Page 30 of Eryx

I believed him. Not because of arrogance but rather my strength of character. Leading men into battle was my goal in this life.

“You asked of Tiribazus,” Belos continued, after taking a drink from his goblet. “He is a general of Persia and seems a reasonable man. Antalcidas hopes to negotiate peace with him to end the war. Persians are scum. All of them. But if we are to ever end the bloodshed, peace is necessary. We have shown we’re the dominating power in Greece, and now more than ever, Sparta needs success in forging soldiers who carry on the legacy so many men have died to attain.”

Two helots entered the dining hall then, carrying platters of food. Both were clothed in animal skins and one wore a leather cap. They kept their gazes down and quietly placed bowls in front of us.

Axios smiled at one of them, showing his gratitude for the meal. The helot seemed surprised, but then he returned the action and stepped backward. Although I showed no outward signs of it, I inwardly screamed at my friend.

How could he be so foolish?

I wasn’t the only one who’d witnessed it. The other men had, too, and they stared at Axios as if he was a rare creature they wished to poke and prod.

“Axios. Eat,” I whispered. “The men are watching you.”

My friend glanced up and beheld the gaze of the glaring soldiers.

“Something the matter with the food, boy?” Belos asked him in a low growl.

“No, sir,” Axios answered, before grabbing his bowl and sipping the broth. He hid his disgust well.

Black broth was known for being bitter. The dish was composed of vinegar and salt-seasoned pork that had been cooked in blood. Visitors of Sparta were often repulsed by it and asked how we tolerated the taste.

Another helot came to fill our goblets with wine. Axios studied the glass and seemed eager to try it, but he remained still until we were given permission.

“Drink,” Belos said.

Amused by my friend’s eagerness, I watched him sip the wine before I took a drink of my own. It was mildly sweet, not too bitter, and the flavor exploded on my tongue. The strength of the wine kept me from drinking too fast, though. Only a fool would become inebriated so quickly.

I suppose Quill was that fool. He grabbed his goblet with both hands and gulped it. If he was Haden’s size, the wine might not have affected him so strongly. But he was the smallest of us. The cup was nearly drained when he set it back on the table. With glassy brown eyes, he grinned at Axios, then at me, before hiccupping.

“You,” Belos exclaimed, pointing to Quill. “To your feet!”

Quill jolted at the command and swiftly jumped up from the table. He crashed to the floor before righting himself, swaying as he fought to stay upright.

“Show them what happens to men who drink to excess.” Belos nodded to Nikias.

I wanted to help him, but I knew there was not a thing I could do. He’d erred and had to be taught a lesson.

Disappointment shone in Nikias’ eyes as he stood and approached Quill. Our teacher had become close to all of us and I knew he’d rather take a beating himself than be the one to hurt Quill. He grabbed Quill’s tunic and flung him to the floor.

With potent wine altering his mind, Quill’s movements were clumsy as he tried to stand. Right when he got to his feet, Nikias knocked him back down.

“When drink takes hold, it takes over your every action,” Nikias said, kicking Quill in the side. “Your body battles your mind. Men who inebriate themselves lose control, and it does not matter how skilled they are.”

While being kicked, Quill didn’t cry out in pain. Years of training had taught him well. He grumbled a little as he stood, and then he lurched forward and vomited.

Nikias jumped out of the way of the mess. “Pathetic. Take your seat at the table.”

Shaking, Quill wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and sat beside Axios.

“Lesson learned,” Belos said, giving a hard stare to the rest of us. “If you are to drink, do so in moderation. A clouded mind leads to death. Only fools drink themselves into a stupor. Are you fools?”

We shook our heads.

The helot from earlier came back to retrieve our bowls. I paid little attention to him as he took mine. While I never went out of my way to be cruel to the slaves, I didn’t hold the same compassion for them as Axios did.

Just like he’d done earlier, Axios made eye contact with the helot and nodded his thanks. Why must he be so difficult? Slaves were beneath us.

The helot hesitantly smiled at my friend. He’d probably known nothing but harshness from other Spartans and didn’t know what to think of Axios. By the gods, I didn’t know what to think of him, either.