Page 39 of Eryx

“Who is the strongest boy amongst you?” Nikias asked, moving a gaze between each of our faces.

The question seemed simple enough, yet it was meant to trick us. To test our decision-making skills.

“Haden,” Theon answered, clasping his hands together and sitting forward on the log.

“Why?” Nikias asked him.

“He’s the biggest of us. The strongest.”

“Why didn’t you say yourself?” Nikias pressed.

“Because that would be a lie,” Theon answered. “A Spartan needs to know his own strength. If you would have asked who is the fastest among us, I would’ve said myself. I’m quick on my feet and can outrun any boy here.”

“Eryx is the strongest,” Axios interjected, and all eyes shifted to him. “Haden has the brawn, yes, but Eryx has both brawn and intellect. He’s disciplined and unwavering in his ability to strike a man down. The perfect makings of a soldier—a leader.”

My heart soared at not only the flattery in his words but the confidence in his voice as he spoke them.

“I also choose Eryx,” Haden spoke, staring at me over the top of Axios’ head. “I would gladly follow you into battle, my friend, for there is no one I trust more.”

Quill and Melias agreed before the others did the same, nodding their heads in silence. A swell of pride filled my chest as I met each of their stares. They were my brothers. My family.

Nikias peered at me, the flickering flames dancing in his sapphire eyes. “You have the loyalty of your men, Eryx. Do not betray their trust.”

“I won’t.” I’d sooner die than betray them.

Axios pressed his leg to mine, and the heat of his skin warmed mine in turn.

“I asked that question to make you all think,” Nikias said. “As young Theon mentioned, a Spartan must know his strengths but also his weaknesses. It’s the only way to improve. To become better. Our decisions in this life define who we are as men. We must set pride aside and do what’s best for our home, no matter the cost.”

He paused as a group of Spartiates walked past, their armor clanking as they headed toward their quarters. Many men were away from Sparta for the war. The soldiers who remained trained harder than ever and often didn’t reach their beds until late. They could be called to leave for battle at any moment and must be prepared.

“Will you tell us a story?” Quill asked.

“Yes, one about war,” Theon added.

“So you wish to hear, young Spartans, the tale of the mighty three hundred who fought and perished so that you may sit here now and listen to their deeds,” Nikias said, his voice taking on a more engaging tone. He loved telling us stories. “The Persians outnumbered them, and their army loomed for miles. But still, the Spartans blocked the road through the mountains that would prevent Xerxes and his army to pass.”

I leaned forward, hanging onto his every word. Stories of war and Spartan courage greatly appealed to me.

“King Leonidas knew he would not return to Sparta. That he would fall on the battlefield,” Nikias continued. The glow of the fire lit one side of his face, while casting the other in shadow, causing his scar to appear even harsher and distorting his features.

“How did he know?” Quill asked.

“It is said he consulted the Oracle at Delphi before departing to meet the Persian army. She gave him a prophecy. A warning of events to come.” Nikias paused and moved his gaze among us. “Sparta would be conquered and demolished… unless one of her kings sacrificed himself to save her.”

Father had first told me the story of the battle at Thermopylae. As he’d spoken of the courageous Spartans who’d fought and died that day, refusing to surrender even when they knew the battle to be lost, I understood what it meant to be a Spartan. You had to be strong, intelligent, and brave. Our bodies might be beaten, but our spirit would never die.

Return with your shield… or on it.

“There were not just Spartans who fought bravely and perished,” Axios said, pulling me from my musings. “Three hundred Spartans, yes, but Thebans and Thespians fought as well. After Ephialtes betrayed the Greeks, King Leonidas held a council meeting and dismissed the army. He gave them a choice: to flee or fight. Many retreated, but some stayed behind as not to let the Spartans die alone. They should be honored as well.”

I’d forgotten that part of the story. Leave it to Axios to be the one to remember. He loved Sparta, I knew he did, but he believed us to be equals to every man. Spartans, Athenians, Corinthians, helots; he saw no difference.

Axios dropped his gaze to the dirt when everyone looked at him.

“You are correct,” Nikias said with a smile. Axios met his stare, shocked, as if he’d worried he’d be shunned for speaking his mind. “Every man who stayed behind knew death was inescapable, but they did so anyway. Why do you believe that is?”

“The Oracle’s warning,” Theon answered, tossing a stick into the fire. “King Leonidas knew a king must sacrifice his own life to save Sparta.”