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The Arch Mede said:
... The land of Carpathia, revealed for Spartan colonization by Apollo himself, has been stolen by Ithacans, who have foully murdered the innocent Spartan colonists.
...

4. Odysseus recognises the right of Solmyr to seek vengeance for the wrongs inflicted on him and will not interfere with the execution of justice.

In celebration of their agreement, and in recognition of the good standing of Odysseus in Olympus, he is permitted to make offerings in the temple of Hephaestus in Ostmarch and Spartan offerings are also given there on his behalf.

After having read this description of the proceedings in Temesvar Odysseus swore an oath to Pallas Athena that
so called friends that wrongly accused his people of killing Spartians, that falsely claimed that Odysseus should have accepted that Sparta punishes anyone and that falsely stated that Odysseus visited the Spartan temple of Hephaestus, shall be dealt with in accordance with common sense, i.e. plundering their land and ravaging their girls.

And so it ended, with 13 years of plunder and rape while a Spartan army on Ithaca's soil was almost never seen. And thus its inhabitants lived peacefully until some golddigger from across the Sea landed with 100,000 men and assualted his way across some 4 provinces and then stabhitted twice for land until settling for 400d in peace demands.

When Midas had gotten his 400d he said something like "Midas has got his gold and can leave", but this was like the kitten who starts licking his paws after having mis-timed an attack on a mouse. Because as stated Midas first tried to get land, it was only when he apparently did not want to stage another huge attack, that he asked for money, only when he understood it cost more than it was worth.

Actually the number of Phrygian casulties are estimated to 70,000 men. Using the current price of Phrygian infantry and cavalry this means Phrygia actually spent more ducats on these men than what they got in the peace. Rumours are now plentiful in the Phrygian capital about the fact that their king cannot count. They even say that Midas is back at the school bench learning addition and subtraction of 3-digit numbers.
 
Troy 1739 - the end of the Olympics

In the west the sun came down.

The Black Empire invaded Greek lands at that time swiftly overrunning the colonial lands of Pelops and then sweeping on through Theseus' domain in central Elysium slaying both Theseus and Xena as the Gauls tried to stem the tide and bringing the forces of the Black Empire to the very doorstep of Troys own lands in the west.

Although Theseus had made himself an enemy of Troy this last half century here was an enemy that threatened every Greek citizen, and so it was that Troy, setting aside the wars of the past declared war on the Black Empire with the hero Alexander marching at the head of the Trojan armies. The lands of Gaul were the first to be liberated and then on into Pelops lands Alexander marched. It was a swift and brilliant campaign and the Black Empire forces were routed on all fronts and the offensive taken into the Empire itself! Here it was however that disaster struck, a snipers bullet took Alexander in the shoulder catapulting him from his horse where he was trampled by the charging cavalry. With their inspirational leader gone the advance into the heart of the Black Empire withered and the Trojan forces were recalled. The Olympics were coming up and Hector couldn't afford to send fresh men overseas during such a festivity. In time with the lack of further combat a wary white peace was signed between Troy and the Black Empire, but Hector vowed Troy would return!

So it was that in 1750 the second Olympics began with Midas hot favourite to take the laurel wreath due to his heavy investment in new weapons technology and his inspirational shining suit of armour! Others felt Perseus might well land the crown a second time but Hector wasn't one of them. He had heard the news that Thalia had been abducted by Poseidon on her wedding night. He knew Perseus would long to be out there hunting for her so was sure his mind would not be on the games.

Even so Perseus did made the first bold move and looked like proving Hector wrong as the king of Carthage swifty moved on the Minotaur castle and came within a whisker of taking it before his forces were swept away. In the mean time Midas had built a massive army numbering near 100,000 strong and easily took the castle for himself and then began resolutely defending it from all comers with his superior weaponry. Heracles, Autolycos and Hector agreed to work together to bring down the golden king for it seemed none could stand up to Midas alone. Hector had brought the might of the Trojan fleet with him to the games and proceeded to embark on his ships and sail off the Yorkshire coast where Midas was based. When Heracles declared he was marching on Yorkshire himself Hector began to disembark, joining the battle a few days after it had started and catching Midas completely by surprise, routing him from the field. With fresh reinforcements coming in all the time the Trojan forces now marched on the Minotaur castle and after one failed assault, and with only four or five months of the games remaining the Trojan forces with Autolycos's help finally took the castle.

