Parmenion stumbled, then righted himself. Mothac took a clean white chiton, helped Parmenion to dress and then guided him down to the courtyard.
The sky was overcast but the day was warm, a fresh breeze blowing. Mothac brought Parmenion a meal of figs and dried fish, and was relieved when the Spartan ate it all.
In the days that followed, Parmenion’s strength flowed back into his wasted limbs. Argonas came twice to the house, examining the Spartan’s skull and pronouncing, with satisfaction, that the cancer was sleeping.
But still Parmenion did not venture from the house. He slept often and took little interest in the affairs of Thebes. Each day he drank the infusion prepared by Mothac, ate a light breakfast and dozed until after noon. Concerned by Parmenion’s lethargy, Mothac sought out Argonas.
‘Do not be worried,’ the fat man told him. ‘It is the sylphium – it is also a strong sleeping potion. But his body will become used to it and that effect will lessen.’
Epaminondas did not visit during this time. Mothac informed Parmenion that the Theban was organizing a new
city council with other members of the rebel conspiracy, while the warrior Pelopidas had gathered to him almost 500 young Theban men and was training them for the war that was almost certain to follow. Parmenion listened to the news without expression, venturing no opinions and asking no questions.
A month after the retaking of the Cadmea, Parmenion heard cheering in the streets and sent Mothac to enquire as to the cause. The Theban returned within minutes. ‘An Athenian force has arrived,’ he said. They have come to help us against the Spartans.’
‘That seems unlikely,’ offered Parmenion. ‘The Athenians are in no position to make war against Sparta; they have few land forces and Sparta has three armies that could march on Athens almost unopposed. Go and find out more.’
Mothac was delighted as he ran from the house. Parmenion’s voice had been sharp, authoritative, and Mothac felt like a man who has just seen the first rays of spring sunshine after a long winter. It took him two hours to locate Epaminondas, who was returning from a meeting in the Cadmea. The Theban leader looked weary, his shoulders slumped, his eyes dull.
‘Parmenion is asking about the soldiers,’ said Mothac, moving alongside the man as he pushed his way through the crowds.
‘They are mercenaries,’ Epaminondas told him. ‘Calepios bought their services in Athens. How is Parmenion?’
‘As he once was,’ said Mothac, and Epaminondas brightened.
‘I’ll come back with you. I need to talk to him.’
A thunderstorm burst over the city as the three men reclined on couches in the andron, lightning flashing like the spears of Ares. Epaminondas lay back, resting his head on an embroidered cushion and closing his eyes. ‘There is a great deal of meaningless debate at present,’ he said. ‘It is beginning to look as if removing the Spartans was simplicity itself compared with planning a coherent policy. There are
some who want to hire mercenaries to defend the city, others who talk of meeting the Spartans in the field. Still more dither and wait for Athens to come to our aid. Calepios says the Athenians are happy with our revolt and promise us everything – except real support. They are overjoyed to see the Spartans humbled, but they will do nothing to help us.’
‘And what of the Spartan army?’ asked Parmenion.
‘Cleombrotus has 7,000 men near Megara – two days’ march from us. So far he has done nothing. Cascus is with him; we should never have let him escape. Calepios has much to answer for in that regard, blood kin or no. Cascus is telling all who will hear him that the Theban revolt is masterminded by a treacherous group of exiles, and that the people do not support them. He is urging Cleombrotus to march on Thebes, and is assuring him that the Theban people will rise against the rebels.’
Then why have the Spartans not marched?’ asked Mothac.
‘Agisaleus is ill. Some say he is dying, and the omens are not good. I hope he does die.’
Tray he does not,’ put in Parmenion. ‘As long as he remains sick, the Spartans will do nothing. If Agisaleus dies, Cleombrotus will feel compelled to show his strength to the Spartan people. And you are not ready for war.’