Boeotia, Early Summer
Horses were very rare in Athens, but Kallisto was a fine mare. She had been in Pericles' father's care for many years, and now Pericles himself rode her from Athens towards Delphi. He went equipped his father's armor, a leather cuirass, along with his father's short sword. Despite his impressive kit, he felt unease as he rode through the lush green countryside near Thebes. His father had nearly given all the gold he had earned while serving in the Marines to get his son to the Paideia Alpha. He told Pericles why just before he left.
"Boy, our city is dying. The sycophants and fools who rule her do nothing but squabble. If anyone is to save Athens, it will be the young. This school will give you the best knowledge and skills on how to do so. I know you will do me proud."
Pericles was afraid that in his more advanced years, his father was started to go mad. Young Pericles had wanted very much to do what was right, but he felt overwhelemed. How could one person, no matter how trained, change the destiny of an entire nation?
It was a three day ride from Athens to Mount Parnassus, and despite her strength, was almost as old as his father. When she started to drag her feet, he decided to take a short break in a clearing just off the road. The weather was sunny and pleasent, so Pericles let himself relax while his horse grazed. When he heard someone else coming up the road, he cautiously reached for his sword.
Horses were very rare in Athens, but Kallisto was a fine mare. She had been in Pericles' father's care for many years, and now Pericles himself rode her from Athens towards Delphi. He went equipped his father's armor, a leather cuirass, along with his father's short sword. Despite his impressive kit, he felt unease as he rode through the lush green countryside near Thebes. His father had nearly given all the gold he had earned while serving in the Marines to get his son to the Paideia Alpha. He told Pericles why just before he left.
"Boy, our city is dying. The sycophants and fools who rule her do nothing but squabble. If anyone is to save Athens, it will be the young. This school will give you the best knowledge and skills on how to do so. I know you will do me proud."
Pericles was afraid that in his more advanced years, his father was started to go mad. Young Pericles had wanted very much to do what was right, but he felt overwhelemed. How could one person, no matter how trained, change the destiny of an entire nation?
It was a three day ride from Athens to Mount Parnassus, and despite her strength, was almost as old as his father. When she started to drag her feet, he decided to take a short break in a clearing just off the road. The weather was sunny and pleasent, so Pericles let himself relax while his horse grazed. When he heard someone else coming up the road, he cautiously reached for his sword.