PART II

 

"Kill one man and you are a murderer. Kill millions of men and you are a conqueror. Kill them all and you are a god" Jean Rostand

 

 

CHAPTER 22

 

New York, 2010

 

The city was a carpet of lights, reflected in Hephaistion’s gorgeous gray eyes. He was sitting on the edge of the window in the eleventh floor of the building.

 

- You came again –he said to the beautiful woman without looking at her.

 

- Yes, I came –she said in a defensive tone. She had been coming every night here to hear the incredible story of this ancient vampire since they had met almost a year ago. 

 

She was a very young vampire, not ever 30 years old, and she wasn’t even a member of the clan Tzimisce; why was he telling her all his secrets? He was alone and bored, that was the answer. And loneliness makes people do stupid things.

 

She appeared to have 21 years old, and had long curl hair and a pair of beautiful purple eyes. You just have to look at her once to guess she was a member of the clan Toreador, the clan of the artists and the most beautiful vampires. When she was alive she was a soprano singer, until her Sire saw her and decided that her magnificent voice should be preserve for all eternity.

 

She didn’t know many things about the world of darkness but thanks to Hephaistion she was learning quickly.

 

- Why do you keep coming? –he wanted to know.

 

- Why do you keep telling me you story? You don’t know me, you don’t know what can I do with all the information you have given me –she said not daring to walk near him.

 

Hephaistion turned and saw her. She was scared.

 

- I don’t have anything better to do– that was an honest answer.

 

- I can tell my Sire about you, and he won’t be pleased to have a Tzimisce like you in his territory, or I can write your story and publish it –she said in a poor bravado.

 

Hephaistion smiled.

 

- You can do as you please, Zophiel –he said—But if you have wanted to tell your Sire about me, you would have done that already. And about writing all that I said to you, I don’t care.

 

Zophiel sat in the same sofa where she had been sitting all those nights.

 

- Do you want me to continue? –she nodded—Were was I last night? 

 

- King Philip’s murder –Zophiel reminded him—You were telling me about all the people who wanted him dead. 

 

- Very good girl, you are paying attention –said Hephaistion—Yes, King Philip was dead…

 

Even if I never liked Cassander I was grateful that the day of Philip’s murder his father was there. In great part, it was thanks to Antipater that Alexander was crowned King. He assembled the army two days latter, which traditionally was the one that confirmed a King’s appointment. All Macedonians could attend, wearing their armors; of course I went but the weight of my armor on my wounded body was unbearable. I wasn’t able to rest since the day of the murder and while the ceremony went on and on I felt like fainting.

 

The Assembly was reunited in the amphitheater in Pella 2 days after Philip’s murder. All Macedonian districts send their representatives and the place was full, armors shining under the sun, all the men with spears and shields facing the place were the members of the Argead dynasty had their seats. Alexander, his cousin Gloomy Amyntas and his half brother Arrhidaeus were there with him. Women couldn’t attend.

 

It’s so strange to see Gloomy Amyntas and Arrhidaeus with armor –thought Hephaistion among the expecting mob.

 

The priest sacrificed an ox, and them burned part of his skin at the center of the arena. Once the priest had finished with the ritual, the most senior of all officers asked to speak first, a man named Dardanos who was the commander appointed at the garrison in Pella (1) He raise his hand asking for silent.

 

- Today, we have only one option for the Macedonian throne after the treacherous act of Pausanias of Orestis, who took the life of our dear King Philip –said Dardanos in a clear strong voice—Prince Alexander is the oldest son of our deceased King and he had proved himself in the battlefield in front of us all –an unnatural silence filled the amphitheater—We need a strong King because we are the strongest kingdom in the world. I asked you Macedonians, who do you want as your King?

 

All the voices sound as one shouting: Alexandros, Alexandros! The men hit their shields with their spears, a great roar filled the place rising to heavens. A flock of doves passed over their heads, scared with all the noise and for many this was a good omen. 

 

- The King had only change in name –said the now King when the voices subdued—This kingdom will be run on principles no less effective than those of my father’s administration…

 

Hephaistion wanted to pay him attention but he was feeling weaker and weaker… he heard something about that all Macedonians will be exempt of all public duties except military service and that all Macedonians were exempt of direct taxation (2) but he was fighting with his strength for not fainting. 

 

Hephaistion smiled when he heard the voices acclaiming their new King. That was clear an intelligent move to gain the support of the people, eliminate the taxes in every time and in every place is always a popular concept, but for Alexander was necessary to have the people, his people at his side now, at the beginning of his reign.   

 

- Phai, you are too pale –said Perdikkas.