Now Hector waited to see if anyone would challenge him in the months remaining. Only one hero did and that was Perseus, the reigning Olympic Champion, bringing Hector to battle in Lincoln. Although the Carthaginian forces held the field the two great heroes met each other hand to hand as was fitting on such an occasion. Steel met steel and the shock of their blades clashing reverberated across the isle as all held their breath. For a second time Hector faced an opponent wearing that suit of armour, Achilles armour. Hector vowed he would not lose again. With the victory over Midas a new fire burned in Hector and he fought like a tiger, blocking Perseus every blow and slowly seeking out chinks in the Carthaginians defense. Time and again he struck only for the armour of Achilles to absorb the blow, but even such armour as that couldn't protect Perseus forever and finally a telling strike got through his defenses and laid Perseus low.

As befitted the victor, Hector took Achilles armour as his own, Perseus was hurt but not mortally so, he would recover in time, even so it would be a long time before he would be in a fit state to lead Carthages armies. As the final months passed noone else challenged Hector's victory and so it was that a new Champion was crowned!
 
Perseus Journals


Chapter XXVIII Thalia Queen of Carthage

In the stairs of old Poseidons temple I Perseus stood with Thalia as finally the day of wedding was close. But then sky turned dark and wawes raised from ocean washing over Corsica taking Thalia away. Looking in horror booming voice of Poseidon said you have taken temple away from me so I will take away what you love.

After that the wawes calmed down and total silence was all that was left so stunnig were I and my people none could speak a word. Great was the sorrow and despair was all the hard work and love been washed away so fast....

Time passed and Carthages ships sailed oceans and desperadly looked for Thalia if nothing else to find her body. Untill lonely night sleeples night divine visitor come to my throne room. Hermes himself come and told that against small 1500 coin purse he will tell the fate of Thalia. Immediatly I sent servant to get the money from Carthages treasury.

After receiving money Hermes told that Thalia was not dead she was held prisoner in capital of Black Empire. There in the fortress city of barbarian could Thalia be rescued if I and my people have the courage to go there.

Immediatly the despair that had fallen over Carthage changed to hope and determination word of war was send to Black Empire this kiddnapping of Thalia wouldnt be accepted. Same time I Perseus boarded ships and set sail to distant land of Black Empire. Landing in overrun colonies of Pelops march was started defeating every army Black Empire set on my path. Finally I reached the fortress capital of Black Empire and siege was began.

Unfortunedly I run out of time messanger from Cartghage come and told that Olympics would start soon and all heroes must be on time in holy island. I and my soldiers was sad but we abandoned the siege promising to come back these wall would be brought down if not now in future.

Finally the second Olympics started but still the sadness of abandoning siege of Black Empire shadowed my troops and me. It seemed all waited someone to take first step. I grow tired and decided declare war on Minotaurs ordering quick assault on their great fortress Unfortunedly moral of my troops was still low and the attempt failed.

So I ordered my troops to move regrouping but then Midas used the moment and moved in taking the fortress of Minotaurs. Quickly was declaration of war sent to Phrygia thought it was quit unlikely mutch suffered Carthagean troops could take Minotaur fortress from Midas. Some battles with Midas was fought thought many other heroes had decided to join together against Midas and did most of the fighting. Still it was Carthage that brought down Phrygias fleet completely.

Finally after many battles Hector of Troy took Minotaur city from Midas. Being the only brave hero wanting to fight to the end I Perseus sent declaration of war to Troy. Soon great battle was fought in Lincoln were Troys troops were sent running unfortunedly it had great cost. I Perseus was too eager to chace Hector who with cunning tactic was able to wound me donw and take the armor of Achilles.

So the olympics ended in sad mood like they had started I was forced to stay in bed to recower from Hector wound leaving Carthages armies without my leadership.

Still the yearning to free Thalia was great among my people and to show they would never give up so alliance against Black Empire was forged with Hector of Troy. Soon tens of thousands soldiers boarded ships and started sailing toward Black Empire again.

