Gemmell, David – Lion of Macedon 01

‘Yes,’ said Parmenion. Clearchus moved to stand alongside the yellow wood army as the second judge positioned himself on the other side of the pit by the red wood soldiers.

For the first time Parmenion locked his gaze to Leonidas. The other youth grinned at him, his eyes mocking. Leonidas was considered beautiful, but despite the yellow-gold hair and the handsome mouth Parmenion saw only the ugliness of cruelty.

As was the custom, the two combatants walked around the pit to face one another.

‘Will you give ground to the Spartan Gold?’ asked Parmenion, following the ritual.

‘The Spartan Red never gives ground,’ replied Leonidas. ‘Prepare to die.’

The crowd applauded and the King rose, raising his hands for silence. ‘My friends, today I offer a special gift to the victor: one of the seven swords of Leonidas the King!’ He held the iron blade aloft, where the sunlight caught it, turning it to silver. A great roar went up.

Leonidas leaned in close to Parmenion. ‘I will humble you, mix-blood.’

‘Your breath smells worse than a cow’s arse!’ replied Parmenion, enjoying the flush of colour which leapt to Leonidas’ cheeks. Both youths returned to their places.

‘Begin!’ ordered Xenophon.

Clearchus stepped forward. ‘The general Parmenion has ordered the troops into Lysander’s Fifth formation, with the Sciritai on the left, sixteen deep, the Spartans at the centre, sixteen deep, and mercenary javelin throwers behind the cavalry on the right. The general positions himself behind the centre.’ Parmenion saw several warriors in the crowd shaking their heads in disapproval and could guess their thoughts. No general could expect his men to fight for him if he did not have the courage to stand with them in the front lines.

Three helots moved forward, lifting the ranks of wooden soldiers into place on the sand.

The second judge addressed the crowd. ‘The general Leonidas has ordered the Third Agisalean formation, the Spartans on the right, ten deep, the cavalry in the centre, Sciritai and javeliners on the left. He positions himself in the second line of the centre.’ Applause went up and Leonidas bowed. As a Spartan general should, he had chosen to place himself close to the front rank.

The crowd leaned forward, staring intently at the formations. It was obvious that Parmenion was planning a defensive battle, ready to repel a frontal assault. Leonidas had stretched his line and was planning the traditional angled attack from the left, while moving to encircle the enemy. Much would now depend on the rolling of the knuckle-bones to decide casualties.

Clearchus cleared his throat and all in the crowd knew the words that would follow – the formations made it obvious. No move. The Spartan Gold would wait until Leonidas attacked, relying on the knuckle-bones to decide the outcome. But conversation ceased as Clearchus spoke.

‘The general Parmenion orders the cavalry forward at the charge, veering towards enemy centre.’ All eyes swung to the judge by Leonidas. The first three moves could not be changed, and much would depend on Leonidas’ use of cavalry. It was unusual – though not unheard of – for a cavalry charge to be signalled at the onset.

The general Leonidas orders the javeliners and Sciritai to advance on the right.’

Now the whispers began, for Leonidas had not anticipated a cavalry attack and had issued no orders to his own horsemen.

A helot with a measuring rod moved the yellow wood horsemen forward. The judges conferred and Xenophon addressed the crowd.

‘It is agreed unanimously that the speed of the charge has routed the opposing cavalry, forcing them back into the hoplite ranks. Casualties are sixty suffered by Leonidas and nine by Parmenion.’

The voice of Clearchus then rose among the clamour. ‘The general Parmenion instructs the Spartans and Sciritai

to merge lines and advance at a run, thirty-two deep, at the enemy’s right.’

Parmenion stood stock-still, eyes locked to Leonidas who was staring horror-struck at the massed advance. Parmenion could understand how he was feeling; he was facing not one improbable plan of action -but two. No Spartan force would ever consider merging with the Sciritai, and no Greek army would ever attack the enemy’s right – its strongest point. To do so meant exposing a vulnerable flank, for the shield was borne on the left arm and therefore the advancing phalanx would be open to javelins, rocks, arrows and stones.