Warning: This chapter has a little the content of violence.

 

CHAPTER 29

 

Silent screams sucking space out of a desert place

Armies of wingless angels come crashing down

God's firework may entertain one side of his race

but surely those who die are, too, sons of his own

(Samael, Valkyrie’s New Ride)

 

Hephaistion was standing in the middle of destruction. He felt dizzy and no longer knew if it was day or night. The fires illuminated everything; he could feel the heat on his face despite the cold wind, and as he walked he found debris everywhere and hundreds of half naked corpses, piled up at the sides of what once was a street. Blood ran through the ground making pools, as if it had rain red during the day, the walls were splashed with the vital liquid and it’s strong smell filled his nostrils.

 

He closed his eyes and heard distant screams and hysterical words of plea; the silky locks of his hair danced in front of his eyes and everything appeared to be moving slowly around him, as if he was trap in a nightmare. 

 

Your King is going to destroy the world –Light’s words came to him as if he was listening to her in person.

 

A blood tear crossed his cheek, but it was not his own blood. His naked swords were cover in gore and the sounds of weapons clashing floated to him, along with the smoke and the smell of death.

 

Alexander, together with his whole expedition force, had been massacred by the Triballians –Demosthenes.

 

His voice, and other voices were like whispers in his head, like bees flying inside a honeycomb.

 

King Cleitus of Illyria is in open revolt –Melas Kleitos.

 

I can deal with the Autaratians, you better go to Pelium Alexander –King Langarus.

 

We have no time to waste in a siege to take Pelium, Thebes is in revolt with other Greek cities. They killed the Macedonian officers of the garrison –Philotas.

 

The Thebans are plotting to put my cousin Amyntas on the throne, Phai. I can’t ignore that. I have to make an example of Thebes –Alexander.

 

Make an example… Is this what Alexander meant? –thought Hephaistion, watching around him the butcher’s work. How did he end here?

 

When we returned after our little adventure with the Scythians, we found that the Triballians and the Getae had surrendered after witnessing the impressive military power of Macedonia. But, when Alexander planned to go back to Pella and deal with his mother, his friend, King Langarus informed him about King Cleitus of Illyria and his revolt.

 

Do you remember King Langarus of the Agrianians? He was the one who helped us in our voluntary exile, and now he proved to be a reliable ally in fighting against the Illyrian tribe of the Autaratians. The Autaratians planned to join forces with King Cleitus and crushed us, but thanks to Langarus we only have to deal with one enemy at the time.

 

Alexander defeated Cleitus, who was hidden in the city of Pelium and there we received information that Demosthenes thought Alexander was death and urged the Greek cities to stand together and fight against us. I have always wondered if Demosthenes knew about Alexander disappearance, when the river took us to the Scythians, or if he created the whole story. I will never know.

 

After that, Alexander ordered the destruction of Thebes, and with that act of terror eliminated future revolts against him. 

 

I was shocked when I entered the city. I had fought many times but on the battlefield or against thieves, soldiers and warriors. Inside Thebes were women, children and old men and women. I felt like I couldn’t breath when I saw all the destruction around me. Was it all of these necessary?

 

He was asking himself the same thing over and over again: was it all of these necessary?

 

Hephaistion knew that Alexander had given the Thebans the opportunity to surrender if they gave him the 2 leaders of the revolt. Thebes had not only rebelled against Macedonia but also, against the Hellenic League and Alexander as the Capitan General had the right and the duty to punish them.  

 

Yes, they had to secure Greece in order to march against Asia. Yes, Thebes was plotting to put Gloomy Amyntas on the throne. Yes, the Thebans had wasted Alexander’s patience, they had been forgiven after Chaeronea, and again after they drove out the Macedonian garrison. Yes, the Thebans had called Alexander a Tyrant. Yes, Thebes had murdered Macedonian officers. But… these, all the corpses, all the chaos was it really necessary? Wasn’t it another way?

 

Alexander was beyond fury when the Thebans had called him “Tyrant” in front of his men, and after that they put a siege on the city that lasted days, until thanks to Perdikkas they got inside, even if his friend was injured during the fight on a postern-gate.

 

The worst part had been at the Electra Gate, the Thebans ran in stampede when they knew the Macedonians were inside the city. Anarchy had descended upon the inhabitants of this doom place. They were no longer people running for they life, the ones at the Electra Gate were corpses consumed by fear, dead men and women trying to seize a few more moments of life. The Macedonian horses crushed the Thebans under their hoofs leaving nothing more than broken bodies on their path.

