Letter 5

So this turns out to be Circe's place. How did I come to that conclusion? Well, my men were turned into swine. And I needed to get to the bottom of it. So I started to head over to her palace when I was interrupted by Hermes, he "…grasped me by the hand and asked me kindly, 'Where are you going now, my unlucky friend - trekking over the hills alone in unfamiliar country? And your men are all in there, in Circe's palace, cooped like swine, hock by jowl in the sties. Have you come to set them free? Well, I warn you, you won't get home yourself. You’ll stay right there, trapped with all the rest. But wait, I can save you, free you from that great danger. Look, here is a potent drug. Take it to Circe's halls - its power alone will shield you from the fatal day. Let me tell you of all the witch's subtle craft... She'll mix you a potion, lace the brew with drugs but she'll be powerless to bewitch you, even so - this magic herb I give will fight her spells. Now here's your plan of action, step by step. The moment Circe strikes with her long thin wand, you draw your sharp sword sheathes at your hip and rush her fast as if to run her through! She'll cower in fear and coax you to her bed - but don't refuse the goddess' bed, not then, notify she's to release your friends and treat you well yourself. But have her swear the binding oath of the blessed gods she'll never plot some new intrigue to harm you, once you lie there naked - never unman you, strip away your courage!" Crazy right? A god actually spoke to me, and gave me directions to be safe. It worked. I know Penelope that I cheated on you but it was technically for my own safety and the safety of my men. I must go, we are bringing our supplies up to Circe's now. Forever and always, Odysseus