CHAPTER 73

 

The interior of the women’s tent was as magnificent as the Great King’s tent itself, although smaller. Hephaistion could feel the fear of the people around them, the servants, the few guards, the eunuchs…they truly didn’t know what to expect from them, and were like scared rabbits in front of a wolf. Alexander had insisted in coming alone, just with his beloved. The General wasn’t very sure about this, but he said nothing and followed his King with all his senses on alert. It was improbable that someone would try to kill Alexander here, but he would not take that risk.

 

Alexander’s interest in Darius’ family told Hephaistion everything he needed to know about his lover’s future plans. He knew, thanks to Aristotle’s teachings, that the Archaemenid royal house succession depended enormously on the mother side; if the King was planning to become the new ruler of all Asia, in other words, the new Great King, he would need to have under his protection Darius’ mother.

 

Of course the General knew Alexander wasn’t a cruel man, and that he had always shown a great respect for women, even if Darius’ family wasn’t so important, politically speaking, he still would have treated them with all kindness. But now, the King had powerful reasons to see that the Queen mother and her grandchildren came to no harm. 

 

They arrived to a spacious room that served to receive visits; there they found an old lady with black thick hair perfectly groom and decorated with braids and jewelry, no hair covering her face; dressed in the most magnificent dress they had ever seen, made of silk, gold and embroidery with pearls. In a way, she made Hephaistion remember Queen Ada, they both were old, noble and elegant ladies, but this woman in front of them, was more than Queen Ada, she glowed and irradiated power; it was clear that she was used to be address with all respect and to be admired and obeyed. If she hadn’t moved her head when they approached, the General would have bet she was a statue.

 

The Queen mother Sisygambis, daughter of Ostanes and granddaughter of the Great King Darius II; was the wife and sister of the late Arsanes, nephew of the late Great King Artaxerxes II and cousin of the Great King Artaxarxes III. Artaxerxes III was the same one who was poison by this evil character named Bagoas, and this eunuch was latter the one that the current Darius killed as soon as he became King (1) 

 

Why am I telling you about the linage of the Queen Mother? First, because I know that later Alexander said that Darius was an illegitimate King and that he had seized the throne by violence. Even if I love my King even more than my immortal existence, I have to say that this was not truth. Darius was a legitimate member of the royal Persian house and he had seized the power legitimately having nothing to do with Artaxerxes III murder at the hands of Bagoas. And second, to let you know how important was this lady for Alexander. She was the descendant of a Great King and the cousin, niece and mother of other 3. Now you see why we had to treat her well? 

 

Sisygambis saw both men, dressed in a similar way, with simple and plain Macedonian tunics. After the ceremony with the army, they barely had time to change into something else, and since what they were wearing told her nothing, she was caught immediately by Hephaistion’s beauty. All about the General spoke silently about perfection, he had been clearly blessed by the Gods in every aspect and had a powerful aura around him, besides he was almost as tall as her son Darius.

 

Alexander caught the attendant’s eyes, silently asking him to be his interpreter, but, before he could say a word, the lady stood up with all grace, walked towards them and threw herself at Hephaistion’s feet, her forehead touching the floor, as if she were prostrated in front of the Great King, to supplicate for her family.

 

Automatically, the General step back, he truly didn’t know what was going on and the sight of this powerful and noble lady, dressed with such luxury and showing the gold and jewels that not even his whole family together had, left him speechless. Hephaistion would have reacted more quickly if she had thrown herself against him with a knife or a sword; his warrior instincts were more powerful than him, but…this?

 

The attendant of Sisygambis, a young eunuch in his mid twenties, ran at his mistress’ side, kneeled and whispered near her ear that she was making a mistake. The lady turned to see both men again with eyes wide open, terrible embarrassed and confused. The eunuch helped her to stand up, and she bowed in front Alexander.

 

- Your majesty, my lady, the Queen mother Sisygambis –said the attendant, his eyes on the carpet—Presents her apologies for her confusion in…

 

But the King raised a hand and the eunuch fell silent. He settled his uneven eyes on the Queen and the lady had to blink, she couldn’t hold his gaze.  

