The autumn festival, the day of which the gods parade through the centre of the city- a reminder of the pledges needed for the potentially perilous winter ahead. Though not the true gods of course, great actors were called to portray them in the ceremonial walk.

From the secret place where Silhaume had watched, she saw Odysseus. For the occasion he wore his armour, and his hair and skin shone in the sunlight.

Amidst all of the music, the colour, the song, none was more striking than the great Odysseus himself. And he was seated beside Alchenon, to the latter's triumph.

And Odysseus rose and cheered for none, but merely watched those around him do so... until the distinctive, elegant form of Athene was in his sight.

He had risen from his seat and paced forth- into the spectacle. There, before the white robed and helmet adorned apparition, he regarded Athene's eyes.

And recognised them without hesitation.

Silhuame's breathing sped beneath the helmet, her body tensed. He did not touch her, but with a careful and exaggerated movement, sank to her feet- heat radiating in waves from him to her.

The rest of the world disappeared. In her disguise, she was not afraid.

Odysseus placed the palms of his hands onto the top of her feet and laid a faint kiss onto her soft skin.

A quiet moan escaped her mouth.

But beyond the intense delectation of this moment was Alchenon- with a sudden flare of recognition he distinguished the familiar bronze helmet of Athene.

With an ugly shout he tore the helmet from Silhaume's head.

Silence around them all. A flurry of surprise, anticipation, action.

Servants are summoned to capture the niece and to incarcerate her in the cellar of Alchenon's house for the time being.

From his belt Silhaume snatched a short dagger, she held it at her wrists,

"Leave me, or I will."

The uncle laughed,

"What would I care?" and he shouted again for her to be restrained.

Silhaume darted to attack Alchenon with the sharp dagger, but Odysseus' powerful grip overwhelmed her and drove the knife from her hands.

With a startled look of appeal into his face, Silhaume gasped. It was a look that shattered the bulk of Odysseus' armour and ruptured the strength of his heart.

Silhaume ran.