The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 26 - Cherithorpes

"Yes, let's wait for Cheirisophus to arrive before we decide!" At the mention of Cheirisophus, the expressions of the officers visibly lightened, piquing Juleios' curiosity. He whispered to Xenophon, "Who is Cheirisophus?"

Xenophon's expression turned complex. "It's said that Darius the Younger had an agreement with Sparta. He would fully fund Sparta's navy, and in return, Sparta would provide military aid during his campaigns."

Juleios immediately caught on, exclaiming in surprise, "You mean Cheirisophus was sent by Sparta?!"

"He's a Spartan ephor. It's said that he brought 700 heavy infantry to join Darius's army. At the time, he didn't know that Darius was planning a rebellion. By the time he found out, it was too late. So, he and his men kept a low profile in the mercenary army, though many senior officers knew his true identity," Xenophon said with a touch of schadenfreude.

Juleios understood Xenophon's reaction—it was because Xenophon was Athenian. Xenophon had previously explained that Sparta's ephor system was unique among Greek city-states. Unlike the ephors in other city-states, the Spartan ephors wielded immense power: they could oversee citizens, punish helots, and even possess supreme civil and some criminal judicial authority. More strikingly, they could monitor the king's every action, had the authority to impeach the king, and could summon him for trial at any time. Spartan ephors were exclusively chosen from the common populace, with five elected by lot annually from citizens over 30 years old. Their duties were so significant that upon assuming office, they issued orders for all citizens to shave their upper lip and obey state laws, showcasing the importance Sparta placed on the role. As Xenophon explained, this system gave power to the commoners and prevented Sparta from being seen as a tyrannical state by other city-states.

To think that such a significant figure was hidden among the Greek mercenaries! He was likely the only officer in the mercenary army with official standing, and he was a Spartan at that. Since defeating Athens, Sparta had become the dominant power among the Greek city-states. While not all Greeks revered them, many held them in awe. The previous Spartan in their ranks, Clearchus, was a fugitive condemned to death by the Spartan government. But the incoming Cheirisophus was a genuine Spartan warrior, and he had brought 700 equally authentic Spartan soldiers.

Juleios couldn't help but anticipate meeting these legendary ancient Spartan warriors, who had fascinated the modern world in his previous life. A mischievous thought crossed his mind: would they be wearing red capes?

While waiting for Cheirisophus, the interim leaders of the various camps were not idle. They summoned officers from all levels, down to the captains, to a council. Nearly 200 people attended, too many for the main tent, so they sat in a large circle in an open space at Clearchus's camp. Shortly after everyone had gathered, Cheirisophus arrived.

That morning, Cheirisophus had gone to a nearby village to gather provisions for his soldiers. The village, located south of the Greek mercenary camp, had not been intercepted by Persian cavalry. When the messenger found him, he was already hurrying back, having been briefed on the events along the way. Upon reaching the meeting, the crowd instinctively made space for him. Without hesitation, he sat down on the bare ground like everyone else and began scanning the group. The absence of the key mercenary leaders was evident, and he felt a pang of sorrow. Clearchus, his comrade-in-arms during the war against Athens, had earned many accolades as a Spartan warrior. But his inability to adapt to peace and refusal to follow Spartan orders had led to his death sentence and exile. When Cheirisophus encountered Clearchus in Darius's army, he had deliberately ignored him, choosing not to apprehend him—partly to preserve the collaboration with Darius, and partly out of lingering camaraderie.

As his gaze swept across the gathered officers, it halted on a particular face. It was a strikingly young one, starkly out of place among the mostly middle-aged officers. The young man, likely under 20, sat prominently near the front, drawing attention. Even more surprising was the evident respect shown to him by those around him. The youth met Cheirisophus's gaze, smiled, and nodded in acknowledgment. Cheirisophus was puzzled and leaned over to quietly ask his adjutant, who inquired about the youth and returned with an explanation.

"The 'Favored by the Divins' from Menon's camp? The one who has repeatedly issued oracles that proved true?" Cheirisophus frowned. "The mercenaries are in chaos, allowing such a young man to hold high status."

Although Spartans claimed descent from Heracles, they were not particularly reverent toward the Divins. They placed greater faith in their own strength. Conservatively minded, they also distrusted youth, as evidenced by their rule that Spartans could not live independently, marry, or hold significant positions until after the age of 30. Thus, Cheirisophus's first impression of Juleios was not favorable.

In Juleios's eyes, however, Cheirisophus differed significantly from the stereotypical image of a Spartan warrior. He was of average height and unremarkable appearance. If not for the scars on his face and the sharpness in his eyes marking him as a soldier, Juleios might have mistaken him for an ordinary Greek farmer.

Once the crowd settled, Cheirisophus spoke. "I am aware of what has happened. Do any of you have suggestions?"

The gathering remained silent. Though whispers filled the air, no one dared to stand and speak. Addressing over 200 seasoned officers required courage, as well as the ability to articulate a clear and informed perspective—something not easily found among impoverished Greek mercenaries.

Juleios refrained from speaking, not out of fear, but because he had noticed that his youth and status as an ordinary soldier made him prone to drawing resentment if he stood out too much. He chose to observe for now.

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Finally, Xenophon stood up. "Officers, the Persians have broken their promises, killed or imprisoned our leaders and comrades, and now demand that we surrender our weapons. War with the Persians is inevitable! You've seen how our soldiers reacted to this news—they are confused, fearful, and even crying! If this continues, when the Persians attack and our soldiers are called to fight, they won't find the courage to raise their spears. We risk total annihilation!

"You, as the officers of each camp, earn higher pay, hold higher status, and possess greater ability than the soldiers. In this time of danger, the soldiers are looking to you for hope. You must show immense courage and the determination to fight the Persians to the death. Only then can you stabilize the troops and inspire their confidence.

"At the same time, we must immediately elect capable individuals to replace Clearchus and the others as leaders, to manage and discipline the soldiers, devise sound strategies, command the army to defeat the Persians, and lead us safely back to Greece. With Zeus's protection, we can escape Persia!"

Xenophon's speech sparked a strong reaction among the crowd, with some applauding and cheering. He glanced at Timasion, whose expression remained cold, before looking away.

In truth, the Greek mercenaries had no other choice. Cheirisophus stood up decisively. "We don't have time to delay. Let's follow Xenophon's suggestion. Return to your camps immediately, elect your new leaders, and send them here for a council to devise a plan."

He surveyed the crowd and continued firmly, "This afternoon, we will convene another general assembly here!" Without waiting for a response, he turned and left.

As expected! Juleios clenched his fists and rose with Antonios and the others.

The officers hurried back to their camps.