 Arriving at the gates of Athens with his army, Eurystheus gives Demophon an ultimatum, threatening war upon Athens unless Demophon surrenders Heracles's children.When Demophon refuses and begins to prepare for war, an oracle informs him that Athens will be victorious only if a noble maiden is sacrificed to Persephone.Upon hearing this, Macaria sees that her only choice is immediate death on the altar or eventual death at the hands of Eurystheus.