As the last rays of the sun disappeared behind the mountains of Taygetus and with that the women started the traditional threnody.
The song filled the air like the voices of the sirens have filled Odysseus ears long ago. The first verse was followed by brief silence before the men continued.
Everyone stood still as the last song became more and more emotional, still keeping its raw power.
The final verse was song by both men and women, they voices molded together in perfect harmony.
By this time Cleombrotus has returned to his brotherhood and Photine mingled in the group of women.
Both left the podium after the proclamation was over. Only the two Ephors and the four members of the dynasties remained on it.
The threnody was followed by a religious choral mostly sung by women and was finished by a military song performed by the men, who were on active duty.
This way the late king's life had been honored, remembering him as high priest of Sparta, as fearless warrior and as human being. Only few knew how less he was worthy of this honor.
Soon the crowds started to clear.
The Eirenes returned to the barracks, the members of the Agoge were led back by their supervisors.
The hoplites returned to their homes some of the women joining them. Only the two king's guards stayed.
The Homoioi & the Apella mingled with the remaining women, some went home and only enough stayed to represent every Spartan family with exact two members. They formed long lines and the procession left with their torches to walk the streets of Sparta in grieving for the death king.
They were soon followed by the perioikoi and the rest of the people who had no citizenship.
The Gerusia was joined by the two kings and the Ephors. They stayed to discuss some important questions regarding the next day of mourning.
Ligeia wanted to leave as soon as possible. She could barely deal with Gorgo's presence. Still she had no choice, but to wait for her husband to finish.
Gorgo left the podium and went to see Ares. She hoped that the Council would not take long.
She led the stallion behind the podium, so he would be away from the remaining people on the square. She stroked the black mane gently.
-We'll be home soon my friend…
Ares seemed to have calmed down, so his sudden loud snort surprised Gorgo. The strong hooves beat the ground and the dark eyes were fixed on a point behind her. She took the reins before turning to see the cause of the stallion's uneasiness.
-What a wonderful animal…
Theron admired Ares, but he wisely chose not to come closer.
Gorgo felt her anger return. The pure sight of the overseer irritated her to no ends.
-Are fifty sheep not enough to satisfy you, Ephor Theron?
She shot him a disdainful look.
-I am not sure whether you know what could satisfy me.
He gave her a broad smile.
-I know what satisfies you very well.
She stated confidently and Theron waited.
-Injustice and chaos.
Theron raised an eyebrow.
-Shall I take that as insult My Lady?
Gorgo lifted her chin too look him in the eye.
-Consider it that we are even.
-We are far from even.
Theron stepped closer to her, but Ares' turned his head in the direction of the overseer and snorted again warning him not to dare another step.
She couldn't help but smile.
-I hope your king is content with the outcome.
He still planed to have little victory tonight.
-The marriage enjoys the Gerusia's support.
She answered calmly. Theron smiled again.
-I am not talking about the wedding.
She gave him a warning glance gripping the reins tight.
-I am only sure that Leonidas is satisfied with your father's death.
-Be careful Ephor Theron!
Gorgo was fighting hard to keep her calm appearance.
-I do not like the words you choose to speak.
He comfortably leaned against the podium's side keeping his smile on.
-I am only speaking the truth My Queen.
She remained silent. Theron furrowed his brow slightly.
-Do you really believe he is not glad to have an obstacle as big as his mad half-brother out of the way?
She gripped the reins harder causing Ares to snort again.
-You can not be that naïve…
-My father took his own life.
She told him pausing slightly between every word she spoke.
-Of course…
His features became more serious.
-And you think he does not welcome this fact?
He crossed his arms in front of his chest.
-What about the prince?
Gorgo felt her strong anger mix with hate.
-What about Cleombrotus?
-Just give it a second thought…
He lifted four fingers for her to see.
-One brother dies abroad, because of hating the king, knowing he can never take his place.
He leaves three fingers high.
-The king dies in jail…
Two fingers left.
-One brother becomes king.
Only his index finger points at her now.
-One brother still young and now very close to the throne.
He puts his hand down.
-So all in all two brothers had high interest in the king's death.
His smile slowly widened holding Gorgo's gaze.
-My ears are not open for such mindless accusations Ephor Theron.
-I know…
He nodded slowly walking away from her.
-But your heart is…
Theron set his Chlamys and left without looking back at her.
Gorgo leaned back against Ares. She felt the blood drumming in her ears.
No...
Her eyes have been closed for long minutes when loud steps alerted her once again. This time Ares stayed calm.
Leonidas appeared in the corner. He had been looking for her; the meeting was thankfully short and saved him from a new fit of headache.
-Is everything all right?
He asked her as he saw that his wife looked a bit tense.
-Yes.
She pulled herself together and gave him a brief smile.
-Good.
He mounted the horse and gave it no second thought. It has been a long day, he was probably seeing ghosts.
He helped her settle in front of him and nudged the horse to move.
He dismissed his elite guards who have been the only ones remaining on the square.
The overseers and the elders have left, as well as Leotychidas and Ligeia. The only difference was that he let his guards escort him to his residence while Leonidas saw no need for that.
They were finally on their way home.