ME-2 Destined End

You got the workers and farmers to calm down by having them arm-wrestle as Heraces did? You are a clever one, Titi.

But you already found the solution last night. You just fell asleep in a pile of apples due to exhaustion.

Shame about the apple cider... you were planning to treat the workers and farmers, and get them to work together after they got a little tipsy, weren't you?

Correct. But it's being put to good use to treat an honored guest.

No better medicine for boat sickness, if you're still feeling it! Yia mas!

Yia mas!

Oh, so sweet—this is good!

...

Please, tell me honestly... even though we had the same idea, was it perhaps inappropriate for me to interfere with the rebuilding of the First Temple?

Because you're the Sargonian ambassador?

Because Sargon was—

Just answer this question, Titi. Do you think the Whitemane King's conquest of Minos was necessary?

No.

Even though it distracted Sargonians from internal strife?

The empire needs to solve its own issues! Blaming it on innocent neighbors is a sign of incompetence.

Although I probably wouldn't be so frank, back in Sargon...

Fine words, fine words! Have another drink! Yamas!

I didn't think a woman so carefree and whimsical would be so pointed when discussing history.

As long as your answer comes from the heart and not concern for your own safety, I think we'll become very good friends.

Priestess Pallas—

Is this how you address a friend?

Then... Just Pallas. I believe one must not forget oneself, no matter where one goes.

Pepe—a friend of mine back in Sargon—says my train of thought is all over the place and I have no common sense, but that's another matter entirely!

Looks like the Sargon padishahs made a wise choice in picking you to lead the mission...

Don't worry, the workers and farmers are very fond of you. We know a bad egg when we see one, and we don't hate all Sargonians.

Besides, at a time like this, simply participating in the rebuilding of the First Temple is hardly crossing any lines, as long as it helps solve problems.

What do you mean?

Look at the pillars, reliefs, and decorations inside the temple. Most of the details are unfinished. The amphitheater outside? There's no slope with the audience seats, so anyone behind the third row can't see what's going on in the center.

And the Kereseira statue that's supposed to be in the middle of the theater? It's still being polished by its perfectionist sculptor.

That's...

A huge-ass problem. No need to weigh your words—it's not like we're writing poetry. Everyone knows that our progress has been way behind schedule.

Have another drink. Opa!

Now, there's no hard-and-fast deadline. Things will get done eventually, even if the pursuit of perfection keeps delaying things. But a lot of people will be affected, if the delays continue.

The orchard harvests...

Yes. Arm-wrestling and cider might not solve things next time... speaking of cider, you're going through it quickly. Want another cup?

Please! I do have a question, though.

What is it?

You help the craftsmen solve their problems, and they rely on you. But you don't look concerned at all, even though you're supposed to be the project's supervisor.

Hm? No, I wasn't ever the supervisor.

Say what now?

The old tradition only calls for a priest, in this case Kassandra, to give the go-ahead. There is no supervisor for the project itself.

It's not a job for an idle drunk like me. However...

You look like a reasonable gal, and you catch on quick.

(Takes another swill) Mm...

What did you say? I was distracted...

No, nothing.

You went through a whole bottle already? You sure can hold your drink. My brew's pretty strong, you know.

Something's not right... didn't you say this cider would help with my boat sickness? I only seem to get dizzier and dizzier...

Hey, booze dizziness beats water dizziness, right? Drink until you pass out, and everything will be fine when you wake up the next morning. Including a bit of boat sickness.

Whuh?

I'm sorry, Father, Mother. I've been infected with Oripathy. Your line of work would never let an Infected take over, so now, I'm free to do what I want, right?

I know I can't stay at home any longer. I'll move out as soon as I can. Don't worry about me, I'm able to care for myself now, and I don't need to trouble my family for anything.

But if it's alright, could you leave my flower garden where it is? They're just plants. Oripathy won't taint them.

Please, let me say goodbye.

It's been a long time since I last came back to Athenius. Did I forget the way?

The public garden west of the agora... I should be in the right place. Where's Kassandra?

Did you think a member of the Athenian Council would meet privately with a Rhodes Islander in a public place?

