CHAPTER 16

 

- Mommy please, stop crying –said Berenike tenderly, standing at the side of her mother.

 

- Mom, it’s okay, you are going to suffocate him –said Lysanias, now a handsome boy of almost 9 years old.

 

Antigone couldn’t stop crying since she had seen Nikandros safe and sound in their home. She had embraced him when he entered the house with his father at his side, she was too happy to speak, and she had been in the same position for almost half and hour. Nikandros had his shoulder wet.  

 

- Mom, really I’m all right, I just have a broken leg that’s all –said Nikandros, patting her back. He didn’t know what else to do.

 

- Why did they say you were dead? –asked Berenike, crossing her arms.

 

Nikandros sighed.

 

- It’s a long story –he said—A spear struck me and I fell from my horse, Kleopatros tried to help me but we got separated. Something, I don’t remember quite well, hit me on the head and I was unconscious. How was that I wasn’t crush under a horse? It’s a miracle, the point is that I remain under the corpses almost for 2 days, and since my superior officer didn’t find me, he thought I was death –Nikandros explained, hearing his mother sobbing—Dad found me with the Athenian injured days latter.

 

- You see ma’am? It was a mistake, I told you –said Cadie with a big smile. Antigone just nodded.

 

- And Phai? Why didn’t he come back with you? –asked Berenike, she was extremely happy, but everybody thought it was because the return of Nikandros, so nobody asked. 

 

- He is in Athens –answered her father—He went with Alexander to negotiate the peace terms. 

 

- And they went alone? –Berenike asked with special interest.

 

- No, Antipater and Alcimachus went with them –said Amyntor for his daughter disappointment. 

 

- When is he coming back, dad? –asked Lysanias. The boy had an impressive resemblance with his brother Hephaistion, bronze-gold hair and gray eyes, but Hephaistion was the gorgeous version of his younger brother.

 

- In a month or two, I don’t know.

 

- Oh, I hope he bring us something shiny from Athens –said Berenike sighing.

 

XXX

 

Athens was a magnificent, ancient and proud city. Every stone, every tree, every corner was full with history, and as Alexander, Hephaistion and their small group approach the main gates they experienced the overwhelming sensation of being entering a city that had witness many great events, an immortal and eternal city. They rode between the towers of the Dipylon Gates, the same gates that had seen the hoplites marched to Marathon 152 years before them, to fight against the Persian King Darius I and had returned victorious and covered in glory.

 

This was the city that had seen the birth of the great Pericles, the one who took Athens into her golden age. This was the city that fought against the legendary Spartans in the Peloponnesian war, 93 years before this day. This was the city of Xenophon, the historian and soldier who travel with the 10 thousand Greek mercenaries through the Persian lands in the age of the Great King Artaxerxes II; Xenophon, the one who wrote the Anabasis, a book that would serve Alexander greatly when he invaded Asia. This was the city that had seen Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, the city that had heard them, loved them and hated them.

 

Athens was an impressive city, and Alexander understood its importance while riding thought it’s streets. It was a shame that now, men like Demosthenes had turned the Athenians against Macedonia, Athens could have been a great allied against the Persians, now it was the Prince duty to assure that things didn’t get worst. 

 

Alexander had never before been here and Hephaistion had came years ago, he too was impressed to see how much the city had change during that time, you could smell fear in the air, and just a look at the crowd that had gathered at the entrance to see them, told Hephaistion that the Athenians were in a delicate state. A word, just one word could started a riot or calm the expectantly mob. The Athenian members of the pro Macedonian faction received them and along the way they saw a great number of women waiting to retrieve their dear ones ashes. It was a sad view and Hephaistion couldn’t avoid thinking about his own mother.

 

One of the Macedonian officers who accompanied them proceeded to deliver the ashes of the fallen while Alexander and Antipater talked with Demades. Hephaistion was always near the Prince, paying attention to the people around them, he would protect Alexander with his life and been there with so much people near the Prince in a hostile city had his senses sharpened. Demades took them to the agora to hear the speeches of the council hall. It was a long day, Demades insisted that the Prince should stay in his house, and he prepared a great banquet in his honor.

 

- Alex, Athens is not Pella, here banquets are very different from the ones you are used to –said Hephaistion in a very low voice, while they walked to Demades’ house—Athenian people like to think of themselves as the most civilized men in the world and they are very conservative, here manners are everything, don’t drink in excess and please control your temper.

