The Iron
Crown

We were soon at the water's edge and the men fell exhausted on to the wet sand. I was still wary, however, and kept my eyes open, though before long I too fell into a drowsy sleep.

Later we made camp on a spot higher up the beach, shielded from the wind and beyond the tide. In great solemnity I made sacrifice to Termatephalos in thanksgiving for our escape and as a prayer for continuing good fortune.

The morning fires were just being kindled beneath a most benevolent sun when the lookout called from a knoll above the campsite that he could see men approaching along the beach some miles away. Quickly we finished our preparations and armed ourselves. This other party was, it seemed, only a small one but I thought it best not to be caught unawares.

They were slow in coming, and later I joined the lookout to see what sort of men they might be. They were fifteen in number, as far as I could make out, and they seemed to be carrying some sort of large board or platform on their shoulders.

Eventually they came within earshot and in the language of our fathers issued a challenge.