CHAPTER 19

 

After leaving King Langarus’ castle, Hephaistion and Alexander went to live near the border that the lands of the Agrianians shared with the Dacians, in what is now known as Romania.

 

In the future the Dacians will be quite famous thanks to a Roman Emperor called Trajan, who conquered them, expanding Rome’s power. In his last days, Trajan wanted to emulate Alexander and prepare his forces to invade the heir of the Persian Empire: The Parthians; but he died first. The honor of conquering Asia will always be Alexander’s. More to the east to the lands of the Agrianians were the lands of the Getai and another tribe known as Scythians, who in the near future will fight against Alexander during his Asian campaign.

 

They had no way of knowing but Hephaistion and Alexander were very close to the lands of the vampire clan Tzimisce, and if they had crossed the river probable they would have die a terribly death. But God had a special plan for them and they enjoyed peaceful and happy days.

 

They settled on a valley, a beautiful place surrounded by mountains. They were near a village, and had chosen to live in a small and old house at the side of the river. A big flower camp was in front of their house, beautiful flowers that were like a gigantic carpet of colors. At night, a sweet perfume floated through their window, filling the house…the only bad thing was the bees, too many bees for the boys liking. Peritas hated when the bees stopped on his nose but he knew better than made a bee angry.  

 

King Langarus sent once a week his servants to bring them food and clothes and to help them in whatever they could, but one day, Alexander saw that the house roof was very damage and wouldn’t stand a storm. Since they had nothing better to do, except of course to make love, and they had done that so much, that it was like Macedonians mating season. Alexander decided to repair the roof, all by himself.

 

- Alex, I don’t think this is a good idea –said Hephaistion, watching him on the house roof.

 

- Why not? –asked the Prince, holding a wooden plank.

 

- Have you ever do this before?

 

- No, but it can’t be that difficult –Hephaistion feared that answer.

 

- Why don’t we wait for Langarus’ men to do this? –Peritas arrived with a branch in his snout; he left it in front of Hephaistion and moved his tail waiting.

 

Hephaistion smiled, took the branch and threw it, watching the dog running to catch it.

 

- What for? I can do it. 

 

- Fine, have it your way –said Hephaistion, it was pointless to argue with him.

 

Once the Prince had made up his mind it was impossible to convince him of doing something else. He just hoped that Alexander wouldn’t fall and hurt himself... or that he didn’t end destroying the house. Peritas returned with the branch, moving his tail.

 

It took the Prince 3 days to “repair” the roof and when Hephaistion saw his work from inside the house he sighed.

 

- So, what do you think? –asked Alexander in that particular tone that friends use when they want the approval at something they suck at doing.

 

- Er… well, it doesn’t look good –he said with caution seeing the wooden planks put in a chaotic way, one under another.

 

- It doesn’t have to look good, Phai –the Prince defended himself.  

 

- Whatever you said –Hephaistion seriously feared that the roof was going to collapse in any moment.

 

- What are we going to eat today? –asked Alexander, changing the subject.

 

- Why are you asking me? –answered his friend, lifting his eyebrow.

 

- I thought you have cooked something –explained the Prince with simplicity.

 

- Well, we still have some hare and bread.

 

- Hare and bread again? We have been eating the same thing all week. Can’t you cook something else? –Alexander complained, he was used to eat in wonderful feasts and everything he wanted. All right, when he was on campaign he ate anything but he wasn’t on campaign, and he was tired of eating the same thing. 

 

- And what made you think that I know how to cook? –asked Hephaistion, crossing his arms.

 

- Your mother is an excellent cook –that explanation made his friend laughed.

 

- Tell me something; do you really think that she taught ME how to cook? –Alexander blinked—She only taught Eni, and all I know about cooking is thanks to my grandpa, and as you can imagine I don’t have a large list of recipes. What about you? You had been in more campaigns than I, sure you know how to cook –all boys learned to cook on militaries campaigns, like it or not, if they didn’t learn to cook they didn’t eat. 

 

 

- Yes, but I only know the basics –said the Prince.

 

- Lets do something, I’ll cook one day and you the next one; what do you say? –said Hephaistion and Alexander nodded.

 

- Sounds good to me.

 

- And, since we are already talking about this, lets organize the rest of the activities –said Hephaistion—We need to know who is going to clean, bring water from the river and do the laundry. 

 

The Prince laughed.

 

- You are kidding!

 

- Fine, I’m kidding, then tell me something. Who is going to clean the house? –asked Hephaistion.

 

- Langarus’ men.

 

- Once a week? And you suppose they are going to do the laundry once a week too?

 

- Why not? –asked Alexander with all innocence.

