level_act48side_st01

And so Kereseira, the singer of epics, the gentlest hero of Agamem,

Hung her harp upon the branches of the laurel tree—

Its body made from the tallest firs atop Mount Hymnoi, its strings made from the bravest burdenbeast that roamed the Agnes Plains;

When it played, all things in the Land of Heroes sang together, riding upon the winds in freedom.

Now, Kereseira hangs her harp by the laurels.

'The outlanders have come from afar,' said Kereseira, clutching her knife tightly,

'They trample our lands, set fire to our homes, and let the rivers cease their peaceful flow.

And they command all things to sing for them!

This alone wrenches my heart.

My harp sings only the tales of the heroes!'

—<i>Kerespereia</i>

'While there is no specific mention in the records, historians generally agree that Padishah Malla most favored Athenius out of the three great nomadic cities that Sargon built for Minos.'

'Sargonian and Minoan engineers took great pains to preserve its signature feature as the Mountain-Rimmed Garden, when it was moved to a nomadic platform.'

'Today, you will see the same mountains and rivers as Kereseira once did, upon entering Athenius through the mountain pass that Padishah Malla made it a point to preserve.'

'This is a route that I highly recommend my readers—'

Oh, shut up! Just look at where your stupid book has led us!

And this big, heavy piece of stupid crap we have to carry, just the two of us!

Take it easy, calm down! No hitting!

Like I wasn't tired enough after walking for days on end...

You're one to talk, girl!

Why did you decide, on a whim, to travel separately from the group? I would be lying in the Athenian flower fields and drinking floral liqueur by now, if it wasn't for you!

It wasn't on a whim.

I told you, my father used to tell stories about a place called Minos on the other side of the Agnes River, stories that left a deep impression on me.

And I told you it was an invaluable opportunity for diplomacy with Minos. I wanted to go to Athenius via Kereseira's old route and experience history—

You didn't have to experience history with this <i>thing</i>! It's got to be, what, over fifty kilos, with just the two of us to carry it? Are you trying to experience the Yanese idiom where you bear a bundle of logs to beg forgiveness?

It's a bundle of 'thorns'. The Yanese wouldn't appreciate you rewriting their idioms.

That's not the point! Have you got anything in that skull of yours besides history books?

Alright, alright, no hitting. I wasn't comfortable letting someone else handle it.

This is the most valuable item in the Varjavandabad Museum's collection, an important relic to both Sargon and Minos. We came all this way...

To give it back to the Minoans, to build a new era of friendship between the two nations. So you haven't forgotten your mission. Yay. Clap clap.

YOU, ARE, LOST! You are LATE! And you have MISSED your appointment with the Astynomos of Athenius, Medjehtiqedti Nasutu Mashayer!

Uh... well, the rest of the mission should be in the city by now, using the normal route. I'm sure Behnui will explain to the Astynomos.

Behnui? That noble who thinks his scat smells like roses? Are you just acting dumb, or are you actually that dumb?

Did you see that look on his face when he learned he was gonna be your assistant in the mission? It's like you've stolen fifty carts of Pure Gold from him.

No, no, Behnui is a very nice man.

Taking on such an important mission so soon after I became the curator of Varjavandabad Museum made me... anyway, Behnui helped a lot on this journey.

Fine, suit yourself. I'm just tagging along as a tourist.

Let's get going. Before we collapse from exhaustion.

Yes, yes. See? We're almost there.

Look—

Wow—

Wow—

I've read a lot about Athenius, but to actually find myself here...

I see fields of flowers... floral liqueur and flower cakes! We're saved!

Minos, the land of a thousand <i>poleis</i>, separated from Sargon by a river.

Here is Athenius, the First Polis, the Mountain-Rimmed Garden.

As the city that Titi has only ever known through historical records reveals itself, she lays eyes on a scene very different from the sands of Sargon.

White walls.

Green fields.

Rivers weaving their way through mountains.

Strange temples unabashedly announce themselves on the mountops and beside the rivers. If heroic epics are the rain that nourishes Minos, then these temples are the mushrooms that grow afterwards.