Back and fort the battles went and the lack of my leader ship was obvious so many battles were lost but finally the will of my people was stronger than the armies of enemies again the capital of Black Empire was sieged. And this time nothing was able to stop my people slowly they brought down the great walls of Black Empires fortress capital freeing Thalia finally from her prison.

Great was the cheering when the news spread across Carthage raising the moral of people finally the wedding could be held. Immediatly Thalia was escorted back to Carthage with spoils of war from Black Empires Capital maps that revealed the huge world for Carthage.

To show Carthages gratitude all who fought against Black Empire the great maps were shared with all who wanted them. Allso Carthages troops now armed with new weapons helped others still fighting Black Empire.

So after some more years of war Carthage was finally in peace again celebrating the wedding of me Perseus and Thalia. From Carthage to sun island and to new far east colonies all people held ceremonies to honor gods who blessed the weddings and to enjoy the rare moment of happiness embracing whole Carthage.

some pictures coming
 
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Troy Post Olympics to 1771

When Hector returned to Troy victorious the celebrations lasted for weeks. Not only was he the Olympic champion but he now possessed the armour of Achilles, a potent symbol indeed, especially for the hero of Troy, and a sign that the Gods shone down on the nation.

Once the elation had subsided Hector ordered preparations to commence for a return to the war against the Black Empire. During the Olympics Gaul and Peloponnesus had been totally overrun once more and all the gains from Troys previous intervention lost. With Alexander dead Hector now sent Aeneus, victor of many wars, to the Trojan colonies and command of the next offensive against the Black Empire, he also asked the wounded Perseus if he intended to order his forces to return to the fray. When a resounding affirmative was given a hasty alliance was drawn up between Carthage and Troy, Hector may have surplanted Perseus as Olympic Champion but it seemed Perseus bore no animosity and so the respect Hector had for Perseus and Carthage greatly increased. So far Hector had been fighting the Black Empire to free the lands of Gaul and Peloponnesus, but now he would also fight to help rescue Perseus' bride Thalia from the Empires clutches.

Once again Troy began by liberating the colonies of Gaul who's land lay directly north of the Trojan enclave before moving on into the lands of Peloponnesus. Pelops himself fought a brave and desperate action against the Empire in the north and the forces of Carthage landed there to bolster his position before moving on the capital of the empire where Perseus had heard Thalia was held. Gaul, without remaining leaders contained herself with sieging provinces conquered by the empire that now lay in the rear.

Unfortunately, unlike the first war this one quickly took a turn for the worst when Aenaus received a debilitating wound that took him out of action before all the lands of Pelops had been liberated let alone any offensive action taken into the lands of the Empire. Now battles between Troy and the Empire began to turn in the empires favour and the Trojan armies were forced to fall back to positions closer to their colonial supply lines and the source of fresh recruits they provided. With Aenaus' tactical genius gone, only a massive superiority in numbers now proved capable of defeating the Empires armies and Troy resolutely set up a series of killing traps for the enemies forces that advanced too far down Gauls colonial province chain, hitting them at the opportune moment from all sides until even the Empire was bled dry.

And so it looked like the war would continue for years to come. The best that the Greek armies could do was a holding action, keeping parts of Gauls colonies free but unable to advance far north due to the long supply lines and greater consentration of enemy forces. It was only the eventual intervention of Autolycos many years later that finally tipped the balance in the Greek nations favour. Fresh troops and fresh leaders swept the Empire back once more. The Empires capital fell to jubilant Carthage forces and Perseus celebrated the rescue of his bride whilst other parts of the empire slowly came under siege and fell one by one. The fighting was still fierce but at length a peace was forced on the Empire and the lands of Peloponesus and Gaul were safed!

And so with peace came dire news from the Gods. The Titans had returned Zeus warned each hero, and whilst the Gods would fight them in their own domain the Titans would be bringing war through their minions directly against the Heroes of the Gods. The Black Empire and the Rising Sun Empire that Orion still fought were only the Titans advance guard, the true war was yet to start and the result of the coming conflict would decide the very destiny of mankind and of the Gods in this world!
 
Beaten. Defeated. Killed. Once again.

The thoughts were spinning in Theseus' head. Once again, he had been sent to the domain of Hades, his Master Deity. Hades who still seemed to be rather annoyed with him. For some reason Hades had even appointed Kerberus to follow Theseus around wherever he went. Shouldn't he trust his champion a bit more?

