David Gemmell - Lord of the Silver Bow

The Mykene were waiting to die, surrounded by a furious enemy. And yet two men were embracing and laughing. The Trojans continued to shout Hektor’s name.

The golden-haired warrior raised his arms, acknowledging their tribute, then swung back to stare with cold eyes at the surviving Mykene.

‘I don’t see Argurios,’ said Banokles. ‘That’s a small blessing. Wouldn’t want both him and the Man Killer against me.’

‘Kolanos shot him with an arrow.’

‘Damn! No way for a great man to go down.’

‘May Zeus hear that and curse Kolanos for it,’ replied Kalliades, in a low voice. ‘Maybe Argurios will wait for us on the dark road, and we’ll journey together.’

‘I’d like that,’ said Banokles.

The voice of Kolanos called out, ‘Priam King, may we speak under a truce?’

The king stepped back from his son, and stared hard at the general. Then he gestured him to come forward. Kolanos eased himself through the front rank and walked through the Trojan line.

‘If he can talk us out of this I’ll kiss the man,’ said Banokles.

‘Your lips would turn black,’ muttered Kalliades.

Helikaon watched the hated Mykene walk from the shield wall. His hand gripped his sword hilt more tightly, and he fought to control the rage swelling within him. This man had tortured Zidantas, murdered young Diomedes, and had now killed Argurios. Every instinct in Helikaon urged him to step out and slash his head from his shoulders.

Yet he had asked for a truce, and it had been granted. Honour demanded he should be allowed to speak. After that I will kill you, thought Helikaon.

Kolanos approached the king, and offered a bow. ‘Your men have fought well, Priam King,’ he said.

‘You have no time for idle chatter,’ replied the king. ‘Speak – and then return to your men and prepare to die.’

‘I will speak. A wise man knows when his luck is played out,’ answered Kolanos, keeping his voice low. ‘We can no longer win. The Fates were against us. We can, on the other hand, kill perhaps another hundred of you. I can prevent that. I can also offer my services to Troy, Priam King.’

Priam stood silently, observing the Mykene. ‘How can you prevent your men fighting?’ he asked at last. ‘They know they are doomed.’

‘I can tell them you have agreed to let them go – if they surrender their weapons. Once disarmed you can kill them at little cost to yourself.’

‘A noble act,’ said Priam, with a sneer.

‘They are – as you say – doomed anyway. At least this way no more Trojans will die.’

‘And you will live.’

‘Indeed. I can be of great use to you. I know all of Agamemnon’s plans for these eastern lands. I know where he intends to strike, and what kings he has won over to his cause. I know the names of all of Prince Agathon’s allies in Troy, whom he was to promote, and whom he was to draw into his inner circle.’

‘Valuable information indeed,’ said Priam.

‘Do I have your word that my life will be spared?’

‘You have my guarantee that not a single Trojan will raise a weapon against you.’

‘How about Dardanians?’ asked Kolanos, flicking a glance at Helikaon.

‘No-one who fights for me will harm you,’ promised Priam.

‘No!’ said Helikaon. ‘I will not be bound by this promise. The man is a snake, and deserves death.’

‘In my palace you will obey me, Aeneas,’ snapped Priam. ‘Your feud with Kolanos can wait. I’ll not lose a hundred more brave men for the sake of your vengeance.

Do I have your word on this – or do I need to have you restrained?’

Helikaon looked into Kolanos’ pale eyes, and saw him grin. It was too much to bear. His sword came up. Priam stepped between them. Two Eagles grabbed Helikaon’s arms. Priam moved in close. ‘You have fought well for me, Aeneas, and I am grateful. Do not allow your rage to ruin everything. Look around you. There are young soldiers here who could be dead or crippled in the next few moments.

These young men have wives and families, or sweethearts, or babes. They do not need to die to feed your revenge.’

Helikaon relaxed. ‘In your palace tonight I will not kill him. That is all I will promise.’

‘That is good enough,’ said Priam. ‘Release him.’ Helikaon sheathed his sword.

Turning back to the Mykene Priam said,’Very well, Kolanos. Have your men surrender their weapons.’

Kolanos bowed and returned to his men. There was some discord when he told them they were to be disarmed. Helikaon saw a young man with a wound to his face urging the soldiers to refuse the order. Kolanos calmly assured them that the weapons would be returned to them at the beach, before they boarded their ships.

Helikaon could see that many of the warriors did not like this turn of events.

Their faces showed their indecision. These were fighting men, who did not give up their weapons lightly. Yet here was their general, praising their bravery, and offering them life. It seemed too good an offer to refuse.

Trojan soldiers moved in among the Mykene, removing shields, spears, swords and helms. Finally even the breastplates were unbuckled, and all the weapons laid at the centre of the megaron in a huge pile. Stripped of their armour the Mykene were no longer terrifying, merely a group of young men, awaiting their fate.

Kolanos returned to stand alongside Priam.

The king called out an order, and the Trojans surrounding the Mykene levelled their lances. Realization hit the Mykene then. There was to be no release, and now, disarmed, they were to be slaughtered. Then Priam stepped forward.

‘Men of Mykene,’ he said coldly, ‘I am Priam King of Troy, and I hate you all with a depth of loathing you could not begin to imagine. My daughter Laodike lies dead in the queen’s apartments. Many of my friends and loyal counsellors walked the dark road tonight. Now your general has sold you to die, defenceless like sheep. To gain his own freedom he has betrayed you all.’ Priam swung to Kolanos. ‘You have any last words for your men?’

Kolanos shook his head.

Priam gazed at the grim, defiant faces of the Mykene. ‘Now understand me. I would rejoice to see your bodies slashed, your throats open, your blood spurting. It would gladden my heart to hear your screams. Instead I am going to allow you to walk to your ships. I will return your weapons, and you will live.’

Helikaon saw the shock on their faces. ‘Aye, you heard me right,’ continued Priam, anger causing his voice to tremble. ‘I will tell you why you are spared.

A great man died here tonight, and, as he was dying, I asked him if there was anything I could do for him, or his family. He said he had no family, but that if he had the strength he would walk down to this megaron and rescue you. For you were his comrades. Yes, you know of whom I speak. Argurios wanted you to live. Now, make no mistake, I want you to die. The king of Troy wants you to die. But this is the Night of Argurios. On this night he is greater than kings.

So you live.’

A silence fell, and Priam turned and pointed at Kolanos. ‘Bind him!’ he ordered.

Soldiers leapt on the Mykene general, pinning his arms behind him.

‘I had your promise!’ shouted Kolanos.

‘Yes, you did, and I will keep it. Not a Trojan will lay a hand on you. You betrayed these brave men, and you offered to betray your king. Yes, Kolanos, I would love to know the plans of Agamemnon. However, as I said, this is the Night of Argurios. I think he would like you to travel back with your men. Perhaps they will keep you alive to explain yourself to your king. Perhaps not.’ Priam strode through the Trojan lines until he stood directly before the Mykene. ‘Who commands now?’ he asked.