Chapter 112

 CHAPTER 112

 

Alexander was getting his army ready to continue the march after stopping for a brief rest. It had been some tough days, again with insufficient supplies, but as soon as they approached the Euphrates the King’s guides had assured him the situation would improve. He truly hoped so because he wanted to let his troops rest before crossing the Euphrates, he was sure that after that, they would have to fight.

 

The King turned and found Achilles walking in his direction, a vision that made him smile, the boy was dressed exactly like him, and the whole march he had ride at his side on Pegasus, behaving impeccably, which had only added more points to his cuteness meter.

 

He was truly the army’s pet.

 

- Tired? –asked the King and the boy shook his head.

 

- When are we going to see daddy again? –Achilles wanted to know.

 

- Soon, I told you, he is supervising the construction of 2 bridges –said Alexander bending to the front. 

 

- Dad, I want to ask you something –Alexander sighed. Lately, every time he heard Achilles pronounce those words, it gave him a panic attack.

 

- What?

 

- What is a militia? –for a moment the King was tented to ask “that’s all?” and laugh hysterically. This was his lucky day.

 

- A militia is an “army” of common citizens –Alexander explained, walking with the boy through the rank of his men. 

 

- Yours is a militia? –Achilles lifted his head to look at him. 

 

- No, Aki, the Macedonian is a professional army, men who trained and lived to fight and receive a payment, even if there is no war I still have to pay them –the King explained.

 

- Why? –that didn’t make much sense to the boy, why to pay soldiers who weren’t fighting?

 

- Because, for the Macedonians, the army is a trade, like being a blacksmith for example, and war or not war they receive a payment –said Alexander, moving head to greet on of his men—Besides, it isn’t as if they do nothing during peace time, they train and keep themselves in form, ready for war.  

 

- But not all the men here are professional soldiers, right? –asked the boy.

 

- No son, the officers like your father or your uncle Leon, or the hetairoi like Nick come from the aristocratic families –Alexander explained—You see, this is why this is the best army in the world, the Greeks have militias, the citizens answered the call to arms, train, fight for their cities and then, when the conflict is over, they go back to their quiet lives, and all the experience they accumulated during the campaign is lost in a moment –he snapped his fingers—But, with a professional army, that doesn’t happen.  

 

- What happened with the Persians? Do they have a professional army? –Achilles wanted to know.

 

- No, they also gathered an army whenever they need one…or hire mercs –answered the King.

 

- Alexander! –Perdikkas came running, he looked upset and worried and that alarmed Alexander.

 

- What is it? Are the Persians attacking?  --the King immediately thought the worst.

 

- Wha…? No, I-I need to talk to you –said his friend stammering.

 

- I’m listening –Perdikkas turned to look at Achilles and his eyes said all Alexander needed to know. 

 

This is serious –thought the King.

 

- Son, go back with your uncle Leon, I’ll be right there –even if he wanted to stay, the boy did as he was told, leaving the 2 men alone but turning every now and then to see over his shoulder what was happening.

 

Alexander settled his eyes on Perdikkas and, in that moment, his friend felt how all his courage and determination was fading.

 

- What’s this important thing you want to tell me? –Perdikkas needed a moment to put his ideas in order and to remember why he had decided to come here in the first place.

 

- I… I did something really wrong –said Perdikkas, playing with his hands nervously—I wanted to tell you before but…I didn’t know how to, and then, everything complicated and she…

 

- She? –the King interrupted him, suppressing a smile—All this is about a woman?

 

- Something like that –Perdikkas got pale.

 

- What happened? Did you sleep with Thais? –the King mocked him.

 

- Worst –said his friend without voice and Alexander got very serious suddenly.

 

- You didn’t sleep with Berenike, did you?

 

- NO! Of course not! –Perdikkas exclaimed, the palms of his hands extended to the front—It’s nothing like that, but…I did sleep with a married woman.

 

- Perdikkas –the King ran his hand through his face—I don’t understand one word, speak clearly, what did you do?

 

- I slept with Darius’ wife.