 

- Yes mother –said Alexander blinking in surprise—Honestly Phai, I swear that I can eat with my mouth shut and I know how to use a spoon.

 

Hephaistion blushed; he had exaggerated and was insulting the Prince.

 

- Alex I didn’t mean that…

 

The Prince smiled.

 

- I know, you are concerned, don’t worry, you didn’t insult me –Alexander wasn’t angry and Hephaistion relaxed—I appreciate that you want to help me, and you are right I won’t drink in excess, I promise.

 

They dine at Demades’ house, and Alexander took special care to look first to the other guest before eating and took note of their customs, Hephaistion was right, Athenians were very strict about manners and he didn’t want to look like the barbarian Demosthenes said they were. When the night was pretty advanced, he saw Hephaistion walking to the door, so he interrupted his conversation and ran after his best friend.

 

- Phai! –Hephaistion stopped at the middle of the garden and turned. The sweet smell of orchids, hyacinths, and crocus filled the air. It was a warm night, the sky clean and the constellation of Cygnus was shining with all intensity, the moon was a bright smile in a star ocean—Where are you going?

 

- To my aunt’s house.

 

- Why? –asked Alexander walking to him.

 

- Demades said you could stay here, but he never invited me –explained Hephaistion—I didn’t want to interrupt your conversation, that’s why I’m leaving like this. I’m sorry if that upset you.

      

- I’ll tell Demades you are staying here too –Hephaistion shook his head, his long silky locks hit his cheeks.

 

- That would be rude, it’s best this way… don’t look at me like that, we will see each other tomorrow, besides –Hephaistion approached him until his lips brushed Alexander’s—We can’t do what you are thinking in Demades’ house.

 

The Prince smiled.

 

- As if I was the only one thinking about “that” –his best friend laughed.

 

- You got me.  

 

- See you tomorrow then? –as a good bye, Hephaistion kissed him on the lips, and then he left.

 

Hephaistion stopped at the middle of a dark street, and lifted his head to see the wonderful night sky. He knew this was the first of many times in which he would have to leave Alexander to deal things on his own. Alexander was going to become a King someday, and he wouldn’t be able to stay with him always… that thought broke his heart, but was true and he had to accept the fact that they were not equals.

 

But I will do my best to help him in everyway I can –thought Hephaistion, making a silent vow. Then he resumed his walk with his 2 swords on his back, heading to his aunt’s house.

 

XXX

 

A week later, Hephaistion woke up in his aunt’s house. A beautiful and chubby blue bird was singing on his window. Every morning the same bird stood there and sang his beautiful song, waking the young man up. This was the first night since Chaeronea that he didn’t have nightmares; Hephaistion had been dreaming about the battle every night, and every night he saw the faces of the men he had killed. If only he could sleep with Alexander, then he could sleep better… even the snoring was better than the nightmares.

 

The arc of his bronze-gold eyelashes trembled and he opened his eyes; the first rays of daylight entered the room through the gap of the curtains. He had to got up, every morning he got up before his aunt and did some exercise before breakfast, he liked to run from the house to the agora and then return; the agora was far from his aunt’s house but he didn’t care, better for him, and when he returned he always found his aunt with the breakfast ready.

 

This morning was pretty much the same; it was a sunny day with few clouds on the sky and when he came back to the house his aunt was already waiting him. He took a bath and then sat on the couch at the side of his aunt.

 

- Your mother wrote us a letter –said Thaleia.

 

His aunt was a woman in her mid fifties, with long black hair and the family gray eyes, she was a widow but a very happy one, in a way Thaleia reminded him of his own mother, she was an active woman, who owned her own cloth shop. She sold wool, linen, cotton and silk, and was very famous because cotton and silk were rare and expensive. Thaleia had 4 daughters but no sons, and all her daughters were happily married with their own children. She always wanted a boy of her own and that was why she spoiled her nephew so much, treating Hephaistion as a prince.

 

- What did she say? –asked Hephaistion, taking a slice of cheese.

 

- Your father found your brother –said Thaleia—He was injured during the battle and was unconscious under the corpses of the fallen; that was why nobody could find him. Nick has a broken leg and is resting in your house now.

 

Hephaistion smiled. Now he was relived, knowing that his brother was safe in his home.   

 

- Good to know, I was starting to think the worst –said her nephew—Did my mother said anything else?

