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almost told the herald to tell the Ithakian to come back at a more reasonable hour when he realized this was not his megaron.
    Tyndareus, eager for a respite from his oppressive company, waved the guard on. “Granted.”
    Odysseus entered the hall and strut toward them with a light step that spoke of a carefree manner. He had doffed his regal attire for a simple woolen tunic favored by the Spartan free men. He seemed a likable fellow, neither too handsome to invite jealousy, nor too homely to incite resentment. He bowed low before Tyndareus, careful to give Agamemnon equal respect.
    “Your Majesties,” he addressed them both with deference. “I have come to offer counsel, if you wish to accept it.”
    Tyndareus looked to Agamemnon, the question apparent in his eyes. Is this his idea or yours? those eyes asked. But Agamemnon’s stormy expression was all the answer Tyndareus needed.
    “You should hear him out,” Agamemnon muttered reluctantly. “There are many virtues and we cannot be masters of them all. You may recall what Odysseus is renown for?”
    Tyndareus nodded, a flicker of understanding settled into his deep blue eyes. Already, the king seemed more in command of his faculties, his brief moment of weakness long forgotten. Agamemnon cursed the Ithakian and his horrible timing.
    At two and twenty, Odysseus was quite young to be a ruler. But his father was an Argonaut, and like many of the heroes from that legendary vessel, Laertes did not have the stomach to actually govern his province. Odysseus took on his mantle of kingship when he was barely more than a lad, while Laertes warmed his bones by the fire and recanted tales of his wild youth. Agamemnon scoffed at such idleness, but it seemed Ithaka had benefited from the arrangement. Odysseus held great promise.
    Tyndareus came to a similar assessment and waved him on. “Speak, Odysseus. Have no fear of reprisal.”
    The Ithakian approached the throne and lowered his voice in a confidential manner. “It is no secret that your daughter’s beauty has stirred great rivalry amongst your guests, Honorable King. Once your decision is set, you needs must worry about Helen’s safety, that the other suitors might seek to steal this prize by conquest even after her vows have been spoken. The blood spilt would be a dark stain on all of our honor.”
    “You speak truth.” Tyndareus acknowledged. Thus far, the man had not spoken one word they hadn’t already discussed.
    Odysseus leaned forward, emboldened by the warmth in the king’s tone. “What if I were to tell you there was a way these men will leave happily of their own accord? A way to announce a betrothal without shedding a single drop of blood? And for a cost you’d scarce notice?”
    “ Cost? ” Agamemnon growled, inserting his bulking frame between his host and the young king. This was one upset too many for his tempered blood. If Odysseus had the audacity to bargain like a crude merchant before the throne, then he had clearly misjudged the quality of this man.
    “I ask only for a boon,” Odysseus added quickly, retreating half a step. “A token of gratitude I assure you you’ll consider fair.”
    Odysseus quickly divulged his plan, its brilliance matched only by its simplicity. Agamemnon curled his fingers through his oiled beard, studying the worth of the man before them. Odysseus’ wits were unmatched in all of Greece. A cunning man could easily use his skills for devious endeavors. But Ithaka was too far from Mycenae for Agamemnon to consider it a serious threat. Nonetheless, he was glad to count the young king his ally.
    The advice was sage, and because it came from Odysseus, Tyndareus would not refuse it. Agamemnon almost laughed, deciding instantly that he liked the young man. Odysseus had stones to match a mighty bull. He let his mind wander, considering the benefits this new arrangement provided. With one sacred vow, Tyndareus’ dilemma would be solved. The Hellas would be a step closer to