‘No. I would rather pass through the gate and be about the work of the Assembly,’ Xanthippus said slowly.

When Relas answered, his voice grated deep enough to recall storms, rumbling in the distance.

‘I owe him a reply, kurios.’

The Spartan spoke then, never taking his eyes off Relas.

‘I’m always here, son. I can wait for you to come back if you like.’ He smiled at Xanthippus. ‘You can go through whenever you are ready. We’ve had word to let you pass. That was before the disrespect of your slave, of course.’

‘I am a free man,’ Relas said. ‘But come, what are words?’

Xanthippus sighed, irritated with both of them.

‘I have forbidden it. That is enough,’ Xanthippus said.

Relas stood like a statue, breathing long and slow, clearly ready to continue. For a moment, the decision seemed to hang in the balance.

‘Open the gate, Spartan,’ Xanthippus said. ‘Our business is urgent.’

The man squinted at them, shaking his head. His mouth twisted as if they’d offended him.

‘It is as I’d heard, then,’ the Spartan replied. ‘Athenians .’ He said the last like a curse.

Xanthippus let anger drain from him. The man’s purpose was suddenly too clear. Victory lay in not giving him what he wanted. Relas seemed to understand it too.

‘You move well, for a slave,’ the Spartan said. Relas nodded to him.

Xanthippus gestured towards the gate and the guard gave up with a shrug. As they stood before the wall, Xanthippus could hear bars or chains being removed. He saw two men heaving at iron rods above, lifting them clear. At last, the gate swung open and they ducked to pass through it. The arch was low, so each of the four Athenians had to lead the horses with a hand pressing on their heads. The short passage was cramped and cold, with another gate opening onto light beyond. On the other side, they all turned back to see. The wall stretched west and east in a line of stone and solid towers. The Spartans who stood on it seemed worryingly close, easily capable of leaping down. They scowled at men of Athens standing on their land.

The Spartan guard seemed to have lost his bristling anger. Having been denied his contest, he showed only a cold disdain as he pointed down the road.

‘Sparta lies three days south, two if your business is urgent. You’ll find the ephors on the acropolis. Be respectful, gentlemen. Not everyone you meet will be as patient or as welcoming as I.’

Xanthippus thanked him, but the man showed no more interest. The Spartan made sure the gate and tunnel was secure and trotted up steps to the crest of the wall. He was greeted there by two others. One nudged him in the ribs and said something low, causing him to smile and shake his head. The rest of the guards turned away, watching for threats once more.