 

- Alex, this place is going to be like a pigpen if we don’t clean –said Hephaistion—Fine, let Langarus’ men do the laundry but we have to clean and bring water from the river.

 

The Prince sighed.

 

- As you wish, I’ll bring the water, you do the cleaning.

 

- No, no, no. One day I clean and you bring the water, next day you clean and I bring the water –Hephaistion was well aware that cleaning was the hardest part—And the one who brings the water cooks that day.

 

- I never win with you.

 

It was getting late, Hephaistion took the fur blankets that King Langarus had sent them, and put them on the floor. It was very cold in those lands, especially now that winter was coming, he had learned to stand the cold thanks to his grandfather’s training but the Prince was suffering greatly, even if he never complained.

 

Hephaistion sat on the floor and Alexander sat behind, embracing him by the waist, his knees up at his friend’s sides. 

 

- Alex, do you want an extra blanket? Last night you were trembling –the Prince kissed his shoulder.

 

- Yes, please…have you seen Peritas? –asked Alexander kissing his neck, all this way up to Hephaistion’s cheek.

 

- He is doing his patrol outside –Hephaistion smile, leaning his head to one side. The Prince brushed his silky hair away; scattering kisses behind his ear and he slid his hands up and down Hephaistion’s arms—Have you finish your book?

 

- The Anabasis? –Alexander slid down his friend’s chiton, leaving him half naked. He looked for what they had left of perfume oil, and prepared himself to give his friend a massage—No, I haven’t.

 

- And is it good your book? –asked Hephaistion leaning to the front, he closed his eyes enjoying the feeling of the Prince’s hands working on his back.

 

- Oh, yes; it very good. It’s about Xenophon experience in Asia –said Alexander.

 

- Why did Xenophon go to Asia? –Hephaistion moaned softly, feeling the Prince’s thumbs pressing his muscles. 

 

- Well, almost 60 years ago the Persian Prince Cyrus the Younger, hired a force of 10 thousand Greek mercenaries to fought for him against his brother, the Great King Artaxerxes II in order to crown himself King –explained Alexander—Among those mercenaries was Xenophon, he traveled under the command of a Spartan, a man named Clearchus –Hephaistion moaned again when his friend reached his kidneys, and two pink spots appeared on Alexander’s cheeks—Clearchus lead his group of mercenaries through the Persian’s lands and they fought against Artaxerxes’ army in a place called Cunaxa, in Babylon. You have to read Xenophon’s description of the battle; he gives many details about the Persians fighting style.

 

- I will. I promise…Oh dear Gods! That feels soooo good –Alexander blushed even more—And what happened at Cunaxa?

 

- That’s a very interesting battle, you see, the Greeks were position at the side of the river –the Prince continued—The mercenaries were outnumbered but they charged against Artaxerxes' left flank anyway. Meanwhile, on the Persian right flank the fight between the Artaxerxes' army and Cyrus was more difficult. Cyrus personally charged against his brother's bodyguard and a javelin instantly killed him. His rebel army ran away and only the Greek mercenaries, who had no idea that Cyrus had been kill, continued the fight, and Clearchus destroyed the Great King’s left flank. So Cyrus forces lost the battle but the mercenaries won their own battle. 

 

- Fascinating. And then?

 

- Oh! This is the interesting part –Alexander was excited, he loved battle stories and this in particular was of his personal interest since he dreamed about invading Persia—The mercenaries had no patron, since Cyrus was killed, and they were near Babylon, at the very heart of the Persian Empire. They wanted to go home but they couldn’t, first because they didn’t know the way back, and second because Artaxerxes couldn’t leave 10 thousand Greek mercenaries heavily armed to go wandering on his lands.

 

- So, what did Artaxerxes do?…Why are you stopping? –the Prince shook his head and continued with his massage.

 

They heard a distant thunder and Peritas entered the small house, pushing the door. A storm was coming.   

 

- First the mercenaries offered their services to the satrap Tissaphernes, but the Persian refused to hire them and the Greeks refused to surrender their weapons –the Prince went on—So Tissaphernes invited the Greek officers to a feast and had them killed.

 

- Treacherous bastard! –exclaimed Hephaistion with a big smiled. That massage felt so good that he could start purring.   

 

- The mercenaries elected new officers and started their march back home; they headed to the Black Sea –said Alexander—But the Persians went after them all the way, trying to annihilated them. They got lost several times and many mercenaries died on the way.

 

- But, they went back to Greece, right? –the Prince shrugged.

 

- I don’t know, I haven’t finished the book.

 

-Alexander! –Hephaistion protested—Read faster.

 

- I could read faster but then I wouldn’t be able to spoil you –Hephaistion laughed.

 

- You win; don’t read.

