“That’s true…”
"On the surface, Athens suffered heavy losses, but in fact, Athens had broken the previous deadlock. Moreover, Apollo certainly didn't care how many Athenians died. In his eyes, he didn't take the lives of mortals seriously at all..."
"Yeah, I understand."
Brasidas nodded heavily.
Hilde's explanation made him understand the specific situation.
But Hilde didn't lie.
This explanation was told to her by Socrates who came to Byzantium. Socrates' idea coincided with Hilde's previous guess, and everything that happened now could only be explained by this statement. After all, Apollo had a criminal record - and Brasidas firmly believed in the facts that Hilde said.
now it's right.
This is exactly the effect Hilde wanted.
“And then there’s the second question.”
"Well, go ahead."
"Although you just explained that the gods who came down to earth are no longer invincible, I still can't understand how Apollo, who can spread the disease throughout Athens, can be dealt with?"
"I don't really know this, but the reason Apollo took my family away was to deal with me. You can think of it this way. If Apollo had the absolute power to defeat me and kill me, why did he have to be in Athens? This shows that he must have set an ambush and had the help of Cleon, so he was sure to defeat me. What does this mean? It means that Apollo is scared. He knows that he can't completely defeat me."
"Is this statement a bit arrogant?"
For Brasidas.
An oracle said that he was stronger than the gods, and that the gods "set an ambush" because they were afraid of the other party's strength.
It's indeed a bit arrogant.
"I am indeed a little arrogant, but I came to my conclusions through rational thinking. With Apollo's unruly character, why would he go to so much trouble to bring people to Athens? If he had absolute power, he could kill me anytime and anywhere. If he didn't do that, it means he was afraid."
"Why do you think he would be scared?"
"Because, if a god is killed when he descends to earth, he will actually face real death. Apollo has been so famous for so many years, and the thing he fears most is death. We are just ordinary humans. In a few decades, you and I will face death, so when we really die, we will not be too afraid. But they are different. Their lifespans are close to infinite, and they are above this world. But when one day, these mortals who are despised by the gods also have the ability to take their lives, will they be afraid? Of course they will be afraid - and that fear is far greater than the fear we have when facing death."
"So to say……"
Brasidas was persuaded.
What Hilde said was flawless.
In this case, Apollo is really a coward. In order to get rid of Hilde, but afraid of being killed by Hilde, he ran to Athens and kidnapped Hilde's family. These actions, let alone those of a god, even if they were ordinary people, would be considered by Brasidas as cowardly.
"So, this time you brought two more oracles..."
"I can't guarantee that I can defeat him, but three of us can't guarantee it. What's more, I can sacrifice my life for my family because I am the queen, Hilde, who swore to protect my country and my family." Hilde gently placed her right hand on her chest. "When faced with such vicious behavior, I cannot dodge. I must face it with my wisdom and strength. This is also in line with Lady Athena's requirements."
"I admire your courage."
Brasidas was not stingy with his favor.
As a warrior.
People like Hilde deserve respect.
The third tune, the second verse, finally arrived in Athens
Now is the most critical moment.
Hilde hopes Brasidas can help him.
However, Hilde could not ask for help actively, and had to let Brasidas say it himself.
Judging from the conversation between the two, Brasidas' attitude was quite clear. He had no reason not to help Hilde, whether for the sake of his homeland Sparta or because he admired Hilde's courage. But at the same time, it took great courage for a Greek to deal with a god, especially a powerful opponent like Apollo, one of the twelve gods.
"I thought about it."
The silence between the two was soon broken.
Brasidas seemed to have made up his mind.
"Please say."
"If dealing with Apollo can help Sparta, I want to join."
Hearing Brasidas say this, Hilde's nervous heart finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"It would be best if you could help us."
"However, I can only join in my personal capacity. The troops I station here cannot be dispatched to Athens again. I am responsible for their lives."
Hilde smiled and nodded.
"Of course."
"Okay, then let me help you."
Brasidas stood up, then reached out and struck his chest.
This is also the attitude he used to express his determination.
If it was someone else, Hilde would still doubt whether this guy was bragging, but the guy in front of him was Brasidas, the first warrior of Sparta. Hilde believed him. Since he had made up his mind, he would never give up his promise. So Hilde also stood up, smiled and bowed to express his gratitude.
"Let us create a heroic epic."
"That's what heroes do!"
——————————Dividing line——————————
Deep down, Brasidas still identifies very much with his identity as a hero.
Oracles and demigods are heroes themselves. They are the hope of their own people and the strong people active in this world. Among them, there are tyrannical monarchs like the King of Thrace, despicable politicians like Cleon, and brave men with heroic epics in their hearts like Brasidas.
