Book 3: Rooster, Chapter 12 - 14 Summary

The scribe writes that Xeones refuses to narrate any further stories, because he has heard of the mutilation of King Leonides' body. Nothing sways him until Dmaratos, a deposed Spartan king, talks about Xeones' duty to Apollo. The storytelling continues.

On the way back to Sparta from the victory at Antirhion, Xeones receives punishment for following the army. He must follow in the dusty rear along with Dekton, his half-helot friend, who has acquired the nickname Rooster. Rooster continually speaks ill of the Spartans due to his status as helot, even though his father had been a Spartan soldier.

Upon reaching Sparta and after memorial ceremonies for the fallen, Polynikes grills Alexandros about the battle. Alexandros answers honestly that the battle had made him sick, which angers his inquisitor. A harangue follows that brings out Polynikes' hatred...