Looks like you've been away for so long that you've forgotten how things work here.

Lydia? It was you who wanted to see me?

I heard you're the Astynomos of Athenius now? I had wanted to catch up with you sometime, but setting up the Rhodes Island branch office took so much time—

I know. You've done a lot of things for the Infected in the two months that you've been back in Athenius. You could hardly have found the time to come home.

...

I don't plan on going home, Lydia. They...

Don't worry, you wouldn't run into those vain relatives, even if you went back to the estate.

What is it?

Two years ago, the Athopoulou family declared bankruptcy and quit the herb business. The remaining family members have since moved out of Athenius.

I see...

Looks like you really don't care anymore.

There isn't much worth remembering about the place, other than my garden.

Your mother used to bring you to play with me in the garden. You came to our house after she passed away.

I taught you about plants and their fragrances. You showed little interest, but you planted the blue boronias with me together, just like the ones here...

You've really forgotten.

Wait... don't tell me, this public garden...

This is the flowerbed where you studied and planted medicinal herbs.

...

Your parents sold the land to the Athenian government to pay off their debts, soon after I became Astynomos.

Did you think they would protect it? Honor the request of the daughter they exiled?

You've changed, Lydia.

So have you.

Visiting the Infected, contacting the healing priests, and even reaching out to Kassandra to make sure that veneration of traditional heroism by the Infected would not get in the way of their treatment.

Handling procedure used to be your great weakness. Now, you've learned to circumvent the parts of city administration where the power structure is yet unclear, and go over the head of the new Astynomos.

I see. You didn't come to reminisce about old times. You want to prevent me from talking to the priests—

To take the authority to establish and maintain the Infected medical system from the Athenian Council and give it to the Astynomos.

You picked up on that fast.

It wouldn't be the first time Rhodes Island has dealt with a power-hungry official.

...

What Rhodes Island does in an unofficial capacity is none of my business, be it making visits or distributing medicine. You're already doing it, without communication with the Astynomos.

But you know that changes are coming to Minos, be it the rebuilding of the First Temple, the visit of the Sargonian mission, or the establishment of an Oripathy treatment system.

The legends of the Minoan heroes are in our blood, but the same traditions have also brought about convoluted governance, inefficient systems, and backward thinking.

You know that better than anyone else.

...

I want to say you can do whatever you want, as long as an Oripathy treatment system is established, and my patients get what they need.

But you're the only one in the family I still care about. You're my sister, and I don't want you to put yourself in danger.

...

Looks like our dear 'ambassador' actually did go strolling off to visit the temple construction site.

All's well, I suppose. She'll be a fine distraction while I dig into this Astynomos' background. Is the ceremony really delayed, or is she intentionally stalling? If she shows us any disrespect...

Make the preparations. We're going to the Astynomos' Office.

...

What? Who's this girl? Guards!

Beg your pardon, Your Excellency. This is my traveling companion. We hail from Corinia and Lachedamon, invited to attend the ceremony as guests.

She's passionate about Sargonian culture and insisted on catching a glimpse of the ambassador upon hearing that the mission is lodging here. I couldn't stop her.

...

The ambassador... ahem. You have sharp eyes.

You were invited to attend, though? I haven't heard anything from the Astynomos. I understand that the venue of the exchange ceremony has not been confirmed.

Ah, I shouldn't have babbled, then. Perhaps Lydia intended it to be a surprise.

I am Períandros, priest of Corinia. We learned about the diplomatic mission to Athenius six months ago.

Six months? That long ago?

Yes. The climate of Sargon is very different from that of Minos. Lydia asked me to procure Sargonian-made goods from Corinia in order to make you and the rest of the delegation feel at home.

I hope you are enjoying your accommodations.

Ah, so this was your handiwork.

Lydia has devoted tremendous time and effort to ensuring that the ceremony is a success.

Unfortunately, some of the fabric meant for the costumes for the play have yet to make their way to Hiéreia Kassandra, resulting in a significant delay. Did she mention anything?

A play... the Astynomos did mention that plays are a part of every important occasion.