 

- “Never mind, Mother” –he said, and the attendant quickly translated his words—“You didn’t make a mistake. He is Alexander too”(2)

 

Hephaistion turned to see him with astonishment written across his face, but he said nothing. What had he just said? Alexander, the same Alexander that considered himself almost a God and who was trying to be the first among men had just said that he, Hephaistion was also himself? Maybe if other person in any other circumstance had said that, it wouldn’t probably be so shocking as to hear this from the King’s mouth. Of course the General knew that Alexander considered him his other half but…it wasn’t the same to hear those words whispered in his ear than to hear him saying this same words aloud and in front of such an important person. 

 

The eunuch translated the message and the Queen bowed again.

 

- As my officer, Leonnatos, said to you yesterday, I wish you to retain all your privileges –the King continued—And I will provide the dowries for your granddaughters, and bring up your grandson with all the honors of his royal status. 

 

The Queen mother Sisygambis was gladly surprised with this magnificent news but she didn’t lose her composure, and thanked him with all formality, silently raising a prayer to all her Gods, thanking them for this wonderful turn of event. She was sure that the barbarian King was going to kill them all…or sell them into slavery, and she was extremely happy to see how wrong she had been. 

 

- I want to meet young Prince Cyrus Ochus –asked Alexander and he eunuch translated his words. The Queen mother nodded.

 

Another servant ran to obey, disappearing behind a wonderful tapestry to bring the Prince, who appeared before the Macedonians almost immediately. The King saw with good eyes the child; now he understood why Achilles had chosen him as his best friend. Cyrus Ochus was a tall boy, with his father’s dark hair and dark eyes, he looked a lot like Darius, but no surprises here, since he was the child of brother and sister, the same as his parents who also were also the children of brother and sister. But, contrary to his father, he was a very brave child, he greeted Alexander with all formality in Greek, and when the King bent and called him, Cyrus approached and put his arms around Alexander’s neck for a kiss (3) 

 

- It’s a pity that the father lacks his son’s courage and self-possession (4) –said Alexander to Hephaistion, talking about Cyrus, when they left the women’s tent—Now I see why Aki is his friend…Philip! –he King called one of his guards. 

 

- Yes, sire –answered the young man immediately.

 

- Go to General Hephaistion’s tent and bring my son Achilles here, I’m sure he wants to see Prince Cyrus Ochus –said Alexander.

 

- Yes, sire –the guard left, and when the King turned he found his beloved with his arms crossed and his head cocked, looking at him.

 

- What?

 

- “He too is Alexander?” –said Hephaistion, quoting him—Why did you say that? 

 

- Because its true –said the King with all honesty—You are my other half, my soul mate, therefore you too are Alexander.

 

Hephaistion smiled and kept walking.

 

- You are nuts –he said— Have I told you that?

 

- Many times –answered Alexander smiling.

 

- “Bring my son Achilles?”…No, no, no, don’t tell me –he said when the King opened his mouth to explain his words—Since I’m Alexander, he is also your son?

 

That made the King laughed.

 

- I was thinking that I love him as my own son, but I like your explanation –he said and his beloved shook his head.

 

- Do you need me for something else?

 

- I always need you.

 

- You are very lovingly today –Hephaistion teased him.

 

- That’s because I had a great morning –said Alexander, remembering their wild lovemaking.

 

- Well…then I see you at noon, I need to go back to my tent –the King nodded.

 

XXX

 

When Hephaistion arrived to his tent, he found Lysanias sitting on the ground at the entrance, his elbows on his knees watching the people walking in front of him carrying all kind of treasures and valuable things. It was clear for everybody than the Macedonian soldiers were like “new rich” and they were quite an spectacle; for example, Lysanias saw how one officer gave audience to his troops on a carpet of royal purple (5) which made the boy laugh.

 

- Lysanias –the General called his brother and the page jumped on his feet—What are you doing here?

 

The boy was taken by surprise; he thought his brother knew.

 

- Em…well, the King’s secretary told me that I’m going to be your page now –explained Lysanias.

 

Oh, right! I remember –thought the General, after all that had happened in 2 days he completely forgot about his brother. He nodded.

