The Fire of Ares by Michael Ford Page A

only
half
Spartan.’
    â€˜Again, it is uncommon, but it has been known for
mythokes
to enter the training.’ Lysander had heard the word before – the name for children like him, born of Spartan men and Helot women. They were on the fringes of Spartan society, not truly accepted by either the master race or the Helots. Lysander looked at his mother, but her face was unreadable.
    Strabo carried on:
    â€˜I have my orders – you must make the decision now,’ he said.
    â€˜What about Agestes – the overseer?’ asked Lysander.
    â€˜He is of no importance,’ Strabo said.
    â€˜And my mother?’ he asked.
    â€˜She will be taken care of,’ said Strabo. ‘Look, I have some errands to run for my master, and cannot waste any more time. Am I to understand you are refusing the offer?’
    Things were moving so fast. Lysander could not help thinking that perhaps this was the great destiny his mother had always spoken of. His hand reached for the pendant at his neck. But of course, it was not there. His mother caught the movement.
    â€˜Lysander, where is the pendant?’ The colour had drained from her face. ‘Please tell me it is safe,’ her voice trembled.
    You fool!
Lysander silently cursed himself. But before he could explain, Strabo spoke first.
    â€˜The pendant was stolen,’ he said simply, with his eyes on Athenasia. ‘It seems your son has troubleavoiding the more criminal elements of society.’
    â€˜Why didn’t you tell me?’ said Lysander’s mother. ‘You know how important the Fire of Ares is …’
    Lysander started to speak.
    â€˜I didn’t want to worry you. There was nothing I could have done. I was attacked at the market. Someone knew what they were looking for …’
    â€˜Your grandfather thinks the missing pendant might have something to do with the same boys who attacked you two nights ago,’ said Strabo. ‘Your best chance of recovering your property lies in the barracks. If you can find the culprit, you can get back this Fire of Ares.’
    Perhaps Strabo was right.
    â€˜What about my mother?’ he asked. ‘You said she would be taken care of. She cannot live here without me. It would not be in Prince Kiros’s nature to look after a slave who isn’t earning her keep …’
    â€˜Don’t worry about that,’ she began. ‘I can look after myself.’
    Lysander knew she was lying. There was no chance she could make a living in her current state.
    â€˜I have orders to take her to Sarpedon’s home,’ said Strabo. ‘She will be given a room there and the best possible medical attention.’
    Athenasia let out a gasp of surprise, and Lysander turned to her excitedly. Strabo gave a smile, but it was not reflected in his eyes.
    â€˜It is the least Sarpedon can do,’ he said, then added: ‘So, Master Lysander, can I take your answer to him?’
    Lysander would be leaving the settlement and everything he knew. Even leaving Timeon. This would be a new life, with new hardships. Another, darker thought crossed his mind.
I could use this to help the Resistance. Learn the Spartan ways. Know my enemy and teach the Helots.
    â€˜Listen to Strabo, Lysander,’ said his mother. ‘This is an opportunity to escape the Helot’s life, an opportunity I never thought you would have. It is rare for a half-Spartan to be accepted without a great deal of wealth. The agoge will make you into a man, and give you a life after I am gone.’There were tears in her eyes, but happiness too. Lysander turned from his mother to Strabo.
    â€˜Please tell Sarpedon I would be honoured to accept his offer.’
    â€˜There is one more thing,’ said the servant. ‘As a trainee, you will need a Helot to wait upon you.’
    The thought disgusted Lysander. ‘I won’t need a slave – I have been one for long enough. No one deserves to be