 

- I don’t feel well –Hephaistion replied.

 

- Don’t worry, it’s almost over we are going to the temple of Herakles –his friend comforted him. 

 

The new King led the way to the temple of Herakles where a terrible custom took place. The priests cut a dog by half to the purification the army and then he new King with the troops marched between the severed halves (3)

 

 I can’t believe it, the most important day in Alexander’s life and I’m feeling as if a pack of Chimeras had passed over me –thought Hephaistion. This was the last thing Philip did to hurt them.

 

When the ceremony was over, Hephaistion walked to where Alexander was standing, he wanted to congratulate him, to talk to him… there was so many things he wanted to say; but when he was a few paces from Alexander a group of important barons approached to speak with him.

 

Hephaistion stopped.

 

Alexander was now the King, and things had changed forever for them. Hephaistion always knew they were different but now was more obvious; their happy days at Mieza or at Illyria were over, their moments alone had ended; he could no longer be with Alexander the way they were before this day. Alexander was a King, he had important things to do, important people to attend and soon he will need a Queen and an heir and there will be no place for him. He knew this day would come but he didn’t expected this day so soon, they both were 20 years old and Hephaistion had hope to have more time with his dear love.

 

Of course he was happy, he had always wanted to see Alexander crowned King but his present happiness was also the beginning of a very different chapter in the story of his life.

 

King Alexander –thought Hephaistion, seeing him talked with Antipater and 2 men of the Somatophylakes: Aristonous and Peithon, the Bodyguards of the King, the most important men of the kingdom. His lips curved in a sad smile and he turned, ready to leave the temple of Herakles, the demigod and ancestor of his King.     

 

- Phai, Alexander is going to have a reunion with the Greek ambassadors, I don’t think he will need us –said Perdikkas walking at his side—I’ll walk with you to your house.

 

- Thanks Perdikkas, but I’m not going to my house –said Hephaistion, he wanted to be alone. His friend understood, nodded and went to look for Leonnatos. 

 

XXX

 

It was almost midnight and Hephaistion couldn’t sleep. This week had been terrible for him, every day he went to the palace and everyday Eumenes, now the secretary of Alexander, denied him the King: “The King is busy with the ambassadors of Corinth, the King is busy with his generals, the King have an appointment with his royal treasurer, the King is eating with an envoy from King Alexandros of Epirus”… And everyday Hephaistion walked back home alone.

 

He knew this was going to happen, but knowing it didn’t make things easier. He missed Alexander and hated himself for missing him. He was the King, it was natural that he was so busy but…

 

I always thought he would have time for me –thought Hephaistion. He really didn’t know how to live without Alexander and frankly, he didn’t want to learn. Was it wrong to want Alexander only for himself? Maybe he was a selfish person, a bad friend. Because a good friend would be happy for Alexander not feeling self-pity because his best friend didn’t have time for him anymore—But I can’t help it. Maybe I’m the worst person in the world.  

 

He had been walking at the edge of the river, thinking about everything and arriving at dinnertime at his house. Nobody asked him anything; they all knew he needed time for himself, after all too many things had happened in a short time.

 

He had been rolling on his bed for hours, unable to sleep, when he heard someone calling at his door.

 

- Come in –he expected to see his mother, but instead he found Nikandros entering his room with an oil lamp in his hand.

 

- Are you awake?

 

Hephaistion sat on his bed.

 

- Yes, I can’t sleep –his brother left the lamp on the small table beside the bed and took a seat at Hephaistion side.

 

- I can imagine. Some week, eh?

 

- Some week –whispered Hephaistion.

 

- So, what’s bothering you?

 

- Everything –he sighed— My recent and brief experience with the King… I mean with Philip, his murder, Alexander’s coronation… —Hephaistion brushed his hair behind his ear.

 

- Why did you accept to be Philip’s lover? –asked Nikandros, he had been wondering that for days. The weak light of the oil lamp danced and gave his brother a mysterious appearance.

 

Hephaistion sighed.

 

- He accepted to name Alexander his heir if I was his lover –he explained without further details. Nikandros whistled. 

 

- You never ceased to surprise me, Phai. By the way, why were you injured? 

 

- He saw us, Alexander and I making love on the corridor the night before his murder –said Hephaistion in a low voice—He was very drunk and very angry so he… well, he tried to rape me, but since I’m stronger Philip had to call his guards. Five guards were necessary to submit me –he said with proud—At the end he rape me in front of them.

