Today’s word:

 

Hoplites: a Greek citizen-soldier.

 

CHAPTER 12

 

My brother Nikandros was utterly surprise when he saw me, so happy that I appeared to glow. In the camp everybody was in a terrible mood, the Triballi had wounded and killed many of us, and stole all our war spoils, which, for the vast majority was the worst of the tragedies. Oedipus’ story was a happy one in comparison with the lost of the booty. A great number of men in Philip’s army were there because of the war spoils, the promise to making themselves rich in a short time because almost all the men in the King’s army had been peasants or came from poor families, the army was the best option to enhance their economic situation and now, the booty was gone, so you can imagine their anger when these sons of a Bad Mother, a mere nobodies, a savages of the mountains had deprived the most powerful army in the world from their riches.

 

In one word, it was humiliating.

 

Even Nikandros was angry, but me… I couldn’t be happier. But nothing last forever, and in the way back to Pella I started to feel dizzy, cold, and very weak.     

 

- And then her husband arrived, honestly! she told me she was a virgin, and all the sudden she not only wasn’t a virgin, but she was married! –said Kleopatros, one of Nikandros’ season friends, as Hephaistion used to called them. When Nikandros didn’t laughed with his story, Kleopatros frowned—Are you listening?

 

- Mm? What were you saying? –answered Nikandros absently.

 

- What’s wrong with you?  

 

- It’s Phai.

 

- Your brother? What about him? –Nikandros pointed with his chin.

 

They had almost 4 hours on the road when he had noticed that his brother was riding in a strange way. Since Hephaistion was in the Ile Basilike he was at the front of that long procession, and Nikandros had been watching him from time to time and saw that Hephaistion was leaning dangerously to one side, as if he was about to fall from the horse.

 

- Is he drunk? –asked Kleopatros, watching the young man.

 

- No… wait here –Nikandros pressed the flanks of his horse and went to his brother, making his way among the riders of the Ile Basilike.

 

He arrived just in time to catch Hephaistion before he fell from the horse, and immediately he felt that his brother was very hot, his cheeks were pink and he was trembling, even if that day was especially hot.

 

- Phai, PHAI! –his brother shook him, but Hephaistion only moaned.

 

- Damn –Nikandros swore under his breath, looking around for someone that could help him.

 

- Mm… —Hephaistion moved against him, looking for some warmth.

 

- Phai!

 

- Mom?… –Nikandros couldn’t hold Hephaistion, rode his horse and guided his brother’s white stallion, and in that commotion, they crushed against other hetairoi. The horses whinnied, and that made the King, who until that moment was talking with Attalos, to turned.

 

- See where you are going, moron –said the hetairoi, angry.

 

- My apologies –Hephaistion was slipping, and Nikandros in a clumsy motion, took him by the belt.

 

- What’s happening here? –asked Melas Kleitus, riding to them. He looked tired and his clothes were covered in dust, but his commanding voice was still firm—The King wants to know why the commotion?

 

- My apologies, sir. Is my brother, I think he has fever –Nikandros explained and the black eyes of the hipparch settled on Hephaistion.

 

He might be sick, but looking so defenseless, with his lips slightly parted, and the damp hair on his pale face, Hephaistion was a vision of beauty. Kleitos had to clear his throat.

 

- Take him to the end of the column; there you can find the doctor of the Ile Basilike.

 

- Yes, sir.

 

With great effort, Nikandros took Hephaistion to the doctor. The old man traveled with the wounded on a wagon, and when the brothers approach, Nikandros perceived the strong smell of blood and illness. He moved away his face when he saw a man lacking a leg, the limp covered with dressings damped in blood. That was something that could scared him, losing a limp was something that terrified Nikandros.

 

- What do you want? –the tone of the doctor was harsh, but Nikandros didn’t take offence, the man was clearly exhausted, he had worked all night without a moment to rest.         

 

- It’s him, I think he is sick –the doctor saw Hephaistion and opened his eyes in astonishment; he had never seen a young man as beautiful as he.

 

- Help me to put him on the wagon –asked the doctor.