 

They felt silent for a while, hearing the thunders.

 

- When I was reading the Anabasis, I started to imagine how it would be to reach Babylon; they said a lot of things about that city –said Alexander, kissing his back—I heard that some people called her: the Great Whore, and that all the building are cover in gold. I want to see the city that Cyrus the Great conquered.  

 

- We will see Babylon together Alex, I’m sure of it –Hephaistion turned to kiss him on the cheek, leaving a trail of soft kisses to his lips. After a while, the tenderly kisses became more passionate, Hephaistion invaded Alexander’s mouth with his tongue fighting against him to gain the control. The Prince’s hands were traveling through his friend’s abdomen, going down down…

 

Hephaistion moaned inside Alexander’s mouth, and he opened his legs, he wanted to feel more and to have everything his dear Prince had to give him. And truth must be said, Alexander was becoming a very good lover... at least with his best friend. He knew every inch of Hephaistion’s body, how to touch him, where and how long to have him moaning under him. 

 

With his free hand, the Prince still oily fingers looked for his beloved firm butt, sliding then inside Hephaistion. Alexander felt his entire body burning when his friend arched his back against him, and kissed his cheek.

 

Outside the house it started to rain, a thunder made the house tremble and Peritas lifted his head. But the boys were too busy to care. By now, Hephaistion was sitting on the Prince’s lap, devouring his lips with kisses, replacing his need for air for the need of feeling his lips. Alexander took him by the hips and they cease being two different persons to became one.

 

Hephaistion embraced the Prince, and was so lost in the delicious sensations of having their bodies pressed together, that first he ignored the drops of water that were falling on his head. But, when the drops started to be annoying he lifted his head, his eyes on the ceiling that Alexander had repaired.

 

- A-Alex…—he said panting. But the Prince ignored him and continued thrusting inside him—Alex…

 

The ceiling cracked and a torrent of cold water fell upon them. Peritas ran, but his masters weren’t so lucky. Both were wet and cold, and when Hephaistion saw Alexander angry face, with his wet blond hair covering his face, he started to laugh. Soon Alexander was laughing too, as if they hadn’t seen something funnier in their lives.

 

XXX

 

- I told you to wait for Langarus’ men to fix the roof –said Hephaistion next day, while they were walking near the trees. 

 

They had a terrible night, they had to sleep in the flooded house and now Alexander was sneezing.

 

- Please, don’t scold me Phai, I already fell like shit –the Prince sneezed again.

 

- If you want we can rest today, you don’t have to train if you feel sick –but Alexander shook his head.

 

- No, when we go to Asia I will have to endure harder things than sleeping in a flooded house –said the Prince drawing his sword.

 

- All right.

 

Since they arrived to this house, Hephaistion had been training Alexander to improve his fencing skills. And he really was impressed; the Prince was very intelligent and learned quickly, he never had to say things twice.

 

- What are we going to do today, master Hephaistion? –asked Alexander in a professional tone.

 

His friend smiled with lazy arrogance.

 

- Mm, lets practice the move I taught you yesterday –Hephaistion drew one of his swords.

 

- Which move master? –the question took his friend by surprise, the Prince had an excellent memory, even better than his own. Alexander smiled seeing his puzzle expression—I mean, the double-thrusting move to deceive the enemy or that very useful move using your mouth that we practice under the apple tree.  

 

- Mm –Hephaistion frowned, faking a serious look on his face—Let’s see. I think we should start with the double-thrusting and later we can practice the other one.

 

Alexander smiled.

 

XXX

 

- Lets play something –said Alexander. They were lying under an apple tree, after 4 months of their sad episode with the roof.

 

- What do you want to play? –asked Hephaistion, his arms cross behind his head, and his gorgeous eyes on the sky.

 

It was a sunny day for a change. After weeks of being inside the house because of the cold, they were grateful of this hot day and hurried to go outside. They even bathed Peritas, since the smell of the dog was filling the house making the life in it unbearable.   

 

The Prince sat on the grass.

 

- I will ask you questions to guess which story character are you.

 

Hephaistion sat in front of him.

 

- Fine; but give a moment to think…mm, right, you can ask now –said his friend and Alexander nodded.

 

- Are you…from the Iliad? –asked the Prince.

 

- No.

 

- Damn! I was sure you were Patroklus –Hephistion smiled.

 

- That was too obvious, Alex. Keep asking.

 

- Right…mm, are you from… Herakles story?

 

- Nop.

 

- Jason story?

 

- Yes…why are you looking at me like that? –asked Hephaistion.

 

- I’m trying to read your mind –answered Alexander making him laughed—Do you… play the lyre?

 

- No.  

 

- Are you Achilles’ father?

