“I wasn’t expecting you at this time,” began Aelyros as Perephon sat down on the couch across from him. “Must be something important.”

They sat in Aelyros’ private chambers, the same room they always used when discussing matters of import.

“Important news,” Perephon replied, a nervous look on his face, “you’re not going to like it.”

“Go on,” Aelyros insisted, sipping his cup of wine.

“I trust you did not gather at the Agora today?”

“Should I have?” inquired Aelyros.

“Probably not,” replied Perephon with a chuckle. “In case you haven’t heard an ogre has been terrorizing the lands around our city, even slaughtering an entire village. Having a reputation as a monster slayer, Ava was chosen to lead a detachment of soldiers to deal with the beast.”

“No doubt she returned victorious and received a round of applause,” said Aelyros wryly.

“Exactly that. As the crowd was cheering, someone shouted ‘Ava for consul!’ Then they all started shouting it. Suffice to say, she’s in the running.”

“Not that it comes as a surprise,” Aelyros muttered darkly, draining his goblet. He refilled his cup, his face grave.

“The election is a mere two weeks away,” he stated. “Who are the likely candidates?”

“Besides yourself, there’s Kallias and Eirene…” began Perephon.

“What of Alydynes himself?”

“Not sure,” admitted Perephon. “At his age, I wouldn’t be surprised if he gives up politics and retires, but he remains incredibly popular regardless.”

“He is indeed a noble man,” Aelyros said thoughtfully, “he truly cares for Athens and its people, but… he is not a strong leader. He is too kind, and age has only made him softer.”

“Say what you will,” retorted Perephon, “while he has been consul no city has made war against us. I’d rather have a peacemaker than a strong leader any day.”

“What of Bion?”

“He definitely wants to be a contender,” Perephon chuckled, “but I’ve heard little support for him.”

“Let me guess,” sighed Aelyros, “this upstart hero is the most popular candidate of any?”

“She certainly draws the biggest crowds.”

Aelyros clenched his fist around the stem of his cup, fixing the wine with his furious gaze. “That usurper will never be consul. We must ensure that she does not gain power!”

“How can we make certain of that?” Perephon asked skeptically.

“Murder her,” Aelyros replied without a beat.

Perephon stared at his friend in horror. “Aelyros! How can you suggest such a thing?!”

“She is a danger to us all. If her death is required to save Athens, so be it.”

“But, but...” stammered Perephon.

“Perephon,” Aelyros said grimly, looking up at his friend, “do you care about your city? Do you want to protect it from destruction? From tyranny?”

“Of course.”

“Then you must help me rid our city of this false hero.”

“Why?”

“I am certain that once she seizes power, she will overthrow democracy and reign as a tyrant.”

“How do you know that?” demanded Perephon.

“I’m not sure,” admitted Aelyros, “but somehow, deep down, I know.”

Perephon was about to object when a voice interrupted him. “Your friend is mad! The Aelyros you know and respect is a noble man; how could he wish to do this?! This hero is a true one and will lead your city to...”

“Perephon?” asked Aelyros, seeing his friend's vacant look.

“I... I cannot aid you in this woman's murder,” insisted Perephon, shaking his head to drive away the voice.

“Then promise me that you shall not tell a soul of what I have said.”

“You will not do it!”

“I can make no promises. I will do what I must for my beloved city.”

“Aelyros!” shouted Perephon, rising to his feet, “you are no common murderer!”

“I will do what I must for my city!” Aelyros repeated fiercely.

“Including murdering its own citizens?”

“She is a usurper and will bring about the downfall of Athens!”

The two men fell silent, staring at each other angrily.

“For many years, I have been your strongest supporter and closest friend,” Perephon said eventually, his tone quiet but firm, “but first and foremost I am an honest citizen of Athens and will uphold the law to the letter. I will not help you murder this woman.”

“Just promise me that you will say nothing of this,” Aelyros entreated.

“I promise. But should you go ahead with this and the woman dies... you will have lost yourself a true friend.”

With that final statement Perephon strode from the room, leaving Aelyros to consider his options.

*   *   *

Eris wandered through the pine trees of the Caeliphals, murmuring to herself as she went.

“So far, everything is going to plan.” She smiled malevolently. “The Athenians have finally decided they want Ava to be consul. Took them long enough, though; I was worried I’d have to suggest it to them myself. And now Aelyros plans to murder Ava.” She giggled. “Perhaps I was a little too persuasive? As entertaining as it would be, I can’t allow it. I need Ava to stand on one side and Aelyros on the other; it won't work if one’s dead and the other’s a criminal…”

As she spoke, a branch scratched across her cheek. Eris halted and put her hand to the scratch. There was no blood, just a pang of pain. Her expression darkened as she turned to the inanimate tree.

“Vile thing,” she growled, clenching her fist around the branch that had scarred her. With a violent twist of her wrist she snapped it off, then broke it in half and hurled the pieces away with a disgusted snarl. She walked on, nursing her bitterness towards the tree and all its kind.