Chapter 12Aeneas spun on his heel and brought his sword up in a flash.
An armoured warrior stood behind them, a bronze helmet tucked under his arm. He’d not drawn a blade. His black hair was cropped close to his leathery scalp and a smile lurked behind his beard. He wore the shaggy pelt of a bear, fastened with an iron clasp. A gold ring dangled from his ear. Two soldiers flanked him, javelins in hand. They were lanky, splotchy-faced.
Aeneas’s eyes widened. ‘You speak Trojan, stranger. Who are you?’
Bemusement crinkled the warrior’s features. ‘Once we fought in the same phalanx, though you were but a lowly cadet bringing up the rear. I don’t doubt you’ve forgotten. I was brother-in-arms to great-hearted Hektor. Does that help any?’
‘That was a long time ago.’
‘Yes, indeed, Aeneas. Or