 

- Right…well, you know what you have to do –said Hephaistion, watching Glycon running in his direction.

 

Since Glycon finished his services as page, the General had appointed him as his personal attendant. The boy was extremely good organizing, keeping records and writing letters, which was of great help for him.

 

- Phai…I want to thank you –said Lysanias, shyly— For speaking with the King about me, and...

 

- First of all, don’t call me “Phai” –said Hephaistion in a hard tone—We are not back home, its “sir” or “General”. Second, I didn’t do this for you; I did this for Eni, got that?

 

- Yes…sir –said his brother without looking at him. For a moment Lysanias had thought that his brother had forgiven him, now he was sure Hephaistion hated him…and he couldn’t blame him for that; after all he had thought all those terrible things about his brother when he was jealous of his relationship with Alexander, why would Hephaistion treat him different if he didn’t deserve that?

 

- General –said Glycon in his usual formal tone of voice, arriving with a bunch of papers and scrolls under his arm—My apologies for bothering you now, but I need your signature. 

 

Hephaistion nodded.

 

- I’ll see the papers inside –he said and entered his tent followed by the 2 boys, but, as soon as he came in, he thought he was in the wrong place, because everything was impeccable and decorated with flowers, beautiful carpets, magnificent furniture, tapestries and shelves with books.

 

- Peris! –shouted a happy Xsayarsa, running to the General and catching the attention of Glycon and Lysanias; neither boy had ever seen an eunuch before—Oh, Peris! I have been waiting all morning to thank you…oh what a terrible thing –he shook his head—I have been talking with other people here and we were truly blessed to find you; I heard these terrible things. Your barbarian companions took his mightiness’ concubines as if they were whores, can’t you believe it? And that is not…

 

- Yarsa! –Hephaistion interrupted him—What happened here? 

 

The Persian blinked confused.

 

- What do you mean?

 

- To my tent, where is my furniture?

 

- Your furniture?… OH! You mean those crappy things of wood…oh well, I can’t live in the same world of those horrible things, they insulted my beautiful eyes, so I threw them –explained Xsayarsa, proudly.

 

The General saw him with eyes wide open.

 

- You threw my furniture?

 

- Yes.

 

- And what is this? –he extended his arms to cover his surroundings.

 

- Oh! These are my and Bahman’s furniture –said the Persian— You see, we don’t have a tent anymore and it would be a waste not to use it, and why am I telling you all this? Breakfast is ready by the way.

 

- You cook?

 

- By the love of Ahura Mazda! Of course no! Who do you think I am? A slave? –said Xsayarsa scandalized—Atash cooks.

 

Kyros appeared when he heard his master’s voice and caught immediately Glycon’s eyes. The Theban smiled at him and his friend returned the gesture.

 

- I try to stop him from throwing the furniture –explained Kyros, talking about Xsayarsa—But he is very stubborn, he even hit me with a pot.

 

- I’m not stubborn –the Persian defended himself—I like to live in nice places. Peris, are you sure you are the Barbarian King’s lover?

 

- Yes, I think I’m sure about that –Hephaistion answered slowly—Why?

 

- Well, if you were the lover of a King I would have expected that your tent would be more…dignify –said Xsayarsa, he couldn’t find a better word to describe this in Greek. 

 

- Where is Bahman? –asked Hephaistion, changing the subject.

 

- Outside, I think –said Kyros, before the eunuch could say anything.

 

- Call him, we need to talk…all of us –said Hephaistion and Kyros went running to obey—Glycon, give me the papers, please.

 

A few minutes later, Hephaistion, Bahman and Xsayarsa were sitting in his new living room, even the General had to admit that the new furniture was really comfortable. The Macedonian explained to them the current situation with detail, he thought it would be better if he told them the whole truth so they could make a decision, and he also told them about the battle, Darius’ flight and his family situation. 

 

- What do you want to do now? –asked the General, after his very long explanation—If you want, you are free to go; I’ll give you horses and a wagon to carry all your belongings.

