‘I recall you used some of that influence to exile those who might have frustrated your plans,’ Aristides replied. His eyes were dark as the moon gleamed out once more, following their steps. He saw Themistocles wince in something like guilt or embarrassment. The man waved a heavy hand.

‘That really is a long time ago,’ Themistocles said. ‘The crowd can be fickle. I thought I understood them then, Aristides! Life was … simpler. And then the Persians came … I sometimes think my whole life will be in two parts because of them. All I was before them, all I was after.’ He sighed. ‘I will stand before the Assembly tomorrow and they will demand answers and explanations for every decision I ever made, when not one of them had the balls to stand at my side! I was right , more times than I was wrong. That is all that matters in the end. If I made mistakes – as any man would have done – surely my triumphs outweigh them?’

It was said as a plea and Aristides shrugged as he answered.

‘I don’t know. I saw a man vote at my ostracism, a man who did not know me, but hated that others called me “Aristides the Just” or “Aristides the Good”. He sent me into exile because he hated the honour of my reputation.’

Themistocles looked ill as he listened.

‘Truly?’ he said. ‘Then what hope is there for me?’

Aristides looked on him, frowning.

‘You have supporters, those of us who know the part you played in the war. Yet …’ He hesitated. He owed the man more than false hope. ‘There are a thousand petty rumours in the city – lies and truths running together like water in wine. They say you took silver from the mines at Laurium, even during the war. Some complain you used their family tombstones to remake the new Dipylon gate.’

‘That last is true!’ Themistocles said. ‘I used what rubble lay strewn about, the broken stones. Will they hold me responsible for the hammers of Persians?’

‘I think some will,’ Aristides answered. He shook his head. It was not lost on him that Themistocles had not denied the accusation about funds from the mines. ‘I have heard voices saying you have too much power, that you have taken too much upon yourself – before the war and even more so after it.’

The last of the catalogue stopped Themistocles cold.

‘Aristides, if there are so many who hate me now, how can I ever get through tomorrow without being exiled?’

Aristides blinked in consternation.

‘Oh, my friend, I’m sorry. I came to you to be sure you understood. I think they have enough, or close to it. I just wanted to give you time to prepare yourself.’