No wonder this land has birthed so many famous plays, philosophers, stories, and legends, which not even the sands could bury.

Hey, why are you pushing me?

I haven't even caught my breath yet...

For days, Titi has been placating her Beast Aristocrat companion, trying to wear a mask of calm for this journey.

Now, though, she is even more eager than Mio to get into this city.

You see the ferry crossing down there? We're not truly in the city until we cross over.

Hurry, now.

Should I help?

The river is freezing. I see the ice floating on it... but all you have is an oar.

Just sit tight, Ithakos.

My luggage is not heavy. I can walk on my own.

Let me ferry you for a little bit... there's little else I can do for you.

It's been two years since you experienced divine revelation, since our meeting.

You taught us the knowledge you brought from the cities, built a village on the marsh that the Sargonians wouldn't bother with, farming the paddy fields and fending off the cold.

We lived together. We were family.

For the past two years, I've been trying to figure out why divine revelation led me here.

Now I understand... the Sargonians will appear on the riverbanks nearby. I can reach the place quickly by following this river out of the marshes.

...I see.

Do you believe that the guerrillas can defeat the Sargonians?

Even though we've been losing for a century?

(Nods)

I haven't received any divine revelations, and I can't tell the future. I can't even leave with you.

But I will promise what I can.

I'll protect our village, our houses, our farms and flowerbeds. Perhaps we can go to Athenius, where you came from, once you're victorious.

I'll still be a ferryman, ferrying you to your workplace at the temple on the other side of the city as the sun shines upon the Delphi Canal... I've been imagining the scene ever since you described it to me.

...Are you listening, Ithakos?

Minos is in for a cold winter this year, brother.

(Rows furiously)

The ferryman shakes his head. What was his response to Ithakos?

For many years, he still could not remember.

There you are, Master Xanthos. You're ten minutes late.

I've never been late before, Lykeion. This is the first time.

I saw your chiton by the shore. I thought you might have dropped it yesterday when you left, or a thief might have stolen it only to decide it was too old and ragged to keep. Little could I have imagined that you had gone for a morning swim.

So, out of habit, I folded and stowed your chiton—

You cannot reproach me for it, for you had not informed me of your schedule.

It is I who should reproach you, for the doctor has warned you to be careful...

Thank you, Lykeion. Over the years, I have taught you how to fight and ferry, and you have handled my daily needs wholeheartedly.

I am not reproaching you. I simply have to leave early today, so tardiness weighs heavily on my mind.

You're changing the topic again... wait, are you going to the cemetery to visit...?

Ithakos, my friend.

He was only your age when we bid farewell. I never saw him again.

I should say some words of comfort, but I find them beyond my ability.

You should stay within your abilities. It's rarely your place to go beyond them.

The fruit farmers and workers at the First Temple have been in conflict over boat assignments for days. They're asking the dockmaster—me—to arbitrate. <i>This</i> is what we should be putting our minds to.

Let's go to the main crossing. It will be a busy day.

One moment, Master Xanthos.

The Astynomos 'requests' your presence at this secondary crossing today, to repair the boats that have broken down.

No one in Athenius uses the word 'priority' more than Lydia. What else did she say?

Nothing.

Is the Sargonian mission due to arrive today?

...I think so.

Hmph. Should I be grateful or angry that Lydia still remembers me?

She should pull all the teeth out of my oars, or simply throw me in jail, so that I never get the chance to meet the Sargonian envoys coming to visit their old 'stomping grounds'.

*pant* *pant* Excuse me! Can we get a ride across?

Too many people at the other crossings. We'll be late.

You said your ambassador has been delayed by... certain circumstances?

I mean no offense, as that is precisely the case.

I beg your understanding, Astynomos. The Minoan vistas are beautiful, while Her Excellency is young and curious. She is bound to commit some... youthful indiscretions.

I say again, as deputy chief of mission, and as the man invested with the titles of the Ancient and Exalted Sargonian House of Enshi-Pah, I am equally empowered to act on the Empire's behalf.