 

- Let me think…I will give you her letter if you want…Oh! Yes, now I remember, your cat died –said Thaleia, and Hephaistion coughed.

 

- Hermes?

 

- Yes, she was very sad. Your mother, brothers and sister cremated Hermes, put his ashes on an urn and buried him with all honors –said his aunt trying not to laugh. She thought that was ridiculous, Hermes was a cat for Hades sake! But when she saw Hephaistion’s expression she knew her nephew was sad and that he approved the cat’s burial. She didn’t say anything else.

 

- Poor Hermes, he was a good cat but was very old –Hephaistion left his bread. 

 

- Now, now… don’t tell me you loose your appetite? I know I’m not as good cook as your mother, but I don’t think my food is that bad –Thaleia smiled—What is your plan for today?

 

- Well, the Athenians heard that Alexander is a good runner so they arranged that he could compete against a first class Olympic athlete today –said Hephaistion, drinking his tea.

 

- God Zeus! And against who is your Prince running?

 

- I think his name is Xenias –Thaleia laughed.

 

- Oh good Hermes! Your Prince doesn’t stand a chance –said his aunt—That lad, Xenias, runs like the wind.

 

- Alexander is an excellent runner –Hephaistion defended his beloved—Trust me, I have run against him.

 

- Don’t get mad, my boy, I’m not insulting your Prince, I’m just saying that defeating Xenias is extremely difficult –said his aunt with all calm. They fell silent and Thaleia admired him, she couldn’t believe that this outstanding beautiful young man was her nephew—Dear Gods! You are very handsome Phai, if I were younger I would be looking for a way to get into your bed –Hephaistion coughed, choking with his food, and his aunt laughed—Is there any girl you like?

 

- Not at the moment, no –he said with drowned voice.

 

- You must have an army of girls behind you, your father is going to have a very difficult time choosing you a wife… did you know? My neighbors asked me who was that handsome boy who runs everyday to the agora –said his aunt in confidence, it was clear that she was enjoying herself—You have all the girls on the block getting up early to see you pass in the mornings.  

 

Hephaistion didn’t say a word; he just brushed his hair behind his ear. It was uncomfortable for him having that kind of attention.

 

- Aunt Thaleia, can I ask you something?

 

- Of course! What do you need?

 

- I want you to cut my hair –his aunt saw him as if he was talking nonsense—It’s too long and is a nuisance.

 

- But you have a beautiful hair, my son –said Thaleia, trying to change his mind—It would be a shame to cut it. You look absolutely astonishing like you are now.

 

- Please aunt, my hair is almost as long as my sister’s –Hephaistion complained and his aunt sighed.

 

- Fine, but I will cut it just a little, I still think is crazy to make an attempt against such hair.

 

And true to her words Thaleia cut his hair a little, enjoying the silkiness of his hair pouring through her fingers. 

 

Latter on that day, Hephaistion was walking with Alexander to the place where the race would take place.

 

- I haven’t come to Athens since I was 10 years old, my father used to take me with him on all his travels, and he frequented Athens a lot –said Hephaistion walking with Alexander around the agora.

 

- Phai, there is something I want to ask you; your family is from here? –asked the Prince with curiosity.

 

- You heard Cassander speaking, don’t you? –Alexander nodded—Well, is a long story, are you sure you want to hear it?

 

- It’s Phai’s family story, so yes, I want to hear it –Hephaistion smiled. He smiled a lot when he was with him.

 

- Well, my great-grandfather was Nikandros, he was born and educated here in Athens and when he was about 22 years old he went to Macedonia with his wife and my grandfather of one year old –said Hephaistion—My great-grandfather was an artist and he served the King Archelaus I. When the King founded Pella and started the construction of the royal palace, he employed many artists and architects and my great-grandfather saw his opportunity. He loved Macedonia and decided to stay there, latter my grandpa married a Macedonian noble woman and was awarded the Macedonian citizenship by adoption of the culture, or so he says. My aunt Thaleia was born in Macedonia but she decided to married an Athenian man and came back to live here since she was very young. My father and my uncle were born in Pella, the same of me and my brothers and sister. So, I don’t know why Cassander and Philotas insist in call me an Athenian. 

 

- What an interesting story –said Alexander—And which city do you like more? Pella or Athens?

 

- Mm, that’s a tricky question… when I was younger I liked more Athens, but now I think I like more Pella –answered Hephaistion.

 

- Why the change? –the Prince was curious.

