Endymion's Wake

VII. Party Business

Party Business | Chrysanthos 

The only rumors Chrysanthos heard came from the boys on the other side of Emilios. Everyday a core set jostled for the spots beside him. As they arrived last each day, the boys watched Emilios with eager disinterest to try and encourage him to sit beside them. In reality, Emilios liked the back of the group where there was the most space for his large frame to stretch out during the hours long lessons. Chrysanthos had asked his cousin what he thought of the boys trying to befriend him, but Emilios looked confused at the question. "Who does that?" He had replied. "All of them," he answered. All, but Akakios.

The boys who sat beside them today included the sons of various officials in the city and surrounding villages. Emilios, Chrysanthos, and Cassandra were the only royals in the city and really only Emilios counted officially. The rest of the city was populated by families who sought to push themselves ever closer into the orbit and pockets of the king and priests. Neleus, son of Periphas and Icarius, son of Guneus sat closest to Emilios and whenever Idmon the High Priest paused for a sip of wine to sooth his sticky mouth, they whispered loudly for Emilios to hear.

"My father says the king's envoy includes a hundred men from Elis, so well liked is he."

"His reign is mightier than any other kingdom in the Peloponnese. No wonder the delegation from Argos includes the king's brother."

"I've heard they seek something only our king can provide."

Chrysanthos felt sick from the false praise pouring from their mouths. He looked to Emilios, but his cousin did what he usually did during the latter half of their lessons, stretch before his training. Chrysanthos knew most of the stories Idmon shared, he often followed the bards venturing through the city and never missed a public telling, so he knew when to nudge Emilios to pay attention. The last thing Elis needed was another king who failed to listen. The prince would straighten up for awhile, but unless Idmon spoke of the Trojan War or the Labours of Heracles, his gaze would soften and he'd be back to concentrating on his stretching.

Idmon made no mention of the strong son of Thebes or the famous ten year siege. Jumping up at the High Priest's dismissal, Emilios walked passed the dejected Neleus and Periphas. Chrysanthos followed suit, but bumped into a boy in front of him.

"Sorry," mumbled Chrysanthos, stepping aside. "I didn't see you."

"Well now you've hurt my feelings."

Chrysanthos looked over at Akakios smirking beside him.

"How can I repay the offense?" replied Chrysanthos, cheekily.

"Perhaps some wine?"

The rooftop rattled with the sounds of carts and crowds drifting into the city in preparation for the festival and the king's arrival. Unlike yesterday, the bird songs were given no quarter in the skies above Olympia. Phoebe crouched beside the parapet in her usual perch, but as soon as Akakios' face popped above the hatch, she excitedly ran towards him. She paused for a moment as they embraced to look at Chrysanthos for approval and he nodded kindly in reply. He surprised himself with the fondness he developed for his attendant — the Little Birdie as Akakios called her. He had a bit of shame for not knowing her name until yesterday. Even this morning when he called for her, it caught in his mouth like a honey soaked fig. Her cautious answer assured him he wasn't the only one adjusting to the new familiarity. Still, she was an attendant and work needed to be done.

"Phoebe," Chrysanthos said, interrupting her climb up Akakios' back. "Can you get us some fresh wine?"

"Let me help," said Akakios, holding onto Phoebe's hands as he stood. He walked over to the chest behind the canopy with Phoebe dangling behind him like a short cloak. Dropping onto the wooden roof with a thud, Phoebe opened the chest and lifted the amphora of wine.