Chapter Text
Menelaus continued rhythmically scratching the deck of Odysseus’ ship with his dagger. He had one leg stretched, the other pulled up, using his knee as a prop for his empty arm. “What now? We have no idea where Achilles is or how to find him and nothing to convince him to join us anyway.”
“The oath,” Odysseus snarled, as he looked onto the docks. They seemed particularly busy, everyone was in a rush. Though, frankly, all he could compare it against was Ithaca, which was hardly a merchant’s harbour. “We swore an oath.”
That fucking oath. Why did he take it? Why did he suggest it? If it weren’t for that godforsaken oath, Odysseus wouldn’t even be on this stupid ship with those two kings who just wanted a taste of blood. He’d be with Penelope and Telemachus would be warm and safe in his arms. Everyone would be minding their business. Agamemnon and Menelaus would be in Troy alone if they really cared so much. But, no, he’d sworn that stupid oath.
“He never swore the oath, Odysseus, for fuck’s sake. How old was he back then anyway? Two?” Menelaus stabbed the dagger into the deck and looked up.
“Menelaus is right, you know,” Agamemnon said. It took Odysseus all his willpower not to roll his eyes at the king of kings. He would have to endure him for years starting from now after all.
“He’ll join, trust me. Voluntarily. Look, like he said. Achilles was … eleven when we swore the oath. He’s seventeen, maybe eighteen now. Peleus and Phoenix, Chiron … they have told him all their fascinating, heroic stories. He wants adventure. He’ll join.”
“Why are you so angry? What’s up?” Agamemnon laughed and patted Odysseus on the shoulder. He shrugged his hand off.
“I’m not angry,” Odysseus shouted. Agamemnon, rightfully, had his brows raised at him in question. Odysseus sighed. “I just … I don’t want to be here right now.”
Agamemnon sighed and let go of the taffrail, and Menelaus jutted his dagger out of the wood before he stood up. “None of us do.” Liar. He didn’t have to start the war if he didn’t want to be here. “Why do we even depend on a teenager to win the war? It’s stupid.”
“The oracle said so, Agamemnon. It’s not for us to question.”
Agamemnon scoffed.
“Before you disappear off to your own ships, guys,” Odysseus pointed at the market. “Isn’t that a lot of hassle for such a small island?”
Menelaus shrugged. “Could be. Why?”
“I’m gonna check it out.”
Odysseus left Agamemnon and Menelaus snickering. The slaves continued their work as he stepped off the boat and turned his belt to hide his sheath behind his cape. No one needed to know he was here for war, that he was here not as a guest, but as a king.
He stopped at the first stand he found. The woman’s goods—fish of all kinds—were all put out and ready for sale, but she was shifting them from side to side so they were all in a perfectly straight row. Frowning, he looked at her. “What’s up? What’s all the hassle about?”
She laughed. “You’re not from around here, are you?”
The furrow in his brow deepened. So this was a regular thing. “No, you’re right.” He pointed at Agamemnon’s ship in the harbour. Not his own, Agamemnon’s was more impressive. “My ship actually just docked.”
She gaped. “I … I’m honoured you chose to come to my stall, it’s just … If you buy anything, you’re not getting any of these.” She gestured to the fish on display. “These are reserved for the royal family. I have more fish in the back, that’s—”
“The royal family?”
“Yes, they visit the harbour every two months. Chat with the locals, see the economy. Today is the day. This is for them.”
Odysseus nodded and thanked Athena silently. They were lucky they arrived when they did. He pulled out a gold coin from the purse on his belt and threw it to the lady at the stall. “Don’t want anything. Just … thanks for the information.”
When he returned to the ships, Odysseus found Menelaus and Agamemnon in the latter’s ship, in his cabin. “I know where he is.”
Agamemnon stood up. “Already? Where?”
“Achilles is a prince, he’s known nothing worse than perfect his entire life. If he’s anywhere on this island, Lady Thetis has most definitely hidden him in the palace, with Lycomedes’ daughters. It’s safe and luxurious. All she could want for her son.”
Menelaus glanced at his brother before turning to Odysseus. “And how do we get him out? We can’t exactly walk into his palace and drag him to Troy.” He laughed ironically. “That’s exactly what Paris did to me.” That’s exactly what you did to me.
“We don’t have to drag him anywhere, he’ll come to us.” Agamemnon leaned back and smiled, like he always did when he sensed one of Odysseus’ plans coming together. Odysseus sighed, a pang of guilt crossing his chest before he could shake it off. Achilles wasn’t like him, Achilles didn’t have a family, a son, to return to. Achilles wanted the war. “The royal family will be coming to the docks to mingle with the locals later today. If they want to keep up appearances, Achilles will be among them. He will most likely be disguised though, so we need to find a way to, firstly, look past that facade, and then break through it.”
“And how do you want to do that?” Menelaus asked.
Odysseus pointed at Agamemnon. He was the merchant, the businessman amongst them. And should it come to it, he’d be the most comfortable putting his sword to use. “You need to find us a well-placed stall to use, preferably in the main street. Bargain, but take it at whatever cost.” Anger flashed in the king’s eyes for a second—of course he didn’t want to be commanded by the lowly king of Ithaca—but it was quick to pass, and he was quick to stand up. “Menelaus, I need you to fetch some weapons and armour and bring them to me. Baskets as well, if you find any.”
“And you?” Agamemnon asked.
“I’m getting supplies."