Loyalty must be forged - to him, to his: stronger than iron, from experience, from risk - it can't be bought, or taught, or promised before the fact. Allegiance must be earned so it will hold, win or lose.

What is needed is never to be had without price.

War's balance will prevail.

All gods are tricksters, and war gods worst of any.

Gods have bloody hands.

"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."

If, as Niko asks, you show them mercy, then the gods will be well pleased.