Methiodos gestured Alexander into the middle of the back line and took up his place at the front as the strategos broke through the Samians and strode forward. Alexander watched Methiodos march out to meet him, guessing that he hoped to cut him off from his approach. He could feel the tension in the Athenian hoplites. Nicanos stood just in front of him, his head bowed. No-one seemed to be breathing.

“You must be the Strategos, sir.” Methiodos said in his parade-ground voice. “I am Methiodos, dimœrites and head of the recovery party. Thank you for allowing us this concession, sir.” He stopped right in front of the strategos, blocking his path to the recovery party.

The strategos fixed Methiodos with a hard stare that Alexander recognised well. Alexander felt relieved and also as...

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