 

The wagon didn’t stop, nobody stopped anymore in Philip’s army, not after the Triballi attack, they stayed together on the march in close formation and fully arm, ready to attack if that was necessary; so it was difficult to Nikandros to lifted him from the horse and put Hephaistion on the wagon. His brother was now very tall and since he was almost unconscious was also very heavy, death weight. The doctor helped the best he could, and laid him down, over a dry stain of blood.  

 

- Had he been wounded in the last battle? –asked the man, examining his new patience.

 

- No that I know –Nikandros took the reins of Hephaistion’s horse, and rode at the side of the wagon.

 

The doctor, a man in his mid thirties who came from Corinth, put his hand on Hephaistion’s forehead, and leaned his ear against his chest, listening to his breathing. Then looked at him, searching for a wound, but he only found bruises, nothing serious. Then, the doctor lifted Hephaistion’s military tunic, and Nikandros saw with anger that one of the injured men with a dress covering his head, stretched his neck to see Hephaistion elegant legs.

 

- Moron –muttered Nikandros.

 

- There! –exclaimed the doctor in triumph, finding the wound that one of the Triballi swordsmen had done to him on his side—This doesn’t look good, it’s infected –the man shook his head—You didn’t know that your eromenos has this wound?

 

- No, he didn’t… wait, my WHAT? –the man who had been peeking at Hephaistion’s legs laughed, watching Nikandros blushed.

 

- It’s a nasty wound, it already has pus –the doctor scratched his chin—He didn’t clean it properly, that’s why the fever. I will clean the wound and dress it, and he will have to travel in the wagon he is no condition for riding.

 

Nikandros nodded.          

 

- He is going to be fine, right? 

 

- I hope so –said the doctor, pressing the wound to take out the pus. Hephaistion groaned, his eyes closed in pain. The wound was bad, not only had pus, it was swelling and red, and was starting to smell bad too. 

 

- I hope so? What kind of answer is that? –Nikandros could be a jerk but he cared for his brother, and Hephaistion was so pale that it was preoccupying.

 

- Look, I understand that you are concerned for your eromenos…

 

- He is my brother, and the Crown Prince’s eromenos –Nikandros raised his voice and all the men on the wagon turned to see him. It was one of those occasions were everybody fell silent in the precise moment that you are talking. And for a moment the only sound they heard were the ones of the wheels on the dusty road.

 

- Oh! so he is Amyntor’s boy, the one in the Ile Basilike –said the doctor understanding many things in that moment of revelation.

 

Nikandros didn’t like his tone.

 

- Are you going to clean his wound or just stay there like an fool? –the doctor frowned and mumbled something he didn’t understand, but did his job.

 

It was very painful. The doctor rubbed and pressed the wound merciless; it bled badly but was necessary. Nikandros made many faces during the process but he didn’t leave, he didn’t trust the doctor…or the man with the dressings on his head. Hephaistion groaned, and shivered, even if the sun had the entire army sweating. His brother wanted to cover him with his cloak but the doctor forbade it. Hephaistion was burning in fever and as the time passed he was even worst.   

 

When they arrived at Pella Nikandros was about to carry his brother to take him down from the wagon, he had to take Hephaistion to their house, their mother would know what to do. But then he heard a familiar voice behind him.

 

- How is he?

 

When he turned, he almost opened his mouth foolishly; the King was there, still in his military uniform, and covered in dust from head to toe. Nikandros opened and closed him mouth like a fish out of the water, without knowing what to say.

 

- He is not fine, sire –he managed to say at last—The fever won’t come down. 

 

The King saw Hephaistion laying on the wagon. He was panting, covered in sweat, his silky hair completely damped, and looking so pale and fragile as if he had a big sign saying: take care of me. Philip carried Hephaistion for Nikandros utterly surprise. Hephaistion was like a rag doll, he didn’t know what was happening around him and was so weak that his head laid back listless, a thin rebel lock was trap between his lips, his tunic lifted a little letting see his perfect legs hanging on the King’s strong arm.

 

- Sire, please you don’t have to do this –Nikandros had to do something; Hephaistion would kill him if he knew the King had carried him.   

 

- It’s nothing. Panos! –Philip called one of his pages, and the boy arrived running—Go and look for doctor Philip.

 

- Yes, sire –Panos left as quickly as he had arrived.

 

- I’ll take Hephaistion to the palace, there he will be better treated –said the King.

