David Gemmell - Lion of Macedon

'So it should, for the sun is shining outside and all your friends are gathered here.'

'Parmenion?'

'He also,' she said, her smile fading. 'Now I will leave you to your rest.'

Standing, she returned to the andron. 'He is awake,' she told Parnas, 'and his colour is good.'

Parnas ran to the bedroom, embracing his bewildered son.

The surgeon seized Derae's arm. 'What did you do?' he asked.

'I did nothing. As soon as I sat down, he awoke.'

Tamis listened to the words, her anger rising. You do not know, you stupid child! You have the Gift and you do not realize it!

Furious, the seer returned to her body. The fire was dead, the room in darkness. Derae's power was a new element, and Tamis gathered her strength to walk the paths of this new future.

It was dusk when Leonidas was summoned to the rooms of the Barrack Senior. He had been riding along the banks of the Eurotas River for most of the day, and had learned of the previous night's tragedy only upon his return when he found Lepidus waiting for him at the stables.

The soldier had said little as they walked to the barracks, mounting the stairs to the general's rooms. Inside, seated with the Senior, were two of the city's ephors — councillors responsible for the day-to-day organization of Sparta's rigid social, legal and economic structure. Leonidas bowed to them both. One he recognized as Memnas, a friend of his father's. Memnas was the chief magistrate, and he headed the night-watch and the militia.

The Senior stood. 'Your friend Learchus lies murdered," he said.

Leonidas felt the shock of the words. 'Murdered? I was told he was killed in a fight,' he replied.

'That is what we are to determine,' put in Memnas. He was a short, slender man, with a trident beard and dark hawk-like features. In the blue robes of the ephor he seemed a frail figure, yet he had marched with Agisaleus into Persia and had fought, so it was said, like a lion. 'Be seated, young man. We have asked you here so that you may corroborate the claims of the killer.'

'I was not there, sir. How can I help you?'

'Two boys — friends of yours — lie injured, one with a broken shoulder and another with a broken arm. They will say nothing of the incident, save that it was a brawl. They did not see the killing blow struck. They also say that Parmenion attacked them without warning, and they deny harming Hermias.'

'What would you have me do?' asked Leonidas. 'I am not a militiaman, nor yet a member of the night-watch.'

'You are from a noble family and highly regarded in the barracks. Find out the truth and come back to us within two hours. Otherwise there will be a full — and public — inquiry that will, whatever the outcome, harm the reputation of Lycurgus Barracks.'

'I will do what I can — but I promise nothing,' Leonidas told them.

He found Gryllus at the gymnasium; the Athenian youth's nose was swollen, his eyes bruised.

Leonidas walked him to the square, finding a quiet spot lit by the torches of the Oracle Shrine.

There Gryllus told him all he could recall of the fight.

'He murdered him, Leon!' he said, at last. 'I still can't believe it!'

'You went after him at night, hooded and masked. And not for the first time, Gryllus. What did you expect? That he would greet you with flowers?'

'He killed him with his own dagger. I saw it. He backed him to a wall and then stabbed him.'

'You saw it and did nothing?'

'What could I do? He is a demon — possessed. He leapt from the sky. We didn't know it was Hermias; we were just going to stop Savra from running in the trials. We did it for you — to avenge your shame!'

Leonidas' hand snaked out, his fingers circling Gryllus' throat. 'You did nothing for me!' he hissed. 'I have seen it in you for a long time, Athenian. You like inflicting pain, but you are not man enough to stand alone. You run with a pack, like the cowardly dog you are. Now hear this: tomorrow you will be gone from Sparta. I care not where. If you are here, I will come after you myself and rip out your bowels with a blunt knife.'

'Oh, please, Leonidas. .'

'Be silent! You will tell no one else of your. . infamy. Learchus' death is on your head and one day you will suffer for it.'

Leonidas returned to the ephors at the appointed time.

'You have discovered the truth?' Memnas asked.

'I have, sir. A group of youths attacked Hermias, believing him to be Parmenion. The half-breed is innocent of blame; he acted to save his friend.'

'And the names of the other youths?'

'That was not part of your instruction to me, sir. The ringleader — an Athenian — will be leaving the city tonight. He will not return."

'Perhaps it is better that way,' said Memnas.

Two hours after dawn the 500 youngsters of Lycurgus Barracks were marched to the training ground, where file leaders ordered them into line to await the Barrack Senior. First- and second-year children were allowed to sit at the front, while those aged from nine to nineteen stood silently to attention. All the older youths now knew of the tragedy, and not one person had spoken to Parmenion since muster.

He glanced to his left and right. The boys on either side of him had edged away, creating distance. Parmenion did not respond but stared stonily ahead, longing for the day to pass swiftly.

The children at the front stood up as the Barrack Senior strode into view flanked by two of the city councillors in their blue ceremonial robes. Parmenion felt panic flare within him. The blue-clad ephors looked grim, and he pictured them marching to him and escorting him to the execution ground. Tearing his eyes from them, he gazed at the general. In full armour the Barrack Senior looked even more ferocious than when Parmenion had seen him last night.

The old man's eyes scanned the ranks. 'Many of you already know,' he roared, 'of the death of our comrade, Learchus. The ephors here,' he added, gesturing at the councillors, 'have investigated fully and have, in their wisdom, declared the incident closed. So be it. Today the body of our departed friend is being laid out. Tomorrow we will all attend the cremation. The lament will be sung by Leonidas. That is all!' He stepped back, spun on his heel and stalked away.

Lepidus ordered the boys to stand down and then spoke for a moment or two with the ephors before making his way to Parmenion and leading him to one side. 'That was hard on you, and you did well to be here. But there is something else. . after today you will no longer be part of Lycurgus Barracks. Next week you will join the Menelaus group.'

'What about my mess bill here? I have just paid for the year ahead — I have no more money.'

'I will loan you the sum,' said Lepidus. 'I wish I could give it to you, but I am not a rich man.'

'No! I will not leave,' argued Parmenion, fighting to control his temper. 'There are no grounds. I will refuse to go-'

'Life will be unbearable for you here, boy! Surely you can see that? Your presence would wreck morale. And the barracks system depends on morale — you understand that, don't you?'

'Yes, I do,' answered Parmenion softly. 'I would like to see the Barrack Senior to discuss the move.'

'He does not want to talk to you,' said Lepidus, aware of a change in Parmenion but unable to pin down the exact nature of it.

'His wants are immaterial. If he does not see me, then I stay. Tell him that, Lepidus!' And Parmenion walked away without a word.

That afternoon he was summoned to the Senior's rooms. The old man did not look up from his desk as Parmenion entered. 'Make this swift,' he snapped. Then he heard the rasp of a chair-leg against the floor, and looked up shocked to see Parmenion seated before him. 'What do you think you are doing?' he asked.