Ch4-The One-Eyed King

CHAPTER FOUR The One-Eyed King The front hallway was dark and cool. The flickering flames of oil lamps cast shadows on wall murals. The murals showed figures from Greek myths. "Zeus," Annie whispered to Jack, pointing to a painting of the ruler of all the Greek gods.

"Centaurs," whispered Jack, pointing to creatures that were half man and half horse. "This way," said Aristotle. Jack and Annie followed the philosopher through the hall to an open courtyard. Women in long white dresses were grilling meat over a fire and pulling bread from a clay oven. They glanced at Annie with curiosity. Aristotle led them past the cooks to a doorway off the courtyard. The sounds of loud conversation came from the room beyond. "King Philip has gathered the men of his most elite cavalry," said Aristotle. "They are known as the King's Companions. Do not be startled when you look upon the king. Years ago, he lost an eye in battle." "Oww," said Annie, wincing. "Even so, he is still the greatest military leader in the known world," said Aristotle. Jack nodded. He took a deep breath. "Prince Alexander will be arriving soon," said the philosopher. "Come." Then he led Jack and Annie into the spacious, lamp-lit room.

The King's Companions lay on couches, propped up on their elbows, or on pillows. They were talking and eating. King Philip was on a couch draped in purple silk. He had a black patch over one eye. Two bodyguards with curved swords hanging from their belts stood nearby. When the king and his men caught sight of Jack and Annie and Aristotle, they fell silent. "King Philip the Second of Macedonia," Aristotle said, bowing. Jack and Annie bowed also. "I have just met these two very learned young people today," said Aristotle. "They are Jack and his sister, Annie, of Frog Creek, a land west of Greece." "Hi," said Annie with a smile. Jack smiled, too, as he looked around at the warriors. No one smiled back, including King Philip II of Macedonia. "Sit," the king ordered. Jack and Annie sat together on an empty couch. Aristotle sat nearby. Three servants quickly appeared. The King's Companions resumed eating and talking as a servant removed Jack's sandals.

She rinsed his dust-covered feet in a tub of warm water. Jack kept his eyes down, not sure what to do or say. Next, servants delivered small dishes of food to them. Jack identified olives, cheese, purple grapes, nuts, figs… and then there was something that looked like dead bugs. Annie caught Jack's eye. "Grasshoppers?" she whispered, wrinkling her nose. "Eat the grapes," he whispered back. Jack and Annie silently ate grapes as the King's Companions feasted and talked with Aristotle and King Philip. The king was telling a story about a stallion that had been taken captive. Not until the dishes were cleared away did King Philip turn his gaze on Jack and Annie. "Silence!" the king ordered his men. "It is time now to hear from our esteemed visitors. Whomever Aristotle admires, I admire also." Jack nearly choked on a grape. "Aristotle tells us you have studied and learned much—both of you," the king said, looking at Annie. "Is that true?"

Before Annie could answer, a boy burst into the room. He was fair-haired and muscular. He wore a purple cloak over his tunic. He strode to the center of the room, tossed back his cloak, and bowed. "I greet you all!" the boy declared. "At last I have arrived!" "Hail, Prince Alexander!" the men said in unison. Alexander the Great! Jack thought. Prince Alexander started to speak, but to Jack's surprise, the king snapped at him, "Quiet, boy! Sit down!" The smile left the prince's face, but he obeyed and sat on a couch near his father. Aristotle leaned forward and spoke kindly to Alexander. "My prince," he said, "when you entered, we were about to hear from two learned young people from Frog Creek, a land west of Greece. They have come here expressly to meet you. This is Jack and his sister, Annie."

"I see," said Alexander, puffing out his chest. He gave Jack and Annie a superior smile. "Well then, small visitors, please share with us your great knowledge." Is this kid serious? Jack wondered. Who does he think he is? "I'll share," Annie piped up. "Recently we learned a lot about a rare kind of bear called a panda bear." "Panda bear?" said the prince with a smirk. "Yes, but don't confuse pandas with other bears, like polar bears or grizzly bears," said Annie. "Pandas live in China. Polar bears live in the Arctic." "That's right," said Jack, clearing his throat. "They're very heavy, polar bears, but they can