The journey could have been shorter if they traveled by the Ionian Sea, but it was impossible for Arete to return to Syracuse. They had no choice but to journey through the vast expanse of land. Through Brentesion, they then took a shorter sea route to Apollonia. After reaching the other side of the land, they embarked on yet another week-long journey before they reach their destination.
By the time they arrived at Thebes, Aethon was exhausted. Even though it was a noble steed, it was specifically breed for war, not for distance travel. Arete lifted a gold medallion with the symbol of a Boeotian shield in front of the city-gate. That was one of the three items in the pouch which Chlorus passed to her on the day they escaped. A letter written by Lord Amiran, that medallion, and an unknown