Theseus frowned. That was supposed to be a rhetorical question, but the answer was not pleasant. He had not done much to earn the trust of Hades lately. Quite the contrary, in fact. His "love" had led him to Persephone, his vanity had led him to Poseidon.

Such a sad state of matters. And nobody to blame but himself. His foolishness, his constant discontent with the state of matters. The ever-betraying feeling that if he would only do something differently, life would be better. The same old lie repeated all over again. The same old dreams, only to shatter because he never had the patience to follow the dream through. He truly was not fit to lead a nation. Not with all these whims, with all these grand plans collapsing under the sheer weight of their impossibility.

These were sad times indeed.

Normally, depression would take over, and finally brew, through a phase of yet another grand plan lead, to the point of utter failure. But now he was thinking about something else. There were graver dangers in the world now, the titans and their ilk were stomping on well-tended lawns again. The scum of the universe that they were, not having respect for anything. And there was revenge to be had. Prometheus would once again have his liver eaten by eagles forever, Epimetheus would suffer a fate much worse.

But Gaul. Gaul the wreck. What was there to do? In the maniacally navy & merchant-oriented society Gaul was these days, fielding an army was close to impossible. The troops available were mostly expensive and fickle mercenaries. One only needed to look towards Rome or Peloponnesos, and see a proper land army. If he only could achieve that level of professionalism ...

And Theseus had an idea.

Yet again, another weird, rushed, silly idea. But this time it would make everything good again.

He enlisted to fight for Peloponnesos.
 
Phrygia - The Great Catch up

"And who are you, if I may ask?"

"Fort Knox. But my friends call me Knoxy."

"Well Knoxy, it took a long time before I could welcome you in my reign. A very long time. But there you are, one of the greatest commanders of Phrygia. I rather would have Midas visiting my palace, but now I have to do with you. Well, I would like you to entertain me.
Tell me your story, tell me about Phrygia, Midas and the usual gold...
"

"If the dark lord wants me to entertain him tonight, it shall be done. It all starts with Midas praying to Great Zeus for a hero to lead his armies and Zeus send me. I commanded Midas' army when he joined Perseus of Carthago in a war against Rome and Atlantis. Perseus' fleet was defeated by the combined one of Troy and Rome, but I managed to land in Atlantis, crossing the Gibraltar Strait. I crushed the forces of Bellerophon and secured victory for Midas' alliance there.
Perseus was in those times occupied by conquering islands as a price for his beloved Thalia and Midas fought at his side.

After that marvellous victory over Rome, Troy and Atlantis, Prhygia entered a long and usual time of peace. And Midas grew bored. In the not so near past he was defeated by Autolycos of Rome, who took his gold mine back and Midas still had a grudge against him. But Autolycos was strong, too strong for Phrygia to fight alone.
So, Midas tried to find out if other, weaker, countries had gold resources too..."

"Ah yes, Midas and his gold."
Hades chuckled.

"Yes, Midas till today has an obsession for gold. Now where was I?...Ah yes, Midas tried to find out if others had gold too. For a long time rumours were told about Troy having gold mines too, but Hector of Troy always denied this. But you know how Midas is, not really someone who takes a word. Since Midas had the rights to enter the lands of Troy, he prepared a small cavalry force to scout the Trojan lands when Hector was away.
So, when Hector was fighting with Theseus over some poor islands far, far away, yours truly was send out by Midas to check the rumours about Trojan gold..."

"And?"

"Well, the rumours were true! Deep in Trojan territory there was a gold mine. So, when I returned home with the news Midas immediately accused Hector of lying to him. He also asked Hector to share some of his gold with him. And Hector, perhaps afraid of fighting too many foes at the same time, paid Midas some gold!
Splendid diplomacy with the knife on the table by Midas there if you ask me!

After that Midas went to Orion, asking if he had some gold to hide. Orion denied this too, but Midas certainly would no longer just believe someone. Especially not since Orion just sold Cyprus for good money to Hector. Thus, Midas asked Orion if he could share his map knowlede with him and by this prove he had no gold mine. Orion refused, making Midas' spidey senses ringing all the way!
Therefore, Midas gathered his forces and invaded Phoenicia. The war was long and brutal, but in the end all the Phoenician forces were killed. All the Phoenician commands were send to Hades and Orion himself was slain in the last big battle by Midas personally!"

