After beaching their bireme the heroes quickly proceed up short cliffs to the hinterland where they accost a shepherd and con the poor boy out of a goat. Remembering it is the proper time for the Holy Olympiad and spying local athletes in a long distance race Philomenes eagerly joins in. He sprints ahead of them first to enter the city of Argos. The remaining heroes arrive sometime later slowly herding their ill-gotten goat.

The party quickly learns that Moloch is the foul "god" worshiped by the barbarous Phoenicians. Meanwhile, Aeschalus fails to convince the Argosian Senate that they are great citizens of Greece deserving of free lodging and provisions. Although, after hearing they intend to assault the Phoenician outpost the militia commander offers a company of ill-trained Hoplites to the band.

Leaving the City of Argos with no fanfare the heroes sett off across the mountainous interior of Argos. Where they are soon beset by thunderous rain and wind storms lasting nearly two days. If it wasn't for the strength of Mydon and bullhearted Drusus the group and their hoplite allies might have met ignominious ends.

Finally reaching the great fissure that cuts through the central mountains called Harpy Gorge they make their first dry camp in a small cave. Providing the easiest route to the hated Phoenicians and supposedly their False Oracle of Moloch the heroes have little choice but risk the ire of eagle feathered hags. Three such monsters wing from the canyon walls to make nice breakfasts of these Grecians. But through reluctant teamwork and excellent tactics with divine blessed bow, spear, and sword the Harpies, Hekate, Nysa, Eos, taste naught but their own blood.