"The storm that separated Menelaus and I brewed just off Sunion Point in Attika. We were already on that winedark sea when Phrontis, Menelaus' steerer, doubled over, falling to the deck from a heart-attack. No amount of CPR could revive this vital crew member. We were no where near a herbalist or chiurgeon. Phrontis was one of the finest for steering a ship through high wind and high seas, now gone. Menelaus made for Cape Malea in order to give Phrontis full funereal honours, but was met by a gale.

"This is where my story ends and where begins the news I received later from Menelaus and others associated with their trek. Howling winds drove them toward Krete where they met with a razor edge reef. Vainly they attempted to direct their ships toward Phaistos only to have more than one ship dashed against the rocks. Miraculously they were able to save all of the crew, though not without placing all upon the remaining ships in a precarious position on deck. Hour upon hour they fought the elements, finally they pulled their ships out onto open seas where wind and current carried them to Egypt.

"I suppose since Menelaus had Helen with him, home was really within each other's arms. So they stayed in Egypt for some time making a fortune in trading. When they felt it was time to return to their people and their homeland, they took the leisurely route to Lakedaimon accruing even more wealth. Perhaps you should take heart in their circumstances, for it may be that your mother is likewise detained only to return soon in greater glory. No person else have I known so beloved of the deities and Athena especially."

Telemakhe smiled weakly. "If only. Our home is over-run with suitors who even now are decimating our flocks, our cattle, our stores of grain and wine, and stirring up trouble against myself, Penelepos and Ithaka itself. I'm afraid not even Athena perself could bring Odysseus home where she is most needed, though it be my most shining hope."

Mentor's gray eyes flashed strangely at Telemakhe's comment. He placed a hand on her shoulder and said, "May I remind you Telemakhe that a deity may simply wish a person home and that person may be at Ultima Thule, perhaps even the moon, and they would still appear where bidden. Each person is, nevertheless, allowed to create their own destiny, despite what Fate may bring forward. We cannot always know what tapestry of human being causes a person to take one path over another and so enter into a particular set of events."

"Well said," added Nestor. "Menelaus and Helen are the most recently returned from the wars. I suggest that you go to see them. You may take your own ship or I am more than happy to provide horses, a car and the company of my children to Lakedaimon. Between that couple they will speak wisely and well of what news they may have concerning Odysseus."