Chapter 26Moonbeams shot through the clouds as Aeneas slipped from his tent. He had dismissed the others to give himself time to prepare. After an hour, he realised that no amount of pacing or ruminating would help, so he strapped on his armour, made certain the baldric was taut against his chest, and buckled on his sword. He considered for a moment and then tied his coin pouch to a leather cord around his neck. It never hurt to be prepared. Then he donned his old patched cloak and pulled the hood up. The night was bitter and he had no wish to be recognised. Aeneas ensured the hood covered his face. The Trojans could not know that he was leaving, for it would break them. Julos, Gyas, and Mnestheos had agreed to tell the Trojans that Aeneas was in his tent, calling upon the gods to grant th
