CHAPTER 23

 

Oh, Legend great,

Oh, Hero war makes,

Don't let the chance take its own toll,

Seek out a kingdom

Worthy of your soul.

(Rachel Pollack, Worthy of Your Soul)

 

- You have to meet Kraterus –said Alexander to Hephaistion, while they were checking the work of the King’s field engineers, who were instructing his men to cut steps up the steep seaward side of Mount Ossa(1)—He is an extremely gifted commander.

 

- So I keep hearing –said Hephaistion, remembering his brother’s words a couple of years ago, and more recently Ptolemy and Perdikkas’ opinion about this fabulous man—Everybody is talking about him, I’m starting to think that all of you are in love with this Kraterus.

 

The King laughed, and he was truly grateful for this. Since his encounter with the Thessalians and their refusal of letting him passed through their lands, he had been in a terrible mood. But Hephaistion had that power over him, the power of making him happy and to make him feel that he could do anything as long as they were together. Many said that Hephaistion was lucky to have the King for a friend, to be the confident of such a man, but the truth was that the lucky one was Alexander.

 

I never thought about myself in that way, but once I heard my Roman friend Lucius said that many powerful men through history achieve great things, but they were always alone. Now, the world remembers 3 great generals: my Alexander, Caesar and Napoleon, and only Alexander had a true friend all his life, one who never betrayed him and who will love him forever. I have thought about that: Caesar Augustus, Charlemagne, king Richard Lionheart, king Louis XIV, queen Elizabeth, and so many great Kings and Queens but all of them were alone…      

 

- Are you jealous? –asked Alexander, playfully.

 

- Should I? –Hephaistion teased him, when a man named Artorius(2), one of the most skilful and young engineer in the King’s army, came running to him with another man behind him, a Greek engineer named Sophokles who was famous in King Philip’s army.

 

- Sire –said both men at the same time. Sophokles gave the young man a terrible look.

 

- What’s wrong? –asked Alexander, smelling a problem in the air.

 

- Sire, it’s impossible to do what you ask for us –said Sophokles first—We can’t cut steps in the mount and least of all in 10 days… maybe in a month.

 

- We can do it, sire, but not with Sophokles method –Artorius interrupted.  

 

- What young Artorius proposes is madness, we can’t do it –the Greek was indignant—He is proposing a barbaric method.

 

- It’s the best way…

 

- A barbaric method! –Sophokles insisted, his round face red for the effort of running and his anger.

 

- Enough! –said Alexander, without raising his voice— Artorius, what is your idea to have the work done? –he asked with interest.

 

The 24 years old man took him to the mount and showed Alexander.

 

- We can’t work faster because the rocks here are difficult to break with our tools –Artorius explained, pointing out with his finger—But, if we used vinegar and fire we can break these rocks and the rest would be easy. I need at least 500 men, working on turns day and night, and you will have your steps in 10 days –the engineer was so sure of himself that the King nodded and gave him permission to proceed; making Sophokles so angry that Hephaistion thought he was going to have a stroke.

 

- I can’t believe the Thessalians had the courage to say that they need time to think if they let me pass through their lands or not –to remember his previous encounter made Alexander angry again—Who do they think they are? –they were walking back to the King’s tent—I’m telling you this Phai, I’m tired that everybody think of me as a mere boy, as if I’m incapable of surpassing my father. 

 

- But that’s a good thing –said Hephaistion, taking him by surprise. If some other person had said that to Alexander he would have hit that person unconscious, but coming from his best friend he kept silent—Alex, if your enemies underestimate you then you have an advantage there, exploit that –he smiled with complicity and the King embraced him.

 

- I’m so glad to have you here.

 

As Artorius said the steps were finished in 10 days. “Alexander’s ladder” that’s how they called it. And then Alexander moved the army through the steps.  By the time the Thessalians saw what was happening we were already behind them. You can imagine their shock when they saw us, I’ll never forget their faces, and of course, after that display of cleverness they named Alexander Archon, or head, of the Thessalian league for life.   

 

We made a stop at the Thermopylae where Alexander called the Amphictyonic council and then we marched on Thebes.

 

To say the Thebans were in panic, when they saw the Macedonian army outside the city, was to say the least. They were terrified. They wouldn’t be more scared if they had seen the Sacred Band rising from their grave. Alexander sent them a message and the army kept waiting for their reply in their camp, but not wasting time, oh no, when Alexander was in command there wasn’t time to rest. He put his men on battle drills. He had many new recruits in the ranks and if he planned to attack Asia as soon as possible he had to train them; the new King had heard from his father that a good soldier was trained in a 100 days, but it wasn’t completely ready until he had his first battle.