In Hilde's heart.
Brasidas is a true hero.
He is patriotic and loyal to the emperor, but he has his own principles. He is silent and cautious, but he also desires to become a hero who challenges the strong.
With the help of Brasidas, Hilde was like having more power.
The next day, it was still dark.
Hilde and her group set out from Amphipolis, heading quickly towards Athens. Hilde went ahead because she didn't want Brasidas to see her true form, so she took Sophia flying in the air, looking down at the land from above - arriving here meant that they were very close to Attica.
If this trip is in vain...
Hilde didn't dare to think so.
Now, Dione estimated that it was time.
She hasn't had her blood sucked for a long time, and the withdrawal reaction is probably very serious.
Therefore, if they come back empty-handed this time and find that Diony and Apollo are still not here, then Hilde will be really desperate. Hilde has already searched all the places where Apollo might have gone. If there is no trace of Apollo in the underground temple and Athens, Hilde will really have no idea where Diony has gone.
Can you find Dione?
It has become something that I dare not think about.
From Amphipolis to Athens.
For Hilde, it was just half a day.
When it was afternoon, Hilde brought Sophia and slowly landed on the Silver Mountain outside Athens.
Silver Mountain is located in the east of Athens. It is named Silver Mountain because of its abundance of silver and many silver mines. Hilde is quite familiar with this place. If she continues to go south, she will reach Rhodes' hometown, Sunke. Moreover, if she hides in Silver Mountain for the time being, Cleon in Athens will not be able to notice Hilde. At the same time, Hilde can also hide here to avoid Apollo from coming directly.
“We are finally in Athens.”
Sophia reached the top of the mountain.
In the distance, the magnificent city of Athens now came into view.
"It seems like it was a few years ago when I last came here?"
"Yeah, it is."
Hilde was in no mood to reminisce about the past.
In the past, Hilde would often bring Sophia here to play, secretly of course.
There are many mines around the Silver Mountain. Hilde decided to take Sophia to find an abandoned mine and hide in it. After all, Apollo is the god of light. Being in the underground without sunlight should limit Apollo's strength, provided that he really has the courage to do so.
In the dark abandoned silver mine, bones can be seen piled up everywhere. Many of these bones are similar to those of slaves here. The slave owners were too lazy to bury them and simply dumped them in the abandoned mine. In other words, after the silver mine was abandoned, it became a place where dead bodies were piled up to some extent.
"The people here have been dead for a long time."
Hilde held up the torch and glanced at the corpses around him.
“This means that the mines here were abandoned two or three years ago.”
"yes……"
Sophia was a little scared. She reached out and grabbed Hilde's sleeve tightly.
"Are you afraid of what's going to happen next?"
"Well, I'm afraid..."
Sophia nodded directly.
"Then why are you here?"
"Because I'm more afraid that something might happen to you, Sissi. If you get into danger here, I'll feel worse than dying. So, I don't want to watch you go to a dangerous place while I stay behind, worried all day long." Sophia also directly said what she was thinking, "It's okay, it's normal for me to be afraid, but as long as I can save Dione, there's no problem with being afraid now!"
"Yes, he will definitely be rescued."
Hilde also smiled and nodded.
Indeed, Sophia is very nervous now.
Also very scared.
But the one who is most afraid now is actually Hilde.
She didn't show her inner fear at all. She couldn't show any panic in front of Sophia now, otherwise, her panic would only make Sophia very uncomfortable. Therefore, Hilde had to persist and pretend that nothing had happened.
So, in front of Sophia.
Hilde took her time.
No psychological fluctuations.
But her heart was tightly gripped.
The third tune, the third section, the imperceptible fear
"We know nothing about what is happening inside Athens right now."
Sophia said with some concern:
"What should we do next?"
"I've already thought of a plan."
On the way here, Hilde already had an idea.
Moreover, during the discussion with Brasidas last night, Hilde also had specific ideas and actions.
All of Hilde's plans were based on the premise that Apollo was in Athens. If he really came to nothing, then it would be of no use.
Hilde and Sophia stayed in the mine for about an hour.
The two found an abandoned wooden frame and sat down to rest.
Hilde chose to close her eyes and rest, while Sophia was on guard around.
And soon.
Hilde sensed something and opened her eyes.
"They are here."
"Well, it's them."
Hilde and Sophia hurried out of the mine.
At this time, the fully armed Brasidas and Tomyris had already arrived at the outskirts of Athens. Brasidas reached out, took off his helmet, and looked at the city of Athens in the distance: "What should we do next?"
"Wait until night."
