Chapter four: Into Blood we Ride

For the next eleven years, Enyo was trained under the influence of Kain. She had bested every man; boy and child within the ring and her talents and skills with a weapon had only advanced even more. Her insolence was whipped from her, but the lynching only provided her strength, beating every ounce of weakness and compassion from her soul until only a shell, filled to the brim with violence and survival, remained behind.
Kain had kept his word. A meeting between Athens and Sparta was held; a treaty of peace confirmed and an alliance finally constructed under their signing of the Delian League. But the chancellor's fears were not easily settled. The Persian army had been plotting and Athens was too convenient a city for them to relinquish forcing the chancellor to grow even more awry at the idea of Persia securing a surprise attack. A messenger had been sent to collect the details, returning upon the eve of the following morning with news that Persia was out for conquest. They were honing in on either side in attempt to crush the city from the outside in. Word had been received in Sparta the following day in the form of a plea for assistance and Kain agreed to send in support; Enyo would travel to Athens and secure their defense.
“Are you sure it’s wise to send her alone?” Leon asked, eyeing his commander.
“I’m not sending in my entire legion to dissuade Persia’s attack. It’s unnecessary. She’s a woman and a Spartan; there is no fiercer combination. And she will not be alone, Tyrus will accompany her.” “Not concerned about her well being are you Leon?” Kain asked suspicious.
“Not at all” he replied simply, casting his eyes to the floor.
“I would hope not, especially if you’re only reasoning stands behind the fact that she is a woman.”
“Are you accusing me of going soft?” Leon retorted, his eyes returning to focus on his commander.
“I am only stating the obviousness of what I see. No accusations intended old friend.”
“Of course commander” Leon said nodding.
Outside, Enyo had already been informed of her duties, slightly annoyed at the idea of Tyrus being the one to join her. Tyrus was not any more pleased and made his opinion on the matter quite clear, as Enyo waited, seated upon her horse, shaking her head in discontentment.
“You’re joking!” Tyrus cried from the tent.
“Not at all” Kain replied. “Disappointed?”
“Disappointed doesn’t even begin to cover it” Tyrus growled.
“You’ve wanted to see action for weeks now. Here’s your chance” Leon chided.
“This isn’t action, this is obedience! I won’t stand by it!” he roared, exiting the tent, Kain and Leon trailing his heels. “I refuse to follow orders from this . . . this woman” he spat, pointing at Enyo.
Kain and Leon looked to each other, seemingly quite amused as Enyo dismounted her horse. Strolling to Tyrus, she grabbed him the shoulder and threw him to the ground. With a short thump he was on his back in an instant looking up at this woman who had pinned him to the ground, her foot laid across the middle of his neck; arms crossed.
“If you do not wish to ride with me, I will gladly grant you the wish of death. I don’t want your company any more than you want mine, but I will not stand by and allow you to chastise me” she said, the corner of her mouth curling into a small smile as Tyrus only continued to struggle more, becoming even more angered as he found himself unable to get up, her foot pressing down harder each time he decided to move.
“It seems a woman has already bested you” Kain said chuckling. “If you choose death over pride, I simply only have to turn my head”
“I won’t give you the satisfaction” Tyrus growled, his voice clenched from pressure.
“Then shut your damn mouth and mount up” Kain snarled.
Tyrus ended his writhing, looking to Enyo for a reprieve. She granted it to him albeit grudgingly as he clambered to his feet and mounted his horse.
It took nearly two days to reach the shores of Athens. They met with the Athenian general, a man by the name of Herite, just outside the gates of the city, an army of no more than a hundred men all saddled behind him, some wearing faces of disbelief that Sparta had only sent two soldiers to assist them.
“I never expected a woman” Herite said, as Enyo and Tyrus rode to meet him.
“Then consider yourself lucky I am not a man, for you would already be dead” she replied, her eyes cold.
“I meant no disrespect” he added quickly.
Enyo nodded.
“I believe” he continued, “that Persia will send its forces to Koropi. From there they will travel along the northern path up to Glyka Nera and flank Athens from behind. If we can hold them at Koropi, it’ll be easier to drive them back. Athens has already pervaded one attack. We were able to drive them back last time, but if they secure a second invasion, Athens will be in no position to oppose them”
“You are certain of Persia’s path?” Enyo asked.
“Positive” Herite answered with confidence.
“To Koropi then” Enyo replied, turning her horse.