Where Stars Touch Reality: A Collection of Short Stories

The Land of Warriors

This is an addition to Homer's The Odyssey told through both prose and verse. It was an English project that I'm really proud of. Please enjoy.

Odysseus and his men conquered the cyclops, but the angry winds of Poseidon blew them towards the land of the Laestrygones. The monstrous beasts sunk half the fleet, while Odysseus crew and the other ships made a daring escape, leaving their comrades behind to be devoured. The shaken souls then fled up a nearby river into the heart of Sparta, the land of warriors.

Now I, knowing how scared be those men,

Traveled deep into the lions den.

For frightful crows be not my crew,

And the riches of cities, all soldiers knew.

We passed through stone arches of Hell,

Claiming This be not where warriors fell.

Their golden armor blinded our eyes

Their majesties were their disguise.

Their women bundled up in cloth,

Turned fearful hurry into sloth.

We preyed upon their widowed wives

Until great knights came beckoning why.

You dare to feast upon the sorrowed bride,

Of the mightiest warriors on this riverside.

Had foolish men been wise, they would have run.

But where in that would be the fun.

And at the beckoning of my men, in beer.

I dared to challenge my titled peer.

Id feel remorse had that been true.

But there are some mightier than you.

These few souls who conquered lovely Troy

Are not blind to your childish ploys

And while we rarely contest ignorance

You ought not to claim that youre the best.

He finished his brandy fore he laughed.

You fools desire to see my wrath.

As if you could face the Spartan Lord

Much less his weakest man of war.

Ares and Apollo ride by our side.

And we know not of these ludicrous lies.

And though my companions urged me to stop;

How could I, they insulted men left out to rot.

Treated us as if we were children at play,

Rather than knights whod seen many a day.

I said, My weakest men bread from these seas,

Would bring your champion to his knees.

Unless you think your men are worth their salt

Youd better stop, youd better halt.

For infants know not when theyre weak

But Spartans, we are never meek.

Youve interrupted our festival long enough:

Now apologize or watch us call your bluff.

Apologize! Why ever would I dare?

Our men are very tough, so be prepared.