Volume 6: The Meeting of Two Heroes, Chapter 13: Hermes and Agnes

The openness and boldness of Daonian women often astonish foreigners visiting Daonia for the first time, with conservatives privately sneering at their "barbarity." But in truth, this open atmosphere resulted partly from the influence of Lucanian and Bruttian "barbarian customs" within the alliance's population makeup, and partly from deliberate indulgence by the alliance's leadership—mainly Davos. Consider: even the chief priestess of the Temple of Hera permitted newlyweds to kiss publicly, deeming it sacred—so what did it matter if women showed their faces or revealed a bit of curve? Daonians were so accustomed to it that they took it for granted, and this open atmosphere also stirred longing among young men and women of neighboring Daonia Alliance city-states. Not only Castron, but even unmarried youths from Heraclea and Metapontum came to participate in the Marriage Festival. Davos welcomed this development, as it marked how these "customs" of the nascent Daonia Alliance were leading fashion and deepening their influence on Magna Graecia.

At that moment, the populace had plunged into a water-splashing frenzy, leaving the patrol soldiers caught in an awkward position. One patrolman, dodging splashes as he went, suggested to Rodom, "Captain, there's no way anyone here will cause trouble. What if we join in the water fight?!"

Rodom was no longer the young Bruttian who knew nothing about Daonia a few years ago. Years of experience had changed him. He knew all too well that for Daonian citizens, committing a crime was like tax evasion—once you had a stain on your record, joining the Army Corps or holding public office became extremely difficult. Unless a Daonian had gone mad, they would generally avoid such mistakes. Still, he scolded, "Don't let yourself think we're safe. If something actually happens and we're not at our posts, we won't escape blame!"

The patrolman fell silent. Rodom comforted his tribesman, "The Marriage Festival happens every year. If you really want to join, marry a Greek woman next year, and I'll give you leave!"

"Greek women aren't that easy to marry," the patrolman muttered.

According to Daonian law, there were plenty of incentives for foreigners to marry Greek women. But ever since the Bruttian region and part of Lucania (namely Pyxous) had been incorporated into the Daonia Alliance, a large number of foreigners had become Daonian citizens or preparatory citizens, making Greek women extremely sought after. Moreover, due to Daonia's development in recent years, land distribution had nearly reached saturation. Freemen, seeing little hope of receiving land in the short term, had begun to decrease in number within Daonian territory, leaving many foreign citizens to set their sights on women from neighboring states. But most non-Daonian Greek women and their families could not accept marriage proposals from those they once considered "barbarians," even if the suitor was a Daonian citizen.

"Don't lose heart. If it comes to it, you can ask Lord Bagiripi to step in." Rodom's suggestion made the patrolman's eyes light up.

Chief Bagiripi was now a member of the Daonian Senate. As the Daonia Alliance grew more powerful, the city-states of Magna Graecia treated it with increasing awe, and naturally the senators of the Daonian Senate were highly respected by those states. With Bagiripi's endorsement, the chances of a successful marriage proposal would certainly improve.

...

While Daonian citizens reveled unrestrainedly, some foreigners participated in the ceremony, though most watched as mere spectators without joining in. Among them was Hermes of Syracuse.

He watched the scene in amazement. The chaos and absurdity of the marriage celebration could not match the revelry of the festival of Dionysus, but its joy and liveliness surpassed it.

Based on his observations during his stay in Thurii, Daonians were meticulous, rigid, rule-abiding—even a bit overly cautious. When they encountered a patrol while out and about, they would shrink back, far less free and easy than Greek citizens in other city-states. Yet looking at everything before him, combined with the fierce, explosive rugby match he had seen earlier, he had to admit: Daonians were also crazy at their core. And compared to the people of Syracuse now—both being under a tyrant's rule (he considered Davos a tyrant)—Daonians seemed far more joyful and did not feel oppressed.

Syracuse, however, was different. Possibly because Dionysius had nearly been overthrown by the populace before (when Himilco's Carthaginian army approached Syracuse), he had since imposed a repressive rule within the city, carrying out large-scale arrests of democrats, greatly increasing the number of patrols, and stationing troops to patrol the city all day and check for suspicious individuals—all carried out by mercenaries. He had established several camps not far from the city, garrisoned by nearly five thousand mercenaries. He also granted citizenship to a large number of mercenaries (mainly Campanians), distributed to them land near Syracuse, and had them build villages, thereby consolidating his rule.

