep.
In the training yard, longbowmen checked the strings of their yew bows. Made sure their quivers held over twenty arrows. Each one sharp and perfect.
The slave guards adjusted their bronze armor. Checked their shields and short swords. The clank of metal and creak of leather wove a pre-battle symphony.
On the newly built watchtower, sentries gripped their horns. Their eyes were sharp, fixed on the distance.
Nothing would escape their notice. The horns were ready to sound the alarm.
In the stables, the five warhorses stirred. Melanippe's Blood Moon pawed restlessly. Its chestnut coat gleamed like fire.
Nearby, Ainippe's Wind Hoof was calmer. But its muscles were taut. It twitched occasionally.
Aeneas's own scrawny black horse, jokingly called 'Charcoal', stood beside the two fine steeds. It had put on some muscle lately. Still looked utterly out of place on a battlefield.
As for the other two horses... Well. Their job was carrying messages. Best not to expect much from them in a fight.
Watching the preparations, Aeneas thought coldly, That bastard Trojan prince has no idea what's coming. Still acting so high and mighty... Let's see what he tries. If he wants to tear off the gloves, I'll make him kneel and beg...
Ninsarina withdrew gracefully to the side. Gave quiet orders to her guard captain. She subtly observed Aeneas's command.
A glint of anticipation shone in her amber-gold eyes. Decisive. Not bad. Now... show me what you can really do.
Dido nodded to Aeneas. Directed her attendants to rush orders to the ships at the riverbank. Check supplies. Ensure the routes were clear for evacuation.
Dardan's defenses were activating fully. Three hundred and fifty warriors from the main camps. Fifty elite slave soldiers from the estate. Thirty-five new longbowmen. Reinforcements from allies. Nearly five hundred fighters in total.
They vastly outnumbered Helenus's fifty spearmen. But their greatest weakness was clear. They couldn't strike first. Only defend.
Melanippe was practically itching for a fight. She inspected her bow and arrows carefully. Her fingers brushed the fletching. Ensuring every shaft would fly true.
Thaleia helped organize medical supplies nearby. Sorting bandages and herbs. For this moment, the women set their rivalries aside. Their eyes, for now, followed the steady command of Aeneas.
In every corner of the estate, soldiers took their positions. Weapons gleamed coldly in the sun. The entire Dardan domain was like a bow, slowly drawn taut. Waiting for the foolish prince to walk into the trap.
Aeneas looked toward the western horizon. His gaze was deep. The Trojan War... Helenus... Are you the wolf in sheep's clothing Cassandra warned about?