"He shrugged it off. This is the time of the Sacred Truce, and our Spartan brothers believe everyone should honour the Gods and hold to the peace."
"Tell that to the Argives," Stefanos muttered.
Xenophon leaned over and slapped Stefanos on the shoulder. "Don't worry about it! It may be things are not as bad as you think. Once everyone gets into the mindset, and are overcome with thoughts of victory, they will focus their energies on their training and winning, rather than their hatred of you."
They finished their wine and food in silence, their eyes watching the crush of men and boys as they passed in front of them, some heading for the stadium, others the hippodrome, while most made their way to the palaestra for afternoon training, or into the grounds of the Altis to admire the statue