At the same time, for his own safety, Dionysius forcibly relocated the residents living on Ortygia Island, allowing only himself, his family, and loyal courtiers to dwell there. He continuously reinforced the walls around Ortygia, built fortresses, and stationed two thousand trusted mercenaries to guard it—treating the people of Syracuse as enemies entirely.

Hermes shook his head, suppressing these dangerous thoughts. Regardless, he was presently favored by Dionysius, receiving generous pay and rapid promotions. He had no intention of being suspected by this paranoid tyrant one day because of an ill-considered remark.

Seeing that dusk was approaching, Hermes judged that Polyxides would be returning soon. Without lingering, he left the laughter behind him.

From what he had observed of Polyxides in the Senate over the past few days, the situation was gradually turning in Polyxides' favor. Davos's seemingly solid power had begun to waver... It was ironic: Dionysius's autocratic, repressive rule made his throne as firm as a rock, with the populace trembling in fear and no one daring to oppose him. Meanwhile, Daonia's young magistrates were friendly to the people and employed gentle methods, which instead made them cautious and restrained—allowing Hermes, Polyxides, and others to exploit this weakness and act freely. Hermes certainly felt no pity for Davos. In fact, if this matter succeeded, he would receive great promotion from Dionysius and might even sit shoulder to shoulder with the high minister Philistos!

At this thought, his heart burned with excitement, and he strode quickly toward Polyxides' residence...

Agnes walked along the corridor of the mansion. Slaves bowed to her and greeted her in turn.

The slaves' attitudes toward the two beautiful mistresses were somewhat different: Cheiristoya was sharp and capable, holding authority over household affairs, so they treated her more with awe and fear; Agnes, having served as priestess of Artemis and later of Hera, was reserved in nature but mild in temper, so people mostly respected her.

She arrived at the wooden door at the rear of the courtyard, slightly ajar. She pushed it open gently, and a shout rang out: "Happy Marriage Festival!"

Then a white cascade flew toward her. She let out a shriek as clear water splashed over her, soaking her completely.

"Successful ambush, yay!" Davos, like a child, exchanged a high-five with the excited Adoris, while Cynthia snickered on the side.

Seeing this, Agnes also laughed. As the chief priestess, standing high on the platform, no one would splash her. Watching the populace having so much fun in the square, she had sometimes envied them, thinking: If only I could splash someone too!

Now her wish had come true.

"Agnes Mama, hold me! Agnes Mama, hold me!" little Klo came running over, shouting. For some reason, ever since Agnes had married into the family, this child had taken a great liking to this new mother.

Agnes bent down to pick him up, but then remembered her clothes were wet, so she stopped him hurriedly.

Klo cried out in dissatisfaction.

"Stop it, child!" Cheiristoya's words silenced Klo immediately. "Sister, go bathe and change clothes. Asuna has prepared everything for you."

"Thank you, Sister!" Agnes replied with a smile.

She went upstairs. In the bedroom stood a large wooden tub, steam curling from it. She reached out and felt the water—the temperature was just right. Hastily, she stripped off her white priestess robe and undergarment, then stepped into the tub.

Standing in front of the temple all day, it would be impossible not to be tired. The pleasant warmth of the water soothed her skin, giving her a drowsy, comfortable feeling.

At that moment, a pair of strong arms encircled her from behind.

She was startled at first, then relaxed. Who else could it be but her husband?

"Agnes, you've worked hard!" Davos said softly. The warmth of his breath gently touched her earlobe, sending a slight ticklish sensation.

"Come, let me have a look!" Davos's gentle voice carried an eager note. He caught her under the arms and easily pulled her to her feet.

Instinctively, Agnes crossed her left arm over her chest and covered below with her right hand.

Davos gently moved her hands aside. His eyes gradually kindled with flames, burning over every inch of her skin, making her tremble involuntarily.

"Agnes, my wife, you are as beautiful as Hera!" Davos exclaimed in admiration, his voice charged.

Agnes suddenly gave a mischievous smile and splashed water from the tub at Davos: "Happy Marriage Festival!"

Seeing Davos feign being flustered, she couldn't help laughing again, her trembling body only adding to the temptation.

"Oh, you! I'm going to punish you properly!" Davos said in a "menacing" tone, scooping her up and laying her gently on the bed.

Under Agnes's nervous yet expectant gaze, Davos ripped off his chiton and leaned over her.

"My Hera!..." he murmured, kissing her rosy lips...

If Nicostratus had previously harbored any doubts about the rumors of Daonia's advanced medical skills, after a day of medical forum exchanges, he was thoroughly convinced.