"Ah! So that's why Orion entered my realm! When I asked him about it, he refused to tell me what happened. Muttered something about an unfair war and something. Hehe, I start to like Midas. One of the few that still sends Champions to my cold realm..."

"Yes..well...it turned out Phoenicia had no gold mine, so Midas apologised for sending Orion to Hades and signed a non-agression pact with Phoenicia, after praying to great Apollo to bless Phoenicia. It looks like the Phoenician-Phrygian relations are once again restored.

In the mean time, Rome was involved in a brutal war with Carthago and losing badly. So, Autolycos of Rome approached Midas and offered a huge amount of gold to attack Perseus, his former ally.
Now, while Midas really is a formidable king and general, he really is weak-hearted when gold is at stakes. So, even with Perseus being his old friend and ally, Midas prepared to betray him...

But I, Fort Knox, approached Perseus and send him a secret letter, leaking the plans of Midas. Perseus realised he was at danger and did something very smart: He offered Midas more gold than Autolycos!
So, it was Autolycos that ended up in war with Phrygia. I was personally send out to land a huge Phrygian force in Rome. Autolycos choosed eggs for his money and bailed out the war, ceding Corsica to Carthago. Midas wept, because he started dreaming about the Roman goldmines already, but if you ask me it was a good thing peace was signed, or Autolycos would really start to fret. Midas got 2,000 ducats for doing nothing but sending me on a voyage. Easy money!
...
Can I perhaps have a bit of water?"

"...you are in HADES"

"Oh right...uhm..I better continue then..."

"YES!"

"Good...okay...so a white peace was signed between Rome and Phrygia. So, one would say Autolycos would be mad at Perseus and reasonable annoyed by Midas, right? Wrong! Autolycos quickly improved relations with Perseus and started to get serious hostile towards Midas!
He prayed to his father, Hermes, god of thieves to steal some money from Midas. Now, Midas is formidable wealthy and literally swims in gold, but you really, really should not steal money from him. But Autolycos did. Sadly enough, he was also the ruler of a very strong nation and with Rome becoming friends of Carthago, there was no power left that could possible act against Autolycos, except the Gods himselves. But Autolycos also happens to have many temples, so nothing in that aspect too.

Midas just had to accept the loss of a huge sum of money. And it's a good thing he did, for the Olympics were near!
Midas had prepared for years and trained his troops endless. Right before the Olympics would start, everyone believed Midas had the best options. His army was the best equipped, best trained force of all and so on. And Midas personally belongs amongst the mightiest champions, only outclassed by Perseus and possible Autolycos...
Those who placed their bets on Midas almost won, for Midas quickly conquered the maximum fortressed minotaur capital and defended it for more than a year succesfully!

But his foes were numerous and they plotted against him! Hector, Pelops, Autolycos and Heracles smithed an unholy coalition to cast Midas down. Even mighty Midas could not prevail against so many champions and he ultimately had to flee from the battlefield. While Hector joined the coalition to make sure he could take the grand prize, the others only did so to take Midas down. They were not interested in taking the minotaur capital, but only in Midas, or his armour.
This went even so far that Heracles continued to chase Midas when the Gods already had commanded a sacred truce! Midas, with some incredible luck, managed to escape death a few times..."

"Yes...I noticed that. Too bad!"

"Uhm, yes definately! Well eh, Midas unfortunately escaped death a few times. Léon, of Sparta, recognized in Heracles an oathbreaker and invaded the Centauri kingdom to punish Heracles for his vile deeds. However, Odysseus of Ithaca defended Heracles! Those two were a really nice duo... Anyway, Midas ordered me to set sail for Sparta to help him defending against those two champions. So I did end I was busy besieging a Centauri town when everything went black. When I woke up I was at the banks of the Styx, waiting for Charon to pick me up..."

"That's right. It was Autolycos, son of Hermes, that has killed you."

"Autolycos? But then he must have done a surprise attack..."

"Exactly. Let me tell you what happened, brave Knox. Autolycos of Rome attacked Phrgia without any warning. After killing you in battle he send his formidable fleet against Phrygia, sending wave after wave of soldiers. And while Midas fought bravely, even he could not withstand the more than half a million soldiers Autolycos send to the meat grinder. In the end Phrygia has to sign peace, ceding a gold mine to Rome..."

