Page 99 of Eryx

I slowly inhaled, held the breath, and then released it, sending away the anger with the exhale. I then continued walking.

Axios grazed his fingers along my thigh as he treaded beside me. His presence further eased my mind. I knew in my heart I was no coward. That’s all that mattered.

***

“Again!” I exclaimed, pacing the edge of the field as I watched the boys train.

Demetrius crooked a finger at Cassius, taunting him with a smile. They were eighteen now, and both had grown into strong men. Cassius was still the largest in the herd, but Demetrius wasn’t far behind. They had come far in their training, not only excelling in drills but learning to challenge each other, instead of refusing to fight like they used to.

“Why do you hesitate, Cas?” Demetrius asked, as they moved in slow circles. “Afraid I will throw you to the dirt again?”

Cassius crouched low and gave a menacing smile. His eyes, though, shown with affection for the man before him. “I only allowed it the first time so you wouldn’t suffer such a crippling defeat. Much like how a predator might play with his meal before eating it.”

“Enough chatter,” I said, even though I was amused by their taunts. “Attack or I shall make you both polish all the weapons in the armory.”

Demetrius dove forward, and I saw his defeat before Cassius even touched him. Cassius grabbed the back of Demetrius’ dark hair and slammed him to the ground. He hovered over Demetrius a moment, softly brushing his lips across the other man’s brow before releasing him.

When Demetrius stood, a blush darkened his cheeks. “I allowed you to take me down.”

Cassius grinned, clearly not believing the lie.

After training, Axios waited for me by the fence. His usually cheerful expression was absent. I instantly knew something was amiss.

“Why do you frown?” I asked.

“Phoebidas has sent a messenger,” Axios said, staring at the grass as we walked. “I know not what news he brings. Theon and Quill were visiting the market when they saw the messenger enter the city.”

The army had left for Macedonia nearly a month ago. Perhaps the messenger would tell us news of the battle with Olynthus. I shared this with Axios, and he shrugged before saying I was probably correct.

As we reached the dining hall and joined a group of men standing outside the building, we learned the truth.

While passing through Boeotia, Commander Phoebidas became involved in Theban politics and ordered the army to stop their march on Olynthus. They seized control of the acropolis and took over the city. Because of this, another army needed to be sent to aid the Macedonian king.

“And we are the army?” Axios asked so only I could hear.

I nodded and reached for his hand.

The time of peace was at an end. No longer would we spend our mornings on the field training our youths. No more walks through the city or trips to our stream. When Axios and I embraced at night, it would be as we traveled with the army on campaign.

The gods had blessed us with four years of peace. Years I would forever hold dear to me.

It was time to lock away those memories and prepare for battle.

Chapter Twenty

“Why do you sit alone?” Haden asked, after finding me sitting on the hill overlooking the valley.

“Axios is visiting Leanna,” I responded, not taking my eyes off the grass as it swayed in the wind. “I came here to think.”

“What is it you’re thinking?”

I thought of traveling for battle and how I didn’t know what the fates intended for me and my brothers. Would we all return safely? Yet, I said none of these things.

“We leave at dawn,” Haden said in a grave tone. When I glanced at him, he was looking at the sky. Perhaps he watched the sun’s descent toward the horizon, knowing it would be our last sunset in Sparta for many moons.

“You should be with your family,” I spoke, standing from the grass.

Haden stared at his hands. “Leanna fears for my safety. She has not said this to me, but I see the worry in her eyes.” He heavily sighed and tilted his head back, letting the sun heat his face and chest. “We have often spoken of battle, and now we stand here on the eve of our departure, taking a moment to enjoy the Spartan sun once more.”