 

The Persians fell silent for a moment. It was indeed a very generous offer, and judging by all what they had seen around the camp, their situation was truly blessed, but… 

 

- Hephaistion –said Bahman, his hands on his lap—If his highness, young Prince Cyrus is staying with the Macedonian army, I want to stay here. For what you have told us, I don’ think your King would oppose if I want to keep teaching him. 

 

- No, he won’t –answered Hephaistion, certain of what he was saying. 

 

- Then, I’ll stay –said the Magus—I’m too old to travel by myself all the way back to Susa or Babylon.

 

The General nodded.

 

- What about you, Yarsa? –asked Hephaistion. 

 

The eunuch took a moment before answering.

 

- If his majesty ran away…he is going to have more important things to do than to see for an old eunuch like me –said Xsayarsa crestfallen. He probably would never say this aloud but he was disappointed; until a day before he didn’t knew under what circumstances the Great King had fled, but now he knew that Darius had left them all, including his family, at the mercy of a barbarian King, and if it weren’t for Hephaistion, only Ahura Mazda would know what would have become of them. He took his handkerchief and cleaned his forehead— You saved my life Peris, if you don’t mind I would like to stay with you.

 

- I don’t mind Yarsa, but let me warn you –said the General very serious— Macedonians are not Greeks, and this camp has nothing to do with the Persian…this is going to be hard for you.

 

- I know –said the eunuch bravely, but Hephaistion wasn’t very sure that he truly understood the situation—Besides, you have to take care of me –said Xsayarsa, recovering his cheerful manner. 

 

Hephaistion blinked in confusion.

 

- Why?

 

- You tricked us; you were a spy! –exclaimed the eunuch with his high pitched voice—Now you will have to take care of me…and Atash. 

 

The General sighed.

 

- Fine –what were his friends going to say about this? For what he knew, many Macedonian officers had lay their hands on Darius’ concubines and he got now an eunuch…he didn’t even want to imagine what was Nikandros going to say about this— Bahman, let me see if you can stay with Darius’ family, it would be…

 

- Phai! –Alexander entered his tent as if it were his own, but stopped when he saw the Persians.

 

All eyes were settled on the King, who clearly hadn’t expected to find his beloved accompanied.

 

Well, I had to do this sooner or latter –thought the General, standing up.

 

- Alexander, these are my Persian guests –he said in Greek and Bahman and Xsayarsa stood up—He is Alexander, King of the Macedonians.

 

Bahman and Xsayarsa, both used to the Persian protocol, did the same as the Queen mother and prostrated in front of him. They both knew their fates and lives were now in Alexander’s hands. 

 

- Please, that won’t be necessary –said the King—We don’t have this custom in Macedonia. Besides, you are Hephaistion’s guests; he had told me about you and I can assure that if you want to go, you can do it.

 

- If I may, your majesty –said Bahman in his perfect Greek, again on his feet, after Xsayarsa helped him to stand up—I thank you for your generosity. I don’t want to be a burden but, as I said to your General, I would like to stay with my young disciple, Prince Cyrus Ochus.  

 

- I don’t see why not –said Alexander and the Magus bowed. Then, he settled his eyes on the eunuch—So, you must be Yarsa.

 

- Your majesty –said Xsayarsa, making Hephaistion smiled. Now, Alexander wasn’t the “Barbarian King”, the eunuch wasn’t a fool. 

 

- So, you are the culprit –said the King in a serious tone that scared Xsayarsa— The one who cut Hephaistion’s hair.

 

And his beloved laughed, seeing Xsayarsa’s expression of terror. 

 

XXX

 

- Did you have to scare Yarsa like that? –asked Hephaistion still laughing when they were alone in his room. He was sitting on his desk, leaning his weigh back on his hands, with Alexander standing in front of him, between his legs.

 

- I couldn’t resist it –said the King, removing the long silky strands of his face to admire his beloved—But you have to admit it was funny. 

 

- Yes, it was…which reminds me, what are you doing here? –said the General, cocking his head—Not that I don’t like the surprise.

 

- I was missing you.

 

And those words, as simple as they were, made him immensely happy.

 

- We spent the whole morning together –Hephaistion reminded him, enjoying a lot his Alexander in “loving mode”

 

- Yes, so? –the King brushed his General’s hair behind his ear—I want to talk to you.