 

- Sire, I’m very honor for your concern, but I’m sure my mother can take care of him –this whole situation was bad, VERY bad, but what else could he said? He couldn’t punch the King, even if that made Hephaistion immensely happy, Nikandros had great appreciation for his life.    

 

- Then send for your mother, we are going to the palace –King accommodated Hephaistion’s head against his shoulder, to make him more comfortable.

 

Damn –thought Nikandros, following Philip.

 

The King walked to where Kleitos was barking orders when Parmelio arrived, but he was not alone, wasn’t that blond Alexander? Oh yes, the Prince walked with Parmelio and Antipater to receive his father. Ptolemy, Leonnatos and Perdikkas were with him, when his uneven eyes settled on Philip carrying Hephaistion.

 

What he felt was difficult to explain. Before he arrived at the zone outside Pella, were the army used to assemble before marching, Alexander was so happy that he appeared to glow. He had woke up at dawn and hurried to take a bath and had chose one of his best chitons, dark red, Hephaistion’s favorite color.

 

 

When Olympias took breakfast with him, in the women quarters, she noticed immediately his wonderful mood.

 

- Did you change your cook? –asked the Prince, licking his lower lip.

 

- No –answered Olympias, watching him taking his third portion of chicken.

 

- How come I haven’t eaten his food before?

 

- You have, and the last time you ate here you said that his food was like cat’s food and that you wouldn’t give Peritas this –said the Queen, very serious. She knew why he was so happy and that made her even angrier.

 

- Oh…well, today he must be inspire –said Alexander, and continued eating.

 

- I heard a rumor.

 

Problems –thought the Prince, but he was too happy to care.

 

- What did you hear?

 

- That 2 days ago you left Pella. Alone, and returned near dawn –said Olympias.

 

Alexander smiled. Yes, 2 days ago he had been with Hephaistion, he could still feel his soft hands on him; his lips still burned with his kisses. When he returned, he found Ptolemy at the gates of the city, half sleep, waiting for him with his horse and his entire equip ready to go if he heard the Prince was in trouble. Ptolemy had scolded him for hours, but he was so happy that he didn’t hear half the things his friend had said.

 

- Yes, I leave the city 2 days ago, and returned –said the Prince.

 

His mother saw him for long time but he didn’t say another word. Olympias had a good idea of where he had gone, not because of her spies but because she was a mother, and mothers have especial powers that include being capable of read their children. And her son was too happy, which only had one explanation.     

 

After breakfast, he found Ptolemy with Perdikkas and Leonnatos, telling then the last gossip in the city, apparently some important baron had found his second wife in bed with his first wife son and the entire city was talking about that.

 

- You look good –said Perdikkas—Are we receiving some important embassy today?

 

- No, my father is coming back today –said Alexander, walking with them to the part of the city where all the jewelers had their workshops.

 

- And since when do you dress up to see your father? –asked Leonnatos frowning.

 

Perdikkas and Ptolemy laughed. Leonnatos naivety always surprised them. 

 

- Not the King, but Phai –said Perdikkas, turning to see 2 beautiful girls that passed running at their side.

 

- Phai? What does he…. OH! Right! Phai –realization struck Leonnatos.

 

They arrived to the workshop of Agathias, a Greek from Phrygia that used to work from many Persian Satraps but since King Philip’s good fortune had increased he had moved to Pella. Many aristocratic ladies went to him looking for exotic necklaces or earrings, always wanting to impressed and shocked. Perdikkas and Leonnatos had never been inside a jeweler’s workshop, and they didn’t seem particularly impressed. Ptolemy was looking at some wonderful earrings wanting to find something not to expensive to impress a girl. They had some money of their own, thanks to the last Maedi campaign, but Leonnatos had spent almost everything in a magnificent breastplate and Perdikkas in a hetaira.  

 

- What are we doing here? –asked Leonnatos, watching 2 women, an old lady and her daughter choosing a ring. The daughter saw Leonnatos watching at her and smiled.

 

- I asked master Agathias something for Phai, yesterday was his birthday –said Alexander.

 

- And what are you buying him? –asked Ptolemy, who had overheard—A necklace or a pair of earrings?

 

Perdikkas and Leonnatos laughed, even the Prince smiled.

 

- A pair of wrist bracelets –said Alexander.

