Ebhali watched the fog roll in and the sun being clouded in a thick shroud. He was getting uneasy about Menegal and Luvilia. He knew they were gone to the watch, but the emptiness on the left of him was not reassuring. The other men around were quiet. No one had spoken or moved since in moved the fog. The hours dragged by slowly, while the sun began to tear through the clouds. Ebhali’s ears had been sharpened as he lay in silence, and he heard far off yells and battle cries.
“Do you hear those yells?” Ebhali asked another soldier that lay near him.
“Yes, I am glad that you noticed as well. For I would think I was hearing things, if you did not,” answered the soldier.
Then they were silent, waiting for a command or another sign of attack.
“Persians! Arm yourselves!” yelled Ranifa.
Quickly all men were armed and standing in line. Ebhali put on his icy cold helmet, picked up his quiver and slung it behind his armored back. He shivered as he fastened his vambraces on his arms. Picking up his spear, Ebhali took his place by two other men who took Menegal and Luvilia’s place for the present. Soon the Persians came down upon them and the Spartans fought long and hard against the tall broad shouldered Persians. Ebhali was worn by the end of the battle that had lasted two days. Luvilia found him resting under the shade of the cliff sitting on a rock with his eyes closed. Luvilia gently tapped him on the shoulder, and Ebhali opened his eyes revealing a cool blue color of the mountain sky. His complexion was weary, and when he looked at Luvilia he smiled.
“How have you fared?” asked Luvilia, sitting next to him.
“Well enough, and you?” said Ebhali.
“I am well,” replied Luvilia.
Then they were silent, and Ebhali looked to the North at the sky. The clouds were tinted purple and the sky was hued orange and yellow. The wind was gentle and warm as from the valleys in the south. The shadows stretched across the ground. Ebhali stood up and turned to Luvilia.
“Now it is time for rest,” said Ebhali.
Luvilia stood up, and they walked back to their mats.
In the morning, Ebhali and Luvilia learned that Flohad had died. Menegal then returned to them without crutches. He had seen Havam, Wixtil, and Dislin. They were back in their company and were well. He then laid down on his mat and fell asleep. When he awoke it was evening and the horns of assembly were blowing. Luvilia and Ebhali were sitting beside him, sharpening their swords. Menegal stood up and slung his empty quiver on his back. He fastened his belt with his sword and picked up his spear and shield and fastened his cape around his neck. Luvilia and Ebhali did the same, and they walked to their posts with the others of Ranifa’s company.
Gravan, the arrow maker, then came and passed out fifteen arrows to each man and organized them in three lines with a walking space in-between the middle line and the left and right. Ranifa soon came and with him, Leonidas. He went down the lines for inspection and looked upon the faces of the Spartans. When he came to Menegal he nodded and smiled. Menegal returned the smile. When Leonidas finished the inspection he stood in front of the company. His face was grave.
“Spartans and Men of Greece, I have hard news and a decision for your making. The flank of the army which we thought secret and is defended by few men has been found out by the Persians. They are now advancing by that path behind us and are coming in front of us. We are outnumbered. Hope of victory is unsure. Therefore, I am leaving you a choice of escape while you can, and go back to Sparta or to stay and fight.” Leonidas, then took his leave to the next company.