 

- About what?

 

- About what I’m planning to do –said Alexander, catching his attention.

 

- I think I have an idea –said Hephaistion, intriguing him.

 

- Really? Surprised me then –asked the King speaking against his skin, kissing his shoulder. 

 

- You want to force Darius to fight against you again –said his beloved, successfully surprising him—I know you, and I know that you are not planning to follow your father’s steps. Your father wanted to conquer Asia, but just “from Cilicia to Sinope” as Isocrates used to say. You want more, you want it all.

 

Do you remember Isocrates? I guess no. He was this Athenian fellow who devoted his life to sell the idea of a crusade against Persia, and who in his last days sent many letters to King Philip trying to convince him in becoming the leader of such crusade…not that Philip needed much convincing, anyway. But Isocrates and Philip, and all the men who ever dreamed of conquering Asia always set their goal aiming to conquer from Cilicia to Sinope…pretty much just the area that cover the coast side.

 

What? Did you have the idea that all of us crossed the Hellespont thinking in conquering ALL Asia? Well, I’m very sorry to disappoint you, but no. No one had ever dreamed in conquering the entire Persian Empire, that was nuts. What Alexander wanted to do was scandalous and crazy, and even if the men had had a taste of the splendor and riches that waited for us in Babylon or Susa, no one would have dared to imagine that one day we could become indeed the Masters of Asia. 

 

To give you an idea of how outrageous and impossible was Alexander’s dream of conquering Asia, no one before him had done it and no one after him did it. For example, in the times of Julius Caesar, Marcus Licinius Crassus went to the Parthian Empire, the heir of the Persian Empire, to conquer it, and he was completely defeated at the battle of Carrhae. The silver eagles of his legions were sent to decorate the palace at Ecbatana. More than a century latter, the Roman emperor Trajan tried to conquer Parthia, he reached as far as Babylon where he intended to make a sacrifice to Alexander in the same house where he died…and probably Trajan would have conquered everything, even reaching India, but he fell sick.

 

And finally, one hundred years after Trajan, Roman emperor Caracalla also tried to conquer the Parthians…and failed.  

 

So now, you can see how crazy was Alexander’s dream.

 

Alexander smiled and kissed his beloved.

 

- Now you are a mind reader? –he whispered against his lips.

 

- There is no need to be one, as I said, I know you –said Hephaistion, kissing him again, feeling the King’s hands on his thighs.

 

- I can’t pursue Darius –said Alexander, kissing his cheek—He knows these lands better than us and I can’t lose time chasing smoke. I need to force him into battle, and gave him time to assemble another army.

 

- That’s risky –answered Hephaistion, feeling the King’s lips sliding through his cheek, reaching his neck—He has more resources than us, and he can easily assemble an army more numerous than yours.

 

Alexander stopped kissing him, and saw him, as if he didn’t understand his words.

 

- What are you saying? –he asked amused—That I can lose? Don’t be ridiculous, my love, I can’t be defeated –he closed his eyes and leaned his cheek against his General’s—Not as long as I have you at my side. 

 

Hephaistion smiled.

 

- So, now you are making me responsible for your army’s success –the King laughed softly—Alex, you can’t let the men know about your real plans.

 

Alexander sighed.

 

- I know –he absently caressed his beloved thighs with his thumbs—I know what they think; they want to go home and share with their families and friend the spoils.

 

- And you? Do you miss your home?

 

The King outlined his lips with his fingers.

 

- My home is wherever you are –he said from the bottom of his heart.

 

XXX

 

- Your King adores you –said Xsayarsa that night, after a very long day. He had insisted in brushing Hephaistion’s hair, even if the General had complained a lot. He wasn’t a girl, why did Xsayarsa insist in treating him like a princess? He didn’t want to imagine what would Krateros said if he found out. But, this made the eunuch happy and after all that he had been through…the General agreed.

 

- Why do you say that? –asked Hephaistion with curiosity. He had to admit that it was relaxing to have someone brushing his hair.

 

- Well, he came personally looking for you –said Xsayarsa—And the way he sees you and talks to you…he truly loves you –that made the General smiled like a schoolboy in love—You know, any other in your place would have taken advantage of him.

