Chapter 61

 

CHAPTER 60

 

Hephaistion looked for a piece of parchment on his messy desk, throwing several letters, maps and notes on the process, and quickly wrote a letter to Alexander. This was the hardest part of his plan, but it was necessary, he needed to explain the King what he was planning to do, even if he knew what was the King going to say.

 

I am sorry Alexander, I really am, but this is a great opportunity and I know that, if I were someone else but your lover and friend, you would approve this plan immediately –said Hephaistion to himself, while the reed pen slid over the parchment, giving solid form to his thoughts—But I didn’t came to Asia to be a burden, I came to help you and that is what I’m planning to do. 

 

He threw powder on the card to dry the ink and folded his letter. He took Darius’ letter too and went to look for his sister, trying his best to pass unnoticed through the streets of Tarsus, full with soldiers, officers and citizens. He knew Leonnatos was staying in a house, for his family comfort, he just wished none of his friends would see him and start asking questions. The best thing would have been to wait until nightfall, but he hadn’t much time, he knew Alexander would ask for him, or worst, someone could see the Persians outside Tarsus.  

 

- Eni, listen, I need you to give Alexander these letters tomorrow at noon –said her brother in a hurry—Please, it’s really important.

 

His sister nodded taking them, while her children ran and screamed throughout the house. Netikerty was sewing while watching over Sophia and Amyntas, seeing that they weren’t going to break something or fall and hurt themselves.

 

- All right, but why me?

 

Good question –thought the General. He didn’t want to involve his brother in this. He knew how furious was going to be Alexander when he discovered he had gone to the Persians’ camp, but he also knew he wouldn’t take his anger against a woman. It was safer this way, more cowardly? Maybe, but definitely safer. But he couldn’t say that to his sister.

 

- Because Nick refused to act as my courier –lied her brother. Berenike didn’t believe him, Hephaistion wasn’t behaving as usual, and his sister knew he was planning something, and for some reason, Alexander wasn’t going to be happy when he find out. But she didn’t ask more, he would have his reasons.

 

XXX

 

Hephaistion, his grandfather Demetrios, Achilles and Kyros with their mounts and baggage, arrived outside Tarsus that afternoon where Maeon, the same Greek mercenary who had delivered him the first letter, where waiting for him with his impressive escort composed of 3 servants and 4 members of the Immortals, the elite troops of the Persian army. “Of all the troops in the army the native Persians were not only the best but also the most magnificently equipped […] every man glittered with the gold which he carried about his person in unlimited quantity […] No others were more adorned with the splendour of barbaric wealth; theirs were golden necklaces, and garments adorned with cloth of gold and long-sleeved tunics” (1)

 

These troops were known as the Immortals, because their numbers were always the same; if a man was killed or if he fell sick, the vacancy he left was at once filled, so that their strength was never more nor less than 10 thousand.

 

The Greek smiled when he saw Hephaistion, walking to where he was, guiding his horse, Alastor, by the reins. He wasn’t Persian but he too dressed in a magnificent way, it was clear, even to the dumbest person in the world, that working for the Great King paid off. 

 

- I see you are accepting the Great King’s invitation this time –for the way he was smiling at him, Hephaistion knew that Maeon knew how much gold he had been promised. Well, it was better if he thought he was accepting just for the money.

 

- Yes, I’m accepting this time –said the General. He carried Achilles, lifting him from under the armpits to sit him on Alastor’s saddle.

 

- And the boy? –asked the Greek mercenary with curiosity, while biting an apple.

 

- My son.

 

Kyros was feeling uneasy near the Persians, and those men who were known as the Immortals… he had never before seen men like that, with those beards and dressed with those colors and the impressive sight they give, they looked capable of killing one man in 2 seconds and without sweating; but he forced himself to remain calm. Hephaistion had given him the choice to stay with the Macedonian army but the Theban had refused, he couldn’t leave his master alone when he was risking his life in such an important mission. The now 15 years old boy swallowed and took the reins of his horse so hard that his knuckles were white.

