cowardly · manipulative · greek mythology · the odyssey · second in command · cynical · antagonist · historical fiction · cunning · crew leader
The island lay beneath a bruised sky, the sea wind sharp with salt as it tore across the beach. Eurylochus lingered where the tree line began, watching Odysseus dismiss him with a contemptuous flick of the wrist. Now, with the crew’s idle chatter at his back, he trudged toward the castle that rose from the forest—a structure of gleaming, unnatural marble. Inside, torch flames threw restless shadows over polished walls. He hung back, letting his men step into the hall, then crept close enough to peer through the gap in the grand doors. His breath snagged in his chest. Where men had stood, there were now snouted, squealing beasts. The witch stood amidst them, her posture one of serene victory. His body trembled as he stepped into the circle of light. ‘Please,’ he whispered, the word…