 

The fighting on the streets was savage; soon everything was an orgy of blood and destruction. The men unleashed their bestial side, bringing terror and death at every step, leaving behind all traces of humanity. This was a massacre.

 

I have to found Alexander –was the only rational thought in Hephaistion’s mind. Only Alexander could keep him sane in that moment.

 

It was already night, but the fires around the city illuminated everything. He walked as fast as he could, trying to not pay attention to what was going on around him, the sacking of temples and houses, he had no stomach for things like these but he had to get used to. Then he heard the scream of a boy and he turned. A Thespian man, one of the allies of Macedonia who came to take part in the battle, was dragging a 13 years old beautiful boy with an almost girlish face, with all the intentions of raping him. 

 

The boy bit the man’s hand and the Thespian hit him hard on the face.

 

- Bloody lad! –exclaimed the man angry, taking him by the thighs, and that triggered Hephaistion’s worst memory.

 

He could see King Philip over him again, like that night when he was a page of 13 years old. Hephaistion clenched his hands around the swords’ hilt in anger and walked to them without thinking. The boy screamed again and closed his eyes with force, when something warm splashed over him. He opened his eyes in time to see the man’s head falling, leaving a trail of blood in his way to the ground; and when the boy lifted his head slowly, he saw the impressive figure of Hephaistion, standing with his 2 swords at his sides, a fire burning a house behind him. 

 

- Run away –said Hephaistion, ready to go.

 

The boy stood up, his legs shaking, and ran to Hephaistion, taking him by the black cloak. 

 

- Please –his voice trembled—C-can I stay with you, sir? Please…

 

- I’m Macedonian, boy. I can’t take you with me –said Hephaistion, trying to sound indifferent but failing miserably. Despite all his efforts he couldn’t be a heartless man, indifferent to suffering and for that reason it was too painful to be there.  

 

- Please –the boy insisted, tears falling through his cheeks—I- I will sleep with you.

 

- What?! –exclaimed Hephaistion. When had he turned from the victim to the executioner? Time passed quickly and he was no longer a boy but a man and now he had the life of this boy in his hands— No, listen. Go to your family and try to get out…

 

- My whole family is dead, sir –said the boy, his voice more firm. He looked at Hephaistion’s face with his green puffy eyes—I tried to get out, but that man…

 

He had a point. He was too young to be able to get out alone and to pass unnoticed. Hephaistion sighed.

 

- All right. I’ll take you out of here –the boy’s eyes shone.

 

- Thank you, sir. I’ll do everything…

 

- That won’t be necessary –Hephaistion interrupted him, feeling uncomfortable—What’s your name?

 

- Kyros son of Lysistratos –said the boy with sadness.

 

- Well Kyros, I’m Hephaistion son of Amyntor –he said—And we have to go now. This isn’t a safe place.

 

They walked for half an hour witnessing all kind of atrocities, and more than once Kyros hid his face on Hephaistion’s cloak. But this wasn’t entirely the Macedonians doing. No. In that moment in Thebes were also Thespians, Plataeans, the men of Orchomenus and Boetians. 6,000 Thebans were killed almost all inside the city which gave the place the appearance of a graveyard; and 30,000 more were taken prisoners, for only the loss of 500 Macedonian and allied troops (1).

 

Hephaistion saw his friend, Kryriakos, the veteran pezetairoi, taking a group of Thebans to the Temple of Apollo, the place where the captives were held. He also saw Ptolemy, barking orders to a brigade of soldiers that had plundered several houses and were carrying all kind of objects; one man had a small statue of Aphrodite cover in blood. The most terrible of all were the screams, especially the women’s screams. Near a fountain was a woman on her knees embracing her 2 children, trying to protect them from the mayhem.

 

He turned at the corner and there 4 men attacked him, swords and spears ready to kill him. Hephaistion took Kyros by the arm and threw him at the side of the street, then he stopped the blade of one of his attackers with his sword without turning to see him, his hair falling at the sides of his face. He kicked the man on the stomach and pierced another one through the throat; Hephaistion twisted his blade and a torrent of blood spread through his victim’s chest.

 

He dodged a spear and instead of killing him, it killed the last man who tried to cut his head. The attacker stopped in confusion, seeing that he had murdered one of his companions and that moment of doubt was his end. Hephaistion pierced his heart with merciless precision. He had been killing all day and was getting good at it, very good, his body moved before he think reacting with mortal precision.