 

- I know –of course he knew. Alexander was always so eager to give him expensive and ostentatious gifts that if he wanted, he could be the richest man in Macedonia. The King was always the last one in claim part of the booty, and he always made great gifts to his friends and officers.

 

If Hephaistion loved him less and were more ambitious, he would be living like the Great King himself.

 

- So, how is your sex life? –that question made the General turned to see the eunuch.

 

- That is none of your business.

 

- Of course it is! –exclaimed the Persian, shaking the brush in his hand—You are my patron now, and if you fall from the Barbarian King’s grace, I fall too.

 

Hephaistion sighed.

 

- Yarsa, this isn’t the Persian court.

 

- Of course it isn’t! You are a bunch of savages –said Xsayarsa without shame—But a King is a King. And I will see that he doesn’t get tired of you. I may be a eunuch, but believe me, I know many things about sex, and tricks that you wouldn’t even dare to imagine –the General blushed—So, what does your King like?   

 

- Yarsa, I’m not discussing this with you –said Hephaistion, terribly embarrassed. He had never talked about his life with anybody…not even with Alexander. Now that he thought about it, they just do things, never stopped to talk about these things.

 

- Why not? –asked the eunuch without shame, brushing his hair again—I’m very discreet and I would never reveal my patron’s secrets –he couldn’t see what the problem was, after all it was very common in the Persian court to entrust secrets to the eunuchs, reason why if someone wanted to have information about the court, always had the eunuchs on his side. 

 

- So, you won’t tell me Darius’ tastes in bed? –asked Hephaistion with curiosity.

 

- No.

 

- But he isn’t your patron anymore –the General teased him. 

 

- That doesn’t matter –said a very serious Xsayarsa. 

 

Hephaistion shook his head.

 

- I won’t tell you about my sex life or Alexander’s…tastes –he said.

 

- Well, I’ll have to guess then –Xsayarsa thought for a moment—I think…for what I saw today, that you are the dominant one in bed –the General blushed so intensely that his face appeared to glow, and that told the Persian everything he needed to know.

 

- Why do you say that? –Hephaistion was embarrassed, but he was also worried. Was it obvious? And if it were; who else would notice? He panicked, if someone else knew about that, he didn’t dare to imagine what could they say about Alexander, and he would never forgive himself for damaging his King’s reputation.

 

- Don’t worry, it’s not obvious –said the Persian, without understanding the full implications of his discovery—I have a good eye.  

 

The General turned and held his gaze.

 

- Yarsa, you can’t say a word about this –he said with all the authority he could summon and he Persian swallowed. He had seen Hephaistion’s fight against Kingu and knew how strong he was.

 

- I won’t say a word –he said with solemnity—I swear it by Ahura Mazda –the General nodded—But that doesn’t mean we can’t talk about it –Hephaistion sighed—If your King likes to have you as the dominant one then…

 

And Xsayarsa talked for almost 2 hours about what he knew about the subject. By the time he finished, Hephaistion felt as a virgin boy of 10 years old who knows nothing about sex.

 

- You can’t be serious –said the General with eyes wide open—You can’t do that.

 

The Persian smiled, as if all the knowledge of the universe were invested in him.

 

- Oh, but it can be done, Peris –he said in a mysterious tone. 

 

- How do you know all this? –Hephaistion was curious—You told me be that eunuchs aren’t courtesans.

 

- No, but we have ears –said Xsayarsa—And I used to be the beauty doctor of the harem, and the concubines, contrary to you, talk a lot. Not to mention the gossip and other eunuchs’ stories…do you have questions? 

 

- Gods! NO! –the General had heard enough in one night.

 

- Well –the Persian stood up—If you want to know something just ask.

 

I don’t think so –said Hephaistion to himself and Xsayarsa left him.

 

XXX

 

(1) Pierre Briant. From Cyrus to Alexander: A History of the Persian Empire, pages 772 and 773 

(2), (3) and (4) Peter Green. Alexander of Macedon, p 237

(5) Peter Green. Alexander of Macedon, p 238