The Argive Ch. 131-135

Hippias didn't have an answer for that. He ran his fingers through his hair but he couldn't find the words to respond.

"Doesn't that seem like a petty thing to hold against me for all these years?" asked Thorax, once he'd calmed down slightly. "Come on, Hippias. What would you have me do?"

"I never said it wasn't petty," said Hippias finally. "I know you can't control what happened, and I wish that she was stronger, strong enough to survive your birth. But it's still the way I feel. I'm angry. I feel robbed of a mother, and I'm sorry that it has to be this way, but you're the one that's the easiest target for my frustrations. It's not fair to you but that's what it is."

"No, it's not fair to me," grumbled Thorax.

With those last words, neither brother quite knew what to say. Thorax didn't know what to do. He couldn't bring their mother back. Nor could he stop his brother from blaming him for something that happened when he was a baby. Likewise, Hippias seemed to be struggling with the irrationality of the entire thing.

"I've struggled with it for years," admitted Hippias. "The resentment, the pain. I know blaming you isn't right, but it's easy. I need to stop doing it. I want to stop, even if I don't know how."

"There's nothing else? It's just that? After all these years?"

Hippias gave him a look. "It's a big thing though, Thorax."

"I know that, but there's really nothing else? I've always wondered if I ever did anything else that pissed you off for all these years."

"You've had your moments," said Hippias, chuckling. "But no. This was the big one. I guess I should be thanking Maera in a way. If she hadn't said something, I don't know how long it would have gone on. Pride is a funny thing like that."

"Pride can be funny, yes," replied Thorax. "But blood is forever. And we are still blood, Hippias. And we can't let little things like this continue to divide us. Especially not now. Learning to fight in the phalanx is hard enough. Adding in the trouble with you makes it unbearable."

Hippias seemed to struggle with his response to that. He opened his mouth several times but then closed it just as fast. When the words finally formed, he surprised Thorax.

"Then let's resolve to bury it right now," said Hippias. "You're right. We are still brothers, and we have a big task in front of us. I'm not saying my feelings of anger would go away overnight, but I can promise you that I can work to overcome them."

Thorax couldn't help but let a smile break through. "I'd like that. You're still my brother, and I need your help. If we do this together, we can learn the phalanx. I'm not quitting the army, and I know you don't want to either. We are better off working together than we are struggling apart."

"I never thought I'd see the day when you're trying to give advice to me," grunted Hippias, who wasn't too put out about it because he smiled shortly after. "I'm in this if you are, little brother. I can put the past behind us if you do."

Thorax held out his hand. "Then let's put it behind us."

Hippias took his hand and gripped it tightly. Despite the turmoil of the past, they would face this new challenge united.

And they would either master the spear phalanx or die trying.

Chapter 133: Vast Improvement

"The men are starting to show some improvement," noted Zenais the following morning, as she walked with Praxis around the training grounds. "They aren't as... raw as they were the first morning."

"I would hope so," said Praxis. "We've had enough time to practice the movements that I would expect to see some progress at this point."

Truthfully, Praxis was having a hard time with just how slow the progress had been. That wasn't to say it wasn't there, as the men were clearly getting better. It just wasn't fast enough. At any time, they could get word about the Spartans marching north, which meant they would have to be in good shape to face them.

And despite their progress, they were anything but in good shape. Praxis' army was slightly less than six hundred men in total. That included more than two hundred Argives, of which more trickled in every day that they practiced. And yet, their numbers were pitiful when compared to the armies of Sparta, which Praxis estimated could draw on three thousand men in total.

Even with their outnumbered victories in the past, there was no way that six hundred men could stand up to three thousand Spartans.

"What's on your mind?" asked Zenais, no doubt noticing the stress that was on him. "The men will continue to get better."

"I know they will but we need more time," he replied. "And we need more men. Both are in short supply."

"We'll get more men," said Zenais. "The group that trickled in this morning was the largest group yet. They will be inspired to fight by our success. Our competence will overwhelm their fear of the Spartans."

"I hope you're right," said Praxis. Internally though, he continued to have his doubts.

