Session 22 - Divide and Conquer
General Summary
The Chase – Part One
The party disembarked the ship at Ormos, their hearts heavy with decisions to be made. Some wished to search for Zagreus' body in the graveyard, while others believed it was imperative to honor Spyridon with a proper burial at his estate. However, Abraxas was nowhere to be found, as his body had been temporarily lent to Zagreus's spirit to savor the joys of life.
Pyro, growing impatient with the debate, boldly approached a guard and inquired about Zagreus's burial place. Xenobia always by Pyro's side, followed suit, but their unusual demeanor raised suspicions. The guard, associating Pyro with the chaos that had recently engulfed Ormos, issued a stern warning. Without hesitation, Pyro transformed into a horse and galloped away, leaving Xenobia behind. She, too, set off in pursuit of her friend.
Together, they headed toward the mountain pass that led through the graveyard on their way to the capital. As they approached, guards blocked their path. Xenobia pressed Pyro for a plan, but Pyro could only communicate through horse-like gestures and noises. Faced with no other choice, Xenobia took matters into her own hands and engaged the guards, claiming ownership of the extraordinary horse and explaining that she was taking it up north to her people.
The guards, bewildered by the spectacle of one horse apparently owning another, were momentarily distracted. However, their curiosity was piqued, and they decided to escort Xenobia to their king. Despite an unconventional approach, Xenobia managed to secure an audience with the King, albeit as a prisoner, as they were escorted to the the capital.
The Meeting
Xenobia and Pyro arrived in the capital as evening descended. King Pentheus made his entrance, and once again, Xenobia took on the role of negotiator since Pyro could not speak. She offered her services as a chariot driver and even summoned a phantom chariot to impress the King. Pentheus, impressed by her display, agreed to release them if Xenobia allowed him to ride in her chariot. He promised them food and wine and then left them in the stable, guarded throughout the night.
By morning, Pyro had regained his true form. Xenobia began formulating plans with her friend to gather information about Zagreus's burial. Pyro, fueled by wine, began singing songs about Xenobia, prompting the guards to distance themselves. When the King arrived for his ride, Xenobia seized the opportunity to inquire about Zagreus's burial site. Curious, King Pentheus questioned the relevance of her inquiry. Xenobia revealed Zagreus's villainous nature, recounting how he had coerced her into attempting to burn ships in the harbor and had mugged her when she failed. The King, taken aback by this revelation, agreed to show her the burial site. They set off in the chariot, while Pyro indulged in wine.
After an uneventful parade, Xenobia and Pyro brought the King to the stables before departing. Pyro, still a bit tipsy, saved an amphora of wine for Xenobia. He voiced his concerns about the King, stating that he was not favored by the gods and should not be trusted. Xenobia concurred, and they requested to be shown the burial site. However, the guards were unaware of this arrangement, and Xenobia and Pyro spent the night as prisoners in the stables, albeit well-fed and intoxicated.
The Atonement
Theresa, Candid, and Ischyrós ran to the hill side to avoid the wolves. They returned the following morning, after the curse of hunger fell upon them. Theresa had them bury the boar, filling the bottom with sea water from her miraculous jar.
Returning to the priestess of Demeter, she ask what toll is to paid, which the priestess said the curse of hunger will satisfy. Ischyros, who had eaten the rotten boar meat, was sickened. An agreement was made for the three of them to rest. Theresa drank from a potion, receiving a vision of this land, cursed with those who are furious and those who eat the dead.
The Chase – Part Two
Back on the boat, Abraxas slowly regained consciousness, emerging from a void-like trance. His memories of participating in the debauchery in Nostauron and on the boat resurfaced, but he now had a different demeanor and voice. He immediately began asking about Zagreus and learned that the party had split. Xenobia and Pyro were likely apprehended and prisoners of King Pentheus, while Theresa, Candid and Ischyros had gone to Spyridon's estate.
Abraxas decided to follow the path to Spyridon's estate, believing it to be the more rational choice. Upon arriving, he encountered guards and inquired about the master of the estate, delivering news of his father. After some time, Eurymachos, Spyridon's son and the new master of the estate, approached the gate. Eurymachos had numerous questions for Abraxas, particularly about his business with his father. As they conversed, Abraxas repeatedly mentioned Pyro, leading Eurymachos to seemingly blame Pyro for what had befallen Spyridon, a view he attributed to Aspasia, the nurse. Despite Abraxas's reassurances, Eurymachos remained skeptical.
They also discussed Polydoros' mission to overthrow King Pentheus, and Eurymachos pledged his support, offering his sword, shield, and troops to the cause. Afterward, their thoughts turned to Theresa, Candid, and Isychoros, who had not returned to the boat. Eurymachos expressed puzzlement, as they had sought to give Spyridon a proper burial but lacked a body to bury. Abraxas explained that this was a request from Spyridon himself in Hades, and the young man seemed to mourn his father's death. Abraxas offered to perform a reading, and then they parted ways.
The Road Home
Xenobia and Pyro awoke from their stupor, with Xenobia nursing a hangover from consuming an entire amphora of wine. They inquired with the guards about their agreement, which had finally reached the guards' understanding. The King personally escorted them to Zagreus's burial site, a large area with many hewn rocks. Xenobia pretended to spit on Zagreus's grave, and once the King departed, they decided to make their way to Spyridon's estate. They embarked on their journey, venturing into familiar territory, unaware of the fate that had befallen their comrades.
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