Chapter Six: The Pact of the River
Chorus:
Rivers carve the land and the fate of cities. Tonight, Thebes stands at the water's edge, where old promises meet new challenges. The Pact of the River will test loyalties, forge alliances, and remind all that peace is a fragile current, ever flowing and shifting—like a goat on a slippery rock.
Thebes, twilight. The city's riverbank is alive with lanterns, their soft glow reflecting on the water's surface like a thousand fireflies having a very polite disco. Boats bob gently, creaking and groaning as if they're complaining about all the excitement. A wooden platform, hastily constructed but surprisingly sturdy, has been erected for the summit between Thebes's leaders and the caravan's representatives.
Antheia, Jocasta, Echo, and Agent Gray prepare to meet the caravan's leader and her council. Antheia's cloak flutters dramatically in the breeze, which she suspects is mostly for effect. Jocasta, regal as ever, looks like she's ready to negotiate peace or at least a better deal on olives. Echo is busy juggling a handful of scrolls and an oddly shaped fruit she's been told is "very important." Agent Gray is nervously adjusting his spectacles, muttering something about "protocols" and "not tripping on the platform."
Caravan Leader (arriving with a flourish, cloak shimmering like a peacock who just discovered glitter):
The river flows between us, but it need not divide us.
Let us find common ground on its banks—or at least a good spot for a picnic.
Jocasta (smiling politely, but with the hint of a raised eyebrow):
Thebes seeks peace and partnership.
May our words be as clear as the water—and less slippery than this platform.
Scene One: The Summit Begins (And Someone Almost Falls In)
The two groups gather on the platform, which creaks ominously under the weight of expectations—and several curious goats who have wandered in, apparently mistaking the summit for a snack buffet.
Discussions begin with formal greetings and the exchange of gifts—woven fabrics that shimmer like the river at dawn, pottery painted with scenes of distant lands, and jars of honey that look suspiciously like they might be enchanted (or just very sticky).
Antheia steps forward, clearing her throat dramatically.
Antheia:
Our city is open, but our hearts are cautious.
We seek a pact that honors both our histories and our futures—and preferably doesn't involve anyone falling into the river.
The caravan's leader chuckles, a sound like bells on a breeze.
Caravan Leader:
We come not to conquer, but to coexist.
To share the river's bounty, and guard its flow.
Also, we promise to keep the goats away from the important documents.
Agent Gray, clutching his notebook like a life raft, whispers to Jocasta.
Gray:
Should we have a contingency plan for goat-related incidents?
Jocasta (deadpan):
Only if they start demanding a seat at the council.
Scene Two: Negotiations and Tensions (With Extra Olive Oil)
As talks progress, tensions surface like bubbles in a pot of boiling olive oil. Thebes demands fair trade rights and protection for its farmers. The caravan insists on safe passage and respect for their customs. Somewhere in the middle, a baker proposes a toast—literally, with bread.
A council member from Thebes, who has been suspiciously quiet until now, clears his throat.
Council Member:
How do we know you will honor this pact?
What if you sneak in extra spices or—worse—different kinds of olives?
Caravan Leader (grinning):
As the river changes course, so do we adapt.
But breaking a pact is like damming a river—it harms all.
Plus, we're very particular about our olives. No funny business.
Antheia steps in, waving a hand like a conductor calming an orchestra.
Antheia:
Let us build a pact not on fear, but on trust and mutual respect.
And maybe a shared recipe or two.
The crowd murmurs, some nodding, others eyeing the olives suspiciously.
Scene Three: The Oath (And the Unexpected Splash)
The leaders stand together, hands joined over a bowl of river water. The moment is solemn, until a sudden splash interrupts—the platform wobbles, and a goat, apparently offended by the seriousness, jumps into the river with a loud bleat.
Jocasta (trying not to laugh):
By this water, we pledge to protect and prosper together.
And to keep goats out of the river.
Caravan Leader (wiping water from her cloak):
By this water, we promise peace and partnership.
And to provide goat-watching services at all future meetings.
The crowd bursts into laughter and applause. Even Agent Gray cracks a smile, though he's still making notes about "goat interference protocols."
Scene Four: Celebration and Reflection (With Dancing and Spilled Wine)
Lanterns float on the river, carrying hopes and prayers—and one unfortunate bottle of wine that tips over, creating a small red river of its own. Music fills the air as Thebes and the caravan share food, dance, and stories.
Echo whispers to Antheia as they watch a particularly enthusiastic dancer nearly trip over a stray goat.
Echo:
Do you think this pact will hold?
Antheia (smiling, eyes on the river):
Rivers change, but they also endure.
So must we.
And maybe we should assign someone to goat patrol.
Gray (overhearing):
I volunteer.
With a whistle.
Scene Five: The Morning After (And the Aftermath of the Goat Incident)
The next day, the riverbank is quieter, but the memory of the night lingers. The pact is sealed, the alliances forged, and the goats… well, they're still around, but now with honorary titles and surprisingly good table manners.
Jocasta convenes the council.
Jocasta:
The Pact of the River is more than words—
It is a current of hope,
Flowing between hearts and histories,
Binding Thebes to its future.
And a reminder that sometimes, you have to expect the unexpected.
Antheia nods, looking out over the river.
Antheia:
We've made a start.
Now, we keep the river flowing—and the goats at bay.
Chorus (closing):
The river runs deep,
The city is alive,
And Thebes is ready—
For peace, for partnership,
And for whatever comes next.
End of Episode 6.