Book II - The Long Walls (Chapters VI-IX) Summary

Chapter VI initially returns to Jason's narration as he sets the background of the tale more clearly. He explains that Athens was at the height of her power and influence. The great statesman, had been instrumental in leading Athens into a Golden Age. At sea she was the unchallenged power and she was the "cultural and commercial capital of the world" (pg. 39.) Pericles had led a building program of fortified walls to make Athens an impenetrable fortress, but when war broke out he brought an end to Athenian expansion. Having set the scene through Jason, Polemides narrative resumes.

Having served in several campaign, Polemides returns to Athens after suffering a skull injury in a fall. The Athens that he returns to is ravaged by Plague. He resides with his...