Entering the feasting hall, he caught sight of Hero. Though he was still suspicious of her, she was the only person who might be able to help him. There were a few servants clearing things away in the room, otherwise the place was empty. She was conversing with one of the boy servants; when Tisamenos neared, the boy bowed and scuttled away. Hero looked up haughtily and met his gaze full on.

‘I need to talk to you. Somewhere private.’ Tisamenos spoke out of the side of his mouth. He wanted to ask her about Erigone, about the three beasts. But then Hero didn’t always see things clearly.

‘Better here, my princeling. You can explain to anyone why you’re here. Better than lurking in some hidden storeroom.’

This was his house, his hall. And she was telling him what to do. ‘And you?’

‘Making sure the servants are fulfilling their duties, of course. Don’t look as if you’re saying anything to me other than a friendly enquiry.’

He would play along with her for now. Tisamenos put his hands on his hips and let out a laugh, as if Hero had just said something funny.

‘Good. Now speak, and quickly.’

‘There is a tunic. An ointment. Erigone means harm.’

Hero pursed her lips. ‘To Orestes?’

Tisamenos nodded. Hero flashed a look of enquiry. ‘I did not realise she would act so quickly. I have seen nothing about her in my visions.’

‘She’s been waiting all her life,’ he replied, reaching forwards and gripping her arm. The doors swung open, and a group of maids spilled in and began mopping the floors. One of the men servants, following, called out a joke, and they all laughed.

‘It’s dangerous. You must move carefully.’

‘I will accuse her.’ Tisamenos released her arm. A swill of water touched his sandaled foot. ‘And I hear Pylades won the wrestling,’ he exclaimed, as a bent-over maid determinedly swept from side to side.

‘You have to wait. Wait until you can catch her in the act.’

‘What if I’m too late?’

‘Be on your guard.’

One of Erigone’s ladies entered the hall.

‘I must go to the palaestra,’ Tisamenos said loudly. ‘I have some training.’ Hero bowed, a slightly mocking light in her eyes. Tisamenos returned it with a curt nod, and made a deeper courtesy to Erigone’s lady, who smiled thinly, before proceeding into the corridors.

Returning to his chambers, he felt a sense of prickling unease which did not leave him. The kinghouse steward glared at him as he passed him in the hallway. When he called to his father’s Spartan hunting dog, it merely slobbered and turned away. That group of ladies, sorting through linens – why were they giggling as he went by? He thought he heard his name.