 

- Are you ready to go now? –asked Maeon, surveying the Macedonians with interest.

 

- Yes.

 

The mercenary nodded.

 

- Excellent, the Great King doesn’t like to wait –he said something in Persian to his companions and the rest nodded while their servants ran to bring their horses. 

 

- Where are we going? –asked Hephaistion, a gust of wind blew, dragging the leaves and swirling them at their feet.

 

- To the Great King’s camp –Maeon spat pieces of the apple at his side.

 

- Which is where? –the Macedonian insisted, but the Greek shook his head.

 

- You’ll see.

 

XXX

 

Next day at noon, Berenike went to see the King as Hephaistion had asked her. Eumenes told her Alexander was in a meeting with Koinos and Nearchus, so she had to wait outside, in the living room, pacing around with the letters in her hand, when she saw that Lysanias was there on duty, carrying clean sheets and a pair of blankets. Berenike smiled and took that opportunity to talk with her younger brother, following him around the house. They hadn’t seen each other in a very long time, almost since she left Pella, she knew Lysanias was there because Nikandros had told her, but he was very busy working as a page and had no time to visit his sister.

 

- You don’t look good, Lys –said his sister frowning, helping him to fold the sheets—Does Alex treat you bad?

 

- I’m fine, just tired –said Lysanias, rubbing his cheek—I have been taking double shifts and staying up at night, because your brother wanted all pages working extra hours during the King’s illness.

 

- “My brother” ?–it was impossible to lie to Berenike, she was very intuitive, like her mother. She put down the sheets and saw him more carefully—What’s wrong? Did you have a fight with Phai?

 

- Not exactly –grumbled the page, not wanting to face her. Berenike knew nothing of his conversation with Nikandros and nothing about his infatuation with the King.

 

- Then what? Come on, tell me –his sister insisted but Lysanias was sure that, if he told her, she would scold him just like Nikandros did—Lyyyssss!!! –Berenike started to pull his chiton playfully when the King’s door opened and Glycon called her—We’ll talk later, don’t think for a second that this over.  

 

She ran to the King’s room, amid the murmur of the fabric of her dress, and the page sighed.

 

Maybe he should talk with his sister; of all his siblings he had a better relationship with Berenike, just as Hephaistion had a better one with Nikandros…

 

Maybe Eni can understand my feelings –he thought, watching her entering the King’s room.

 

- Alexander, you are looking much better –said Berenike with a big smile, walking to his bed while Koinos and Nearchus were leaving. Both turned to see her before reaching the door, now, at her 21 years old, she was a very attractive woman, and for both commanders it had been a while since they had seen a woman like her. That caused Nearchos and Koinos nostalgia, remembering their wives and their homes back in Macedonia.

 

She was dressed in a dark yellow dress, her hair perfectly combed in an elaborated ponytail with thin braids and flowers, since she had started being a camp follower didn’t have the time to dress like the lady she was, but, since Berenike was going to see the King, she decided to take special care of her appearance that day.

 

- And you are more beautiful each day –said the King, putting aside the maps on his lap while she took a seat on the chair that Koinos had just vacated. They heard the door closing and Eumenes voice outside.

 

Berenike smiled.

 

- Ow! Thank you –she said sweetly—So, how are you feeling today brother-in-law?

 

Alexander smiled; he loved Hephaistion’s family and the relationship their members shared; they were honest, always in a good mood, and always joking. He would have loved to have siblings like his best friend had.

 

- Better, soon I’ll be out of this bed –said the King, who was anxious to leave Tarsus—Eni, you remind me something I heard, a very interesting rumor.

 

- Mm? About what? –she asked with interest.

 

- The leader of my Cretan archers, Baerius, told me you are a great archer –said the King, remembering a conversation they had held before crossing the volcanic mountains.

