Page 148 of Eryx

Two fortnights had passed since the battle, and while Axios had healed nicely, the wound still caused him discomfort if he moved around too much.

“I am not a babe, Ery,” he said, sighing. “Your incessant fussing over my health is unnecessary.”

Meeting his gaze, I felt a pang of hurt in my chest. Perhaps Iwastoo overbearing.

I hooked the clasp on my cloak before kneeling to tighten the straps on my sandals. Normally I wouldn’t bother with them but I wished to look presentable for the meeting.

Word had spread through camp of how I’d taken charge during the battle after the commanders had been killed, and once it had reached the ears of the senior officers and the new commander, I had been promoted toenomotarch.As a first rank officer, I would now command my own unit of thirty Spartans.

“One day you will not only be a skilled warrior, but you shall lead them. Mark my words.”Belos had spoken the truth all those years ago at the dining mess. And I couldn’t have been more honored to hold such a title.

“I will return later this evening,” I said, turning away from him.

“Ery.” He snatched hold of my wrist. “My heart belongs to you, you stubborn, overprotective man.”

I softly smiled. “As does mine to you.”

I left his side and walked across camp to the tent where all the officers were gathered to discuss the status of the war.

A week ago, we’d received news of a Spartan naval defeat at Alyzeia. The fleet had been transporting an army across the Corinthian Gulf into Boeotia, in an attempt to avoid the land route which had proven unsuccessful in past campaigns. The Athenians had then raised a fleet of over sixty ships and stopped the Spartan advance.

Entering the tent, I was greeted by the officers, and we nodded in mutual respect. Discussions then began of the war and more news was brought to light.

Soon after the defeat at Alyzeia, the Spartans responded by sending another fleet under the command of Nicolochus. The second attack did significant damage to the Athenians but did nothing to further the advance into Boeotia.

“All sides are willing to negotiate peace,” one of the senior officers said. “The war efforts have gone on for far too long.”

The thought of peace brought out conflicting emotions in me. We’d been at war for six years, with our side only weakening with each battle. A treaty would put an end to it all. Then again, I would never forgive Thebes or Athens.

The meeting went late into the night before the commander dismissed us. As I walked through camp, I breathed in the scent of wood burning in the fire, mixed with the smell of the lake. Stars lit the sky, and I stopped near the water’s edge to peer up at them.

Was Theon among them now?

A tear slipped from my eye before I composed myself. Tears would not bring him back, neither would becoming lost in my grief.

Axios was lying on his back when I returned to our bed. Careful not to touch his wound, I slipped my arm around him and cuddled against his side. He stirred and draped his arm over me.

“Did I wake you?” I asked.

“No. I was not yet sleeping.”

“Good.” I caressed his jaw, enjoying the slight prickle of hair beneath my fingers. “I apologize for coming in so late. We had many things to discuss. The cities are speaking of peace, or at least a temporary ceasefire. We might be returning home soon if it is agreed upon.”

“Peace?” Axios said with a growl. His eyes narrowed. “I do not wish for peace. I wish for the filth that killed Theon to pay with their lives. I want to crush them, Ery. Make them bleed and beg for our mercy. A mercy I will give them by slashing my sword across their throats.”

I froze in disbelief. The words he spoke were not like the Axios I knew.

“I was not expecting such a thing from you,” I said, not recognizing the eyes staring back at me. “Where is the man who hated war and only fought because his state asked it of him? The one who hated violence?”

His jaw clenched. “He died when they killed my brother.”

An ache pierced my chest.

“I share your thoughts and wish for all of them to suffer horrendous deaths, but if we do not make peace, more men will die,” I said, grabbing his hand. “The Thebans are not the weak force they used to be. The Sacred Band is gradually taking control and building the morale of our enemies and their allies. If there is a chance for peace, we shall take it.”

“Quill will not leave Orchomenus,” Axios said, threading his fingers through my hair.

He didn’t need to explain, for I had already expected as much. Theon was buried here… and Quill wouldn’t leave him.