 

- And a leash? –said Perdikkas and they started laughing again, until they saw the marvelous bracelets.

 

- Here is what you asked me, Prince –said Agathias. Alexander took the bracelets and examined them as if he was an expert in jewels. They were of made of the extremely rare, uncommon, and most expensive, white gold.

 

White gold is an alloy of gold and at least one white metal, usually nickel or palladium. And nickel, usually mistaken with silver, was found in the territories of the Persian Empire, reason why it was so expensive in Greece. What is more, the process to make an alloy of gold and nickel was only know by Agathias; the jeweler knew he was good at his job and his price was high.

 

- Wow! –exclaimed Leonnatos seeing the bracelets.

 

- Alexander, don’t you want to be my erastes? –asked Perdikkas, in this eyes was the reflection of the bracelets.

 

- I like them –said the Prince at last.

 

- I’m pleased to hear that –the jeweler bowed.

 

- Is it really white gold? –asked Ptolemy when they reached the street—I’ve never seen white gold before.

 

- Yes, it is –answered Alexander, happily walking with his package under his arm. He couldn’t wait to see Hephaistion with the bracelets… only with the bracelets preferably.

 

- How much do you pay for them? –Perdikkas wanted to know.

 

- You really don’t want to know –said Alexander.

 

- Oh come on, tell us –Perdikkas insisted, crossing his arms behind his head.

 

- Lets just say that all my war spoils of the Maedi campaign are in Agathias purse now –his friends stopped.

 

- You are kidding! –exclaimed Ptolemy, utterly shocked.

 

- No, I am not, and if you say a word of this to Phai you will gain my…displeasure –said Alexander in a menacing tone. They swallowed.

 

Alexander had waited impatiently for the army to arrive outside Pella, and when he saw the first standards at the distance his heart beat faster, he couldn’t wait to have Hephaistion in his arms again. Only his great self-retrain made him wait where he was instead of taking Boukephalos and rode to meet the army like a schoolboy in love.

 

The Prince first saw Parmelio and went with Antipater and his friends to greet him and then looked for his father.

 

But then he had found his beloved in the King’s arms.  

 

First he thought his eyes were playing him a joke, then, when he was sure that his father was carrying Hephaistion he was beyond fury, a savage jealousy invaded him, and a series of questions struck his brain: why was his father carrying Hephaistion? What had happened to Hephaistion? And again why was he in the King’s arms?

 

And to make things worst, the cold winter wind blew and Hephaistion curled against Philip’s chest looking for warmth. Officially the Prince was enraged.   

 

- What happened to Phai? –what Alexander really wanted to ask was: why, in the name of the infernal hound Cerberus and his 3 heads, are you carrying Phai? But he managed to control his temper.

 

It was obvious for everyone that he was furious. Parmelio ran his hand through his face; this was the last thing he wanted, a spectacle with the whole army around them.

 

- He has fever –said Philip; fascinated to have the opportunity to bother his son. After that kiss Alexander had gave Hephaistion in the corridor, this was a good opportunity to take retribution—I’m taking him to the palace.

 

Parmelio was shock, he was allergic to scandals, and this promised to be the mother of all scandals.    

 

- Good thinking –muttered Alexander, walking to his father—I will carry MY eromenos, thank you.

 

Philip didn’t move and Alexander held his gaze, as always his father had to take away his eyes.

 

This is bad –thought Parmelio, seeing that all the soldiers around them had stop to see what was happening. Then, the general saw Nikandros standing near the King and had an idea.

 

- Sire, why not let Nikandros take Hephaistion to his house? I’m sure Amyntor would prefer to have him with his family –said Parmelio, and Nikandros sighed relieved, it was good to have such a powerful ally.

 

For a long moment nobody moved, and when Parmelio was about to speak again, the King turned and gave Hephaistion to his brother. Then he continued walking.

 

- Not so fast –said Philip when Alexander moved to walked to where Nikandros was—You and I have to talk, I just returned and I want to know about the situation here.

 

The King walked away, and even with all his anger Alexander knew his father request was a fair one, he couldn’t refuse but he wanted to know how Hephaistion was. Leonnatos saw the conflict on his face and approached him.

 

- Alexander, if you want I can go to Phai’s house and see how is he –the Prince nodded, he didn’t trust his voice.

