Ares and Athena reach the southern shores beneath a sky darkened by smoke. Zukalina’s army is already landing, shields and spears flooding through a shattered section of the coastal defenses.
Beyond the breach, the town’s white walls rise above narrow streets. Helios braces at a threatened gate, while local male militia crowd around her, arguing instead of sealing the opening.
Athena
The breach is the true battle. If the invaders reach the town proper, these defenders will lose the streets one by one.
Helios
Stand aside and reinforce the wall! Your pride will not stop an army.
the militia captain
We will not take orders from a foreign woman. Hold your position and leave command to men who understand war.
A horn sounds from the beach. Zukalina’s foremost warriors surge through the breach, while arrows hiss against the parapet and the militia’s argument breaks into frightened shouts.
Athena
Ares, the defenders need a decision now. The wall, the gate, or the beach. Choose where our strength falls.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the militia's cooperation
✓ Quest Accepted
Protect the town from Zukalina's army
““What seems to be the problem here?” I loudly ask both the mortal woman and the captain arguing with her.”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled -2)
Ares
What seems to be the problem here?
Ares's voice rolls across the breach, cutting through the horns and shouting. Heads turn toward him, including the advancing warriors, and a stray arrow strikes his shoulder before clattering away.
Helios
The problem is simple. The breach must be sealed, but these men refuse my command because I am a woman.
the militia captain
The problem is that strangers and gods are disrupting our defense. She has no right to command Corinth's soldiers.
Helios points toward the broken wall, where enemy shields press through the opening. Behind her, militia members grip their spears uncertainly, caught between obedience and fear.
Athena
Their dispute has cost precious ground. The captain contests Helios, while neither gives an order the others will follow.
Helios
Give me authority over the gate, and I can hold it. Otherwise, the town falls before these men finish arguing.
“Will the militia obey Ares's command?”
NO (Likely, rolled 86)
Ares
Helios commands the gate. Obey her, or stand aside.
For one breath, the militia stares at Ares. Then the captain raises his spear, and several men close ranks behind him instead of moving toward the breach.
the militia captain
You are no Corinthian lord. We will not surrender our command to a foreign goddess, nor to a god who arrives only when the walls are breaking.
Helios
Then your command has become another breach. I will defend the gate with whoever still understands what duty means.
Enemy shields slam against the broken stones. Two militia fighters recoil, but the captain’s loyalists remain fixed around him, leaving the opening dangerously unguarded.
Athena
They will not obey. The choice has clarified the field: Helios must act with the willing, while the disobedient hold their ground.
““Who do you think you are, to refuse the direct orders of god?!” I snap at the captain, but then I scoff at him and turn to Athena and Helios. “I leave these fools to you, Athena. Mortal woman, lead the way and show me what you’re capable of.””
SUCCESS (Great Intimidation, rolled +1)
Ares
Who do you think you are, to refuse the direct orders of a god?! I leave these fools to you, Athena. Mortal woman, lead the way and show me what you’re capable of.
The rebuke cracks across the breach. The captain’s loyalists falter under its force, and Athena steps between them and the gate with her spear raised.
Athena
You heard him. Shield the breach, disarm the quarrel, and follow Helios without delay.
the militia captain
This is not finished. Corinth will remember being commanded by outsiders.
Athena’s gaze pins the captain in place. His men lower their spears, then turn toward the broken wall as enemy shields grind over the stones.
Helios
Gladly. Corinthian soldiers, with me! We seal the breach before another warrior enters.
Helios leads the willing militia into the gap, and their formation holds. The cost arrives in a sharp clatter as a thrown spear tears through the edge of her shield, splitting its leather bindings.
Quest Complete
Secure the militia's cooperation
Skill Upgrade: Intimidation Great→Superb