Alexander ran back to the Athenian camp as fast as he could. He knew he had to make it as fast as possible to allow Nicanos time to arrange a recovery party. The sun burned down from high in the sky and it would soon be midday. The longer he took to get back to Nicanos, the less time they would have. The Samian sentries at the top of the ridge jeered him as he ran, Davos noticeable by his absence.

He arrived at the camp hot, sweating and out of breath from the run up and down the ridge in the heat. As he arrived, Nicanos waited for him. Alexander attempted to blurt out the story in garbled order, panting and wheezing, bent double as he tried to catch his breath. Nicanos cut him short.

“Did he grant the request?” he snapped.

“Yes sir,” Alexander panted, “you hav...

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