The Mysteries, A Novel of Ancient Eleusis Page 33
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As they poured the final libations to the gods, Themistocles stepped before the throng and requested quiet. Renewed weight rested upon his broad shoulders. His voice was weakened and weary.
"Scouts have just returned from Boeotia with news of Xerxes. He's taken most of his troops and retreated to Persia, as we expected."
Shouts and cheers erupted.
Themistocles raised his hand. "But he's left his cousin Mardonius with half a million infantrymen to winter in Thessaly. They'll renew their assault in the spring."
Silence fell over the crowd.
Oh no, not Mardonius, thought Melaina. The general grandfather fears most.