"And besides, maybe they just need a woman to show them how to fight," joked Zenais. "I'll show these raw Argives how to spear the Spartans, and I'll look damn good doing it."

"I have no doubt that you will but I don't love the idea," replied Praxis. "Are you sure you won't consider staying in Argos?"

It was a futile question to ask, and Praxis almost didn't even say it. He knew that Zenais would never consider any role that didn't involve a spear and a shield but it gave him mixed feelings because his first priority was keeping her (and the other women) safe.

"Not a chance," replied Zenais, giving him a smirk. "And don't you think you can order me otherwise. No one tells the queen what to do after all."

Praxis started to laugh. "Even the king?"

"Even the king. Besides, I'll sweeten the deal for you. If you don't mention the idea of me fighting again, I'll fuck you really, really good tonight."

Zenais emphasized the offer by using her hand to rub his hip.

"Don't you fuck me really, really good most nights?" asked Praxis.

"Well, even better this time," promised Zenais. "I'll bring in both Lysandra and Astara and all three of us will take our turns with you. Then the idea of me fighting will be the last thing on your mind."

"Zenais, be serious," urged Praxis. "You know it's not that easy."

"I am being serious," she replied. "Especially about the fucking part."

Praxis rolled his eyes but before he had a chance to respond, he noticed that a runner was making his way to his position with alarming speed. Praxis recognized the man as being one of Agemon's, and he hurried to meet him.

"King Praxis, I bear news from King Cypselus of Corinth," said the runner after stopping for a moment to catch his breath. "The Corinthian army is marching south to join you in Argos. They will be in Argos in two days' time."

"Corinthian army?" repeated Praxis. "That didn't take very long at all. How many men is Cypselus bringing?"

"He did not say, my king. But I know they have several hundred warriors and mercenaries that are ready to fight for their city."

Praxis' stomach sank. "Only several hundred? That explains why he's able to march so quickly."

"What are you saying, Praxis?" asked Zenais.

"We only have several hundred," he replied. "And Corinth is our only major ally. Even with their men combined with ours, we'll still be well short of the Spartan muster."

"More will come," repeated Zenais. "Remember what we just talked about. The majority of Argives won't let their city fall so easily this time around. They will fight when the time comes."

"But by that time, it might be too late," muttered Praxis.

Zenais said no more, and Praxis sent the runner back to the palace to be fed before he got back on the road to Corinth.

There just had to be a way for them to get more men. But who could he turn to outside the Peloponnese? The Megarans had already turned him down, especially because they didn't like the Corinthians one bit and Praxis supposed they would only be too willing to see Corinth ground into dust. The Athenians were squabbling amongst themselves politically, with too many would-be tyrants trying to take power. They were effectively neutered at the current time.

Nobody else wanted to get involved, from Boeotia to Macedon and everywhere in between. They all thought the Spartans were a Peloponnesian problem, and they couldn't be bothered with the idea that Nikandros might strike out from the Peloponnese if Argos and Corinth fell.

If there was to be no more men beyond the two cities, they would just have to rely on their superior tactics.

To that end, Praxis started to walk around to observe the training that was being done this morning. The Messenians had organized all the Argives into miniature phalanxes for the purpose of drill, and this was now the third straight day of doing so. They were all beginning to get a handle on it, and the raw mistakes that were being made on the first day weren't being repeated.

There were even a few that had shown a remarkable amount of progress.

Praxis stopped at one particular group to watch the two brothers from yesterday, Thorax and Hippias. They were both in the same unit, following the commands of Asterion, who was their trainer that day. Asterion had them march forward, left, right, and then forward once more, never satisfied until all individuality was beaten out of them to become one singular unit. Whereas Thorax and Hippias were the definite weak spots in the group, they showed a surprising amount of spirit today.

"You're improving by leaps and bounds, Thorax," called out Praxis when the youth came closer. "I'm glad to see your practice has been paying off."

Thorax beamed with pride upon hearing the praise. "Thank you, my king! You're going to get my best every day. I promise you that!"

Praxis couldn't help but smile. "I have no doubt about that."

Even Thorax's brother looked noticeably better, his moves being crisp and disciplined. If only the entire army could show such rapid improvement, they just might stand a chance after all.

