Book IX - Tides of War (Chapters XLVII-XLIX) Summary

Polemides tells of the aftermath of the execution of the Athenian generals in Chapter XLVII. Sparta are incredulous at the actions of the Athenians. In quick succession they had exiled their best general and then put ten good men, including Pericles, to death. The result was a boost in morale for the Spartans and huge desertions from Athens. Athens cobbles together one last fleet, but can't afford a loss, while the Spartans can absorb defeats, backed by Persian gold. Polemides, unable to return to Athens, enlists in the Spartan army. He is paired with Telamon and they are appointed assassins, set to kill Spartan traitors at cities coming back under Spartan control. Polemides has no shame at this work. Indeed, he feels that the condemned are given a better...