430 BC. Darius has been orphaned by the plague in Athens. To escape the sickness he runs off to join his Uncle Alcmaeon who is a general with the Spartan army.

But he finds the Spartan way of life quite shocking.

To the arrogant and ruthless Spartans, he is as worthless as a mouse.

Then his uncle falls sick and only Darius can find a cure.

Now Darius is a hero and his uncle offers him a life of luxury in Sparta.

Still Darius finds the brutal Sparta too much and wants to go back to plague-stricken Athens.

As Aesop said, 'Better beans and bacon in peace than cakes and ale in fear.'