 

- I have heard a rumor –said Perdikkas to Leonnatos when Alexander and Ptolemy had gone—That the King fancies Phai, but I didn’t believe it… until now.

 

- Yes, I heard that too, poor Alexander –both friends hurried to catch Nikandros—Imagine to have your father behind your eromenos.

 

- Not only your father, Leon: the KING, I just hope this will end soon.

 

- I don’t think so.

 

XXX

 

Nikandros, Perdikkas and Leonnatos arrived to Amyntor’s house. Nikandros had rode with his brother, and had covered him with his fur cloak. He was worried, Hephaistion hadn’t open his eyes since he took him with the army doctor and was just moaning and sweating. He had seen men with fever caused by infected injures but never someone this bad, if the fever didn’t do down it will be dangerous.

 

Antigone ran to her sons and ordered immediately to prepare Hephaistion’s bedroom, and soon everybody was running in the house, getting ready what the mistress needed. All the servants and the house slaves love Amyntor’s family, they just and kind people, and many of them had been in the house for years, they had seen Hephaistion born and were preoccupied for him, so they did everything they could to help.

 

- Mom, what’s happening? –asked Berenike, entering his brother’s bedroom. She was follow by beautiful young woman of her own age, Netikerty, an Egyptian slave her father had bought to her as her personal servant a few months ago.

 

When Leonnatos saw Berenike he blushed, she was very beautiful, tall, black long silky hair, and the family gray eyes. He hadn’t met his friend sister and thought he had die and was receive by a goddess at the gates of Olympus.  

 

- It’s your brother, honey, he is sick –said her mother, putting cold wet clothes on Hephaistion’s forehead, and cleaning his face his fresh water.

 

- Phai? What happened? –asked Berenike running at the side of his bed.  

 

- He had fever because of an infected wound –explained Nikandros.

 

- Eni, do something for me, take Phai’s friends to the kitchen I can’t leave your brother –asked her mother, when Cadie arrived.

 

- Ma’am, I have the cold bath ready –she said.

 

- Good, good. Nick, help me to carry Phai –asked his mother.

 

- I can do it –said Leonnatos, eager to do something to impress Berenike—I mean, Nikandros must be tired after marching with the army for 2 days.

 

Antigone smiled, she had always like him.

 

- Thank you, you are truly a gentleman Leonnatos.

 

- Well, then I guess you and I are going to the kitchen –said Berenike to Perdikkas and Leonnatos cursed. He and his great ideas.

 

Perdikkas and his friend stayed in Amyntor’s house all day. They saw when Amyntor arrived and when the King’s personal doctor, Philip came to examined Hephaistion. But Alexander didn’t show up.

 

- I’m telling you, his father must have kept Alexander occupied with something –said Perdikkas, in the room that Antigone had gave them to rest. It was dark and she didn’t want to let them go alone. Of course Leonnatos was fascinated with the idea of being in the same house as Berenike so he didn’t complain.

 

- Yes, must probably –said the other absently, stretching his neck to look through the window.

 

Perdikkas frowned.

 

- What are you doing?

 

- Yes, Alexander must be busy –said Leonnatos, clearly not paying him the slightly of attentions. He had seen Berenike in the garden looking for the cat with a bowl of food.   

 

Perdikkas took him by the ear and pulled him.

 

- Ouch!

 

- Are you listening to me? –asked Perdikkas.

 

- Of course –his friend saw his like saying: you think I’m stupid? Leonnatos sighed—All right, no, I’m not listening.

 

- Why? –Perdikkas released his ear, and Leonnatos blushed.

 

- Did you see Phai’s sister? –asked his friend, playing nervously with his fingers.

 

- Yes, what about her? Oh! –an evil smiled curved Perdikkas lips—Do you like her? –Leonnatos blushed even more and the other laughed—She is pretty, is Phai’s sister by Aphrodite sake. Imagine if Phai had a twin sister that would be something to see. I would sell my soul for a woman who looks just like him.

 

- Do you think Berenike would go out with me? –asked Leonnatos shyly, and his friend shrugged.

 

- I don’t see why not. Just one thing, if you go out with her please don’t talk about your stone collection –said the blond—Stones are boring, only you find some sort of sordid pleasure in them.

 

Leonnatos narrowed his eyes. 

