‘That is the decision of the regent and the ephors. Be careful, Athenian. My people have already given King Leonidas to this cause, as well as half the Spartan fleet. You will not question our oath.’

Xanthippus stood with Athens at his back, across the strait. Smoke still rose there, though it was a hundred pale threads compared to the stream of soot and fire it had been, visible all the previous night. Still, the Spartan seemed to understand he could not win in comparing losses or commitment.

Instead, Eurybiades turned to Themistocles.

‘I said before that I would call on you when this is all done.’

‘It is not done,’ Themistocles said with a shrug. ‘But if you wish, I will meet you. Boxing. The Academy ground on the Ilissus, assuming they have left anything more than ashes of my gymnasium there. Name a day and I will attend.’

To the surprise of all the other strategoi, the Spartan chuckled.

‘I merely wished to remind you. The time is not right. Sword and shield are my weapons of choice, however. When this is over, I will come to you.’

Themistocles bristled, weariness falling away as his anger surged.

‘I’d bring some friends, if I were you. One of you doesn’t seem quite enough.’

‘I do not need friends …’

‘Oh, you don’t have any?’

The Spartan was growing red in the face and it was Xanthippus who spoke over them both.

‘Gentlemen, if I may interrupt, we have not yet addressed our real needs. Navarch Eurybiades? I would ask that you lend your ships to us for another day, to help carry women and children.’

‘No, Xanthippus,’ Eurybiades said, still glaring at Themistocles. ‘Duty calls me home.’ He seemed to understand his response had been too curt. His face darkened. ‘I know you for an honourable man, Xanthippus of Athens. My captains speak well of your leadership. You have my thanks.’ There was a subtle emphasis on the ‘you’, to leave Themistocles out.

‘Captains you would not have if not for me,’ Themistocles said. ‘Perhaps you should bend the knee and give thanks to Athena, Eurybiades.’

‘Enough!’ Xanthippus snapped, surprising them both before Eurybiades could reply. ‘If you cannot keep a civil tongue for your allies, Themistocles, why did you summon us here? Navarch Eurybiades knows the stakes. The Spartans will come out. Aristides will join our hoplites to them, with all the forces of our alliance! We know the enemy – and we cannot beat that army alone, any more than we could their fleet. There is no need for petty rivalry.’

‘You are correct, Xanthippus, of course,’ Themistocles said stiffly. ‘Very well. On your way, Navarch Eurybiades. And thank you.’ The title of ‘navarch’ was a subtle insult, given that Themistocles had overridden the man’s command and made it worthless. Even so, a flush spread on the Spartan’s face, down to his neck.