"Ouch!"

"Ouch, exactly. Midas' heart cries for vengeance against Autolycos and who knows? One day he might be able to cast Autolycos down. And to be perfectly honest, I would love to see that happen. Of all champions, Autolycos is the only one who hasn't been my guest yet. And I want him to sit at my table and tell his stories, for he must have great things to tell."

"And what about Sparta?"

"Don't interrupt me. After the peace was signed with Autolycos, Midas realised Sparta was still at war with Ithaca and the Centauri, so he sailed to Mycenea himself and killed Heracles! It was nice to have him visit my realm again too. Yes, Midas with all his faults is at least great in sending heroes to my realm. Someone other than Theseus!

...But all good things have an end and so will this meeting. Midas has prayed to Zeus to get you back to the world of the living and so mote it be. Good luck in your endeavours young Knox. Go forth and kill some for me!
 
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A Change of Plans

And mighty Chronos fumed over Epimetheus' rash attack onthe realms of the Olympians. Once again, Epimetheus had acted without forethought, unlike his brother, who had bided his time and merely defended himself, like any earthly potentate.

The Olympians were alerted now, no doubt, and this before their demise was secured. It was almost... infuriating. Yet, down through the years in this new world he had bided his time and his kin had raised armies, tall and strong, of fierce men, true to the gods of the beginning. It might be enough.

His great power, long used to shroud the lands of the hidden, he withdrew and now prepared for war, as he called upon his kin to throw down the Olympians, and upon his mortal followers to lay waste to the realms of the Olympian Champions

As mortal armies began marching to war, so too the gods.
 
Solmyr's War

Solmyr was a leader with a mission. He hated centaurs. Centaurs had raped and murdered his daughter, and the passage of time could not assuage his anger, and the quantity of centaur blood he craved only increased with the years. But as a leader without an army he was powerless. So he did a deal. He would lead the Spartan armies, and they would kill centaurs for him. It is not clear what would have satisfied Solmyr, for while he lived, neither Centaurs nor Spartans could make a peace offer acceptable to the other side, and the war ended shortly after his death.

Solmyr's war should have simple. He had a simple quarrel with the centaurs. He had an army and they had an army. The armies would meet and the centaurs would die and that would be that. The Spartan Kings sought to ensure that no-one else would interfere in this private quarrel. Declarations of neutrality were sought and received from various nations. Odysseus in particular was enthusiastic and begged to be allowed to join in. However, the Kings were men of principle. This was Sparta vs. Centauri and they spurned the ignoble offer of Odysseus. Others might demean themselves by ganging up a single opponent, but Spartans were men of principle. Perhaps they should have realised that Odysseus was still as treacherous as ever, but they had hoped that his reformation of character would have improved it. Who could have expected that the new model Odysseus would have changed merely the target of his treachery? Previous he had used his devious talents against the enemies of Ithaca. Now he dared the wrath of Hephaestus to betray his friends.

Centaurs have a substantial bestial nature, and misbehaviour under the influence of alcohol is reprehensible, but understandable. Their crimes should be punished, but it would be ignoble to continue to hold their bestial natures against them once sentence against them has been carried out. Odysseus' crime is far worse. He, the champion of the Goddess of Justice, agreed not to interfere with the richly merited retribution to be inflicted on the centaurs. He accepted offerings made to Hephaestus on his behalf by the Spartans to seal the treaty. He broke this oath, in order to bring succour to rapists and murderers. This was no crime of passion carried out by a demibeast. This was treachery in cold blood, distasteful to all men of honour and sacriligious to the gods whose champion he is and whose blessing he accepted.

In the light of the abrogation of the Treaty of Temesvar by Odysseus, it is clear that the death of Spartan settlers in Carpathia was no accident. Sparta will accept the province of Carpathia as reparations and leave further punishment of Odysseus to those Gods who are in the best position to judge his offences. If the province is not promptly and freely turned over to the representatives of the original settlers who were foully murdered by the devious Ithacans, further reparations will be required of the unrepentant Odysseus.