 

XXX

 

Alexander couldn’t go to see Hephaistion until the afternoon of the next day; and by the time he arrived he was in a terrible mood. Philip had made him explained all about the Maedi campaign, with maps, numbers, and all the details, and he insisted in hearing everything from his mouth; he didn’t want to read it.

 

- Alexander, is a pleasure to see you again –said Amyntor, receiving the Prince at the entrance hall. Amyntor was pale and was clear that he hadn’t slept, watching over his sick son.

 

- I tried to come earlier, but I had business in palace that required my personal attention –the Prince tried his best to conceal his anger.

 

- Don’t worry, is good to have you here now. I imagine you want to see Phai –Amyntor took him inside the house.

 

- How is he? –now he didn’t bother in concealed his concern. He hadn’t been able to sleep just thinking that his best friend was sick.

 

- Not well, he still has fever –Amyntor was preoccupied—The King’s personal doctor came yesterday, he gave Phai some remedies and said that he will have to rest for weeks.

 

Suddenly Amyntor was very serious. He had heard the rumor that Philip had an obsession with one of his sons, but he had thought that was a ridiculous gossip, but now…why did the King send his personal doctor? And that was not all; one of his friends had told him about the scene between Philip and Alexander the day before. Pella was a small city and gossip traveled fast, he also knew by now that during the campaign Hephaistion had taken part in the military staff meeting, a boy of now 17 years old. And also there was the Ile Basilike appointment.   

 

Amyntor was not a fool. He had asked Nikandros about this, but his older son only said that he should ask Hephaistion. Now he was worried.

 

Alexander was left alone with Hephaistion. He took a seat at his side and caressed tenderly his forehead; he was still burning and shivering, his hair damped. Antigone had only covered him with a thin blanket, trying to take down the fever.

 

- You must recover. Do you hear me? –he whispered softly—I can’t go on without you, you are my other half, remember? –his voice trembled, and his vision got blur, Hephaistion looked so pale—Never…never die before I do…that’s the only thing I will never forgive you…

 

A tear fell on Hephaistion’s cheek, and the arc of his eyelashes trembled. Alexander curled on his chest and closed his eyes, feeling his soft breathing. Until now he had never thought about death, he was too young for that and like all the teenagers he thought he was immortal and all mighty, now he was truly afraid. What if Hephaistion died? He didn’t want to think about that, but he was sure of one thing, if his dearest one died he would die too. What was life without his other half? He knew he had been born to meet Hephaistion, and if Hephaistion wasn’t with here his life was pointless.

 

- Please, don’t die…Gods, please Asclepius I will do anything if Phai gets better… —his voice was so fragile, sincere and loving.

 

- Who… is dying… moron? –the Prince opened his eyes, and saw a weak smile on Hephaistion’s pale face, his eyes half open. It was an effort for Hephaistion to be awake.

 

Alexander straightened up.

 

- Phai, how do you feel? –his uneven eyes clouded with tears.

 

- When you… are concern…you become…a fool…how do you…think I feel? –Hephaistion’s voice was weak, but he felt much better when his beloved smiled.

 

- Do you want to eat something? What do you need? –if Hephaistion had asked in that moment for the moon, Alexander would have take Boukephalos and find a plan to take her down from the sky.

 

- Stay with me…sleep –Hephaistion closed his eyes again, he was very tired.

 

The Prince laid down by his side and embraced him, closing his eyes. He looked for his hand and intertwined his fingers. Since he hadn’t slept well the night before he felt asleep in no time.

 

When Antigone came to see her son and found Hephaistion and Alexander embraced and slept, she smiled and went away. She was so happy to see that his son was loved like that; she should make an offering to Aphrodite as soon as she could. 

 

XXX

 

A month latter…

 

Hephaistion would need weeks to be completely health and thanks to that he couldn’t go with Alexander and the army when they left for the next campaign. Alexander went almost daily to see him and took care of him using all that Aristotle had taught him about medicine…and if he had could, he would have resurrected Hippocrates to treat his beloved.

 

Before his departure, the Prince went to see him, and spend the night with him. They were having a wonderful soirée lying on the bed and talking about everything.

 

- The King had already go before me –again, not “my father” Hephaistion noticed—And I’m going with the rest of the army the day after tomorrow to catch him –said Alexander, lying on his side in front of him.