 

Kyros saw him in awe; he had never seen someone who could fight like that, with such ability and power, with calculated and elegant moves, everything in Hephaistion’s attacks were deadly and once the Macedonian had decided that someone had to die he died.

 

- Let’s go –said Hephaistion and Kyros ran to him.

 

- You! –a man shouted making Hephaistion to stop and turned.

 

A very tall man with a splendid armor and heavy spear was a few paces from the Macedonian, he didn’t know who he was, but judging by his appearance he looked like a formidable opponent, and also like a veteran soldier.

 

- You are the one who killed my men at the main street –said the stranger, walking to where he was—My name is Balios son of Kimon, may I ask your name?

 

- Hephaistion son of Amyntor –Hephaistion’s senses were screaming: danger! Balios was not a common soldier.

 

- Good, now I know what name I’m going to put in your grave –Balios took an attacking position, his spear at his side and his dark eyes on the Macedonian.

 

- Hide yourself, Kyros –said Hephaistion, and boy didn’t need to hear it twice.  

 

Balios attacked him, aiming at his right side. He was fast, Hephaistion blocked his attack but the Theban changed the curse of his spear at the last moment, it was a trick; the Macedonian moved quickly and stopped the attack with his second sword.

 

- Two swords! –exclaimed Balios, with a grin—I have never seen a man used 2 swords before; it’s going to be a waste to kill you.

 

- You talk too much –Hephaistion launched a double-attack forcing his opponent back, his blades tasting blood after each thrust, increasing his speed every second.

 

Balios, rolled on the floor to dodge him, he couldn’t defeat the Macedonian, despite of his youth, he was very fast and strong, at this rate he would be kill. The Theban took a handful of dust and when Hephaistion went after him, he threw it to the Macedonian’s face. 

 

Hephaistion closed his eyes and the Theban saw his opportunity, he tried to pierce him through the chest but Hephaistion turned in a fluid movement and buried his 2 blades in Balios heart. The Theban opened his eyes in astonishment, as if he couldn’t believe he was dying, his spear fell and a moment later his lifeless form followed it, resting on a pool of his own blood.

 

- A-a-re you all right? –asked Kyros shyly, walking to him with trembling legs.

 

- Yes –Hephaistion rubbed his eyes—That was a nasty trick.

 

- How did you kill him with your eyes closed? –asked Kyros in awe.

 

Hephaistion smiled.

 

- With a lot of training.

 

After that fight every time a Theban saw Hephaistion, he ran away as if he had seen Hades himself.

 

Hephaistion walked faster, looking for an exit and when he and his companion reached the Hypsistae gates he found his brother, all covered in blood and his cloak tore. 

 

- Nick! Are you all right? –asked Hephaistion, running to him.

 

Nikandros took his helmet off, and scratched his head. 

 

- What? Yes, this is not my blood –said his brother—Your lover sent me to guard the Hypsistae gates, he is pretty piss off, and don’t want to let any of these Thebans to run away. Look! –his brother pointed at the gates, where a group of archers stood ready to shoot—I have orders to kill anyone who tries to pass through here –Hephaistion was grateful that Kyros, hidden behind him, didn’t understand Macedonian—Thebes has 7 gates, 4 at the north and 3 at the south, and I heard that the orders are the same at all gates. And what about you? Any wounds?  

 

- No, I’m fine –said Hephaistion, extremely tired with his eyes red, he had been fighting all day; and before today he didn’t have time to rest either. The siege works took a lot of his time since Alexander had put him in charge of one sector—Do you know where is Alexander?

 

- Last time I heard he was at the Agora with Kleitos –said Nikandros, when his eyes found the slender figure of Kyros, behind his brother—And what’s that? –Nikandros pointed with his chin, when he saw a blond head—Oh! You found yourself a souvenir.

 

Hephaistion blushed.

 

- This is not what you are thinking –Nikandros walked to them, and took Kyros by the arm to see him.

 

- Let me go! –said the boy, fighting back.

 

- A boy?! Phai please. Couldn’t you at least take a woman? –said Nikandros, releasing Kyros—And blond, you truly have problems.

 

- I told you, this is not what it looks like –Hephaistion insisted—I rescued him and I intent to help him get out of here.

