Free The Girl From Ithaca by Cherry Gregory Page A

extends to our children too. My daughter, she is so young and she needs her mother. Her grandmother Leda is a kind and noble lady, but she doesn’t know of the curse. She doesn’t know to guard against the … ”
    “Come now, you’re seeing something that isn’t there,” Odysseus said, sounding relaxed. “My sister dropped the knife, that’s all. Hermione will be well looked after by her nurse and grandmother until Helen returns. Your only worry is that they’ll spoil her.”
    Menelaus smiled. “I fear my daughter is spoilt already.”
    There were heavy footsteps outside the tent and Agamemnon’s herald stepped inside. He bowed his head to Odysseus and Menelaus, glanced in my direction and then ignored me.
    “King Agamemnon wishes to inform all his leaders that the wind has changed and is set for Troy. Prepare your ships and your men, we sail at noon.”
    “Thank you, herald. The Ithacans and the Spartans will be ready,” Odysseus replied.
    Menelaus waited for the herald to leave and then jumped to his feet, as if energised by the practical task ahead. “We haven’t much time. I’ll see to my Spartan ships and meet you at the harbour.”
    Odysseus turned to me. “Let’s share a meal together before you leave. You’ll find a place to wash by the stream and then Phoebus will escort you to Ithaca. Tell Penelope of our envoy to Troy. Tell her I will be home.”
    “I can’t go back,” I whispered. “I was meant to look after Iphigenia, the first really grown up task I’ve been asked to do. I failed. I can’t go back.”
    “It wasn’t your fault. Even Achilles couldn’t protect her.”
    “But I promised Clytemnestra. I took the knife.”
    “The attendants will bear witness to the way you fought.”
    “But I failed and I’ve got to make up for it. I’ve got to come with you to Troy and help get Helen back.”
    Odysseus held my hands. “No, not that. You heard me talking with Menelaus. It’s dangerous. Far too dangerous for you, little sister. This isn’t one of Lysander’s games.”
    “I know. I saw Iphigenia killed, remember?” I snapped. I closed my eyes and saw the blooded face of Agamemnon. “I owe it to Clytemnestra.”
    “On the grey eyes of Athena, you do not owe her anything. She should never have given you that knife. Now listen to me, I don’t want to be nursemaid in the middle of a war. You must go home, where I know you are safe.”
    Pulling my hands away, I knew I had to convince him quickly. “I have no need of a nursemaid! Iphigenia was considered ready for marriage and she was two years younger than me. Being a woman, almost, I might be useful in Troy. My presence will be proof of your peaceful intentions.” I saw Odysseus smile. “And they’re more likely to hand Helen to you if I’m there. Menelaus isn’t likely to punish her in front of me, is he?”
    “Menelaus isn’t likely to punish Helen, whether you are there or not.”
    “I know that. You know that. But the Trojans don’t. Especially with him being Agamemnon’s brother. If they hear about Iphigenia, they’ll think her uncle is capable of anything.”
    “You’ve nearly persuaded me, except Mother will never forgive me if I put you in danger, however good my motive.”
    “That’s easily answered. Mother put me in danger first, by giving me permission to come here. And her motive was nothing better than she wanted me to see a lot of handsome men.”
    “Oh, Neomene, you’ve been listening to discussions at the palace and learnt to put forward a powerful argument! If you’d been born a man you’d be a very good ambassador for Ithaca in a year or two,” Odysseus said, smiling slightly. “But it doesn’t change the fact there’s too much risk for a girl like you.”
    “But I know the risks and I’m prepared to take them. I need to do this.”
    Odysseus rubbed his chin, staring at the bronze armour stacked in the corner of the tent. “Let’s have our meal and I’ll decide what to do with you