 

- Oh –his brother had no idea of what else to said, he was angry but also very impressed. Hephaistion was no longer a child, this time he didn’t cry, he wasn’t even angry, it was like more like a cold fury and knowing that the man that had caused him so much suffering was dead made him feel better. Much better—Do you think Pausanias was working for someone else? –Nikandros changed the subject.

 

- Yes, I think so –said Hephaistion.

 

- The people are saying that Queen Olympias is behind the murder.

 

- It could be possible; after all, she hated Philip.

 

- I heard the body of Pausanias was crucify outside Aegae –said Nikandros, rubbing his eyes—And the Queen went to deliver flowers at his feet.  

    

- You know Nick, I’ll believe anything people say about her. She is nuts.

 

- Have you ever speak to her?

 

- Never, but I know she hates me.

 

- Be careful, she is dangerous –Hephaistion nodded and they felt silent.

 

- Maybe I should get married –said Hephaistion at last, taking his brother by surprise.

 

- What for?

 

- I’m 20 years old.

 

- And? I’m 25 and still free and happy –Nikandros saw him with intensity—Are you sure you are not saying this because of Alexander?

 

His brother got him.

 

- Maybe. He is King now Nick, things are going to change and I… I don’t know what I’m going to do without him –Hephaistion spoke with all sincerity—I need something to keep me busy, and not been all day thinking about him.

 

- Phai, he is not dead.

 

- No, but now he is the most powerful man in the world, do you think he is going to have time for me?

 

- Philip had time for you –Nikandros teased him—Don’t look at me like that, what I’m saying is that right now he is going to be very busy because he is very young and new at the job, and he is going to need all the help he can get. You can’t leave him when he needs you the most… besides, now our status improved; now you are the King’s lover and I the King’s brother-in-law.

 

- Nick, you are a jerk.

 

- I’m always flatter to hear that. 

 

Again, someone called at the door.

 

- Come in.

 

- Phai, I’m sorry to bother you at this hour –said Cadie, standing at the door threshold, a candle in her hand. Dressed in her white tunic and white house cloak she looked like a ghost—The King is here.  

 

In a brief moment of utterly stupidity Hephaistion was going to ask: what King? Then he understood it was Alexander and ran to the entrance hall. It was like that time, when Alexander came to his house the day he was packing his things to go to Mieza; but, when Hephaistion reached the entrance hall, he didn’t found the 13 year old Prince looking at the paintings on the walls, he found a man who was the King.

 

He opened his mouth and his first impulse was to say: Alex; but this man was no longer his “Alex” He had to remember that.

 

The King smiled when he saw his friend.

 

- Sire –said Hephaistion when Alexander was near him, and that erased Alexander’s smile. They stood at the entrance hall in silence.

 

- Are you angry, Phai? –the question took him by surprise.

 

- No, of course not. Why do you ask that?

 

- You haven’t come to the palace since my coronation –Alexander was not angry, just confused.

 

Hephaistion saw him as if he was wearing a pink chiton. He wanted to say many things: “Are you insane? Doesn’t your secretary know how to deliver messages? I’m the one who should be asking if you are angry, have you any idea of how many times I had gone to the palace?”…. but the only thing he could said was:

 

- Do you want some wine? –he needed more time to think.

 

Hephaistion took him to a small room; a servant lit up the candles and two oil lamps and left as quickly as he had come. The King sat and saw his friend in silence, while Hephaistion was serving the un-water wine.

 

- You haven’t answer my question –Alexander insisted when Hephaistion gave him his cup.

 

Hephaistion took a seat in front of him.

 

- I went to the palace everyday asking to see you –said his friend at last—But your… I was informed that you were busy –Hephaistion drank his wine in one gulp. 

 

- I didn’t know –the King was genuinely surprised—Phai, it’s true that I have been busy, but I told Glaukos, to inform me when you went to the palace.

 

And apparently Eumenes had other ideas –thought Hephaistion. He didn’t like the secretary one bit.

 

- I thought you were angry –said Alexander, drinking his wine.

 

- Why should I be angry? You are the King after all.

 

- You don’t sound too happy.

 

- I’m happy.

 

- Fine.

 

Silence. Alexander left his cup at his side.

 

- You came alone? –asked Hephaistion.

 

- Yes, with Peritas.

 

- You shouldn’t do that anymore, you are the King now.

 

- And apparently you like to remind me that –Alexander pointed out.

 

- I will ride with you back to the palace, is late –Hephaistion stood up and the King stopped him, taking his hand.  

 

- I’m not going back tonight –said Alexander—I told Ptolemy that I would spend the night here.

 

- Ptolemy?

 

- He came back this morning with Nearchus and Harpalos. Erigyius and Laomedon will arrive in 2 days –said the King, he lifted his head to see his best friend—There is so much I want to tell you. 