 

Alexander knew he had to gain the trust of his father veterans and to forge his new recruits in the heat of war, and to do that he needed a battle, but not against the Greeks; no, that was complicated and would undermined the resources of the Hellenic League, and if he planned to go to Asia as the champion of the Greeks, fighting the Greeks was out of the question. What to do then?   

 

The answer came to the King while he was eating a piece of bread, watching 2 young men practicing the use of the spear. He would march to the northern border of Macedonia and he would crush the Thracians for rebelling against him. That would serve for 2 things, first he would pacify the border and second he would train his new soldiers and proved himself to the veterans. He needed to demonstrate that he was a great commander, and the trust of the men wasn’t something you could get easily, that took time and Alexander didn’t have time, he wanted to go to Asia as soon as possible.  

 

The King lifted his head. The sun was rising, he had got up very early, had too many things in his head. He smiled thinking that Hephaistion must be still sleeping in his tent.

And that was very true. Since they had been very “busy” during the night, and after that Alexander’s snoring didn’t let him rest, Hephaistion was still sleeping happily alone, when a man entered the tent. But the King’s dearest friend was in Morpheus’ arms, completely unaware of what happened around him.

 

A tall and muscular man of 34 years old, black short hair and brown eyes surveyed the room; he had a nasty scar on his tanned face, the man who had made him that wound had almost took out his eyes. He had square jaw and powerful arms that looked more than capable of crushing a man’s bones without making him sweat.

 

Hephaistion moved slowly on the bed, sighing softly in his sleep and that caught the stranger’s attention. The man approached the King’s bed and an amusing smile curved his lips. Hephaistion looked astonishing, he was faced up, completely naked under a blanket, covered from the lower abdomen and letting his uninvited guest to admire his perfectly sculpted torso. His hair was like silk on the pillow, he had one arm up, under the pillow and the other bent on his stomach. It was as if someone had him ready for a photograph session. 

 

The stranger took his time to admire the only living man who could make the Gods blush. The first thing he thought was that Hephaistion was the King’s boy toy, and honestly, who could blame Alexander for wanting this gorgeous young man in his bed? He had to admit it; the new King had an excellent taste.

 

The stranger licked his lips and sat at Hephaistion’s side. It was too much temptation to have him there and not touch him, and the man was not the type to let pass an opportunity like this. He ventured his hand on Hephaistion’s chest and the sleeping beauty moaned softly making the stranger’s nervous system danced. The man checked again that they were alone and bent over Hephaistion to kiss him. 

 

In his half sleep state Hephaistion thought that Alexander had came back, and he returned the kiss making the stranger to touch the sky. But. Something was very wrong, these were not his dear King’s lips, this was not a sweet and loving kiss but a lustful and savage one.

 

Hephaistion opened his eyes and as soon as he saw the man, he punched him on the kidneys. The stranger bent over, moaning in pain and Hephaistion quickly stood up, wrapping his waist with the blanket. 

 

- For the 3 heads of Cerberus! What do you think you are doing? –Hephaistion was angry; who entered the King’s tent without permission, when the King wasn’t there and kisses a completely stranger peacefully sleeping? A spy? Could this man be an agent of Alexander’s enemies… but as soon as he thought about these possibilities he rejected them, what kind of spy enters the King tent and kisses the King’s lover?

 

- Ares’ balls! You know how to punch –said the man recovering.

 

- You are lucky to have your head still attach on your shoulders –said Hephaistion, cleaning his mouth with the back of his hand—Why are you here? You can’t enter the King’s tent like this.

 

The man laughed amused.

 

- You really are as beautiful as arrogant, Babe –he said with a superiority that annoyed Hephaistion.

 

- How did you call me? –who was this man?—Just get out.

 

- No, I don’t feel like leaving.

 

- What? –Hephaistion couldn’t believe what he was listening.

 

- You should be the one leaving before the King returns, and put some clothes on you unless you want to do some community service and let the soldiers admire your pretty ass –said the man in a rude tone. He leant his head to one side trying to see his butt again. 

 

- I’m not leaving –muttered Hephaistion.

 

- You know? You should be nicer to me –said the stranger—And when the King gets tired of your pretty face I could take good care of you, Babe.

 

- Call me “babe” one more time, please; I dare you –said Hephaistion in a menacing tone.

 

- What’s going on here? –Hephaistion and the stranger turned and found Alexander standing near them.

 

The man stood up.

 

- Nothing Alexander, I was just admiring your boy toy.

 

- Your what?! You son of a bad mother…

 

- Enough! –the King raised his voice—Phai, this man is Kraterus son of Alexandros. Kraterus, this is Hephaistion son of Amyntor.

 

- HIM?! –both asked at the same time pointing out at each other.  

