Odysseus finally whispered. “The sun has been down for a good while. It’s time to spring our attack!” Tom marvelled that the Trojans had not discovered the Greek soldiers, hidden away in the belly of the horse. But judging by the shouting and singing that had been going on outside for hours, the Trojans had been too busy celebrating the Greeks’ departure to hear Odysseus’s constant sneezing. Now though, the sound of merriment had faded. The Greek soldiers shifted about in the blackness. They grunted and groaned. Pins and needles jabbed at Tom, as the life started to flow slowly back into his arms and legs. “On the count of three, pull the trapdoor up!” Odysseus said quietly. “One… ACHOOO… two!” Tom’s heart started to gallop. There was a rattle as the soldiers round him gathered up their weapons. Tom found himself wishing that he and Isis had swords of their own. “Three!” In almost perfect silence, the trapdoor was lifted up. Cool night air and the salty smell of the sea wafted up into the crowded wooden horse.