 

What am I doing? I’m being unfair with him, it wasn’t his fault, it was Eumenes fault after all, but… if I let him stay and then he left me alone again I will feel like dying –thought Hephaistion. He shook his head, as if he could cast aside all his silly ideas with that motion and then he smiled.

 

- Come, we can talk in my room –Alexander smiled and then Hephaistion knew he was wrong, this man, the King, was still his Alex.

 

- I ordered the execution of 2 of the son’s of Aeropus –said Alexander, when they were lying on the bed—Did you know them?

 

- Weren’t friends of Gloomy Amyntas? –asked Hephaistion trying to remember.

 

The King nodded.

 

- Yes, they were.

 

- And what did they do to deserve to die? Besides being friends of Gloomy Amyntas –Alexander took Hephaistion’s hand and caressed his palm with his long fingers.

 

- They tried to put my cousin Amyntas on the throne –said the King and his best friend saw him with eyes wide open—I don’t know what to do with my cousin, Phai. He is not plotting against me or anything like that, you know him, he is more interested in his… mystical and esoteric stuff rather than in politics, but since he is the son of a King and is married to my half sister, others can see him as an heir to the throne.

 

- You are right, besides you still have the kingdom divided –said Hephaistion brushing blond locks away to see Alexander’s face—Parmelio and Attalos are the leaders of a very strong faction inside the kingdom, you need to take care of them first and quickly before anything else, or they can allied themselves with your enemies and take their troops to march against you. Remember, they had at least 10 thousand men on arms at the Hellespont. For the moment I don’t think you should do anything against your cousin, it would look bad if you start killing your own family a week after your father’s death, people would think you had something to do with his murder. If I were you, I will write to Parmelio, he is wiser than Attalos, and make him see the advantages of being at your side, and what he could lose if he is thinking in starting a revolution; if you win Parmelio he will give you Attalos’ head… why are you looking at me like that?   

 

- Because I never knew how cold and practical can you be –Hephaistion blushed, and Alexander approached to kiss him—I like this Hephaistion, you are very good plotting –he surrounded his waist, pulling him closer.

 

- I like politics –his friend said in his defense.

 

- I want your opinion in other matter –said the King, leaning his forehead against Hephaistion’s—The Greek cities are in open revolt…

 

- Let me guess, Demosthenes heated the heads of the Athenians saying that you are just a boy and there is nothing to fear from you –Alexander laughed.

 

- Now you are a seer?

 

- I don’t have to be one, I know how Demosthenes thinks –said Hephaistion, sliding his finger through the King’s jaw—What else happened?   

 

- Well, Thebes expelled the Macedonian garrison in the city and the tribal frontier with Thrace is in insurrection –said Alexander—It’s like living in the youth days of my father with problems in Greece and in the northern frontier. 

 

Now Philip is “my father” again –thought Hephaistion, wondering if Alexander had something to do with Philip’s death.

 

- I will send Hecataeus with a letter to Parmelio –said the King, moving his hand to his friend’s butt—You are right, is necessary to deal first with Attalos.

 

- What do you think to do with the Greece and Thrace?

 

- Antipater said that I should leave the Greek states severely alone and conciliate the barbarians using diplomacy.

 

- And what happened after you refused to do that? –Alexander laughed.

 

- How do you know I refused?

 

- Because I know you –said Hephaistion smiling—You are not the diplomatic type.    

 

- This is why I love you –the King kissed him—Gods how I missed you this week –Hephaistion felt ashamed for thinking that Alexander wouldn’t want to see him again. 

 

- So, what happened?

 

- Right, I told Antipater that I intended to deal with this situation by a display of courage and audacity (4) –said the King—So, we are marching in 3 days to Thessaly in our way to Thebes and Athens. What do you think?

 

- It’s a good plan, a little risky, but if you are in command I’m sure everything is going to be fine –said Hephaistion, thinking in all the problems and dangers of their new adventure.

 

Alexander kissed him. Oh how had he missed his kisses, it had been a terrible week and now, in Hephaistion’s arms, it was like having a cold refreshing bath after a hard journey across the desert.

 

- Phai.

 

- Mm?

 

- Don’t call me “sire” again –said Alexander against his lips.

 

- Are you sure? You want to call you “honey” in front of your men?

 

- Phai! You know what I mean –Hephaistion kissed him again.

 

- Of course I know –silence—Alex? I want to ask you something but…

 

- Ask, since when do you need my permission? –said the King—Phai, the fact that I’m the King now doesn’t change anything between us. You are still my other half and I love you, now and forever. What do you want to know?