Solmyr's war should have been even simpler, for Heracles continued to offend the Gods by breaking the Olympic truce and so provided a public, recent and blatant reason for all to approve his downfall. Some might excuse this as an excess of zeal in one who had participated fully in the Games. But for Odysseus there can be no excuse. Not only did he seek to save the Centaurs from the rightful punishment that was due, he did not attend the Games until they were almost over, and brought a pitifully small army with him. Why was this? It is obvious that he stayed at home waiting to see if an opportunity for the treachery he planned presented itself. Thus the Games served to highlight the characters of those involved in Solmyr's war. Heracles participated fully but failed to observe the closing truce. The Spartans cleansed the Isle of the Rising Sun who sought to disrupt the Games by polluting them with their presence. Odysseus arrived late and skulked cowardly ready to run for his ships at the first threat of action. Heracles excess of zeal would lead to his death at the hands of Midas, having boldly advanced to Venice, his retreat was cut off when his fleet fled the lagoon. Odysseus would fight and run away and live to run away another day.

Finally, the battered armies of Odysseus fled Spartan territory, at last leaving Solmyr to concentrate on his true aim. Once more the armies of Sparta advanced into the land of the Centauri. Once more Solmyr's assaults captured their provinces. Many long years the war had lasted and Solmyr was an old man now. His mind could still spot the gap in the enemy line, but the speed of his sword was diminished and the scars of a hundred scratches slowed him.

Still he thirsted for centaur blood. Again, he led the column forward. Again, the centaurs fled from his fury. Pursuing, he stumbled and his foot was pierced by the bayonet of a dead centaur. Another scratch, but a poison entered in. Maybe it was his age. Maybe he had finally sated his thirst for centaur blood. But it was the end of Solmyr's war.
 
Autolycos, son of Hermes
- Agent of Destiny? -

Out of curiosity, what are you going to do in the coming war?

Well, defend the realm, that sort of thing. You know; the usual stuff. Try not to lose the goldmine in Alexandria. Midas must live without it a bit longer, the twat. Still, it will be interesting to see whom he convinces to attack me this time. Care for an olive?

Autolycos, I am talking about the Great War!

Nah. Midas is many things, but not capable of greatness. At most it will be a “somewhat-big-war”, that would have been great if he had been willing to pay for the expenses of a well-oiled war-machine, which he wasn’t, so it weren’t – if I may say so. Nothing to get your slippers in an uproar over.

You know very well what I am talking about!

Wee… Those small wings really do pump when you get annoyed, don’t they? Can’t you take a joke? Of course I know what you are talking about. The End Times. The Coming of the Titans. The Doom of Men and Gods. The Fall of the Mighty. And so on and so forth. I mean, the priesthoods have been chattering about nothing else these last several days – a bigger bunch of whimps you have to look hard for.

So, yes, when the End of Time Cometh, I shall Don My Armour and Valiantly Strive Against The Doom Of Men, and many other over-capitalised things, no doubt.

ARE YOU ENTIRELY INCAPABLE OF TAKING THINGS SERIOUSLY, AUTOLYCOS?

Hmmm…. That’s a good question. Let me think…. Yes, I do believe I feel something. No, it was just a bowel movement. EXCELLENT olives, you’ll agree.

AUTOLYCOS!

Yes, father? Your humble son awaits your words of wisdom?

It cannot have escaped your attention that the Greek countries are, for the major part, led by weak-willed champions, whose main pursuit is fighting for the few shreds of power they can gain from each others corpses

A silly pastime, given that death is not the end, just a convenient holiday with master Hades, yes. So what else is new? The world is full of the brave, the bold, and those with more brawn than brains. That is why I prosper.

Thus the Greek need a champion, one to direct their armies against the Titans, or you will all fall!

I know several who will qualify. Exhibit A: Perseus, your cuddly champions whose brains is directed by his flaming nether regions, a king of the old sort; There is no river of blood too wide for him to wade in search of his true love, no deed too base in a just cause. Exhibit B: Hector of Troy, the coward who was too scared to face the scorn of his fellows, and thus chose to die needlessly at the walls of Troy, dooming his city, and has tried to make up for his shortcomings ever since; He is devout, sincere, and just the right mental calibre to point a thousand men at an abyss and sound the charge! Exhibit C: Theseus; The hero for whose sake master Hades installed a revolving door. Need I say more?

