He wanted to call for Epikleos, knowing his friend would never have deserted him. Flashes of memory intruded as Xanthippus heaved himself to his feet, suppressing a cry of pain when he found his leg would hardly bend. It was early morning, judging by the light and the cool air. His stomach creaked and heaved. No! He looked desperately for a place to throw up, but there was no bowl or bucket in the room. He leaned over a long line of yellow bile for a time, then limped out into the sun.

The gymnasium field was not empty at that hour. Some of the men of Athens began each day with a swim, while others sparred or ran round the track before heading to their work. The Persians had cut down the trees and set fires where they could, of course. Those marks were still there, but his people had worked hard and there was at least some sense of order as Xanthippus blinked in the light. It helped a little to hold his head in both hands, his elbows away from him.

The river Ilissus ran not far from where he stood. Xanthippus staggered over to it and walked in, down steps made for the purpose. The water was freezing cold and he groaned as he dipped his head right under the surface. With slow and clumsy movements, he stripped naked and rubbed himself clean. His soiled tunic floated away in the current and he let it go. Little by little, he began to feel more alert. He was not surprised to see Epikleos come out, spotting him and jogging over. His friend held one eye closed as if he could no longer open it.

As Xanthippus came out and stood on the bank to dry, he felt his skin roughen. To his dismay, he had to lean over and retch once more, though there was nothing in him, not even spit. Epikleos looked away. He had dried blood on his face and his nose was swollen, Xanthippus saw. He wondered if he had been the one who fought the stranger in his room.

Slowly, Xanthippus sat down on the muddy bank, not caring how it marked him. He dangled his legs in the water and let grief and guilt rush in, colder even than the river. Epikleos nodded, almost slipping and falling as he too descended the steps and entered the water, dipping his head under for the longest time.