 

- Of course I am –said Berenike proudly, lifting her chin—It’s the only weapon I can use, but I’m pretty good at it…in fact, I’m very happy that you touch the subject because I have been wanting to talk to you about something, but I haven’t had the chance.

 

- I’m listening –said the King, intrigued.

 

Hephaistion’s sister took a deep breath choosing carefully her words, both hands on her knees.

 

- You see, I have noticed that the camp followers are the last ones to get food rations –said Berenike suddenly serious, now he was in her business like mode—And when you don’t have supplies the first ones to be hungry are the camp followers.

 

- I know it’s hard, Eni, but I can’t leave my men to starve or die from dehydration when I need them in good shape to fight. What if the enemy launches a surprise attack?  –Alexander explained, remembering his previous meeting with Koinos and Nearchus.

 

He was worried about the supplies; they had been too many days in Tarsus and to have the army immobile for so long was a waste of resources. Also, he was getting away from the sea, and that would difficult his way of obtaining grain, meat and water, and to make things worst, many pack animals had died on the volcanic mountains.

 

She nodded.

 

- I understand better than you think, I was raised in a house full with military men –said Hephaistion’s sister—And that made me think. If your men eat better, then why don’t you hire me as your archer?

 

Alexander blinked in astonishment.

 

- You?!

 

- Yes me, why are you asking like that? –Berenike frowned—This Balerius guy…

 

- Baerius –the King corrected her.

 

- Whatever, he told you I was an excellent archer, so why not hire me? –Berenike said, failing to see the problem in her proposal—Oh! And don’t worry about my payment, I don’t want gold, I just ask for better rations of food for my children and Nety, that’s all.

 

Alexander sighed, running a hand through his blond unkempt hair.

 

- Eni, I can’t hire you –he said— But I can see that your children have better food rations, I promise. 

 

But she was far for leaving the things like that.

 

- Why can’t you hire me? –she wanted to know—Because I’m a woman?

 

- Yes, Eni because you are a woman, you are Phai’s sister and Leon’s wife, do you think I can risk your life on the battlefield? –said the King seriously, he had always had great respect for women, any other King wouldn’t be talking about this with Berenike, but he was also very conscious of their roll in society, and not even Hephaistion’s sister was the exception—Women are not for the battlefield.

 

- So what are we made for? To bear children? –said Berenike very seriously, she had been raised as her brothers; her father, grandfather and uncle always asked for her opinion, Leonnatos talked to her as if she were his friend. The only time when she had felt the real burden of being a woman in those times was when she had been pregnant with Paris’ child—I am an excellent archer and I can beat your best Cretan archer –she made a pause, trying to not cry, blinking several times and thinking how to convince the King—Leon told me you received my message at Halicarnassus.   

 

- Yes, I did.

 

- Well, I shoot that arrow, the one with the note –the King’s surprise was evident, he saw her as if he didn’t know her.

 

- Seriously?

 

- Seriously –she said, trying to hold his gaze and failing miserably.

 

What does this man has in his eyes that make me feel as if he were watching right into my heart? –thought Berenike.

 

- Eni, does Leon know you are asking me this?

 

- Yes, he knows –Alexander kept staring at her—All right, he had no idea, but…please, Alexander, I don’t like to be a camp follower and I know I can help.

 

The King kept silent for a very long time. This was truly the last thing he would have expected, but Hephaistion’s family never ceased to amaze him. He was conscious that that shoot at Halicarnassus had been excellent, even Kleitos had said that but…if Berenike weren’t a woman everything would be perfect…finally he nodded. 

 

- All right, you can be one of my archers –Berenike smiled and applauded extremely happy—But I want you dress like a man and you will be on probation, after your first battle I will decide if you can stay.  

 

- Yes, yes, yes… and thank you…boss –she said, making him smile.

 

- Eni you are full of surprises –said the King amused—I should have marry you.

