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.