Page 65 of Eryx

“Our preparation for war began when we were of age seven, Ax. Battle has been our primary focus for as long as I can recall. It is our life and our purpose. If we are not ready now, we will never be.”

King Agesipolis appeared, walking past the citizens with a hardened gaze. A king usually addressed the crowd, yet he turned his back on the people and headed in the other direction. He removed his helmet, exposing his dark curly hair and youthful appearance. I looked at Axios then, and my gut tightened when I saw a certain look in his eyes.

Did he find the king handsome?

“Perhaps he is weary from travel and will offer the announcement at a later time,” Axios said.

I returned my gaze to the king. “Or the elders accompanying him on the campaign instructed him to stay silent.”

Elders traveled with the king during war. They advised him on matters of the state and helped make decisions. All elders were at least age sixty or older, and the little I’d seen of them left a bitter taste on my tongue. They often believed themselves to be above the king and pushed the limits of their judicial power.

King Agesipolis had only come of age a few years ago. The elders probably believed him to be too young and inexperienced to address the people. And there might be another reason for their hesitance as well.

“He is like us,” I said, breaking through the noise of the excited murmurs.

“How do you mean?” Axios asked, scrunching up his face. “Like us in what way?”

“I have heard talk that he prefers men,” I answered, meeting his stunned gaze with an arched brow. “They say that while camped he has men join him in his tent, sometimes two at a time.”

Axios turned his head toward the king, who could barely be seen now.

Paris had told me of the king one night several moons ago. I had accompanied my herd of boys to a dining mess, just as Nikias had done with our group, and Paris had been amongst the men we’d dined with.

We had become engrossed in conversation about the war.

“Belos scoffs when King Agesipolis is mentioned,” Paris said, after swallowing a drink of wine.

“Why? We must respect our king.”

“Aye, but the king is like us.” Paris eyed me carefully. “We all know men take lovers during war, but most men also have a wife and children back home. It’s a Spartan’s duty. King Agesipolis, though? He has refused to take a wife and he flaunts his desires just to spite the men who think poorly of him.”

“You have no wife,” I said then glanced at Galen at his side.

Paris smiled and held up his cup. “And thank the gods for that.”

“Greetings, citizens of Sparta,” a man exclaimed from the center of the square. He stood on a ledge that placed him above everyone gathered around him. By his gray hair and elaborate chiton, I knew he was an elder. “King Agesipolis and his men have returned, yes. The invasion of Argive territory was a success, and the war draws on. Yet, fortune is in our favor. The Persian general, Tiribazus, was restored in his position as satrap and the Persians are turning against the Athenians.”

The people erupted in cheers and claps. It was good news, indeed. The Athenians might’ve won a few battles, but they had no chance of winning the war.

“Your other ruler, King Agesilaus, has traveled to Acarnania for they have sued for peace,” the elder continued once the cheers quieted. “Word has it negotiations are in place for an alliance with Sparta. That is all the news for now.” He adjusted his robes and peered up at the unrelenting sun. I could see the sweat pouring off him even from my distance. “We carry the dead with us. The men who died gave their lives for our home, and for that, they should be celebrated for their sacrifice.”

Without another word, the elder stepped off the ledge and swiftly left the plaza, his robes swishing as he went.

The worried crinkle in Axios’ forehead had smoothed. With the threat of war behind us, he seemed happier. Relieved. I felt no relief at the news. I didn’t wish for us to go to war, yet I didn’t dread it, either. I’d do whatever Sparta needed me to do with no hesitation.

As we left the marketplace and began the trek back to the barracks, I was stopped by Galen. His brown hair was cut short, and when he smiled it reflected in his eyes. Paris wasn’t with him.

“Coming from theagora?” he asked, walking on my other side.

Axios paid no attention to Galen. My raven was lost in his head again.

“Yes,” I answered, wiping a hand across my damp forehead. “Fortunate news about Tiribazus. Perhaps the war will end soon.”

“Perhaps.” Galen bowed his head to me and stepped off the path. I stopped walking and turned to him. “I must be going.” His eyes flickered to Axios before returning to me. “Take care of each other.”

A knowing look gleamed in his eyes. He’d never met Axios, but I had often spoken of him during our meetings. With a smile, Galen walked toward the soldiers’ barracks. Before he was out of sight, I saw Paris step out from behind a tree and grab him. The men laughed before shoving each other.

Axios and I continued on the path, eventually coming upon a group of soldiers with people gathered around them. A young woman wept with joy as she cupped a man’s face. They embraced only a moment before stepping apart. I suspected they’d have a proper reunion once they were alone.