 

Hephaistion saw him with eyes wide open; this… vulgar man was the famous Kraterus? And Kraterus saw him with the same astonishment in his eyes; this…beautiful piece of meat was the dearest friend of the King? He had heard so many things about the famous Hephaistion, the one who had been so greatly rewarded after Chaeronea, the grandson of Demetrios, the Barbarian…but he had imagined someone different and less…handsome. Kraterus was the kind of man who respected a good warrior, a war hero; but Hephaistion didn’t look like a warrior; or at least not like the kind of warrior Kraterus had imagined.

 

Times passed and nobody talked. Alexander sighed, and looking at his dear friend frowned.

 

- Phai, why are you naked? –Hephaistion clenched his jaw.

 

Kraterus laughed.

 

- I thought you were the one responsible for that –Hephaistion was very tempted to draw his swords and cut his insolent head. The King just smiled.

 

I hated Kraterus all my life, he was the exactly opposite of me and had everything I disliked in other people. Kraterus was the kind of man that shouts vulgarities to beautiful women on the street. He didn’t like to read; twice he fell asleep in the middle of a play and once he asked if the playwright Euripides had written porn plays, he knew all the vulgar jokes and the dirty words you can imagine and was very sexist. But he was an excellent commander, the Non Plus Ultra of what all the Macedonian soldiers should be and more important, he was very loyal to my Alexander.

 

- The Thebans sent an embassy this morning–said the King to his war council that afternoon. In the royal tent were: Hephaistion, Kraterus, Leonnatos, Perdikkas, Philotas, Ptolemy, Koenus, Cassander, Melas Kleitos and Eumenes.

 

- I almost didn’t recognize you with clothes on –Kraterus whispered to Hephaistion, who was at his side.

 

Hephaistion narrowed his eyes and gave him a menacing look that only amused Kraterus. 

 

- This morning? –asked Melas Kleitos—And why haven’t we received them?

 

Alexander smiled.

 

- I wanted to make them wait –said the King—To show them how unimportant they are to me. But, since it’s almost dark I suppose they have waited enough. Eumenes, please, send for the ambassadors.

    

- What’s your plan? –asked Philotas.

 

Since Alexander had sent Hecataeus to the Hellespont he was keeping Philotas near him, and he planned to continue doing so until he had proof of Parmelio’s good faith to him. 

 

- I don’t want to lose time here –said the King, he was still 20 years old but the few days he had been King had changed him, he looked wiser—I plan to scare them to recognize me as the Hegemon of the League and reinstall the Macedonian garrison in the city. 

 

- So, we are going to boast? –asked Kraterus.

 

- Something like that –said Alexander—And one more thing, I don’t want that any of you to stand up when they enter, we are all going to remain seated.

 

Eumenes returned with 5 men, all of them from the most prominent families in Thebes, appointed to speak on behalf of the city. In that group, one man stood out; he was not only the youngest, with 20 or 21 years old, he was also very handsome.

 

- I welcome you to my camp, gentlemen –said the King sitting on a magnificent wooden chair with legs finished in lion’s claws.

 

- King Alexander –said the oldest one—I’m Sostratos son of Zotikos; we came humbly to you to plea for our city.

 

- You mean to explain why you expelled the Macedonian garrison –said Alexander in that tone that gave nothing away, it was impossible to know what he was thinking.

 

- That was a misunderstanding, King Alexander –said the younger one.

 

- And you are?

 

- Paris son of Nikolaos –Leonnatos and Hephaistion turned to see him with new interest.

 

So, this is the famous Paris –thought Hephaistion, examining him with caution. 

 

If Alexander recalled this name, which was a certain thing since he never forgot anything, he didn’t show it.

 

- You are too young to be here as an ambassador for your city –said the King, his arms resting on the chair-arms.

 

- So do you, to be a King –said the Theban, haughtily.

 

- Careful, boy –said Kleitos, in a warning tone.

 

- Leon, what’s wrong with you? –Perdikkas asked in a whisper, seeing his friend clenching his fists very hard on the table. 

 

Leonnatos was a very quiet person, he was like those big and strong dogs with a fierce appearance but who are very sweet; and to see him so angry was a total revelation to Perdikkas. 

 

- King Alexander, the Macedonian garrison was expelled by a small group of mad men influenced by Demosthenes incendiary speeches –said Sostratos in a conciliatory tone—You are a wise man, you cannot possible punish the city for the actions of a few men.

 

Alexander nodded but nobody knew why.

 

- The Macedonian garrison must be reinstated, you must be aware of that –said the King.

 

- But there is no need for it –said Paris—Thebes is no longer a threat to Macedonia, a garrison is an insult to the city.

 

By the spirits of the underworld! This Paris is a revolutionary –thought Hephaistion—Something tells me he agrees more with Demosthenes than he is willing to admit.  

 

- Weren’t you a hostage in Pella? –asked Alexander, taking Paris by surprise.

 

- Yes, I was.

