Killing Pythagoras (Mediterranean Prize Winner 2015) Read Online Free PDF Page B

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    Ariadne advanced on her donkey along a wide avenue flanked by luxurious stone mansions. Almost all of them had large columns framing their entryways, as if they led into sacred temples dedicated to the most important gods. Behind Ariadne, her two companions rode on their mules. She had to turn around now and then to make sure they were still following her. The ground was covered in heavy cloth, so the animals’ hooves made no sound. Besides, her companions hadn’t spoken a single word in the whole journey.
    It was not permitted for them to speak.
    Although the sun had already been up for two hours, the streets were completely deserted.
    It’s surprising that many Sybarites consider themselves Pythagoreans , thought Ariadne, looking at the mansions whose owners were probably still sleeping.
    Among the Sybarite aristocracy there were many people interested in Pythagoreanism, but only in certain parts of the doctrine and a few of the precepts. The discipline followed in the community of Croton, the center of the brotherhood and Pythagoras’ home, was evidently too much for them. It could be said that the government of Sybaris was controlled by supporters of a relatively diluted version of Pythagoreanism.
    Ariadne stopped her mount in front of a wide portico with stylized columns. Behind them, a heavy door made of wood and metal remained closed. She looked up. The frieze under the pediment was decorated with bas-reliefs of Hades and Dionysus, the gods of wealth and wine.
    This must be it. I hope he hasn’t left .
    She jumped nimbly from her donkey and knocked loudly on the door.
     
     
    Akenon sank his hands into the bag of precious metal.
    There were hundreds of small coins, bracelets, ingots… He grabbed an object that was half buried and lifted it out. It was a medium-sized tray. The handles were two eagles, crudely carved, their wings outstretched. He weighed it in his hands with satisfaction before returning it to the sack with the rest of the silver. It was a fascinating sight. He savored the moment in the peace and quiet of the stable, kneeling on the sand and straw strewn on the ground. The only sound to be heard was the heavy breathing of the animals, and he assumed no one would come in.
    It’s incredible that this treasure is mine .
    Suddenly, the smile vanished from his face, and he withdrew his hands as if he had touched something dirty. He had just remembered Thessalus’ savage execution.
    He closed the sack in disgust and placed it beside another of the same size. He tied them together with a rope and loaded them onto his mule, together with the rest of his luggage.
    His mind flooded with thoughts of the final moments of the night before. As soon as Glaucus had ordered everyone to leave, the doors became jammed. Some people were injured in their rush to flee from their master’s murderous madness. Akenon stayed beside the Sybarite, who remained on all fours moaning like a sick animal.
    Finally, Glaucus raised his contorted face.
    “Give me something to help me sleep.” He was whimpering, his chin soaked in saliva that dangled in viscous strings to the ground. “I need to be unconscious until Yaco’s boat has set sail.”
    Akenon nodded silently. He didn’t need Glaucus to claim his reward. They had agreed to all the conditions in the presence of a secretary, who would make the payment.
    Exhausted, he left the banquet hall and headed for his room. He neither saw nor heard a soul as he walked through the palace, as if instead of housing two hundred people it were empty. The torches in the courtyard illuminated only the cold, still night air. He entered his room and sat heavily on the edge of the bed, putting his head in his hands. After a few moments, he slid one arm under the bed and pulled out a large sack where he kept most of his luggage. At the bottom of the sack was a leather bag with numerous jars and smaller bags, all carefully wrapped in soft leather for protection. He had spent many