Black Legion: Gates of Cilicia Read Free Page A

Xenophon looked at the hundreds of citizens, and most were either using the machines or talking with their comrades as they waited. Most would have been proud of what they saw taking place, but Xenophon had nothing but distrust in his mind when it concerned his fellow citizens. They were quick to judge and would praise a man just as quickly as they would condemn him.
    “Okay, done. What say you come with me and join my family for a celebratory dinner party?   My brother Polemarchus is back, and I’m sure he would like to meet you. Cephalus and his friends will be there if you’re interested. You’ll remember the last time we were all together, when you got into that argument about who was most wise.”
    “Yes, I seem to recall you all sided against the Admiral,” answered a slightly bitter Xenophon.
    “True. Still, you can’t win them all.”
    “Perhaps. Though if you recall, the messengers arrived a week later showing the Admiral was in fact innocent. If the citizen vote hadn’t been so hasty, the Admiral could have heard the apology rather than being sent into exile.”
    Glaucon looked to Xenophon and sighed.
    “Look, if this vote goes the way you think, then it might be the last time we will all get together, so come on, you know you want to. It sounds good, you coming?”
    Xenophon considered the offer for a moment, but shook his head.
    “Sorry, I need to get my books ready for next week. I’ve got some big tests coming up as you know.”
    “Kratez will be there,” said Glaucon, as if the mere mention of his name would sway him. He had obviously been keeping the man’s name quiet to hold it as a trump card in case Xenophon refused the offer. Xenophon looked surprised.
    “Really? I’ve not seen him in months. I thought he was teaching at the Academy.”
    “He was, but he has two weeks off for vacation and is spending two days of it with my family. Now, are you going home to look at books, or are you coming to my home for an argument with the smartest man in the Alliance?”
    Xenophon looked back at the Ecclesia and then to Glaucon. His friend had a pleading look that he simply couldn’t avoid any longer.
    “Okay, I need to drop my stuff off. I will be around in an hour.”
    “Excellent, don’t be too late!”
    Glaucon moved off along the path, and Xenophon stood silently, hoping, even praying that the vote would be a no. Most citizens didn’t seem that concerned as to which way it would go, but something deep inside him told him the vote would have greater repercussions than anybody could expect. He could only hope.

    * * *

    Xenophon climbed out of the taxicab and handed the driver his identity card. With a light blue flash it confirmed the payment. With a polite goodbye the man closed the door and drove off, leaving him on the pavement. He was stood outside his friend’s house, a lavish home made of local stone and four storeys high. It had been in the hands of Glaucon’s family for six generations and was one of the tallest private homes in the city. Two statues of the ancient human goddess Athene flanked the grand entrance. They were symbols of the state and often present on public buildings. It didn’t surprise Xenophon to see them as Glaucon’s family had a long history of public service. He stepped past them and towards the double doors that led inside. As he approached, a young woman stumbled out. Her clothing was skimpy with her arms, legs and midriff all exposed. Xenophon caught her as she teetered on one foot and sent them both crashing against the statue.
    “Are you okay?” he asked with genuine concern.
    The inebriated woman tried to stand and almost collapsed again.
    “I’m fine. Who…who are you?” she asked and then fell limp in his arms. For a second he panicked, thinking there was a serious problem. Glaucon appeared at the doorway with a glass of wine in one hand and another scantily clad woman draped around his arm.
    “Xenophon, you made it...and only two hours