Well, there IS one other possibility, Autolycos…

Surely you are joking!

Who is the Champion who has built a temple to every god in the Pantheon?

Well… It seemed appropriate.

TWENTY BIG TEMPLES, Autolycos. Nobody else has done this.

I like supporting the masons. They have the best secret clubs, you know.

And who is the Champion, whom none could accuse of lacking guile?

Now that’s a hard one…

And who fields the largest army in the world?

What can I say? I like having a secure border.

It is your time, Autolycos. Seize it. If not for the glory, for which you care little, if not for your fellow Greeks, whom you despise in secret, then for the challenge!

If you put it like that, father, I guess I’ll give it a try.


…And thus, while other Champions prayed for the usual worldly goods, Autolycos summoned two mighty heroes of old to aid him, The Fang and The Claw, and both were forged in fire and shock, and they were fleet of foot indeed.

And he walked the seven hills, where first he had founded his city, and he used the ultimate 7th level prayer to the entire pantheon, and his people united behind him to fight the oncoming armies of the Titans… And he wondered how it had come to this.
 
Perseus Journals


Chapter XXIX Wrath of Titans

The fuss of wedding was calming down when suddenly all high priestes of Carthage come suddenly to demand quick audience with me Perseus. I wondered what could now suddenly bring them all to see me and was little worried that couldnt there be even a short time of happiness before reality has to hit back.

So I sent for them hoping best and fearing worst. Yet even I could not fear what they come to tell.

High Priests: "My lord the Titans have returned and they are marching against the gods and they are not alone."

Hight Priest: "Even in our defendeless southern border is nw threathened by greatarmies of Titans followers. And that is not all my lord news from Atlantis wishpers that Bellerophon has allready been lost to Titans"

How could this be suddenly Carthage is threathened again by Atlantis we shouldnt have showed mercy on them its realy a sad day. Allso no more is sea and mighty Carthagean fleet protecting Carthage from enemies as they can just march from south.

Quickly conferense was held with Carthages armys and navys high command and with high priestes. And so great sacrificess was made for Olympic gods before they would be too busy to answer. A hero of old Hannibal with weapons and armour made by Hephaestos himself was called to help against the coming thread as well as Kraken to lead Carthages great navy. But greates prayer was calling Apollon to look after Carthages leader ready to heal any wound caused.

Only few days after quick preparation the thread of Titans was no more thread the corripted Atlantis had called together huge alliance of Titans and declared war against Carthage while all but Troy who answered the alliance call of Carthage and Phoenicia who continued its long war against Rising Sun rest just continued to build up in peace.

Fierce fighting started in land and sea but slowly was Carthage pushed back if it wasnr for me Perseus, Hannival and great navy of Carthage it would have been quickly overrun. Some years later Midas joined in side of Carthage and Troy but unforunedly for Carthage Troy left the war soon after that as it could not fight in both colonies and europe.

Battles sent on and no help at all come to Carthage who fiercely fought to buy time for others. Else where Gaul was sufferung badly as Theseus was again visiting Haades and so Gaul armies were in dissorder. But Rome and Peloponnesos brought down one of smaller Titan nations in northern europe and moved to help Gaul.

Still all looked fairly stabile in Carthage despite enemy alrleady being in Tangies it was sieged by Hannibal and because of Carthages navy Atlantis was going in to chaos while I Perseus tryed to prevent no more troops from coming south.

But then Thalia was beging to be annoyed that this war was preventing her from enjoying hard earned honeymoon. I Perseus looked the situation it didnt look too bad and to lose Thalia would be even more bad. Quickly preparations were made for honeymoon in sun islands and other beatyfull places of Carthage still free from Titan occupation ending to golden court of Midas who had called me to visit him.

So I left Cartahe in hands of reagent hoping nothing too catastrohic would happen while I will be enjoying honeymoon. Sailing around marvels of Carthage too long had I negletted to enjoy life opening finally my eyes to grea wonders. I wondered will this all beaty be saved or lost in the madness of war like the old world was.

It made me sad would this be proper world for our children to live in...

But I let the thought go and enjoyed the rare moment that who know might be the last raising class of wine to better future in golden palace of Midas for soon it would be time to return home to Carthage and see if there is hope for miracle still.