 

- Because when I was younger I thought that I had nothing in common with the Macedonian people, now I know I had nothing in common with the Athenians, but I’m Macedonian and my best friends and you are Macedonians, so I started to look Pella with an other perspective: as the place were the people I love the most live –said Hephaistion—That’s why I like more Pella.    

 

Alexander smiled.

 

They arrived at a great area where a big mob had gathered to see the race. Demades, a big man, famous for his great appetite, walked to them with a friendly smile curving his lips.

 

- Want to bet something? –asked the Prince in a low voice.

 

- No thank you, last time I looked like a fool betting against you –said Hephaistion in a playful tone.    

 

- Then bet in favor of me this time.

 

- My Prince –said Demades in a cheerful tone—Ready to run against Xenias?

 

- I’m always ready, Demades –answered Alexander in a confident tone, that made the big chubby man to laughed.

 

- Good to hear that.

 

- Be careful, I heard Xenias is a good runner –whispered Hephaistion near his ear.

 

- Don’t worry, I won’t lose; after all I have you at my side –Alexander brushed his cheek with his lips—You are my lucky charm, with you I will never loose.

 

Hephaistion saw him with intensity. There was something in his words that made him shivered, the Prince had spoken like an oracle, absolutely sure of his words. 

 

Xenias was a young man in excellent condition, he was not good looking but had an army of fans thanks to his victories in the Olympic games. Hephaistion just had to look at him to know that he was the athlete everyone said he was. The race began; everything, the Prince wasn’t a professional athlete but he ran like Hermes himself; Hephaistion felt his pulse quickening, his beloved could wine he knew it… but then, something happened. Alexander noticed that Xenias was slackening his pace on purpose. The Prince stopped running and everyone could see he was furious, he had never felt so indignant in a long time and his hosts had a very difficult time trying to mend their mess.

 

Hephaistion only smiled.

 

Yep, that is my Alexander –he thought.

 

XXX

 

- The King and Alexander received the Athenian citizenship and the Athenians are absolutely delight with the treatment they received from the King –said Hephaistion to his family when he returned, almost 2 months latter—Alexander and I went to the Academy, and Alexander asked Xenocrates, the head of the academy to draw him up the Rules of Royal Government.

 

Antigone had arranged the couches on the garden, it was a beautiful day and she was very happy to have her family reunited. Everybody seemed happy except for Berenike, who was suspiciously silent. 

 

- You had a good time, then –said his mother.

 

- Oh, yes, it was great and aunt Thaleia was very kind with me –said Hephaistion.

 

- We should send her something to thank her –said Antigone to her husband, taking his by the arm, and Amyntor nodded. 

 

- And what’s new in Pella? –asked Hephaistion, after talking for almost an hour.

 

- Gloomy cousin Amyntas got married –said Nikandros, his leg now was fully recovered.

 

- You are kidding me! With whom? –Hephaistion wanted to know.

 

- With Cynane, the King’s older daughter, but Eni knows that story better than I, right Eni? –but Berenike remained silent, apparently she hadn’t heard anything they had said so far—BERENIKE! –Nikandros shouted and his sister jumped—You are daydreaming.

 

- Don’t yell at me, why do you have to yell? –Berenike’s lower lip trembled and she started to cry, leaving her family in shock…she never cried for things like this; she was a very strong and independent girl, she even was a little of a tomboy sometimes.

 

- Princess don’t cry, Nick didn’t mean to be rude with you –Antigone tried to comfort her, but Berenike stood up, and left the garden, running to her room.

 

- What’s wrong with her? –asked Hephaistion, watching his sister go.

 

Amyntor sighed.

 

- We don’t know, she has been really weird lately –said his father—First, when Nick returned she was very happy, and she remained like that for almost 2 months, but 2 weeks ago she started to cry for nothing and is very depressed.

 

- And you don’t know why? –Amyntor shook his head, but when Hephaistion saw his mother, he knew she knew or suspected something.

 

- Well, I guess you want to know the palace news –said his father changing the subject—The King is now officially the hegemon of Greece –he said, leaving his cup on a small table at his side—The King created the Hellenic League with him as his leader, and the League is oblige to answer to him and give him troops and resources in times of war.       

 

- Now he has all he ever wanted –said Nikandros—He is planning seriously the Persian invasion, he is gathering all his resources and started to recruit new men. The workshops are working day and night producing swords, spears and armors.