 

Alexander needed a moment to fully understand what was he saying.

 

- You…what?

 

- I’m sorry, I know it’s wrong, more than wrong, terrible and absolutely wrong, but, but I saw Stateira once, and she is so beautiful and I…well, I sneaked into her tent and and…—the King raised a hand to stop him.

 

- You slept with Darius’ wife –Alexander repeated very slowly and Perdikkas swallowed.

 

- Yes…but…there is more –the King raised his eyebrows, what could possible be worst now?

 

- She is pregnant.

 

That’s worst –thought Alexander.

 

- She is going to give birth in a couple of weeks.

 

Even worst –said the King to himself.

 

- And, when were you planning to tell me this? –asked Alexander with cold calm—Have you any idea of what you have done? What do you think is going to happen now?

 

- I’ll take responsibility of this –said Perdikkas, not understanding what was he saying.

 

- How? She is Darius’ wife, what are you planning to do? Marry her? –Alexander’s words were like a slap—Do you understand that now your child would be part of the Achaemenid family? Do you?…What do you think is going to happen when word of this reach the Persians? They are going to assume the child is mine, you have complicated everything –he never raised his voice but that wasn’t necessary and only now Perdikkas understood the full extension of his actions. 

 

- I-I…

 

- You are not going to say a word about this to anyone, do you understand?

 

- Yes, Alexander.

 

The King turned and left him, taking deep breaths to calm down.

 

This is simply great, just what I needed –he thought.

 

XXX

 

- This Persians have peculiar saddles –said Nikandros, standing on the Euphrates edge at his brother’s side—They have no stirrups, they are four-horned saddles.

 

- They probably restrict their movements, sir –said Glycon, he was near his General, with the hand on his sword.

 

- No…see that man there –Nikandros pointed to the front—When the rider’s height is lower, the 4 horns close around and grip his thighs, providing him with support (1) interesting. What do you think Hephaistion? –he didn’t call him “Phai” In front of his men—Hephaistion!

 

- What? –asked the General absently.

 

- You didn’t hear a word of what I say, did you? –his brother frowned. 

 

- I’m sorry, I’m thinking –Hephaistion turned his head again to look at the Persians—We have been stuck here for days, they always try to destroy the bridges and we attack them in response, the men shout insults to each others during the day and at night the sentries are so nervous expecting a surprised attack that more than once they have imagined things. At this rate we wont be able to complete the bridges in time –he cursed.

 

- I told you, we should cross the river an attack them –Nikandros crossed his arms. 

 

- They outnumber us –the General pointed out.

 

- Maybe, but you know as well as I that each one of us is worth ten of those barbarians –said Nikandros with contempt. Hephaistion decided to ignore the insubordinate tone of his brother, but he shook his head. 

 

- The river is too wide and very deep, it could be risky –said the General—They would notice us before we could reach them…no, I was thinking something else.

 

His brother uncrossed his arms.

 

- What?

 

- I’m going to cross the river alone, I want to scare this Mazaeus –said Hephaistion, but he was still talking when Nikandros started to shake his head.

 

- And you don’t think that’s risky?

 

- I can take care of myself –the General was sure of each one of his words. 

 

- You are determine, aren’t you?

 

- You know me.

 

- Then, I’ll go with you –Hephaistion turned to look at him—You know it would be better if you go with someone else.

 

The General thought for a moment. His brother was right, it would be better if he was accompanied even if he felt better alone, that way he didn’t have to worry about the safety of others.

 

- Fine, then lets go tonight, there is no point in delaying this –said Hephaistion, nodding.  

 

As soon as night fell, Hephaistion, Nikandros and Glycon crossed the Euphrates at some point at the north where the scouts had found a safe path. The water was cold but not freezing, it could have been a pleasant swim if it weren’t for the strong current, and, while the General fought against the force of the river, he thought once again that to attempt to take his men, as Nikandros had proposed, was insane.

 

They arrived to the Persian camp, several fires could be seen at the distance but there was no ditch, no palisade, no walls surrounding the place and only a few sentries around the perimeter.

