- Kassandra: Why did you send me to kill Nikolaos?
- Elpenor: Because I knew you could. Oh, why him? Because he was brilliant. He would have taken Athens in a month, two at most. And Stentor doesn't have the Wolf's genius.
- Kassandra: You wanted to save Athens?
- Elpenor: There's no profit in a quick war.
Kassandra stared at Elpenor in disbelief.
- Elpenor: I know, I know. It's a lot to take in all at once. Come.
The pair walked outside the building.
- Elpenor: Tell me, misthios, did you learn anything worthwhile in your dealings with the Wolf?
- Kassandra: He mentioned my birth father, he might still be alive.
- Elpenor: Not for long, if all goes according to plan.
- Kassandra: What do you mean?
- Elpenor: You're going to bring me his head, of course.
- Kassandra: Have you lost your mind?
- Elpenor: You killed the man who raised you for drachmae. I merely assumed you wanted your family dead as much as I do.
- Kassandra: He mentioned my mother—she still lives.
- Elpenor: Not for long, I'm afraid.
- Kassandra: What are you talking about?
- Elpenor: You're going to bring me her head, of course.
- Kassandra: Are you out of your mind?
- Elpenor: You killed the man who raised you for a sack of coins. I only assumed you wanted your family dead as much as I do.
- Kassandra: I'm done talking. I should kill you where you stand.
- Elpenor: Temper, temper. And they said you'd be different. But blood is blood, I suppose.
- Kassandra: They? What blood?
- Elpenor: You really are more brawn than brains, aren't you? A shame, I could have used you for more of my... errands.
- Kassandra: Malaka! You think you can play with me? I'll cut out your tongue!
Even as she threatened Elepnor, guards already approached wearing ceremonial silver helmets and shields emblazoned with a curious emblem of two fighting snakes.