 

- Did you have something to do with Philip’s murder? –Alexander kept silent for a long time.

 

- Do you think I’m capable of murdering my own father? –the King’s face was blank and he didn’t give anything away. Hephaistion didn’t know if he was angry, upset or confused.

 

- No, I mean. I don’t know –Hephaistion made a pause—I think that when you are angry you are capable of many things, and you were very angry when you knew why I was with Philip as his lover. 

 

- That’s a good answer –said Alexander—I thought about that possibility, about killing him if with that I could save you, but I didn’t do it.

 

- I believe you, and I must confess something –Hephaistion spoke in a whisper—I also thought about killing Philip.

 

- Many people wanted him dead.

 

- Do you have any idea of who could have been behind Pausanias? –asked Hephaistion with interest. 

 

Alexander sighed.

 

- Honestly, I don’t have the slightest clue –he said, feeling his friend’s fingers playing on his chest—I thought… I thought it could be my mother, but she denied everything.

 

- Do you believe her? 

 

- Yes; if she had done that, she would have admitted it immediately –said the King without any doubt. 

 

Then, who had killed Philip? Of all the initial suspects we can discard 3, I didn’t do it and Alexander and his mother were innocent; then who? 

 

Three days latter all was ready to go. The troops assembled outside Pella, and this time I didn’t get lost and arrived in no time where the Ile Basilike was waiting. I was extremely happy, my first campaign serving King Alexander, it was a dream come true.

 

- Ptolemy, you look thinner –said Hephaistion, he was so happy that he didn’t mind making small talk with Ptolemy, who by now was 31 years old.

 

- My exile wasn’t as comfortable as your Hephaistion –said Ptolemy brushing his orange explosive hair back.

 

- Comfortable? Alexander “repaired” the roof of the house and in the first storm we flooded –his friends roared with laughter.

 

- Leon! –a female voice made them turned and they saw Berenike running to them and Netikerty behind her with two packages.

 

- Eni, I told you not to run in your condition –said her husband walking to her.

 

- Her condition? –asked Hephaistion watching his sister with interest.

 

- It was a surprise –said Berenike, wrinkling her nose at her husband—I’m pregnant –she said jumping.  

 

- You are a dog, Leon –said Perdikkas—If you continued at this rate, you will end like Antipater with 10 kids.

 

- What? Jealous Perdikkas? –asked Berenike, crossing her arms.

 

- Why did you come? This is no place for a lady –said Leonnatos.

 

- I want to give you something –said his wife, and Netikerty gave him one package—I finished it this morning –she said with proud.

 

Leonnatos opened the package an unfolded a magnificent cloak embroidered beautifully. Berenike wasn’t as good as her mother in the kitchen, but she knew to embroider so good that she could work for the Great King. His friends stretched their necks to see the cloak.  

 

- I worked all night; I didn’t think Alex would be taking the army out so soon.

 

- Holy harpies on a tree! –exclaimed Perdikkas seeing the cloak.

 

- This is… this is, wow! It’s perfect Eni –said Leonnatos at last, making her smiled—I will look better than the King.

 

- And the other package? –asked Perdikkas—Is it for me?

 

- You wish. This is for Phai –said Berenike.

 

- For me?

 

- Yes, I made you another cloak, because you have no wife to look after you and I doubt that Alex can embroider you one –the boys laughed again.

 

Hephaistion unfolded his black cloak; it was beautiful but not magnificent as Leonnatos’ cloak. 

 

- Enough talking you lazy sons of a bad mother! –roared Kleitos near them, he still was the hipparch of the Ile Basilike—We are moving.

 

- I have to go –said Leonnatos to his wife, and Berenike nodded.

 

- Be careful Kitty--pon –she said in a low voice, but that was the precise moment when everybody else fell silent, so even Kleitos heard her, and everybody laughed. 

 

Leonnatos blushed so much that it was possible to cook an egg on his head. He wished the earth would swallow him that moment. Berenike frowned and said raising her voice to be heard.

 

- What? If you keep laughing I will put corny names on all of you and ridicule you in front of all the army –they felt silent at once—That’s better.

 

We left Pella that morning and headed to Thessaly, we took the coast road through Methone and Pydna, and we reached the Vale of Tempe, between Mount Olympus and Ossa, but the pass was strongly defended.   

 

XXX

(1) Nicholas Guild. The Macedonian, p 300

(2) Peter Green. Alexander of Macedon, p 113

(3) Peter Green. Alexander of Macedon, p 6

(4) Peter Green. Alexander of Macedon, p 116