text: You hear faint murmurs in the darkness, like distant voices. A faint glow pierces your eyelids. When you try to open your eyes you are practically blinded by a golden light. After a short scream of fear and pain you close your eyes. The voices become clearer.
  
  'Do you really think he is up to this task?'
  
  'He is only a mere bard'
  
  'You, out of all people, should not criticize a bard, Apollo. And yes, Zeus, father of men and gods, highest of rulers, I do think that this mortal can complete the task we are about to give him.'
  
  'Apollo? Zeus? How hard was I hit by that flying piece of vermin?'
  
  'He'd better be, the fate of the world rests on his shoulders.'
  
  'Open your eyes mortal. I know you are awake. I hope my owl didn't hit you too hard. Don't be afraid.'
  
  You slowly open your eyes, afraid to be blinded once again by that golden light. But this time nothing happens. When your eyes are fully opened and have adjusted to the darkness of the night, you see three people. Somehow they look familiar, like people you pass everyday without really looking at them. But on the other hand, you think you have seen their faces over a million times. When you realize just who you are looking at, your jaw drops with surprise. You are looking at three of the Olympic gods; the bright-eyed Athena, the ever-young Apollo and the aegis bearing Zeus. 'I... I... How... When...' While you try to make a coherent sentence, Athena speaks to you:
  
  'Please remain calm bard, great teller of tales, and listen to what we have to say. The world as you know it is about to undergo a radical change. War is about to erupt between the Greek city states, a war of which the likes haven't been seen since the great Trojan war. Many heroes died then, and many more will die now. You are the last hope of the Greeks.'
  
  'But what can I do to help? I'm just an ordinary bard. If the fate of the Greek cities hangs in the balance, then why can't the gods solve it? I mean, my people pray to you every day. Is this how you repay us?'
  
  'Insolent mortal. Is this how you repay us? Is this how you repay the immortal gods, who gave you life, who helped you in your times of need? If my daughter didn't favor you so much I would smite you on this spot.'
  
  'That will be enough father. I understand why you are angry, aoidos, but let us explain first. Even the gods are bound by rules, by fate, by moral. After the Trojan war Zeus decreed that no immortal gods may ever be involved in a war between humans again. The fact that we are giving you this advice is as far as we can go without upsetting the balance in the world. In order to avert this war you have to undertake a journey. You have to travel to the great oracle at Thebes, in the lands of the Aegyptians. There you will have to ask for advice on how to avert this war.
  
  Still baffled from your sudden encounter with the gods you answer:
  
  > say "It is not my right to doubt the decision of a god. I will do as you say."
  'Very well. Listen closely to what I have to say, great bard. You have to travel to the oracle at Thebes in the land of the Aegyptians. There you will have to ask for advice. However, she will test you first. Remember, whatever happens during your journey, don't ever mock the almighty gods. And always help those in need'
  
  And with that last warning Athena and the other gods slowly disappear from the sacred grounds of the acropolis. Leaving you behind, baffled and speechless.
  
  That night you fall into a restless sleep. One-eyed monsters change into huge beast with multiple heads, sending ships and sailors to their doom. Beautiful women, with white arms, try to kill you and other men. And throughout your dream fires rage on in the background.
  
  > A week later...
  The salt sea winds blow across the deck of the large ship. You stand on the deck, gazing at the distant horizon. How a mortal's life can change in the blink of an eye! A mere week ago you were telling stories in Athens' odeon and now you are leading an expedition to the oracle of Thebes!
  
  After that faithful night on top of the acropolis you left for the harbor of Piraeus. There, you found a mercenary who was willing to bring you to Thebes, for a steep price. You tell your friends and family you are going to travel to distant courts to show off your knowledge of poetry. Then, nothing is left to hold you back from your journey, after a quick prayer to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, you sail away on the mercenary ship.
  
  'Sir, we are about to enter the Nile river, we will reach Thebes in a few days. There are a few complications, however. The trip has taken us more time then we originally planned and the crew is getting mutinous. To secure your... safety, we would like a couple of extra drachmas.
  
  > say "No. A deal is a deal, I won't give you more money."
  'Then I am truly sorry sir', he says as he spits on the ground, 'but I can't guarantee your safety anymore.' He grins as he speaks these last words. You back away from the mercenary captain as more crew members gather around him. You look around for your supplies, there's got to be a sword with them.
  
  The ship's crew is closing in on you.
  
  You are almost near the edge of the deck, and still no sign of your sword.
  
  The captain draws his sword.
  
  You finally spot your weapon lying about a feet away from you, just as you reach the edge of the deck.
  
  The captain charges you and his crew follows. You quickly dodge aside, reaching for your sword. As your hands touch the cool bronze the captain prepares for another attack. Without another thought you sink your sword into his entrails. A look of horror passes his face as his soul passes on to the realm of Hades. The remaining crew members quickly lay down their arms.
  
  One of them walks towards you. 'We are sorry to have disturbed you, noble mister. I don't know what we were thinking, we only acted on the orders of our traitorous captain. Our sincerest apologies.'
  