But who is this Hiéreia Kassandra? I thought this matter was entirely managed by the Astynomos' Office.

Ah, it all makes sense now! I almost misunderstood what she meant. No wonder she left specific instructions not to use the traditional fabric for classical plays. I'm so grateful for the heads-up.

The cotton used for this event is a hybrid of Sargonian and Minoan species. They make a smooth and strong cloth that signifies the lasting peace between our two nations. That's why Lydia insisted on waiting.

I see. So this is the reason she delayed the ceremony...

Delayed? I'm so sorry about that. I really apologize for the trouble. I hope you will not take Lydia's best intentions the wrong way.

Very well. It would be impolite to rush her, if she is taking this ceremony so seriously. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

You're too kind. Please, make yourselves at home for a few days while preparations for the ceremony continue.

...

Don't look at me like that. I came with you when you made three rounds of the food stalls in the morning. Only fair that you should come with me here.

How much of what you said was actually true?

The Sargonian delegation has entered the city, and the Astynomos invited us to attend the ceremony, but she didn't tell us anything about her arrangements. What choice do I have but to figure this out on my own?

I assuaged his concerns for her, didn't I?

The merchants of Corinia would not be famous throughout Terra, if profit were the only thing on their minds.

Now, now, it's not polite to say that out loud.

Say ah—

...Ah...

No issues with the respiratory tract or vocal cords. The crystals in the lungs have not spread.

Meaning that when you came to the Rhodes Island office a few days ago and stared blankly at our medics, it wasn't because your condition prevented you from speaking.

Looks like I didn't have to come personally.

You've done a lot for the Infected of Athenius, and Rhodes Island's medicine is far more effective than what we had before. We all appreciate what you've done. I won't take up any more of your time...

A checkup alone isn't enough.

Minoan policies are relatively lenient when it comes to the Infected. With the exception of certain occupations, like the priesthood, the everyday lives of the Infected are usually not significantly affected.

Many people still believe that Oripathy saps the Minoan heroic spirit, though. That's why many patients are indifferent about treatment, even trying to hide their conditions.

How many fingers am I holding up?

Four.

Thank you for the concern, Kyría Athopoulou, but my condition is mild. The illness has not affected my vision.

Then why did you visit the Rhodes Island office four times in the past two weeks?

Well...

You're no great liar. Besides, I saw a Rhodes Island monitoring bracelet on Xanthos, your mentor.

Have you been obtaining medication on his behalf?

Yes...

He forgets his appointments because he has so many things on his plate. It's only reasonable that I should pick up his medicine for him.

But you did not register his name with the office, which means there are no records of him having contracted Oripathy.

He saved my life, taught me the lore of the water and the art of combat. He's been a good mentor to me. I didn't want people to know...

To know that he couldn't be a hero?

...

Visiting the Oripathy clinic may color how others view you and Xanthos, but it will not change the path that you choose for yourselves.

I'm not Kassandra, and soothing the heart isn't my thing. But I know that both of you need proper treatment.

I'll move the two of you up the priority list and follow up closely on your conditions. You can prepare yourselves for a LOT of nagging.

You're more tenacious than you look.

I wouldn't have to be, if I could buy your cooperation with a few grains of corn like the fowlbeast perching on your bow.

Sorry...

Where is Xanthos, anyway?

If your recent reports were indeed his, then he's suffered significant fluctuations in internal Originium levels during this time. He needs rest, as I said.

I told him, but...

Don't tell me he went to the crossing again?

I'm busy preparing boats for the fruit farmers and craftsmen. Make it quick, Hekádemos.

...Why isn't Lykeion around to help? I never thought he would let you out of his sight.

He took a day off. Home visit by a Rhodes Island doctor.

Home visit?

(Did the medicine he picked up not work? Is he so sick he can't even walk?)

If you came to communicate the Astynomos' 'suggestion', you're wasting your time. Tell her I'll deal with the problem at the crossing, and there's no need for her to worry.

Actually, she sent me to inform you that the problem has been resolved.

Resolved? Pallas acted quickly this time.

No, it wasn't her who came up with the solution.