 

Clearly they never expected to be attacked –thought the General. He moved his head and Nikandros and Glycon followed him. It was full moon, good and bad news, good because they could see their path, bad because they could be seen rather easily.

 

But the Greek Gods were stronger than the Persian ones, because not all the sentries were awake and they could sneak inside the camp without being noticed. Just one guard stood in their way and Hephaistion silenced him, cutting his throat before he could do as much as draw a breath to shout the alarm. They left the body under a tree and kept going.

 

It was easy to locate the satrap’s tent, Hephaistion remembered well the distribution of the Persian camps, it was the biggest one at the center. They found several guards around the place, many yawing around a brazier, others half asleep, leaning over the shields and spears, but, as they moved closer to the center they found more and more guards, better armed, and with fierce looks on their faces.

 

Hephaistion indicate his brother and Glycon to wait behind a pile of boxes.

 

- And where are you going? –asked Nikandros, his voice just a whisper.

 

- I’ll take care of the guards outside the biggest tent –the General explained, barely moving his lips, but his brother shook his head emphatically.

 

- I won’t let you go alone.

 

- I’m not asking your permission, this is an order –Hephaistion didn’t raise his voice, but his words were final—You 2 wait here until I give you a signal. 

 

The General didn’t stay to hear his brother’s answer, he stood up, his cloak covering his head, and walked straight to where the guards were standing.

 

- What’s the General planning? –asked Glycon.

 

- I have no idea –Nikandros was tense, his hand on his sword and his body ready to run to his brother’s help. He was determined to disobey a direct order if he considered he was in danger.

 

The Guards at the tent’s entrance turned and saw Hephaistion, a tall covered figure in the dark, he walked with such confidence that the Persians thought for a moment it could be one of the satrap’s officers or even his son, but just when one of them was going to open his mouth, the Macedonian draw his dagger and cut his throat, the other guard was going to draw his sword but Hephaistion was quicker, he draw one of his blades, and pierced his heart, a scream frozen in his dead throat before he fall into the ground. 

 

The General stood there, like a God on the field of death, and turned, waving his hand to call the other two. Glycon approached quickly with his mouth half opened.

 

- Sir, that was…wow! How did you do that? –the young man was impressed, but Hephaistion shook his head.

 

- Later. Nick, you and Glycon hide the corpses, take their shields and spears and stay here, pretending that nothing happened –said the General quickly, his eyes surveying their surrounding for any sign that they had been seen, but, everything appear to be as calm and quiet as before. Good.

 

- What about you? –asked his brother while doing as he was told.

 

- I’m going to pay the satrap a visit –and with that Hephaistion was gone.

 

The interior of the tent was as sumptuous and magnificent as the Macedonian had expected. There were no signs of servants, and Hephaistion didn’t lose much time admiring the furniture, he reached Mazaeus chamber and found the Persian deep asleep. He hurried at his side, drew his dagger and pressed the cold and sharp blade against his throat. That movement woke the satrap up, but it was too late now.

 

- Don’t move –whispered the General in Greek. Xsayarsa said Mazaeus understood a little Greek, the sufficient to understand what he had came to say. The Persian saw him with round big eyes, full with surprise and rage—I came to warn you satrap –he continued—If by tomorrow morning you and your men are not gone, I’ll come back and take your head with me as a trophy –Mazaeus started to sweat—Do you understand what I’m saying? –he pressed the blade to his flesh until a tear of blood slid through the satrap’s neck.

 

- Yes –said Mazaeus through clenched teeth. This was the man who had defeated Kingu, and he truly believed Hephaistion capable of doing what he was saying. 

 

The General was going to open his mouth again when he heard the sound of trumpets and drums.

 

- Hephaistion! –it was Nikandros’ voice, they were in trouble.

 

The General left Mazaeus and ran to the exit.

 

- What’s happening?

 

- It’s the alarm, sir –Glycon explained.

 

- But, how…? –Hephaistion found his answer when he remembered the sentry he had killed outside the camp, someone had found him—We have no time to lose, come. 