  'Very well, I accept your apologies. Now, go back to your posts, we continue our journey to Thebes.'
  
  'Let's just hope that I'll reach it alive', you mutter to yourself
  
  > carry on your journey on the Nile
  The shining Eos rises once again to bring the day to the lands of the Aegyptians.
  
  The crew has chosen a new captain and life moves on. No other attempts to kill you or steal your money has been made. You gaze with curiosity at the strange lands at the shores of the Nile, at the foreign people working the fields on the fertile banks on the river and at the strange animals that live in the water and on the shore. This scenery carries on for a couple of hours.
  
  Suddenly the ship turns away from the main stream, into a branch of the main river. Although you find this strange, you trust the guidance of the navigator and think no more about it. The scenery changes dramatically as time goes by, the fields and people disappear and the animals don't show themselves anymore. A strange silence falls over the lands.
  
  A crew member approaches you. 'Sir, I am sorry to report you that we took a wrong turn. However, the river flows to fast for our rowers to row upstream back to the main river. We will have to wait until the river calms down or we will have to follow this river and see were it takes us. I can't say for certain how long it will take before we reach...'
  
  He stops abruptly as the most beautiful song fills the air. You all listen, hypnotized by the sweet sounds that come from no particular direction. However, the song has a strange, dark undertone, a chill runs down your spine as you remember tales about ships that were wrecked after the crew was hypnotized by the songs of mythical beasts.
  
  Suddenly alarmed you...
  
  > plug the ears of the crew members with whatever you can find
  You search the deck for... well anything that can plug the ears of the crew members. Eventually you find some wax-tablets. You scrape of as much of the wax as you can and run from crew member to crew member, plugging their ears and preventing them from hearing the tempting song.
  
  However, you can't but wonder about the beautiful sounds. So you order the crew to tie you to the mast, that way you can't do anything foolish, while you are still able to listen to the song.
  
  A few minutes later you pass a large rock, crowded with strange creatures. They look like women, but have bird wings and a fierce look in their eyes. As they spot your ship they lift up from the rock and circle above your ship, trying to tempt you to offer yourself to them. Their beautiful song fills you with the burning desire to jump in the water and surrender yourself to them, but the ropes prevent you from doing this.
  
  The ship sails safely away from the sirens, with no casualties. As the song fades away, you are released by the crew members.
  
  You stand on the rear of the ship, watching the sirens plunge themselves in the river. You remember tales saying that sirens can't stand people who hear their songs and live to tell the tale. They rather die than live the rest of their lives in shame.
  
  > As the hours pass, you slowly fall asleep
  You are woken the next day by a crew member. 'Sir, I am happy to report you that we are back at the main river. After encountering some locals we have learned that we are mere hours away from the city of Thebes.'
  
  About three hours later you finally dock in the port of Thebes. The sun is at his highest peak and the heat is unbearable. 'How is it possible that people manage to live here?', you ask Cyrus, the new mercenary captain. 'I have no idea, but I'll be glad when we've returned to Greece.'
  
  While the crew unloads the ship you take a walk through the port of Thebes. Out of precaution you take your sword with you.
  
  The far end of the docks are crowded with merchants selling strange and wondrous wares. Ivory from the south, silk from the east. tame crocodiles from the nearby Nile, even Greek pottery is for sale here. You gaze with wonder at all of the stalls when you are suddenly approached by a beggar. 'Please sir, do you have a little money for a poor beggar? '
  
  > say "Get lost, my money is my own."
  'But please sir, I am only a poor beggar, I don't have anything to eat and I have no money', the beggar replies.
  
  'I already told you, my money is my own. So get lost!' You feel a sudden anger setting in as the beggar won't leave.
  
  'Sir, have you no pity for a poor person like me?' The beggar says as he clamps on to you. 'The gods don't look kindly on people who don't care about their fellow men.'
  
  'I said get lost you old beggar!' You shout as you push the old bum away, 'so get lost!'. You give the beggar one last push and walk away.
  
  'So be it, stranger. I warned you the gods frown upon selfish mortals, but you didn't listen. Now you can consider yourself forlorn by the gods. No god will help you on this journey.' Having said this, the beggar disappears. Was this a trial of the gods?
  
  You return to the ship, feeling confused and insecure. Cyrus immediately approaches you. 'Sir, we have finished unloading all of the stocks we were carrying on board, but it is too late to visit the Oracle, we will have to go tomorrow.' As you do not respond, Cyrus asks: 'sir, are you all right, you seem a little shaken, is the heat too much for you?'
  
  'No, I'm alright. I just need some sleep. I think I'll go to my mat early today.'
  
  That night you have an uneasy sleep once again. You find yourself standing within a circle of immortal gods. Zeus, the highest god, father of gods and mortals, speaks to you:
  
  'Insolent mortal! Were you not warned to help the needy? Did you really think we gods would reward such selfish behavior? If you were not favored by my daughter Athena I would have killed you already. I will give you one last chance to prove yourself worthy of saving the Greek cities. However, you will find your journey to be harder than before.'
  