 

- It looks like we are almost ready to march against the Great King Artaxerxes Ochus –said Hephaistion.

 

- Artaxerxes Ochus is no longer the Great King, Phai –said his father.

 

- What happened? –Hephaistion was really intrigued.

 

- The grand vizier, a eunuch named Bagoas killed him and put on the throne Artaxerxes youngest son Arses, but Arses is just a puppet, the real ruler of the Persian Empire is Bagoas –Amyntor explained—If the King is planning to march against Persia, now is the right moment to do so.

 

- And when are we marching? –Hephaistion wanted to know. Nikandros and Amyntor exchanged gazes. Something was not right—What happened?

 

- You should tell him, Phai is going to find out either way –said Antigone.

 

- Tell me what?   

 

- The King is getting married again –said Amyntor, very serious.

 

- With whom? A Greek woman? –that would have sense, after all Philip always married after a military campaign to assure the good faith of his old enemies.

 

- No Phai, with a Macedonian noble, the niece of a man named Attalos: Cleopatra –his father explained.

 

A Macedonian noble woman? That is bad news for Alexander; after all, his mother is from Epirus –thought Hephaistion.

 

- And why is he doing that?

 

- I don’t know, Phai –Amyntor shook his head—But Alexander must be very careful, I heard a disturbing rumor in the city. They are saying that Alexander is not the King’s son and that the King is planning to repudiate the Queen for adulteress.

 

Hephaistion was on his feet. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing, Philip couldn’t do that, and how could he think that Alexander was not his son? Fine, he didn’t like Olympias, he really thought she was utterly crazy but, adulteress? Well, Olympias was part of the cult of Dionysus, which was saying a lot.

 

The cult of Dionysus mixed the pleasures of drinking and feasting with the religious rites. “When wine had inflamed their feelings, and night and the mingling of the sexes and of different ages had extinguish all power of moral judgment, all sorts of corruption began to be practiced, since each person had ready to hand the chance of gratifying the particular desire to which he was naturally inclined. The corruption was not confined to one kind of evil, the promiscuous violation of men and women […] dealing also in poisons and in wholesale murders among the devotees, and sometimes ensuring that not even the bodies were found for burial. Many outrages were committed by craft, and even more by violence; and the violence was concealed because of drums and the clashing of cymbals in the scene of debauchery and bloodshed”(1)

 

Hephaistion had heard many terrible stories about the cult of Dionysus, reason why he didn’t like the Queen, but he was sure that Alexander was the King’s son. He didn’t like to think about that but, now that Alexander was older he was looking more like the King, but luckily for both of them the Prince was more like his beautiful mother.

 

This is terrible, if the King gets married with a Macedonian woman, and he have a son, he could repudiate Alexander and named his new son his legitimate heir –thought Hephaistion, terribly concern for his beloved.    

 

The young man of gray eyes rode to the royal palace, it was getting late and soon it will be dark, but he didn’t care, even if he had to ride under a storm he would go to his Prince. He went straight to the Prince’s chambers. No one stopped him; all the guards knew he was Alexander’s eromenos and his dearest friend. He was going to call at the door when the Prince appeared before him.  

 

- Phai! –Hephaistion couldn’t say a thing, Alexander embraced him tightly—Thank the Gods you are here, I was on my way to your house.

 

His best friend kissed his head.

 

- I heard everything from my father; the King is getting married, isn’t he?

 

- Yes… come, come to my room we have to talk.

 

They loved to talk on the bed, lying side by side. Hephaistion caressed his head tenderly, brushing his blond locks with his fingers, listening Alexander telling him the same things his father had told him. The Prince was furious, and with all reason! Hephaistion himself was outraged, but they couldn’t do anything, and that was what had them so angry, so frustrated.

 

- My mother is beyond fury –said Alexander, his forehead vein popped out—She almost destroyed her entire furniture when she heard the rumors that she was an adulteress. How could the King accused MY mother of something like that when he…?

 

- When he what? –Alexander kept silent—Said it, Alex I don’t mind, how could he accused your mother when he rape me? Was that what you wanted to say?

 

The Prince nodded.

 

- This is his revenge, he is angry that you chose me and that it was thanks to me that we won at Chaeronea –said Alexander.

 

Hephaistion kissed him; scattering sweet kisses on his face. 

 

- Did he say to you that he thinks he is not your father? –that question took the Prince by surprise.

