Refusing his father’s offer of a guard, and bearing club and sword, Theseus left for Marathon at dawn the next day.
He could have made the journey in one day but wanted to face the bull fully refreshed. The sun was leaving its zenith when he saw a coil of smoke rising in the near distance. He headed towards it.
As he approached, he realised the smoke came from what was little more than a hut. A thin, old woman was feeding a tethered goat. She looked up.
‘Welcome, stranger’
Theseus smiled. ‘Good day, Mother. My name is Theseus. Don’t be afraid. I mean you no harm but would like to have the shelter of your home for the night. Maybe something to eat?’
‘You’re welcome to both, but I fear I’m a poor woman who lives a simple life. I have nothing to offer a fine gentleman such as yourself.’