 

- No…stop looking at me like that –said Hephaistion laughing, covering Alexander’s eyes with his hands.

 

- Was Medea your wife?

 

- Yes.

 

- You are Jason –said Alexander with his eyes narrow—Phai that was very obvious.

 

- Not for you apparently –Hephaistion kissed the tip of his nose—My turn; tell me when you are ready.

 

- I’m ready.

 

- Are you Achilles? –asked his friend without preamble.

 

- I don’t like this game –Hephaistion laughed, and embraced him.

 

- Phai?

 

- Tell me, honey –said his friend, leaning his head on the Prince’s shoulder.

 

- Don’t call me “honey” –Alexander narrowed his eyes.

 

- Fine, what do you want sweetheart?

 

- PHAI! –Hephaistion laughed.

 

- What? Don’t you like it? You break my heart, pooh-bear –said Hephaistion sweetly, faking a hurtful voice. Alexander rolled his eyes—Don’t get angry, I’m just teasing you.

 

- Where did you get those “names”?

 

- My sister.

 

- Eni has problems.

 

- You can imagine that by now poor Leon must be: Kitty--poo or Sweet Muffin –said Hephaistion and they roar with laughter.

 

- We have to remember that to tease him next time we see him –said Alexander.

 

- What do you want to ask me? –Hephaistion reminded him.

 

Alexander nodded.

 

- I want you to tell me something –the Prince made a pause—Will you be willing to forgive me anything?

 

Hephaistion straightened himself and saw him.

 

- Why are you asking, what did you do?

 

- I haven’t done anything, I just… —Alexander made a pause—I was wondering the other day. I love you, with all my heart, but I was questioning myself if I will be willing to forgive you anything.

 

- And? Will you? –asked Hephaistion with interest.

 

- Yes, I will forgive you anything except one thing –the Prince held his gaze—I will never forgive you if you betray me.

 

Wind blew, playing with the locks of Hephaistion’s hair, making them dance in front of his handsome face. His dark gray eyes looked brighter under the sunlight.

 

- And you? –Alexander insisted—What is the only thing that you would never forgive me?

 

Hephaistion felt silent for a very long time, giving a lot of thought to that question. It was a difficult question with a complicated answer. He brushed his hair behind his ear to buy some time, and saw the grass as expecting to find there a magical answer.

 

- I had never thought about that –he said with all sincerity, and started pulling the grass without looking at him—The only thing that I would never forgive you… I think it would be that someday you stop loving me –Hephaistion saw him, holding his gaze—You can betray me, you can use me, you can do many things to me… but if one day you stop loving me…that I can not forgive.  

 

Alexander embraced him tightly.

 

- I will never stop loving you –Hephaistion smiled.

 

- And I will never betray you –Hephaistion kissed his cheek—But that doesn’t mean that won’t be mad if you do something stupid.

 

- I know… give me your hand –asked the Prince, and his friend obeyed. Alexander drew his small dagger and cut the palm of his own hand, then he cut Hephaistion’s palm and pressed both together, intertwining his finger—Look at me, Phai. I swear that I will never stop loving you, no matter what.

 

- And I swear that I will never betray you, even if that cost me my life –said Hephaistion holding his gaze, his voice full with the intensity of his most private feelings.

 

Then they heard a horse and a voice calling them. It was one of King Langarus’ men.

 

King Langarus sent word to us that a man called Demaratus of Corinth wanted to talk with Alexander.

 

Why had Philip repudiate Queen Olympias? Why had Philip repudiate Alexander? Those were questions that I asked myself almost everyday during our exile in Illyria. It had no sense, and King Philip was many things but never an idiot. He had spent almost 20 years educating Alexander and preparing him to became the next king, his undisputable heir; he knew that to repudiate Olympias was the same as repudiate Alexander. So, why had he done as he did at his wedding party?  Later I heard people saying that he had fell in love with Cleopatra, who latter was called Cleopatra Eurydice, like Philip’s mother. But I knew better.

 

Deep inside me I knew the reason, Alexander had told me the day he heard that his father was getting married with a Macedonian noble. It was revenge. And it was my fault. But I couldn’t accept it; it will be the same as saying than thanks to my present happiness in being with my dear Alexander, he was loosing the throne. 

 

Demarathos convinced Alexander and Philip to reach a reconciliation agreement; and we came back to Pella.

 

If I thought that the palace was a serpents nest when I was a page, nothing could have prepared me for what we found. Schemes inside schemes.  Attalos and Parmelio had allied with each other against Alexander; they hated the Prince because they considered him annoyingly haughty and they were leading a faction of Macedonian barons who were in favor or having a pure Macedonian heir.

 

The situation was terrible for my Alexander…

 

XXX