*****

Even after King Praxis had walked away, Thorax still couldn't wipe the smile off his face.

"Listen, he said you were getting better," joked Hippias. "Not that you were ready to face him in one-on-one combat. You still have a long way to go."

"I know that," shot Thorax. "But still, I like the recognition. We have been working hard this morning."

"And for most of the evening," said Hippias, adding a yawn for good measure.

It wasn't enough for either of them to bury the hatchet last night. Once they agreed to put all the bad blood between them to the side, Thorax was the one to suggest practicing their moves. Despite it being late in the evening and there being very little light, they were still able to practice their movements for two, solid hours before going to bed.

It gave them a jump on the morning's training, and their improvement was even noticed by Cilix when they took a break a short while later.

"What a difference a day makes," said Cilix. "Have you two been practicing all night to make that kind of progress?"

"It only feels that way," grumbled Hippias, but he still grinned even though his tone was negative.

Cilix started to nod. "Show me your moves again, if you don't mind. I want to watch both of you in formation, and I'll call out the movements."

Thorax looked over at Hippias, who merely shrugged at the suggestion. Both men grabbed their shields and spears and stood together, with Hippias on the left and Thorax on the right. Thorax held his spear so that his forearm was parallel to the rest of his body while his shield covered Hippias' exposed side. Once they were in formation, they looked at Cilix.

"Step forward!" beckoned Cilix.

Together, Hippias and Thorax started moving at the same time, keeping pace with each other so that the protection of Thorax's shield stayed in-line with Hippias' body. The two men marched with disciplined movements until Cilix barked another order.

"Turn right!"

Upon hearing his command, Thorax halted in his tracks, allowing Hippias to take one step ahead of him. Hippias pivoted on his back heel while Thorax did the same until they were both facing right. With that movement, Hippias took one step forward to notch his body into the protection of his brother's shield and they began to march again.

"Turn left!"

This time, it was Hippias who halted first while Thorax repeated the same movement in the opposite direction. By the time they were synced up again and marching, it was clear just how much progress has been made since the previous day.

"Impressive," noted Cilix once they were finished. "If we can have the entire army move like that, the Spartans will never have a chance."

The praise wasn't any less motivating when it came from Cilix. Once more, Thorax beamed, and he was still grinning once the man walked away.

"At this rate, we might just be leading our own squads tomorrow," said Hippias, nudging his brother in the side.

"No, you were right about what you said earlier," replied Thorax. "We still have a lot of work to do. It's easy to do when it's just the two of us but what happens when there's a hundred men in the same formation? And they start crashing into you because they didn't stop soon enough or they trip over their neighbor's feet and fall forward. Two men doesn't prove much."

"I know that but just take the praise when I give it," said Hippias. "What I'm trying to say is that you're doing good, little brother. I'm proud of you."

Thorax had never heard those four words come out of Hippias' mouth before. It almost made him do a double-take.

"Yeah, I said it," said Hippias. "I'm proud of you. Keep up the good work."

Thorax grinned. "You too, brother. Perhaps there's hope for us yet?"

"I think there is, Thorax. I think there is."

Chapter 134: Corinth Arrives

It felt like almost no time had passed until Praxis got word that Cypselus and Agemon had appeared outside of Argos with their forces. It was late in the afternoon two days later when the Corinthians arrived at the gates and requested entry into the city. They were heralded by the Argives on guard duty, and shortly after most of the city took up a cheer at their arrival, lasting until Cypselus arrived at the palace.

Praxis met the king outside the front vestibule and the two men embraced like old friends.

"I can't tell you how great it is to see you again," said Praxis, grinning from ear to ear. "Especially with everything that we've weathered in the last few months!"

"I couldn't leave my ally and friend hanging now, could I?" quipped Cypselus, chuckling at his own joke. "It's remarkable to see you as well, Praxis. When I heard about the death of your stepbrother, I hoped that this would be the likely outcome. And then when they told me you were in charge of Argos, I can't tell you how happy it made me. You deserve to lead your city."

"Likewise, my friend," replied Praxis. "You wouldn't believe the kind of man they had ruling in your place."