 

- No.

 

- Then maybe not all is lost, I mean, it’s just a rumor after all –Hephaistion tried to calm him—We are overreacting…

 

- Overreacting?! He is marrying a Macedonian noble and the entire Pella is questioning the integrity of my mother and my rightful claim to the throne, how is THAT overreacting? –Alexander sat.

 

- Alex –Hephaistion sat too, crossing his legs on a meditation position—What I mean is, he hasn’t done anything yet; we must deal with one problem at a time. Wait until he gets married and see what happen next… let me finish. Be careful and stay alert, but don’t give him reasons to repudiate your mother as a Queen and you as his heir. 

 

And about the integrity of your mother… well everybody questions that since ages ago –thought Hephaistion.

      

Alexander lied down and rested his head on Hephaistion’s legs.

 

- What would I do without you? –he whispered—Stay with me tonight.

 

- Tonight and always –Hephaistion kissed his cheek, in a loud exaggerated kiss that made Alexander laughed.

 

Then Hephaistion stared to tickle him merciless, he wanted to make the Prince laugh, and soon they were engaged in a tickle battle that ended with Hephaistion over Alexander.

 

- Surrender Alexander –said his best friend, tickling him on the stomach. The Prince was red and his stomach hurt after so much laughing.

 

- I… can’t take it…any longer… –said Alexander in a drown voice. Hephaistion released him and lied down on his chest, hearing the Prince’s heart beating savagely.   

 

- I love you –and those simple words made the Prince feel much much better.

 

XXX

 

Next morning when Alexander woke up he found himself alone and on the floor of his bedroom. First he didn’t understand why he was on the floor, until he remembered that he had slept with Hephaistion, and where was Hephaistion? He stood up and rubbed his back… oh! Now he remembered, lately his beloved used to wake up really early to do exercise and train. Alexander had noticed that on the military camp and in Athens that his best friend was following his grandfather strict regime, and was determined to be the best swordsman not only in Macedonia, but also in all Greece.  

 

The Prince yawned. He better got dressed and looked for Hephaistion.

 

Hephaistion was in the garden outside the Prince’s quarters, he had been training for an hour, his eyes were cover with a piece of cloth and the tree in front of him had several sword marks on the trunk. When Alexander arrived he was going to call him but then, he saw his concentration, both swords pointed at the front. Hephaistion moved very quickly and hit the tree in exactly the same places over and over again, and then he stopped, his body slightly bended to the front, both swords perfectly still at his sides.

 

The Prince applauded and Hephaistion took off the cloth covering his eyes.      

 

- That was truly impressive, how do you do it? –asked Alexander walking to him.

 

His best friend cleaned the sweat on his forehead with the back of his hand, the long locks of his hair attached to his damp skin.

 

- I guess is just about concentration, that’s all.

 

- You will have to teach me to fight like that –said Alexander.

 

- Do you want me to train you? –Hephaistion was amused.

 

- Why not?

 

His best friend smiled, an arrogant and lazy smile that almost made the Prince blush.

 

- All right, but I must warn you, I’m a very strict teacher.

 

- Then I suppose that I will have to “behave” myself, don’t you think? –there was something extremely hot in the way the Prince had said “behave”, and Hephaistion laughed. 

 

- Hephaistion! –one of the pages arrived running—Hephaistion, your sister is at the main entrance, she is asking to see you –said the boy, taking both boys by surprise.

 

- My sister?

 

- What does Eni want? –asked Alexander to his best friend, but Hephaistion shook his head—Did she said anything else? –he asked to the page.

 

- No, Alexander.

 

- I’ll better go, where do I see you latter?

 

- At the lake, I’m going to ride with Perdikkas and Leon –said Alexander and his best friend went to the main entrance of the palace.

 

Berenike was very nervous, walking like a caged lion, twisting her hands. Her slave, Netikerty was with her, looking very pale and concerned, and that preoccupied Hephaistion, his sister was a very cheerful and happy girl, something very bad must be happening to her to look like that.

 

- Eni, what’s wrong? Did something happen at home? –asked Hephaistion.

 

Berenike turned to see him.

 

- N-no, I just want to talk to you; that’s all –said the 16 years old girl.

 

- Come, we can talk in the garden –Hephaistion took his sister near a beautiful fountain, with naked statutes of the Nymphs, half submerged in the water. The only sounds they could hear were the wind shaking the leaves of the trees and the relaxing sound of the water.  