 

- I don’t think so –said Nikandros, crossing his arms behind his head—I told you, all the gates are close and heavily guarded. And even if I let him go out through here, how long do you think he would last out there? Your lover order the countryside to be looted and burnt, your pet here would have to walk from here to Delphi to ask for refuge, because the surrounding cities: Plataea and Magara are with us and I don’t think they fancy the idea of taking a Theban in their gates. Athens is too scared and Corinth is even farther.   

 

His brother had a point.

 

- Unless you are planning to give him money, a horse and an escort, he won’t last a day –Nikandros continued, and Hephaistion sighed.

 

- You are right. Of course you are right –he said, brushing his hair behind his ear.

 

- Phai, I know you, and I know that you have a big heart and everything, but if you really want to help this boy, keep him with you –said his brother, when they heard shouts and the sounds of a fight—Right, if you are not helping I suggest you better go now, I smell troubles coming this way. 

 

- Be careful.

 

- Yes mom –his brother mocked him and Hephaistion left him.

 

- Who was he? –asked Kyros, trying to walk as fast as the Macedonian and not to look at what was happening around him.

 

- My brother –the boy stumbled and Hephaistion caught him before he fell.

 

- I’m fine –said Kyros—I’m just tired.

 

- You are walking with a limp. I can’t loose time here –the boy saw him with horror, sure that he would leave him there; but before he could say anything, Hephaistion continued—I will have to carry you.

 

When Hephaistion arrived at the Agora, he found Alexander standing with Kleitos at his side. It was almost daybreak now, which meant they had been up all night. He walked to them; Kyros’ weight on his back was a terrible burden to his aching body but he didn’t make a sound of complain, and he didn’t thought of a moment the possibility of leaving the boy. It was a small relief to know that he was able to save at least one person after all the men he had killed that night. 

 

- As soon as the sun rises I want the order restore –said the King and the hipparch nodded—I summoned a special meeting of the League council for tomorrow, I’ll be leaving at noon.

 

- Who is going to be in charge here? –asked Kleitos, changing his height form one foot to the other.

 

- Hephaistion –said Alexander.

 

- Me?! –exclaimed his friend, catching their attention.

 

Hephaistion was covered in blood, gore and dirt, and looked very pale.

 

- Phai, are you all right? –asked the King, softening his voice and catching Kleitos attention. The hipparch knew they were lovers (the entire army knew that) but he had never heard the King talk like that, with so much love and concern. 

 

- I’m fine, just tired –said his best friend, changing Kyros weight on his back. The boy had fallen asleep a while ago.

 

- Having fun tonight? –asked Kleitos, crossing his arms on his chest and pointing at the Theban with his chin.

 

Then, Alexander noticed the boy.

 

- No, I swear is nothing like that –said Hephaistion quickly.

 

- Who is he? –asked the King, frowning.

 

- It’s a long story that can wait –said his best friend—Why am I staying here in charge?

 

- I’m going tomorrow to a meeting with the Hellenic League council –said the King—And I need someone I can trust to reestablish order here.

 

Silently Kleitos resented those words. Hephaistion was 21 years old, and he had never before held an important command. He would understand if Alexander had left anyone else in charge, but Hephaistion? He clenched his jaw and said nothing.

Kleitos excused himself and went to see his men, leaving them alone, he had things to do. 

 

- When are you coming back? –asked Hephaistion, walking to the nearest bench and leaving there the boy. Kyros curled and continued sleeping. 

 

- Next day, I don’t want to waste time –said Alexander, looking at the first sun rays at the distance—You don’t approved what I did here, don’t you? 

 

- No –said Hephaistion with the sincerity that only true friends could have—But that doesn’t matter anymore. 

 

- You know that the Thebans got what they asked for.

 

- I know, and I understand why you did this but… —Hephaistion made a pause, he was exhausted—I don’t like cruelty, but I can’t judge you the same way I would do with any other man, because you are not like any other man. You are a King, and Kings do what is necessary. I’m going to need time to get use to this, to war and it’s consequences.

 

- You are talking again like you did after the battle of Chaeronea –said Alexander, holding his gaze, and Hephaistion shrugged.

 

- Maybe I wasn’t born to be a warrior.

 

- Nonsense! –the King walked to him and caressed his cheek tenderly—I know why you were born –his best friend lifted his eyebrow—You were born to be at my side.

 

- I have no doubts about that –Hephaistion smiled and made a pause.

 

- What happened to your eyes? –asked the King, brushing his hair aside to see him better.