 

His best friend was still very pale, and some nights the fever returned, he couldn’t be on his feet for too long and once he had passed out, trying to fetch a cup of water.

 

- I want to go with you, we have never be in a battle together –said Hephaistion, the locks of his hair sliding over his face.

 

- We’ll have our opportunity, for now I want you to rest and recover completely, and don’t try to stand up, if you need something ask for it, understood? –said Alexander very serious.

 

- Yes, mom.

 

- Yes, SIR. I’m your superior –Hephaistion laughed.

 

- All right, I will take care of myself only if you do the same…sir –the Prince caressed his lips with the tip of his fingers.

 

- I can’t loose you –Alexander whispered.

 

- You are not loosing me.

 

- You know? If you die I’m capable of going to the underworld like Orpheus and challenge Hades until he return you to me –said the Prince with such force that Hephaistion believed him.

 

- Challenge him? So you are not going to play music for him in order to soften his heart? –Hephaistion smiled.

 

- I’m serious.

 

- I know you are –he kissed the Prince’s cheek, his leg was between Alexander’s—But I love you so much that I don’t want you to go to Hades for me.

 

- Then take care and don’t make me worry –the Prince caressed his lips with his own.   

 

- Fair enough… let’s talk about something else…What else is new in the palace? –Hephaistion asked softly. 

 

- Did you hear that Athens and Thebes made an alliance? –asked Alexander, but his friend shook his head.

 

- No, tell me –he had already heard the news but Hephaistion wanted to hear the Prince’s voice.

 

- Well, until recently the King had managed to keep the Greek cities separated, fighting to each other –said Alexander, caressing on of his friend’s long locks—But now, Demosthenes has secured an alliance with Thebes and all her allies. The King wants to march against Persia, but he can’t do that, not until the situation in Greece is secure; he initially intended to make an alliance with Athens, you know that will give us great prestige.

 

- I know, my father speaks a lot about that.

 - But now, the King is planning to draw Athens and Thebes to battle him by land. You know that the Athenian fleet is far much superior than ours, we stand no chance if we engage combat by sea –Alexander continued.

 

- And how is the King planning to accomplish that? –asked Hephaistion, curling against the Prince’s chest, his arm around Alexander’s waist.

 

- You will never believe it, Demosthenes gave him what he wanted –said the Prince—The King said he was going to marched against Amphissa, but instead he turned east at Cytinium in Doris, and has occupied Elatea, which is a key point on the main road through Thebes and Attica (1) And Demosthenes convinced the Athenians to marched into Boeotia.

 

Hephaistion smiled.

 

- You sound excited –he said against his chest.

 

- I’m, imagine how a battle against Thebes could be, against the Sacred Band –Alexander caressed his back—You need to get better soon or you will miss all the glory.

 

- I know.

 

- Do you know the story of the Sacred Band? –asked Alexander, leaning his head against Hephaistion’s.

 

- No –again, he knew, but he was very comfortable there and didn’t want to stop his beloved.

 

- Well, they are an elite group of 150 male couples. The inspiration for the Sacred Band’s formation lies in Plato’s teachings, he said “if there were only some way of contriving that an army should be made up of lovers and their loves […] when fighting at each other's side, although a mere handful, they would overcome the world. For what lover would not choose rather to be seen by all mankind than by his beloved, either when abandoning his post or throwing away his arms? He would be ready to die a thousand deaths rather than endure this. Or who would desert his beloved or fail him in the hour of danger?” –Alexander recited Plato’s teachings as if he was reading them—The Theban General Pelopidas guided them against Sparta at Tegyra 40 years ago, and they won eliminating an army at least 3 times the sizes of their own –the Prince continued, his voice full of energy, he loved speaking about famous battles and his best friend knew it—The Theban army is the one we must fear, not the Athenians, they can’t see that they are not the legendary hoplites from the battle of Marathon, not anymore. 

 

- You are right, I just hope that my family in Athens would be fine when this war is over –said Hephaistion very softly and Alexander kissed his head.

 

They fell silent, hearing the booming voice of grandfather Demetrios at the distance and Lysanias crying.

 

- There is something I don’t like about the Sacred Band –said Hephaistion.

 

- What is it?

