|
Quickly, my men and I rushed down the path towards my father house. Since we had killed my wife's suitors, I soon knew there where be some type of rebellion from the towns people. Once at my father's house, I told Telemachus and my comrades to slaughter the best hog, and fix up a meal. Once they had gone off, I walked down to the orchard where my father sat planting little saplings. Before talking to him, Ii debated on whether to reveal my self right away, or test him first. I decided to test him to see if he recognize his own flesh and blood. I gave him a convincing story. At first I teased him of his clothes, and made him believe, that I believed that he was a servant. I also asked him if I had in fact reached the land of Ithaca. I told him that I had once housed a guest of good Ithacan stock I told him that I gave a heroes welcome, and that I gave him many fine gifts of silver and gold. He replied that I had reached the land of Ithaca. He told me that if his son was still alive, he would have given me gifts in return. He also said that he wished Odysseus would have died at home so he could have given him a proper burial. He then asked me where I was from and what blood I belonged to. he also asked me how long ago Odysseus had been a guest in my house. I told Old Laertes that I was from Roamer-Town on the Island of Sicily. I told him that my father was Unsparing, son of King Pain, and that my name was Man of Strife. I didn't mention whether I had a mother or not. I explained that a strong wind had blown me off course and that's how I had arrived her in Ithaca. I also mentioned that I had Odysseus in my house five years ago. I told him that we also had hopes of meeting again, as old friends. Once Laertes heard this he became crying uncontrollably. Once this happened a ran towards him and kissed him and told him that I that I was his son. As proof, I showed him the scar a wild bore had given me. When he didn't recognize, I reminded him when I was a boy following him around the orchard. We went back to my father's house where my father had a bath. When he came back from the bath, he looked taller and more built then when I last saw him. After our meal I sent one of loyal Dolius' sons to see if there was a mob upon us. He came back and said they would soon be upon us. We quickly put are armor on as Telemachus, Dolius' six sons Dolius himself, Laertes, and I marched out to confront them. Mentor, who I knew was really Athena, joined us in our march. Athena told my father, Laertes to say a prayer to Her then he picked up his spear and threw it. It soon hit Eupithes, father of Atinous, in the side of the head. Telemachus and I charged the lines, but just then Athena, daughter of Zeus, yelled for all violence in Ithaca to end. I soon said the same to my men, and there soon ended the my Odyssey |
|