 

And that made Berenike laughed as if someone were tickling her.

 

- And what makes you think I would have accepted? –she asked blushing, which made her looked adorable. Not even in her wildest dreams would she have dared to imagine herself married to a man like the King.

 

- Why not? You always said you wanted to marry a Prince –said Alexander, enjoying a lot this conversation—If you were my wife, you would be a Queen.

 

- Alex, I like you a lot, and you are very handsome, brave and intelligent –said Berenike, fanning herself.

 

- I know, you don’t have to flatter me telling the truth –said the King making her laugh again—Did you know that once I told Phai I want to marry you?

 

- No, I didn’t know –Berenike was pleasantly surprised.

 

- Well, it’s true –said Alexander—I would have like to marry you.

 

- I can imagine why –she said, stretching her legs to the front—To have your own “Aki” –the King smiled, she had read his mind.

 

- You know, it’s not too late, you can always divorce Leon –said Alexander in a playful tone.

 

- Pleeeaseee…you raising 2 kids that are not your own? I can’t imagine that –said Berenike—You are very…especial, and since you feel that you descend from the Gods…

 

- Eni, I descend from the Gods, Herakles and Achilles are my ancestors –the King corrected her.

 

- Even better, would you raise 2 kids from mortal fathers? –she raised her eyebrows in a perfect imitation of her mother—I’m sorry to tell you this, but I would never marry you, not knowing that you are crazy for my brother. You know what I think?

 

- What?

 

- I think that, if you and me were married, and I gave you a son or a daughter who weren’t like you or like my brother, you wouldn’t love him or her –that answer left the King speechless— Alexander, you wanted to marry me because I’m Phai’s sister, not because I’m Berenike…I have observed how much you love Aki, as if he were your own son. He is a great kid, but I’m sure that if he didn’t look as Phai, or wasn’t as intelligent as he or you, you wouldn’t love him as much you do, and I don’t blame you…you both are men and can’t have a child of your own, so I can understand that you have…adopted Aki –she made a pause, and when the King said nothing, she continued—I feel sorry for the woman who is going to be your wife –she said with all honesty—You would never love anyone as you love Phai, and you are going to make a woman very miserable. 

 

Alexander said nothing; he knew what Berenike said was truth, and, if he could, he would never get married, but he was a King and he knew someone day he would have to do it.

 

- You are very good reading people, Eni –his uneven eyes were shining in a strange way.

 

- Oh no, I’m just a good observer –she said smiling—And, to be honest with you, before marrying Leon, I was envious of Phai, for having someone like you in his life –Berenike cocked her head— By the way, I’m really happy to see you love Aki, he needs a lot of love, after all he doesn’t have a mother.   

 

- I truly feel as if he was my son –the King admitted—He is…perfect.

 

And now I’m also sorry for the kids that his going to be wife gave him someday, because they are not going to be Phai’s kids –thought Berenike sighing.

 

- I wrote to Cloe asking her when is his birthday –Alexander continued. 

 

- Really? –that was a great piece of gossip.

 

- Yes, I got her letter today –said the King—She wasn’t very happy but she told me anyway.

 

- And when is it? My mom used to celebrate it the day he arrived with Agape –Berenike explained.

 

- The fifth day of Apellaios (2) –answered the King.

 

- Oh my, in days he would be 4 –said a very excited Berenike—I will cook him something delicious.

 

- Eni, why you didn’t bring Aki with you? I haven’t seen him since I got sick and I miss my son –said Alexander making her smile. The King and his brother were her very personal soap opera.

 

- He is with Phai…oh! I almost forgot, Phai asked me to give you…—she looked among her cloths—These.

 

Alexander took the letters frowning.

 

- What are these?

 

- I truly don’t know, he just told me to give you the letters today at noon –Berenike explained, as confused as the King.

