These warriors of the Sacred Band were inscrutable; they loved their war and death and picking through the bones of time to sort out right from wrong, good from bad, holy from profane, honor from dishonor.

Time to unite the Sacred Bands, Thebans and his people: one unit, one heart, one swing through life.

And as for death - we get what we expect.

Die never for a god, Nikodemos who should know better - not your soldiers' god, nor any other.

Makes you wonder if the gods are always right.

Then what difference does human striving make: mortal struggle, valor, pain? If you live, then live for the test of spirit, for the celebration of the heart. Live to fight on other days. Lose your beloveds one by one. And remember. Exalt the kiss of friend and horse and wind and sun, which venality cannot cheapen nor stupidity belittle.

I can start the rain. Bring thunder. Bring lightning. Want to see?