Cypselus let out a shudder. "Krantor? I knew of him. The fact that he was put in charge is more of a reflection of the Spartans than anything else. I think Krantor was the kind of man that still pissed the bed regularly. Well, until you killed him that is."

"That wasn't me," said Praxis as he grinned. "It was this man right here."

Agemon came forward and they embraced as well. Not far behind the two Corinthians were both of their families--Lyra and the children as well as Cora.

"It seems everyone is here," said Praxis as he looked back at the army. "Did you bring all of Corinth with you? Because we could surely use the numbers."

For the first time, Cypselus' grin dipped from his face as he assumed a more neutral disposition.

"I wish I could have brought more," replied the Corinthian king. "But with so little time, I could only bring about eight hundred men with me."

Praxis' eyes went wide in shock. "Eighthundred? That's all?"

Cypselus winced. "Unfortunately so. My mercenaries make up about half that amount but they are terribly expensive. I can't retain them for much longer than a couple weeks at most. I don't expect it will be that much longer until the Spartans move north but at least we'll benefit from their numbers for the time being. The rest are made up of native Corinthians and the small contingent you sent north with Agemon."

"Eight hundred is a lot less than I was hoping for," said Praxis. "My own numbers are about that size. I'm very wary about taking sixteen hundred men against the heart of Spartan power."

"Well, they have started to train in the ways of the spear phalanx," added Cypselus. "What they lack in number, they make up for in spirit. Even my mercenaries have been trained to fight in this style, and they are making a remarkable amount of progress."

"That's a relief to hear," replied Praxis. "They can join with my men and they can drill together."

"We also have news from the west," added Agemon. "We've positioned some men to watch the roads out of Achaea and it appears that they are not mustering any men to confront us."

"Really?" said Praxis, finding his curiosity stoked. "They've been in the Peloponnesian League longer than anyone else. They would do anything the Spartans asked, as long as they snapped their fingers first. Why are they not mustering?"

"No doubt they've been given the order by Nikandros," replied Cypselus. "But if I had to take a guess, I'd say they're scared. Geography is not their friend in this conflict."

"No, it definitely isn't," said Praxis.

Achaea had the misfortune in the present conflict to occupy the northern part of the entire Peloponnese. The quickest route to Sparta would be going through Corinth and Argos, which no doubt led to their decision to stay quiet for the moment. Achaea also wasn't one of the larger states. Even with their current depleted numbers, Praxis had no doubt he could take Achaea without any difficulties.

"We'll need to keep an eye on them but for the time being, we can assume they will play no role in any upcoming battle," said Praxis. "Apart from the Achaeans, the only other minor power we need to worry about is Cynuria."

"And more than likely, any battle we fight against Nikandros will occur in Cynuria or very close to the border," said Agemon. "Nikandros doesn't have many allies in this fight. The Messenians are still broken, and we've taken the cream of the crop with us. And Elis is too divided to be a threat."

"The gods are making moves to put this upcoming battle in our favor," said Praxis, thinking of Athena at the moment. She'd gotten in the habit of appearing to him right before a major event, and he suspected he would be visited by her very soon.

"Then let us train for that moment the best we can," said Cypselus. "I'd love to see your men and mine training together. Shall we lead my Corinthians to join yours?"

That sounded like a great idea, and Praxis led them to the training grounds right away. Most of the Argives and Messenians stopped to watch the arriving Corinthians, and judging by the looks on their faces, they were relieved to see that reinforcements had finally arrived.

Once all the Corinthians were on the grounds, Praxis gave the order to Asterion to begin drilling. The Corinthians had a better reaction to seeing the spear phalanx than the Argives did initially. Praxis guessed that was because they'd already been exposed to it by Agemon, a suspicion the large man confirmed moments later.

"It's better for them to see the entire army moving like this," noted Agemon. "I think most of my people were still thinking the phalanx would be confined to a small number when they saw it for the first time in Corinth."

"Hopefully that means they will pick it up sooner than most of my Argives," replied Praxis. "They weren't as confident about the formation as I would have liked, and their smaller numbers really indicate that."