 

They ran as quickly as they could to the exit, following the same path that had led them here, but, now the men were coming out from their tents, fully awake and ready.

 

- We are not going to make it, Phai –said Nikandros, seeing the terrible truth and the death promises on the eyes of their enemies.

 

- The hell we are –Hephaistion muttered and drew his two swords, his cloak dropped to the ground.

 

You're on your own now

We won't save you

Your rescue-squad

Is too exhausted

And if you complain once more

You'll meet an army of me

(Björk, Army of Me)

 

His brother had seen him fight before, but never like this, each day the General was better and this night he was magnificent. He was the bringer of death in that moment, killing with terribly precision, moving without thinking. At some point Hephaistion heard a whistle announcing his own destruction and turned at the last moment to halve 3 arrows flying straight at him, the Persian archers saw Hephaistion as if he were a ghost, not believe their eyes, and the General took that chance to run at them and end with their lives in a blink. 

 

Hephaistion couldn’t stop. A man tried to pierce him with a sharp spear from behind, and he dropped on one knee, without turning, he thrust his sword in one of the man’s legs. The man scream horrible, bending to the front, dropping his spear and the General took his blade out from his thigh, stood up, cut his throat and turned just in time to block another blow.   

 

This is taking forever –thought Hephaistion, panting. No matter how many he killed more enemies appeared and he was starting to doubt that they would be able to escape alive.

 

At some point he found his brother, and soon he and Nikandros were back to back, covered in blood and gore from head to toe. Exhausted, panting but determined not to surrender.

 

- This is… the last time, we follow your…plans –said Nikandros smiling.

 

- If we come out alive –Hephaistion took a deep breath, he could see Glycon, still standing, not far from them—I promise to…listen to you in the future.

 

The General took his attack position again, ready to drag as many men as possible to Hades with him, when an order was shouted and the men around them stopped and started to recede.

 

- What now? –asked Nikandros, and then, they saw Mazaeus walking to them. A brazier burning behind him made him look as a spirit from the underworld.

 

- We are done –said Hephaistion.

 

The satrap said something and the man at his side nodded 2 times before addressing the Macedonians.

 

- Macedonians, the satrap of Babylon, Mazaeus, recognizes your bravery –said the man who clearly was his interpreter—You are surrounded and, at one command of the satrap, you are dead men.

 

- Where is he going with all this? –whispered Nikandros.

 

- Shush –Hephaistion silenced him, listening with all his attention.

 

- However, lord Mazaeus is curious of what kind of King is capable of commanding men as you –the interpreter continued and Hephaistion felt his pulse quickening—He is letting you keep your lives…for now.

 

- What did he say? –asked Glycon, not believing his ears.

 

Hephaistion sheathed his swords for his brother’s utterly surprise and held Mazaeus gaze. He thought in the possibility of saying something but, at the end, he decided that words weren’t necessary. He bowed his head slightly and gave his back to the satrap, Nikandros and Glycon followed him.

 

- Father, is this wise? –asked Brochubelus, watching the Macedonians leaving—Is it wise to let the Hannaeans go? The Great King wants Hephaistion’s head…

 

- Enough! –said Mazaeus without rising his voice—It’s not correct to kill men like them as if they were dogs –the satrap saw Hephaistion’s silhouette at the distance.

 

You don’t sell a warrior like him as a slave –thought Mazaeus, for once in his life criticizing the Great King’s decisions—And I won’t be the one acting like a vulgar murder, like a common crimminal, like Melkar. 

 

Next day Mazaeus’ men were gone and my men could finish the bridges. It took me a while to understand what had happened that night, but, do you remember what I said? Persians admired bravery and it was when we entered Babylon and I saw Mazaeus again that I understood what had happened that night.

 

Alexander arrived a couple of days later and the army crossed unopposed the Euphrates, taking on step closer to our destiny, to our immortality.

 

XXX

 

- Thais, I need to talk to you –said Berenike entering Ptolemy’s tent so paled that her friend thought someone had died.

