Page 60 of Eryx

“Being a warrior is more than knowing how to swing a sword or throw a spear,” Felix addressed the youths, ignoring Gaius’ dagger-like glares. “Self-reliance and survival, knowledge of battle strategy, strength of character, and fortitude are just as vital. Some men are born to follow.” His dark eyes shifted to me. “And some men are born to lead.”

Axios regarded me and scooted closer, the action so small I doubted anyone else noticed.

“Some of you will have the honor of training these youths,” Felix continued, surveying the men in line around me. “To teach them what you’ve learned in theagogeand to show them what it means to be a Spartan. Consider it the final phase in your own training.”

The words excited me. Nikias had been assigned our instructor before he’d completed his training, and I was eager to teach the youths just as he had taught me. He’d joined asyssitionof his own two years ago and was currently on campaign with King Agesipolis. Axios often worried over him, but I told him Nikias was strong and would return safely.

“Eryx, Haden, and Melias. Step forward.” Felix waited for us to obey before continuing, “Each of you will be assigned a group ofephebes. Teach them as you were taught. Instill in their bodies and minds the values of being a Spartan. The three of you have proved yourselves worthy of such an assignment, and I trust you’ll make Sparta proud.”

Gaius divided the youths into three groups and told us which group was ours. Haden’s group looked terrified as he approached them. I suppressed a smile. The boys didn’t yet know that Haden was a major oaf and would probably go easy on them.

I, however, fully intended to show no mercy. Cruelty wasn’t in my blood. I would never harm the boys more than what I knew they could handle. But I would push them hard, just as I was pushed at their age.

“You will begin training your herds on the morrow,” Felix said. “That’s enough for today.”

From across the arena, I met Axios’ gaze. His name hadn’t been called, which meant he’d continue training under Felix and Gaius during the times I trained my herd. Not once in our eight years together had we been separated this way.

Fear tried to take root in my gut, but I shoved it away.

Axios might not be with me during training, but I’d still see him each morning and sleep by his side each night. We’d still be together, even if we saw each other less. Our connection was too great to be severed; therefore, I carried no doubts about us.

Chapter Twelve

A fortnight had passed since the day I was given my role as an instructor for the youths. There were days when I still practiced with Axios in the arena to keep up my strength, but I spent most of my time in a smaller arena, teaching theephebesthe basics of combat.

“Again,” I ordered, after a boy called Balen tackled the other boy and pinned him to the ground. “One victory means nothing. You must always search for ways to grow and sharpen your skills.”

Balen released Demetrius and they stood before facing each other and starting again. Demetrius had small shoulders and a slender frame, reminding me of Quill. And, also like Quill, he was quick, which helped him against the bigger youth. But it didn’t help him enough. Balen charged forward and knocked him to the dirt for the second time.

“Demetrius,” I said, motioning him over. With a defeated set to his small shoulders, he walked over. I spoke so only he could hear. “Listen to me. As I told Balen, one victory means nothing. The same goes for defeat. Just because you are knocked down once, twice, does not mean you will stay down forever. This is why you must hold your head high and try again and again. Never surrender.”

“He is stronger than me,” Demetrius whispered, wiping sweat from his brow.

“Because his body is larger?” I asked. “The size of a man has no bearing on his strength. I’ve seen men twice my size cower like babes. The real strength is here.” I bumped his chest with my fist. “Now get back in line and remember what I told you.”

He nodded and dashed over to the other boys.

Disappointment flared inside me when I glanced toward the edge of the arena and found it vacant. When Axios wasn’t training with Felix, he sometimes stood and watched me instruct the youths. I’d come to enjoy his visits and caught myself searching for him throughout the day, only to find him gone. He must’ve had another matter to attend to.

“Cassius!” I spun on my heels and spotted him standing beside Demetrius. “Come here.”

Cassius smiled and ran forward. His golden hair stood out amongst the sea of dark, and I wondered if that was how Axios viewed me. I’d always been the only light-haired man in our herd too.

“Yes, sir?”

“Try to knock me to the dirt,” I said, staring down at him.

His exuberant smile faltered as he nodded. I saw his fear, yet he didn’t let it rule him. No matter the odds, a Spartan fought with everything he had. I expected no less from my youths.

Cassius dove toward me, and I stepped out of the way. He regained his balance after nearly falling and attacked again. Dodging him was easy, and I knew he wouldn’t succeed in the task. But that wasn’t why I’d asked it of him. I wanted to see his manner of attack so I’d be able to instruct him properly.

In my time with the boys, I had taught them the basics, but I was still learning their quirks. Still learning what type of fighters they were.

When he charged at me again, I pushed on his head and sent him to the dirt. He snarled and jumped back up, ready to pounce. I swung a leg and tripped him, sending him right back down. His fighting style, I’d discovered, was to rely too much on his size. He was the biggest boy in the herd, and his arrogance at the fact caused him to act without thinking.

“Enough,” I said, after dodging another failed attack. Dirt covered his legs, torso, and arms, and blood dripped from his lip where I’d elbowed him in the face. “Go wash and prepare for evening meal.”

Cassius hung his head as he turned to leave.