 

Alexander read first Darius’ letter, the fine parchment had caught his attention immediately, and he opened his eyes as round as the moon when he read the Great King wanted to hire his best friend, offering him Memnon’s post. He felt his heart racing, when he saw that the other letter had the handwriting of his General. He knew Hephaistion good enough to know what was he planning.

 

Oh dear father Zeus! Please, don’t let Phai do what I think he is going to… —but as he raised his plea to the Gods, he read in a piece of parchment how all his fears became true.

 

- Eni, when was the last time you saw Phai? –asked Alexander in a tone of voice she didn’t knew him.

 

- Em…yesterday afternoon –answered Berenike, taking a moment to think, her index finger on her cheek—Is something wrong?

 

The King said nothing and stood up.

 

- Lysanias! –his page arrived running.

 

- Yes, sire? –Alexander took his cloak from a chair.

 

- Call Leonnatos, Perdikkas and Dismas, now! And tell them to meet me at Hephaistion’s house –said the King extremely serious.

 

- Yes, sire.

 

And with that Alexander left the room, leaving a very confused Berenike behind. What had Hephaistion done? She knew his behavior had been very strange asking her to deliver the letters, but, for what she saw in Alexander, something really bad had happened.

 

XXX

 

Minutes later, the King was pacing around in the house where Hephaistion had stayed until a day ago. All his things were gone, including his horse Alastor, but his other horses and Pegasus were still in the city. Leonnatos, Perdikkas, Dismas, Nikandros, Lysanias and the 3 pages of the General: Casambus, Laphanes and Ilus, were in the house watching their King without understanding what was going on. 

 

- Dismas, when was the last time you saw the General? –asked Alexander, his head was a mess, thinking over and over again in Hephaistion’s words.

 

I’ll pretend to accept Darius offer in order to get access to his army; I know how badly you want information about what is he doing and planning, and I know your last spy died almost a week ago. Don’t worry about me; I’ll be fine.

 

“Don’t worry about me”, that was the dumbest thing he could have asked me –thought the King.

 

- Yesterday afternoon, sire –answered the veteran officer—He told me he was going out and that I was left in charge during his absence.

 

- Did he say where he was going?

 

How come nobody saw him leaving? Why is it that nobody told me anything until now? –thought Alexander.

 

- No, sire, and I didn’t ask –answered Dismas, immediately—I don’t question orders –the King nodded.

 

Great! The only occasion in which I would have wanted that he questioned his superior and Dismas didn’t ask –thought Alexander.

 

- Nikandros, did you see Hephaistion yesterday? –he continued with his interrogatory, his uneven eyes on the messy desk of his best friend.

 

- No, Alexander –said Nikandros as confused and intrigued as the rest…except for Perdikkas, he had an idea of why was Alexander like this—But now that you mention it…

 

- What? –asked the King anxious.

 

- Well, maybe is not important.

 

- I’ll judge that –said Alexander. 

 

- I haven’t seen my grandfather since yesterday, either –said Nikandros, he liked to visit his grandfather whenever he could, and share with him a cup of wine.

 

- Oh Good Zeus! –exclaimed Perdikkas, shaking his head.

 

- What?

 

- This is about the Great King’s letter, isn’t it? –his friend’s words made Alexander’s heart skip a beat.

 

- Why do you know about the letter? –the King asked.

 

What letter? –that was the general thought in that house.

 

- Well, I gave the letter to Phai –said Perdikkas worried—One of the sentries told me a Persian embassy was outside the city, I went to see and found the same merc that deliver the first letter at Side, do you remember him? I think his name was….was…

 

- Maeon son Theas –said Alexander, surprising the pages with his excellent memory—And then?

 

- I gave Phai the letter and he left me without saying a word –Perdikkas continued—I thought he had gone to you.

 

The King cursed in the worst and most vulgar Macedonian making them jump.

 

- Why you didn’t tell me before? –he asked very angry.

 

- T-t-tell you…? –Perdikkas stammered.