 

- Hm, well young Paris since you were in Pella, and I presume you fought at Chaeronea, you must know something about Macedonia –Paris swallowed, remembering Alexander riding on Boukephalos directly to him at the battle of Chaeronea—I’m not playing –said the King with intensity—And certainly I didn’t bring you here to “discuss”, we are here to listen to my demands, if you agree with them fine, if not…well, you already saw my army, and I can assure you that my men are ready to fight.

 

- Surely it won’t be necessary to fight –said Sostratos, cursing the moment he accepted Paris in this embassy—As I said before, just a few men drove out the Macedonian garrison, I see no problem in restating it.

 

- Good. I also want Thebes to recognize me as the Hegemon of the Hellenic League –said the King.

 

Sostratos took out a handkerchief and cleaned the sweat on his forehead.   

 

- That can be done –said the old man.

 

It was already dark when the Thebans were dismissed. Paris felt insulted and humiliated after being forced to accept all of the King’s demands.

 

- We didn’t fight back, we just stood there nodding like chickens to everything the King wanted –said Paris and another man nodded his agreement.

 

- We can’t fight, young Paris –said Sostratos—King Alexander would destroy Thebes if he didn’t get what he wanted by a peaceful agreement.  

 

-You overestimate him –said Paris.

 

- And you underestimate the power of Macedonia –said another man, supporting Sostratos point of view.

 

XXX

 

Alexander made the same demands to the Athenians: to be recognized as the Hegemon of the Hellenic League and the Athenians answered immediately, “apologizing for the delay in acknowledging the King’s official status”(3) The Macedonian army camped outside Athens and Alexander and his closest friends were accommodated in the houses of the most prominent men of the city.

 

Hephaistion, his brother Nikandros, Leonnatos and Perdikkas went to Thaleia’s house.  

 

- Leonnatos! It’s so good to see you again, boy –said Hephaistion’s aunt when she saw his nephew by marriage.

 

- You know Leon? –asked Hephaistion, entering the house.

 

- Of course, Phai. I was invited to the wedding –said Thaleia— Iokaste invited all the members of our family, even my daughters and their kids attended.

 

- You were the only one who was missing –said Nikandros, patting his brother back.

 

- How is Eni, Leonnatos? –asked Thaleia, taking the boys to her living room.

 

- She is fine –said Leonnatos— She is pregnant again.

 

-  Sweet Artemis! –exclaimed Thaleia, happy—What a wonderful news. And you, boys? When are you getting married?

 

Hephaistion, Nikandros and Perdikkas spoke at the same time with excuses, taking a seat. Thaleia shook her head.

 

- Nick, you are the older one, you should be ashamed that your sister got married before you –said his aunt.

 

- Aunt, I’m still very young –Nikandros said in his defense.

 

- No, you are not. Don’t you like Macedonian girls? Do you want me to look for a wife for you in Athens? –said Thaleia sweetly.

 

- Ye no, thanks aunt –the last thing he wanted was to have his aunt choosing him a wife.  

 

- What about you, Phai? Would you like an Athenian girl?

 

- Aunt, I don’t want to get married –said Hephaistion politely, taking a pastry from the plate brought by a servant.

 

- How old are you, son?

 

- Almost 21 –answered Hephaistion.

 

- Phai, you are aware that you can’t be the King’s lover forever, are you? –said Thaleia—After your 24 birthday is not proper for a boy to continue with a male lover, or people are going to start saying that you don’t like girls and I will not tolerate that people say that my nephew is a pansy.

 

- I know –said Hephaistion, sighing.

 

- I’m going to talk to your father about this –said his aunt, with the same determination his grandfather used to train him.

 

- And why don’t you talk with dad about Nick, too? –asked Hephaistion and his brother coughed.

 

- Oh, I will.

 

- Traitor –whispered Nikandros. 

 

- But Nick’s situation is very different than yours –Thaleia insisted.

 

- How come? –asked Hephaistion.

 

- Phai, your brother’s problem is that he is a womanizer… and a jerk –said his aunt making them laughed—But you are dating the KING. Nobody is going to accuse your brother of being a pansy.

 

Oh please, could she stop saying the word “pansy” –thought Hephaistion.

 

- And you Perdikkas? –asked Thaleia.

 

- I’m not dating the King, and I wouldn’t object to date an Athenian girl –said Perdikkas making her smiled sweetly.

 

- Traitor –said Hephaistion and his brother.  

 

XXX

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

(2) This is another personal joke. My brother’s name is Arthur, and since we saw this movie about King Arthur his nickname was Artorius. Also my brother is an engineer of 24 years old ^_^ One more thing, the use of vinegar and fire to break rocks was the idea of Hannibal Barca, the Carthaginian general who defeated the Romans in Cannae. He used this method to cross through the Alps to reach Italy.    

(3) Peter Green. Alexander of Macedon, p 119