The Princess At The River

Exhausted, I lay on my bed of leaves until the next afternoon. I was awakened by the shouting of a group of maidens just down the way a little. Finally, maybe they can direct me to a place where I can wash and dress… maybe take a meal. Only one didn’t flee when I approached. We talked and I, as kindly as I could, described my position. She just happened to be the more than generous daughter of Alkínoös.

She and her maids offered me oil and a fresh tunic and as I washed up in the clear steam I considered just how fortunate I was to have come across these girls. A piece of fortune not to be taken lightly either… for bad luck had been on my heels for many a day thus far and I should need some of this new luck to get me through the hardships ahead of me. Though there is a saying that no man should ever depend on luck for anything… but should work under the rod of their taskmaster for the good of one’s self and community. I needed to remember what I was really working for… and who. My son awaits in Ithaca as does my beloved wife. The city needs me to be their leader… and I need to be there for them.

After I was done bathing, they fed me bread and wine. Then, as the maids left… they gave me directions to their father’s great castle. I thanked her and said my farewells.

P.S.- Check out the land where I stay for now amoung the Phaiákians!!!