It was a hot summer in Sparta Greece, summer of 479 B.C. Anthony had grown accustomed to the heat. And the cold. And pain in general. It was all part of his training. He was a Spartan warrior now and the army was going to march against the Persians in just a few days. He was going to have to leave his friends, his family… and Alexandria. Suddenly distracted, he looked up from his work. Staring into the distance, a figure moving towards him caught his eye. Anthony smiled. It was as if she could read his thoughts from afar. Setting down his work, he strode over to meet her, rejoicing in the fact that she, Alexandria, the most beautiful of young women, loved him, Anthony, the best of the new recruits. He flashed her a smile, but he could instantly tell that something was wrong.
What could be wrong? Maybe her training is hard. Maybe caring for her mother is stressful. Maybe—
“Hello Anthony.” Alexandria’s voice shattered his thoughts as she tried to smile past the pain in her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Anthony asked, his voice laced with concern. Anthony’s heart broke any time she was upset. Sometimes, he was sure he felt the pain deeper than she did.
Alexandria glanced down at the ground, and then past him, trying to blink away the tears. “Do you remember my mom’s newborn baby?”
Anthony felt panic slam into his gut. He swallowed hard, dread creeping into his soul. “Yeah.” He replied, afraid to hear the news.
Alexandria looked down again. “When he got put through trial…” she looked up at him, “He didn’t pass.”
Anthony’s breath left him. Alexandria had been so excited about her newborn little brother. Even before he was born, she always spoke of him. Having a family of girls, she’d always wanted a little brother. She’d been nervous about the test once he’d been born. Unfortunately, worrying didn’t change anything. Her newborn brother was now dead. When a Spartan boy was born, he was tested to see if he was strong enough to endure. If he was weak, he would be cast out, left to die. Those who survived the test, left their homes at age 7 to start their training as a warrior. They were trained to endure cold, heat, hunger, and pain. Stealing. Spartan warriors were the toughest, meanest, strongest in all of Greece. They were fierce…like their training. But some didn’t even make it there.
“I’m sorry.” Anthony said, finally finding his voice.
A tear rolled down Alexandria’s face.
“I’m so sorry.” Anthony was at a loss for words.
Alexandria broke down crying. Anthony reached out and pulled her close, holder her as she wept. Finally, she pulled back.
“I’m sorry.” She said wiping large tears from her eyes.
Anthony stroked her hair affectionately. “You still have your family.” He said, trying to encourage her.
She looked up at him. “And you.” She said, smiling.
Anthony grinned. “And me.”
She suddenly frowned, and Anthony knew exactly what she was thinking. As a new warrior, his first battle was looming.
Anthony changed the subject before it could come up. “How is your training going?”
Alexandria shrugged and smiled. “It’s going well. I’m a little sore. It’s exhausting.”
Although not as harsh as the boy’s training, the girls of Sparta also received athletic training,.
Anthony grinned. “I bet you’re great.”
Alexandria blushed.
“Anthony!” a voice interrupted.
Anthony turned. “Yeah.” Visibly upset, he tried to at least sound respectful.
“Get back to work! We are at war!” obviously this person had authority over Anthony.
Anthony sighed and turned back to Alexandria. “I have to go.” He said.
Alexandria looked up at him, her big green eyes full of concern. “I’m scared.”
He grinned. “Don’t be. We’re going to win this war. And when I have the money, we are getting married.”
She smiled and blushed. “I love you.” She said, unable to say anything else and yet not needing to either.
“I love you too.” He said. He leaned down and kissed her gently. “I have to go now.”
Alexandria nodded, a tear rolling down her cheek. She smiled, touched his cheek affectionately, then turned
and walked away.
Anthony watched her leave, and knowing that half of his heart was going with her. “We are going to win this war.” He said to himself. He knew he would fight his best, because he was trained to fight his best. Because he believed in the freedom of Greece. And because he had the most wonderful woman standing by his side.
