Chapter 12At Father’s urging, Aeneas led the column down the slopes. It was slow and awkward because the Trojans needed to carry the wounded on makeshift litters—just canvas tied between spear shafts, but they would do. When at last they reached the foothills, Aeneas stared. The twisting trails all looked the same, and he worried he might lead them into the marshes. He called a brief halt amidst the cedar trees, summoned Gyas and the others.
‘Which way?’
Gyas rolled his eyes. ‘Left, Aeneas. To the left.’
‘If I may, Prince?’ Mnestheos cleared his throat. ‘The people have seen you’re in command now. Perhaps it’d be best to let me head up the column for the time being.’
‘Good,’ said Aeneas. He hoped that his relief didn’t show. ‘I think I’d like to move down the column a bit, talk to the
