"Papak, halt the soldiers on that high ground on this side of the river. We will prepare camp here tonight. Summon Clearchus, and have him meet at my tent at sundown with his unit commanders.""As you wish, Great King," Papak replied, before turning his horse and setting off in the direction of countless men and dust. The army of Cyrus spread out for miles, marching along with their spears, wicker s.h.i.+elds, and protective clothing. Men from every corner of the Persian Empire were represented. From great Phrygian cavalry, to Babylonian spearmen, to Median s.h.i.+eldbearers, this diverse army met and a.s.sembled for one purpose: to inst.i.tute a new order within the Empire.
It was neither Mede, nor Babylonian, nor Phrygian that Papak sought at that moment though. He was looking for the other contingent of the great army, those sporting the circular bronze s.h.i.+elds and metal breastplates, and fighting in the hoplite style. Proud men, who had twice thrown back the might of the Persian Empire, and now fought as mercenaries, seeking death or glory in the service of mere coin. They were the men of the city-states of Greece, and no more proud or effective warriors existed elsewhere in the world.
Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please click for visiting.
Such a proud and n.o.ble lineage could only hope to be led by one who shared and gloried in all that was Greek, and leading their column was where Papak found their commander, Clearchus, a Spartan general who"s prowess had no equal.
"Clearchus, you are summoned," Papak stated, riding up to formidable Spartan. Like most of his countrymen, Clearchus had no use for a horse, even as the commander of his mighty warriors. Spartans held the view that even the leader of an army should march with his troops.
Clearchus squinted, his eyes narrowly searching for Papak"s while blocking out the desert sun.
"For what?" Clearchus responded, his laconic response causing the eyes of several surrounding Greeks to look at their interaction.
"The Great King wishes to make camp for the night. Here, close to that small rise near the river," replied Papak, pointing to the area that Cyrus had outlined earlier. "He also wishes for you to meet at his tent at sundown."