The Wandering King (Book 2: With This Shield)

Euryanax is encamped with his father Dorieus' army in Italy. While sleeping outside the walls of Taras, they are attacked by indigenous tribesmen called Messapians. The Italians charge the camp on horseback, barking like dogs, throwing javelins and pelting the Spartan shieldwall with arrows and sling stones.

The cavalry attack is only a feint meant to draw the Spartans' attention. While the army repels the invaders, a lone man sneaks into the tent of Dorieus' mistress, the beautiful hetaera ...