Oracles of Delphi - Chapters 1 - 6

Aithera blushed and Praxis bristled as Theron laughed. "I am her humble employee, nothing more." 

"Well, daughter of Lysandros, I am Heraklios, cousin to King Philip II of Makedonía, by way of his first wife Audata, daughter of Bardyllis, King of Illyria, who is my own uncle. Your old tutor has quite a reputation in Pella. I'm sure he's told you all sorts of tales of court intrigue and attempted murder." 

"No, actually he's-" Aithera started. 

"If it weren't for Theron, who knows whose flabby ass would be warming the throne of Makedonia. And, as Philon and Kleomon well know," Heraklios continued without even taking a breath, "without Philip's aid in ending the last Sacred War, Apollon's Precinct would still be at the mercy of those thieving Phokians and everyone who aided their cause." He cast a pompous glance toward Kleomon who rolled his eyes in answer. "So, in a way, we all have Theron here to thank for us winning that damnable war. Don't we?" 

"Well, I-" Aithera began and glanced at Theron who just smiled and watched Heraklios's performance, which was not, apparently, anywhere near over. 

"Now, since you're an woman, I'm not sure if you know how it works here, but as a General in Philip's service, my appointment as Makedonía's representative to the Amphiktyonic League puts me in charge of maintaining and protecting the sacred lands of Apollon, including the Sacred Precinct's temples and treasuries and the people who journey here to see them and to seek guidance from the Oracle of Apollon, so-"  

Philon adjusted his himation. "As high priest of Apollon-" 

"So," Heraklios repeated, knowing full well that the only way to deal with Philon and Kleomon was to put them in their places early and often, "to honor Theron and his service to Philip, I will treat your personal safety as my personal responsibility while you are here. I know finding this body must have been very upsetting for a woman such as yourself, being Athenian and all." Heraklios had nothing against Athenians in particular, he just thought they were soft. In fact, he prayed daily that the soldiers he would face on the battlefield-for just as surely as there was snow on Parnasuss' peak, Philip was planning a war with Athens-would disappear as quickly as an Athenian matron once the whores arrived at her husband's symposia. Maybe Athens would even capitulate, he thought. Either way, it would be nice to have a friendly face in Athens when it was all over. A very young, wealthy and very beautiful face. "Be assured that I will see to it that you are in no danger from whoever committed this horrible crime." 

"Ready to announce the wedding date?" Kleomon muttered under his breath and Theron couldn't help but smile.  

Heraklios turned and signaled to one of his men, and a group of soldiers marched into the theater. It was a pity he always had to make such a show of force, but Philon didn't seem to understand who was really in charge unless you paraded a whole phalanx of soldiers under his nose. "My men will remove the body, seek to identify her and search for next of kin to claim her." 

Philon's fingers gripped at the embroidered edge of his cloak. A muscle along his jaw line twitched. "My personal guards have been instructed to-"  

"Your personal guards will follow orders from my men.  

"Kleomon and I are perfectly capable of handling the woman's body. Just now we were preparing to remove the body to the storeroom for safekeeping. If no one claims her, we will make sure she receives a proper burial."  

Heraklios exhaled expansively. "Philon, you're welcome to keep the body in the storeroom until it is claimed, but my sentries will be posted outside to guard it and I will, of course, oversee the investigation into her death. By the way, anyone know who she is?"