 

- About the letter, Perdikkas –oh, his mood was getting worst; was only them or the temperature was dropping?—You should have given me that letter first; and when did you planned to tell me we had a Persian embassy outside Tarsus?

 

His friend blinked in confusion. Since when the King checked his men’s mail? He had thought that Hephaistion had told Alexander about the Persians. Perdikkas had many things to say but, wisely, he decided to close his mouth. Nobody could reason with Alexander when he was this angry, and everything he said would be use against him.

 

Alexander was so angry that their men wouldn’t be surprise if he started to breath fire like a dragon, he was extremely worried for his best friend, and to make things worst, he had taken Achilles with him. But, what could he do now?

 

XXX

 

- Daddy, where are we going? –asked Achilles. It was night already, they had almost 2 days on the road and according to Maeon they would reach the Great King’s camp next day.

 

It had been a very long and tired journey. Since Alexander had sent Parmelio to hold the Gates and to block all the possible roads from Babylon to Tarsus, Maeon made them rode through a very uncomfortable path to avoid the Macedonian scouts and sentries. The General took note of that.

 

Hephaistion was preparing everything to sleep, near to his grandfather, who had started snoring as soon as his head touched the makeshift bed; and Kyros, whose initial fear and nervousness had been replaced with weariness and hunger, so he too had fallen asleep, after eating as much as 2 grown up men.  

 

- We are going to meet the Great King, Aki –explained his father in Macedonian, he didn’t want to be overheard.

 

- Why? Weren’t we going to fight against him? –Achilles cocked his head; he was confused.

 

- Yes, we are, but first we are going to meet him –Hephaistion stretched a blanket on the ground. 

 

- Why? Isn’t he the bad one? –Achilles sat down.

 

- Yes, but…we want to know what is he planning –Hephaistion explained, untying the boy’s sandals.

 

- Daddy –Achilles yawned— Why didn’t my uncle come with us?

 

- Because he has to stay and lead the army. Now, come, we have to sleep, tomorrow we’ll arrive at the Persian camp –said the General kissing his head.  

 

Achilles lay down beside his father, and Hephaistion covered them both with the thick blanket. The night was warm and clear, and the General was grateful because they were going to sleep in the open.

 

- Daddy, tell me a bedtime story –asked his son, rubbing his eyes.

 

- Mm?

 

- My uncle always tells me a story –said the boy, embracing him.

 

Hephaistion sighed.

 

- Yes, your uncle is full with stories…let me think of one –he said, his eyes on the night sky, the stars shining with force above them—Oh! Look there –he pointed at the sky—Those stars are the constellation of Pegasus.  

 

- Really? –Achilles saw the stars narrowing his eyes—It doesn’t look like Pegasus.

 

- Sure it does, you have to use you imagination –said Hephaistion, pointing with his finger—Look, this is his wing, his head, and his body –the boy laughed.

 

- What is a star?

 

- A star? Well, is a celestial object –his father tried to explain him.

 

- Why do they shine? –Achilles yawned again.

 

- I don’t know Aki –Hephaistion sighed— Maybe they reflected the light...like a mirror. 

 

- But it’s dark now, there is no light…my uncle said the Gods put the stars in the sky for us to remember the great heroes –said the boy almost falling asleep, feeling his eyes heavy.

 

Hephaistion smiled.

 

- Yes, your uncle has a very romantic way of seeing things –he turned to see his son, Achilles was now sleeping, his head against his chest and his lips slightly separated. He kissed his head and saw again the infinite star ocean above them.

 

Well, Alex, I can imagine that by now you know about my plan –he thought, his arms crossed behind his head—You must be very angry, but this was necessary –grandfather Demetrios snored so loudly that one Persian started to grumble and cursing, burying his head under his cloak—At least I’m not going to miss that…good night my love. 

 

XXX

 

(1) Pierre Briant. From Cyrus to Alexander: A History of the Persian Empire, p 261

(2) Macedonian month of November.