 

- Well, they are male couples because according with Plato if you fight at the side of your dear one you can do the impossible, right? –Alexander nodded—But all the members in the Sacred Band are married with children. How can you possibly say that your beloved in the Band is your dearest one if you are married?

 

- Phai, you have very strange ideas, what’s wrong with that? –said the Prince, smiling—You know as good as I that every man has to get married, it’s the right thing to do. Did you know that the Spartans have a ceremony in which, if one man didn’t get married at the age of 30 years old, they humiliate him in public? We have until our 24 birthday to do as we please, but after that, we have to get married.

 

- I know, but… let’s imagine for a second that we are Thebans –proposed Hephaistion—And you and I are members of the Sacred Band –the Prince laughed—What’s so funny?

 

- I don’t know, but that sounds funny.

 

- Moron.

 

- All right –Alexander took a deep breath to stopped laughing—We are in the Sacred Band, and then?

 

- How would you feel if every night I leave you to go back with my wife and children? –Hephaistion wanted to know.

 

- Well, if we were lovers I doubt that you would be going to your wife every night.

 

- Alexander!

 

- I’m teasing you –said the Prince. Then he fell silent considering the imaginary situation—I have never imagined you married –Alexander said at last, speaking softly—I know we have to get married, eventually but…no, I wouldn’t want to share you.

 

Hephaistion smiled.

 

- Neither do I –they fell silent again.

 

- Phai.

 

- Mm?

 

- You already knew the story of the Sacred Band, don’t you?

 

- Yes.

 

Hermes the cat entered the room. In one jump he climbed the bed and curled up ready to continue his nap. He was an old cat but everybody in Amyntor’s house loved him as if he were part of the family.  

 

- I have an idea –said Alexander against his hair.

 

- About what?

 

- When the time comes for us to get married, we are going to do it with a pair of sisters –said the Prince.

 

Hephaistion frowned.

 

- Why sisters?

 

- Because in that way our children will be cousins, and we will be brothers-in-law –said Alexander—And later, your daughter will marry my son and when they have children we will have a common grandson, and that grandson will rule Macedonia –he continued with self sufficiently, making his friend laugh.

 

- Do you realize that your plan has many “if”? If we marry sisters, if you have a son, if I have a daughter…

 

- Oh, come on! It’s a good plan –said the Prince when another idea came to him— Or we can do another thing.

 

- Tell me.

 

- You can marry my sister and I can marry yours –Hephaistion stopped smiling at once.

 

- No –he said firmly, and his tone puzzled Alexander.

 

- Why not? Your sister is always saying she wants to marry a Prince, I’m a Prince and in that way Eni will be Macedonia’s Queen –Alexander couldn’t see the problem.

 

Right, with your mother as her mother-in-law and living among the conspiracies and treachery in the palace –thought Hephaistion.

 

- I love my sister; do you think I want to make her my rival?

 

He has a point –thought Alexander.

 

- I want Eni to get married with someone who loves her as I love you –said Hephaistion and the Prince embraced him tightly—I wouldn’t forgive myself knowing that my sister’s husband is in love with me.

 

Alexander sighed.

 

- You are right –he said—And now that I think this if you married Cleopatra it would be a problem.

 

- Because she likes me? –asked Hephaistion, he was feeling very tired, but wanted to continued talking with him.

 

- Like you? She is crazy for you. Since when did you know? –Alexander wasn’t surprised; after all, his sister was very obvious.

 

- Since you introduced us –said Hephaistion, his eyes felt very heavy, so he closed them—She had come several times to see me this month, last time she came with cookies she made, but my mother considered that they didn’t look healthy enough, so she forbade me to eat them.

 

The Prince kissed his forehead, his eyelids and looked for his lips, leaving a trail of soft loving kisses through his face.

 

- I’m going to miss you –whispered Alexander.

 

- Me too.

 

- Phai?

 

- Mm?

 

- Do you feel too bad tonight? –Hephaistion stopped kissing him.

 

- Why do you ask?

 

- Well, I was thinking if we can make love tonight –said Alexander and his best friend opened his eyes and saw him as if they didn’t speak the same language—Phai, I’m going in 2 days.

 

- And apparently you want to kill me. No.

 

XXX

(1) Peter Green. Alexander of Macedon, p 70