 

Berenike sat dawn at the side of her brother; his hands tightly close on her lap. Hephaistion took her hands tenderly, and smiled adorably to her.

 

- It’s all right; you know you can tell me anything, right? What happened?

 

- I’m pregnant.

 

It took a while for Hephaistion to understand what he had heard, and for a very long time neither talk.

 

- I’m sorry Eni, you WHAT?!

 

- I’m pregnant –Berenike repeated—Oh, Phai!, I don’t know what to do, I’m sure mom suspects something but I don’t have the courage to tell her, dad is going to be furious and I’m so scare, and-and-and… I don’t know… I didn’t know… I didn’t have anyone to talk about this…–his sister started to cry—And you weren’t here…and…  

 

- It’s all right, calm down Eni –Hephaistion embraced her, and Berenike curled against his chest, sobbing.

 

Officially, Hephaistion had no idea of what to do, what could he do? He was concerned for his sister, angry at the son of a bad mother who had taken advantage of her, confused about what to do next…he took a deep breath and started to think.

 

- I’m so stupid –Berenike cried.

 

- No, you are not stupid Eni, you are a wonderful person –her brother kissed her head. And now the million dracma question—Eni, who is the father?

 

- You are going to get mad –she said against his chest.

 

Oh, please, not Leon, everyone but Leon –thought Hephaistion knowing that his friend liked his sister.

 

- I’m promise not to get mad, have I ever broke a promise before? –Berenike shook her head.

 

- He was one of the –she took a depth breath—One of the Theban hostages, his name is Paris, son of Nikolaos.

 

What Hephaistion wanted to do was to stand up and scream: WHAT?! And ARE YOU INSANE?! But that was a terrible idea, so he just swallowed his indignation and asked, trying to remain calm.

 

- A Theban hostage… how did you meet a Theban hostage?

 

- I-I saw him the day they arrived after the battle and I asked Nety to follow him –Berenike answered—I had to bribe the guards and started to visit him every day…I gave him food and… wine, and we started to talk, and he was adorable and…

 

- Where is he? –he asked in a menacing tone that didn’t passed unnoticed to his sister.

 

- He… he left Pella a week ago; his father paid the ransom.

 

 - Eni, do you realize that is almost impossible to make him marry you? –this was getting worse every moment.

 

If Paris had been Macedonian, he would have go to his house and take down his door demanding that he would take responsibility for his actions… but Theban? He was starting to consider the possibility of going to Thebes, looked for this Paris and dragged him all the way back to Pella.

 

- I know, that’s why I’m a stupid –she started crying again. Hephaistion sighed.

 

- Eni, does this Theban love you? –that was a naïve question, but he had to ask, maybe Paris was truly in loved with his sister and things wouldn’t be so hard to her.

 

As an answer she cried harder.

 

- I-I-I went to see him when…when his father came to pay the ransom, I thought he would introduced us –Berenike sobbed and Hephaistion was starting to think he wasn’t going to like the rest—But he… he acted as if he didn’t know me…

 

That’s it; he was going to Thebes to break every single bone in Paris body.

 

- Does he know you are pregnant?  

 

- Yes! –Hephaistion patted her back. He was so furious that he would gladly kill this Theban with his bare hands.

 

- We have to tell dad and mom.

 

- I know…but, can you… can you help me to tell them? –he kissed her head again.

 

- Of course, I won’t leave you, do you hear me? –Berenike nodded. 

 

XXX

 

- Leon please, this is stupid –said Perdikkas, standing at the base of a big tree, watching his friend climbing trying to catch a little and frighten kitten.

 

- What is he doing? –asked Alexander, standing at Perdikkas’ side.

 

- I suppose you heard that Phai’s cat died.

 

- Yes.

 

- Well, his sister has been very depressed and crying, Leon thinks it’s related to the sudden demise of the cat, so he decided to get her another cat –Perdikkas summarized.

 

- I see.

 

- Alexander! –another page arrived—Alexander, Hephaistion asked me to tell you that he had to go to his house.

 

The Prince frowned.

 

- Did he say why?

 

- No, just that he will return as soon as he can –said the page.

 

That left Alexander concerned. He was sure this had something to do with Berenike’s suddenly appearance in the palace, but he would have to wait until his friend came back.

     

XXX

 

(1) Livy. Rome and the Mediterranean, p 402.