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Member-only story
I Fought in an Intrepid Band Of Lovers in Ancient Greece
The Sacred Band Of Thebes through the eyes of a fictional love pair
Ever since I was a child I've learned that my life would be spent in battle. My father always said it was supposed to be one of the higher attributes of a man — to defend his land and his values.
Sometimes I would be afraid of a future where I had to give my life in exchange for my people, but I eventually understood that some sacrifices are worth it.
At least watching the men train under the sun in the summer was good for the eyes, even though it also proved to be a challenge. I was shocked to see what I would do in years to come. But the idea of spending time surrounded by people like them caused a stir in my gut.
At the time I didn’t know what it was, but my young self was just starting to go from a little boy to a man.
For us Thebans, the lovers Epaminondas and Pelopidas were heros. Lauded as something like gods, because they were what was most virile and honorous to our people. They defended us against enemies, proving we deserved to thrive.
And they did it while holding each other’s hands, while protecting one another from death — and there’s nothing more important to a man than protecting those they love.