Who was it, then? Did Kassandra calm the people down, or did the Astynomos pull another one of her little tricks?

Neither.

It was the Sargonian ambassador who resolved the dispute between the craftsmen and the fruit farmers. A small Feline with dark skin and black ears.

A black-eared Feline...

That 'Columbian' I ferried at the secondary crossing that morning...

She was the Sargonian ambassador?

Ancient Minoans saw the beauty of marble, and sculpted legends and epics with hammers and chisels.

In the Kerespereia, Kereseira walked through war and plague, wearing out thirty pairs of shoes, before she arrived at the mountain-rimmed garden.

At the site of the First Temple, she saw a boulder split, and received a revelation from the gods.

Her gentle and wise visage reflected the Athenian morning sun; she protected the refugees who followed her and drove the outlanders out with her sword; and her harp—

'Sings only the tales of the heroes!'

You're familiar with the Kerespereia?

I love it! I've read it so many times I could practically recite it from memory. Kereseira gave me my first impression of the heroes of Minos.

'A hero must be a paragon of justice and kindness—'

'A hero must face fate bravely when it comes, and carry their own burden.'

You weren't exaggerating when you said you could recite it.

But reading words printed on a page doesn't compare to the experience of standing in front of Kereseira's statue.

Even if the sculptor exaggerated Kereseira's miracles, even if those were not her original Arts—

Perhaps it's this artistic license that makes it feel so alive. I can easily picture it standing on this fertile soil a century or ten later...

Are you thinking you'd be willing to wait a decade or more for Kereseira's First Temple to be completed to the standard of this statue?

Er, not quite. I want to see as much as I can before the exchange is done and I have to leave Minos.

So, Kereseira's statue is complete, and the amphitheater has proper steps now?

Thanks in large part to your suggestion. The fruit farmers have been working even harder than the craftsmen in the quarries, in order to get sunlight to the orchards as soon as possible.

Stone meant for the temple is being used on the amphitheater first? I read about it in the books, but the Minoan love of theater is really something.

Heroes come from the people, and the people aspire to become heroes, even if only in drama.

Have you identified the inspiration for this statue?

Kereseira and the Outlander, Chapter 11 of the Kerespereia. It was adapted into a famous classical drama that is often used in temple ceremonies honoring the heroes.

But I've visited a few theaters in my time here, and I haven't seen it on the program anywhere.

Are plays meant for religious ceremonies banned in normal theaters?

No, Kereseira and the Outlander is part of the standard classical repertoire. It has not been staged for a century, however, even in the temples.

A century... could it be...?

Yes, it was banned during the Sargonian occupation.

The play's setting dates back to before the establishment of Minos as a nation, and 'outlanders' refers to those not of the ancient Agamem Kingdom in general.

When the Sargonian padishahs banned the play, the outlander executed by Kereseira took on a certain meaning.

The ban is no more, but to play the outlander in the play means playing a Sargonian, and no Athenian would be willing to do that.

What a shame...

Perhaps. To the Minoans, plays are more than just entertainment and art.

Be it the ban on performances, or the burning of the theaters, the heroism inherent in the history and legend depicted by the plays is not so easily forgotten.

Even if no one performs it, and the music accompanying the play can no longer be heard on the streets, any Athenian can still recite its most famous scenes. That's enough.

No...

What is it?

The First Temple was destroyed by war, and Kereseira and the Outlander was banned... there is no denying that Sargon has brought great pain to Minos.

The padishahs' order to return the Minoan relic is not so much compensation as political posturing...

My role as the Sargonian ambassador is just to escort the relic to its destination. I'm not from an influential family, nor do I have a distinguished career. There isn't much I can do.

But I'm still the curator of the Varjavandabad Museum. Knowledge will not betray me.

The relic I am bringing is associated with Kereseira, and has great significance to Minos... this should not be a mere political bargaining chip.

I want to hold the exchange ceremony here.

Really? That's an interesting idea, but...

But matters concerning Kereseira's First Temple must be discussed with the temple priests.

Kassandra? What brings you here today?

Forgive me for interrupting. There is something that I must discuss with Pallas in private, Your Excellency.