  Suddenly you are woken by a distant lightning bolt. The sky is darkened tonight by thunder clouds. You won't catch much sleep tonight.
  
  > The next day...
  You wake up the next day feeling terrible. Your eyes hurt as the bright rays from the Egyptian sun pierce your sleep-deprived eyes. You let out a soft groan as you stand up and you realise that Cyrus already stands next to your sleeping mat.
  
  'Good morning sir. Are you feeling all right today?'
  
  'Apart from the incredible fatigue and the scorching heat, I'm alright. Is it possible for me to visit the oracle today?'
  
  'I took the liberty to arranging an appointment for you. The oracle is expecting you in about an hour. And don't worry: we won't ask for extra money for this service.'
  
  About an hour later you are standing in front of the shrine of the priestess of Zeus. The shrine is a large imposing circular structure made out of gleaming white marble. As you admire the building, the huge bronze doors open to reveal the priestess of Zeus. She wears a long white robe and a bronze necklace around her neck and she is of great beauty. She looks like one of the immortal gods, who own the great sky, herself. She doesn't look very happy, however. You slowly approach her to greet her and she speaks to you:
  
  'YOU! You are not welcome here stranger. The gods are angry with you, leave this place and don't return.'
  
  'I beg you, mistress, please give me...'
  
  'I told you to get lost! Go away right now or you will suffer the consequences!'
  
  > say "I'm not going until you listen to me."
  'You dare disobey the priestess of Zeus. GUARDS! Arrest these men, throw them into the deepest dungeons!'
  
  Immediately after she shouts this, guards appear from all sides.
  
  'Damn it!' Cyrus curses 'how are we supposed to leave this place, alive, with all these guards here? Oh well, I say we'll fight a way out. What do you think, traveler?'
  
  'I say fight them too. We need to find another way to prevent the Greek civil war and we won't be able to do that from a hot, Egyptian dungeon.'
  
  Having said this you draw your sword, Cyrus does the same. About ten guards surround you, encouraged by the screaming priestess. However, they seem hesitant to fight against two armed opponents, the cowards.
  
  A group of four guards finally dare to attack you. They approach with drawn swords in their right hands and shields in their left. The rest of the guards watch as their colleagues attack you.
  
  However, you are fully prepared for an attack and so you:
  
  > block their attack and counter with your own
  Your swords hit with a loud 'Clang' as the two swords collide.
  
  The guard was unprepared for your block and he lowers his defence for a moment. You quickly dispatch him withing this undefended moment by slashing his throat with your sword. You hear a victory shout from Cyrus as he kills one of the guards too.
  
  However, the idle guards can't just watch on as two of their comrades have been killed. They quickly rush to the aid of their two remaining colleagues.
  
  Now it's eight versus two.
  
  The remaining guards manage to gather in a kind of formation, linking their shields together to form a shield wall. Well, this is going to be fun.
  
  > The shield wall
  As you wonder how you are going to deal with this shield wall you notice Cyrus has disappeared.
  
  The guards are slowly marching towards you, keeping their pace even to maintain the shield wall. Their glistening bronze swords stick out between the shields.
  
  You back away as you realise that it is impossible for you to penetrate their wall without getting yourself killed.
  
  Suddenly you spot Cyrus creeping behind the enemies and you realise what he's trying to do. You quickly act like you're going to charge the enemy to create a diversion.
  
  Suddenly one of the enemies screams as his throat is slit by a fast movement of Cyrus' sword. However, now the enemies turn on Cyrus.
  
  It's still seven versus two. And all of the seven enemies are now focusing on Cyrus. Now is your chance
  
  > To run away.
  'I'm truly sorry Cyrus', you whisper to yourself 'but we can't win this battle.'
  
  You drop your sword and run away in the opposite direction of the battle. However, the priestess of Zeus is waiting for you, holding a spear. You can immediately see that she is untrained with weapons and so it shouldn't be hard to defeat her, if you hadn't dropped your sword.
  
  'Great and noble priestess of Zeus, the highest of rulers. Please listen to my pleads', you say as the priestess charges you with her spear.
  
  You quickly dodge but the priestess seems unmoved by your words. 'I beg you, the Greek cities will fall if you won't help me.'
  
  The priestess lunges again with her spear, cutting you across the chest. Luckily it's only a flesh wound. 'Mistress, please, thousands of people, innocents, will die if you won't help! Just listen to me!' You begin to scream with utter despair. You hear the shouts of Cyrus behind you as the bronze sword of a guard cuts through his chest and sends his soul prematurely to the realm of Hades, the underworld.
  
  The death of Cyrus, although you knew was inevitable, shocks you and distracts you from the priestess. A few seconds later you feel a sharp pain spreading through your body. However, this feeling fades a few moments later. A blissful feeling of weightlessness enters your mind as your soul leaves your body to travel to meet Cyrus in the realm of Hades.