Book 7: Leonidas, Chapter 30 - 34 Summary

Leonidas allows eleven men, with Dienekes as the leader, to infiltrate the Persian forces and kill Xerxes, an idea that Rooster had proposed to destroy the snake by chopping off its head. Rooster will guide the party into the Persian camp. Two mountaineers, Hound and Lachides, will enable expected climbs. Two Spartans known for their speed and strength, Polynikes and Doreion, join the team. Suicide, Ball Player and Xeones will support Dienekes and Alexandros. The eleventh man, Telamonias, goes because he is also fast and powerful, and he is unhampered by battle wounds. He will serve as the messenger.

Dienekes splits the raiding party into two parts, six under his command and the five others under Polynikes, to increase the odds that one party will get through and accomplish its mission. After Leonidas wishes them well, the...