Book 9

Salvete familia quod amicitia,

Odysseus is getting on my last nerve! He's always trying to push me around tell us what to do. He thinks he knows whats best but all of his "genious ideas" always backfire. Once we left Troy, Odysseus, the men and I landed near the island Ismarus. The Cicones inhabit the island, and they are allies of the Trojans, making them enemies of Odysseus. Instead of swallowing his pride and moving on Odysseus forced us to raid and kill the people of this island. In the long run, seventy two of our men were killed and the rest of us were driven out to sea. We then had to battle a storm for two days before we could continue our journey.

We found the land of the Cyclopes, and across the bay from their we discovered a lush, deserted island. For the next couple days we enjoyed ourselves, feasting on wild goat and wine. The men and I were content with moving on; but of course odysseus, "our great leader" made us go investigate the Cyclopes mainland. As we walked into the Cyclopes cave they were no where to be found. We assumed they were out in the fields, however to did find food. But the Cyclopes returned sooner then we expected and we had to hide. He soon discovered us and after lying about our identities the Cyclopes quickly ate two of our men. They did not show any hispitality, instead they insulted us and kept us captive, locked inside the cave by a rock.

The next morning, after a few more of our men were made into breakfast, Odyseus devised a plan to escape. We got the Cyclopes drunk, and once he was stumbling around, Odysseus stabbed him in the eye. He then ran outside, looking for help, but we had tricked him about our name, so his fellow Cyclopses thought he was fine. To escape the cave we strapped ourselves under the bellies of sheep and rode out of the opening. Once in the field, we detatched from the sheep and ran to the ship. Odysseus may look like a hero, but this whole situation is really his fault. Although he was quick to think, he didn't save any lives, he merely fixed what he had destroyed.

I'll write as soon as possible, wish me luck with Odysseus.

Valete, Aristra Astra