Of course. I have the utmost confidence in you, Kýrios Behnui.

When do the Athenians intend to hold the ceremony, then?

What ceremony?

The exchange ceremony.

Our two nations formally established diplomatic relations at the beginning of this year. As part of our cultural exchange, we are repatriating our relics of Kereseira, the founding hero of Minos, to Athenius.

In exchange, we will receive the technical legacy that the Sargonians left behind during the construction of Athenius, Corinia, and Lachedamon... surely you have not forgotten, Honored Astynomos?

Of course not... Your Excellency.

We stand now in the Astynomos' Office, instead of... elsewhere... because of the non-aggression pact that was signed following the last major battle between our two nations in the Minoan borderlands.

Hmph...

Sorry, I have been rather overworked lately. I'm sure you saw the vast construction sites and passionate craftsmen as you passed by the agora by the river when you entered the city.

Yes.

It's the rebuilding of the First Temple. One in five Athenians are involved in the project.

The First Temple...?

As you said yourself, Kereseira is the founding hero of Minos. Perhaps you've heard of her deeds.

At the very beginning, she led refugees from scattered tribes out of war and plague, and brought them to a garden encircled by mountains.

Those who followed Kereseira built the First Temple of Minos here, and thus began the bloodline of heroes.

After that came Athenius, and the land of a thousand poleis.

That First Temple was lost to the fires of war. Now, it is being rebuilt by the people of Athenius themselves... I'm sure the significance is not lost on you.

...I understand.

To obtain the stone needed to rebuild the temple, however, we've kept Athenius by Mt. Hymnoi for an entire week.

And it's apple season. Fresh apples need to be ferried out through the crossings, while unripe fruits need plenty of sunlight.

The quality of the apples will be compromised if the city does not move to an area with more sunlight soon. I'm sure you saw the fruit farmers gathered at the crossing.

Yes, I did.

The people need to commemorate their heroes. The farmers need to ensure that their harvest is not ruined. You understand that an Astynomos does not have all that much power in the Minoan administrative system.

I need the priests' approval for everything.

I confess that I am rather overwhelmed right now.

Perhaps looking for excuses has eaten up too much of your time.

Your Excellency misunderstands.

I'm of the younger generation myself. At a time when all the centrum powers are actively seeking change, I believe smaller nations like ours must keep up with the times.

The exchange of Kereseira's relics for the data from the Three Poleis has been at least six months in the making.

It is an honor to play a small part in facilitating the new friendship between Sargon and Minos after years of conflict.

Hmph. We'll see about that.

I suggest you and your mission take some time to see the city. The Athenian sights are spectacular, and I'm sure you'll find it well worth your time.

Perhaps you could even visit the site of the First Temple's rebuilding... after all, it is Kereseira's relics that you are returning. Maybe this was ordained by fate.

Minoans love drama and philosophy. We enjoy the rigor of preparation and logical deduction, but we also hope for pleasant surprises.

As for the exchange, we will hold a formal ceremony in a couple of days.

By Minoan tradition, ceremonial occasions begin with a play directed by the priests, imploring the heroes to bless the occasion and ensure that everything goes smoothly.

However, Athenius created the post of Astynomos two years ago to reduce the burden on the priests and simplify procedures. Therefore, I've already assigned someone to begin preparations.

My trusty aide and Grammateús here will make comprehensive arrangements for you during your stay. Seek him out if you have any issues... Hekádemos!

Here.

Hekádemos, Nobody of Minos, the Blaring Megaphone, at your service... during working hours.

I have no use for some pretty boy.

I mean, it's been a long journey and I am tired. I will wait at the hotel until the arrangements for the exchange ceremony are made.

As for visiting the First Temple rebuilding site, I will leave the opportunity to Her Excellency the Ambassador. She is a museologist, full of energy. I'm sure she'll be very interested.

I see. I will have Hekádemos speak to Ambassador Medjehtiqedti directly.

I look forward to what 'pleasant surprise' you have to offer, Astynomos.