 

- It’s nothing, a man threw me dust on a fight –Alexander frowned.

 

- And where is this bastard? –the King was angry.

 

- Dead. Don’t worry, I’m fine –Hephaistion smiled. Alexander brushed his lips slightly against his eyelids, and he scattered kisses across his friend’s jaw, his nose and his cheeks.

 

- You should be more careful –the King whispered against his creamy skin.

 

- And you should get some sleep, if you are planning to be tomorrow at a meeting with the council, you need to rest –Hephaistion smiled; that was exactly what he needed, to feel his beloved’s kisses. 

 

- I’ll only go if you come with me –Alexander whispered.

 

- Fine, but we are going to sleep. Did you hear me? –the King laughed—Sleep.

 

- Alexander! –Leonnatos called him, dragging a dirty and scared man with him.

 

- What is it, Leon? –asked Alexander.

 

Leonnatos looked impressive, his armor covered in blood and his expression severe. It was like watching his evil personality; he even looked taller and stronger. Leonnatos threw the man in front of the King, his sword pointing at the Theban.

 

- This bastard has letters from Demosthenes and from your cousin Amyntas –said Leonnatos, even his voice was different.

 

Alexander and Hephaistion saw the Theban with interest. It was Paris.

 

- Do you have the letters? –asked the King, and Leonnatos gave them to him.

 

- How did you find his mail? –asked Hephaistion, speaking in Macedonian.

 

- I found him when he was trying to escape through the Electra gate –said Leonnatos, while Alexander checked the letters—I couldn’t help it, Phai. I felt so angry that I ran after him, we fought and I discovered he was carrying the letters.

 

True enough. The letters were indeed from Demosthenes and from Gloomy Amyntas, now Alexander had proofs that his cousin was plotting with the Thebans to become King. But why? Most probably Amyntas must had heard about the “death” of Alexander at the hands of the Triballians, as well as the Thebans and the Athenians. Alexander knew that Demosthenes had gone as far as to disguise a man as a wounded Macedonian survivor of the battle against the Triballians where the King had supposedly died. 

 

If Demosthenes’ people had managed to convince Gloomy Amyntas of Alexander’s death, then it made perfect sense of why he had showed his interest in the Macedonian throne; after all if King Perdikkas III hadn’t died so young at the hand of the Illyrians, Amyntas would have been King. 

 

- How long have you been writing to my cousin? –asked the King in Greek, but Paris didn’t answer.

 

Leonnatos kicked him hard on the ribs, and the Theban cried like a wounded animal.

 

- You better answer me Paris, or I will let Leon to do with you whatever he wants, and I can assure you it won’t be pleasant –said Alexander in a calm voice, but Paris remained silent. The King saw the 4 of them were alone. Good— Do you remember a Macedonian girl named Berenike, Paris? –he continued in a casual tone, still checking the letters.

 

What does that have to do with this? –thought the Theban.

 

- Answer me!

 

- Yes –said Paris at last. It was impossible to disobey the King when he used his commanding voice.

 

- Good, you see these gentlemen here? –said Alexander—Well, this girl, or I should better say, this lady is Hephaistion’s sister and Leonnatos’ wife –Paris opened his eyes wide open—And believe me they are not happy with you, so tell me how long have you been writing to my cousin, and I’ll see that you have a quick death. 

 

Paris swallowed hard. He had a purple eye and his lips were bleeding, clearly now he was understanding why Leonnatos had attacked him the way he did, and for the look in his eyes he knew that Berenike’s husband was capable of killing him in a horrible way.

 

He had nothing to lose now.

 

- I-I have been writing to Amyntas since winter –said Paris at last—But… I wasn’t alone… the refugees, the Theban refugees that came back to the city have been acting under Demosthenes instructions. These men have nothing to lose and they know that you will never forgive them, that’s why they convinced the people to fight against Macedonia.

 

- Leon, take him to Eumenes and see that Paris gives him the names of all his accomplices –said Alexander.

 

- Then what? –asked Leonnatos.

 

- Then you have my permission to kill him –said the King in Macedonian—A quick death if he behaves, if not you can do as you please.  

 

Leonnatos nodded and dragged Paris to where the secretary was.

 

Hephaistion couldn’t say that he felt sorry for Paris but he was sick of so much death for one night, he only wanted to sleep and forget about everything for a moment.

 

XXX

(1) Peter Green. Alexander of Macedon, p 147