There are stranger things here than Thebans know about.

To the death with honor, shoulder to shoulder, and no one gets closer to a Stepson than his partner.

As Seth's apprentice, I've learned wisdom of which you've never dreamed.

Every man heals himself.

"Godling? Demigod?" Lysis nearly howled. "You'd be beaten black and blue in Thebes, and staked out overnight for claims like that. In Sparta, the secret police would ambush you, violate you, skin you alive and use your skull for a drinking cup."

Be polite to all, friendly to none. Be professional. Be ready to kill everyone and everything.

Now the Fates are here on the beach, three shadows blacker than black, walking through the dunes and looking for their own. Just shadows, lamb-white hands beneath black robes spun of tears, glide among the celebrants on this night wherein the spirits of Thebes have found a home, if serendipitously.