But—I hope I don't learn you are stalling for time, or hiding some ulterior motive.

I could say the same to you, Kýrios Behnui.

Look out the window. The morning mist on the Delphi Canal is just beginning to dissipate. This peace wasn't easy to win. I hope we can all be honest with each other.

What a shame that I didn't have the opportunity to see Kyría Mashayer today. Young and promising, yet mercurial... what is she like?

Ugh—

Oh, purr-lease. You've only just put one foot on the boat. Look at you.

(Whisper) It's tipping!

It's a boat. It's supposed to do that.

Didn't you say you signed up for the yacht club when you studied in Max D.C.?

(Whisper) I-I was too busy with my studies. Most of my time was spent either in the restoration room, or at archaeological sites... I only ended up going there twice.

So you're from Columbia. I had thought, by your garb, that you were...

Master Xanthos.

What?

She's boatsick.

A rare occurrence.

I-I'm not. M-My legs are just tired from all the walking and buckled a little...

What do we do?

Take the luggage onto the boat. I'll go and get something.

Take her into the cabin. The waves are not strong today and the boat should sail steady. The Delphi Canal treats those with good intentions kindly.

We'll go to the main crossing once we've delivered her, to see that Sargonian ambassador... can't let the Astynomos' heads-up go to waste, can we?

I'll come with you, Master Xanthos. I must keep an eye on you.

...Bring the passenger's luggage first.

...They weren't listening to me.

(Whisper) You're missing the point! They've got a vendetta against you!

(Whisper) It's not too late to switch your nationality to Columbian! Don't—

Please be careful. This is very important.

Hey— You—

Forget it. Let's get on the boat.

It's really heavy. What is it?

It's...

Movie figurines from Wrankwood that we're planning to sell here. We've even got ones from the latest hit, <i>Lady Dupont</i>.

But there are no cinemas in Athenius.

That's the point. You want to sell shoes, you do it in a country where everybody is barefoot.

Did you say 'the Delphi Canal will treat those with good intentions kindly', Master Ferryman?

(Nods)

The source of the Delphi River is on Mt. Hymnoi, flowing through the plains between the Minoan mountains, past the former sites of Athenius and Corinia from before they became nomadic cities...

It helped our warriors fend off the iron hooves of the Sargonian raiders.

It has been turned into a canal now, but it continues to nurture singers and debaters, and the culture of Minos.

Yes, the Delphi Canal will treat those with good intentions kindly... except Sargonians.

Perhaps there are Sargonians who understand and love Minoan culture.

The last Sargonian who introduced herself with those words was the sister of the Shahanshah, Malla, Queen of the Far Shore.

She burned every Minoan city but the Three Poleis to the ground, closed the temples, banned the plays, imported Sargonians, and assimilated Minoan culture in every way possible.

She brought the darkest age upon our country. She showed her 'understanding' and 'love' by bleeding the heroic blood of the Minoans dry.

Is this 'ambassador' from far away another shameless noble who seeks to be the next Queen of the Far Shore by trampling Minos underfoot?

Listen—

Hey, is it tipping again—

Ugh—

Whoa, eek! Ugh—!

Help—!

*sigh*...

Hm...

Never mind all that. Have an apple. It'll settle your stomach.

So you had gone to get an apple.

Th-Thanks.

Keep your eyes closed and don't look at the water. You'll feel better that way.

I'll be fine. I want to see it.

Leaning against the side of the boat, Titi forces her eyes open.

The sun is hanging high above. The morning mist of the Delphi Canal in autumn has completely dissipated, and the last cool touch of the wind brushes against her cheeks.

I know the blade of vengeance and the decapitation of the conqueror are core themes of Minoan drama.

But I've seen more thought-provoking expressions as well.

I will see each and every one clearly with my own eyes.

I came to Athenius to—

To what?

Look there...

Even though I feel like I'm gonna throw up all my internal organs, I still...

This river and this city... they're so beautiful...

I think I'll love this place.

I am honored to hear you say as much.

We're here.

I wish you a joyful and safe trip in Minos.