 

- Dear Zeus! Take a seat –the hetaira took her to a chair and asked Sophonisba to bring water—What happened?

 

- I wanted to come before but I couldn’t –Berenike took her friend’s hands with force—Something terrible happened.

 

- Eni, please you are killing me –now Thais was very scared.

 

- I…I…

 

Sophonisba came back with a cup of water and Berenike drank avidly to gain time.

 

- Take a deep breath –said Thais and her friend did as she was told.

 

- Thais…I’m pregnant –she said holding her breath. 

 

- Oh! But those are good news, right? –Berenike’s expression told her everything—Why do I have the feeling that this isn’t Leonnatos’ baby?

 

- No! I mean…I don’t know –Berenike dropped her voice.

 

- You don’t know –Thais frowned—Why? What did you do?

 

- I…I…—Berenike started to cry—I’m an idiot! –she sobbed—I knew it was wrong, and I know he was just playing with me but, but, but…

 

The hetaira embraced her.

 

- Kleitos again –her friend moved her head up and down and Thais sighed—In your defense I’ll say he was pretty insistent.

 

- I have no defense! –Berenike sobbed—What am I going to do now?

 

- How many times did you sleep with Kleitos?

 

- Just…once, one more time.

 

- And you aren’t sure that it’s his, right?

 

- What’s your point?

 

Thais took her face between her hands and held her gaze.

 

- Eni, as I see this, I think this is your husband’s child –she said.

 

- Really? –at this point Berenike would believe anything, she needed a little hope, because she didn’t want to lie to Leonnatos, how could she make him believe this was his child after he had adopted Amyntas?

 

- I know more about these things –said Thais smiling—Now, clean those tears and smile. I imagine that you haven’t told anybody about this –Berenike shook her head—Well, what are you waiting? Go and tell your husband and all your beautiful family. 

 

- All right –she stood up and let herself being led like a child to the door. She was very nervous and needed time to rest and think, but now, after talking to her friend Berenike felt better…a little.   

 

Thais and Soponisba saw Berenike leaving from the tent’s entrance and the Numian slave asked.

 

- Do you truly think Eni is going to have her husband’s child? –the hetaira shrugged.

 

- Only the Gods know.

 

- Then why did you tell her…?

 

- To make her feel better, the last thing Eni needs now is to torment herself thinking that her baby could be the hipparch’s –Thais fell silent for a moment—Sophonisba, you can’t say a word about this.

 

- No, of course not –the Numidian shook her head.

 

Poor Eni, the only thing she wanted was to have a big adventure and now everything has complicated –thought Thais.

 

XXX

 

Darius took the news of Alexander’s change of route rather calmed. His plan of ambushing the Macedonian King at Cunaxa had failed but it didn’t matter, he had the advantage, not only he knew the terrain better than his adversary his army was far more superior. That day, as the Great King marched at the front of that impressive mass of men, guiding them to the town of Arbela, he felt invincible.

 

This time not only he had a more numerous army than the Macedonian, he also had introduced some innovations "he had fashioned swords (xiphe) and lances (xysta) much longer than his earlier types because it was thought that Alexander had had a great advantage in this respect in the battle in Cilicia" and he also "had ordered that the form of the Persian scabbard of the scimitar should be changed to that shape which the Greeks used"(2)

 

This battle wasn’t going to be like Issus, this time he was ready, he knew his enemy and of what was he capable of, he would rescue his mother and wife, kill the Barbarian, destroy his army and finally take revenge against Hephaistion. Darius wasn’t afraid anymore, why would he? He had the advantage and he was determined to prevail.

 

XXX

 

(1) Adrian Goldsworthy. The Complete Roman Army, p 140.

I’ll explain, this is my own conclusion, according to Goldsworthy the Romans, Gauls, Parthians, Sassanid Persians and the Sarmatians, used a four-horned saddle without stirrups, and, since the Parthians were the heirs of the Persians, I assumed they used the same saddles…but I could be wrong.

(2) Pierre Briant. From Cyrus to Alexander: A History of the Persian Empire, p 799