The krypteia are a secret force of Spartiates who eliminate troublemakers—especially potential traitors—by cover of night. Rooster is nearly killed by the krypteia, including Polynikes, before Arete bravely intervenes.
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The timeline below shows where the term Krypteia appears in Gates of Fire. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 13
Arete then asks Xeo if he knows what the krypteia is. It’s a secret society among the Peers—the youngest and strongest who make treasonous helots...
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Arete tells Xeo that the krypteia knows about Rooster’s identity and his allegiance. The watch Xeo, too, since he is well-spoken,...
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Chapter 16
Suddenly four krypteia assassins burst into the hut and bind Rooster. Polynikes is one of them. In outrage,...
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