Chapter 183

 

 

Warnings:

• I am afraid these 3 chapters are –H– Chapters.
• Just this one is another –M– Chapter.

 

PART IV

 

“Fortune, which has a great deal of power in other matters but especially in war, can bring about great changes in a situation through very slight forces.”

Julius Caesar

 

CHAPTER 183

 

On!

Sailing on!

To our fate!

To India...

Forward we sail into the unknown

We have no fear we’re sacred

We’re going to where no one has gone before

Keep on till we have reached the sunset

There will be no withdrawal

We’re heading for the treasures of India

(Xandria, India)

 

You are still here? I am impressed after all our journey through my past has been everything but a short one. Lets think this for a moment: you and I have followed my King through Macedonia, Illyrian, Thrace, Greece, the Hellespont, Egypt, the great Persian Empire and we have finally arrived to the mysterious land of India, although I think here I will have to explain something to you. As a Child of the XXI Century I am sure that, when I say “India” you immediately think in the present country of the Republic of India and, your wild imagination probably evoke images of the Macedonian army wandering over extensive exotic lands, almost reaching China and meeting the Zhou Dynasty.

 

I am very sorry to disappoint you but the reality is very different and less spectacular. We did not covered a great extension of land on this campaign, in fact we did not even left a region known as the Punjab, which, by the way, is not even part of the present land known as India, is part of present Pakistan. In a way I guess you can say Alexander never reached India, at least not what you know by that name, anyway.  

 

As I said before India was a campaign completely different from the ones we were used to fight. As I mentioned to my King, we knew nothing about these lands and, technically, we had nothing to do there. Stepping into India was like entering another world, maybe for you, so use to this modern era with Google Maps and GPS devises, is hard to imagine what is to know NOTHING about a place. But this was our reality and, as soon as we left the cold perils and mortal dangers of the Hindu Kush, even the landscape changed remembering us that we were leaving the known world to enter a land full of secrets for us to unlock.

 

The lands on this side of the Persian Empire, the ones of Bactria and Sogdhiana, were vast but the great majority of them looked brownish. The mountains were dusty and rocky, the Hindu Kush, for example, was rock covered with snow and few vegetation but, as soon as we arrived at the Kabul valley everything was green; the vegetation covered everything as far as the eye could reach, which made me feel extremely relief. Supplies would not be too difficult to obtain.    

 

At the Kabul valley Alexander met a man that would become one of our most important allies here, a man whose name has created great confusion, even in your era. Ambhi was rajah of a place called Taxila, so he was sometimes referred as Taxiles, but the Greeks liked to call him Omphis even if everybody knew his real name was Ambhi... I told you it was confusing. Now, why did Ambhi seek our help in the first place? Because he had powerful enemies and, as any man with powerful enemies, he desperately needed powerful allies.

 

  — Phai, what do you think of Ambhi? –asked Alexander that night at his tent.

 

In this land full of mysteries, where everything was new, even the never changing stars looked different for the consternation of many, but Hephaistion liked to joke that, at least, they would always have the consolation to see the sky still over their heads and the ground beneath their feet. In this particular night, the star ocean looked like a wonderful painting with a moon that appeared to be bigger than it really was; a marvelous spectacle. The warm wind, coming through an open window, shook the leaves of the trees and appeared to sing a lullaby, floating to them like the sweet voice of a mother. So far Hephaistion could not complain of what he had seen of India but he knew this peaceful atmosphere would not last.

 

The hipparch did not answer immediately, this was an important question that demanded a well thought answer. Instead he approached the King, the leather of his new boots cracking softly over the wooden floor, and sat down at his lover’s side, on the same couch, taking Alexander own cup of wine to drink from it. The liquid warmed his stomach reminding him that he had not eaten yet.

 

— I think Ambhi is a man with lots of problems –the answer made his lover laugh— Seeking someone to drag into his already complicated situation. 

 

The King kissed him, cupping his face between his hands, tasting the wine in his mouth.

 

— This is why I love you –he whispered against his lips before moving slightly away— Yes, I guess you are right. He is a man with problems seeking desperately for a powerful ally, but, besides that, what do you think of him? 

 

Hephaistion puffed his cheeks out, recalling the moment when Ambhi made his spectacular appearance with all his luxury, servants, gifts and elephants a few days ago.

 

— I think he is honest –he said, seeing the rajah’s face with his mind eye, a pleasant face yet not handsome, too alien to be appealing for someone who had been raised in the Greek standards of beauty— Incredible as it sounds since he a King.

 

— A rajah.

 

— Whatever. Ambhi is a little older than we are and maybe this is way he is still an honest man –the hipparch continued— But, I think the real question here is not what I think of him but what I think of the situation, am I wrong?

 

— As always you read my mind –Alexander smiled pleased. He was in a good mood because he was finally doing what he had wanted for a very long time now.

 

For such a powerful man who had achieved great victories, crushing armies several times more numerous than his own, the King sometimes behaved like a child. He was in India, starting a new adventure, facing new dangers, challenging a place that defeated great men in the past, Cyrus the Great, Darius I, and even his own ancestor Herakles; he could not ask for more and it was clear for every one that his mood was splendid. 

 

— Alex, for what I understand, in this region are many towns and warlords, but only 3 are worth worrying about –Hephaistion counted with his fingers— One is our guy Ambhi, the other 2 are his enemies: the warrior King Porus and the rajah of Kashmir, Abisares. Now, if you choose to help Ambhi we will be dragged into a war that is not ours and that we don’t know how long would take us to win.

 

The King nodded.

 

— Yes, but if we help Ambhi to defeat Porus and Abisares then I will control the region with him as my ally –he said and the tone of his voice told his hipparch everything. Alexander had taken a decision.

 

They had 2 weeks here, first waiting for Ambhi to come, answering Alexander’s summons. It had been a coincidence that the rajah had arrived on Achilles 12th birthday and this had made the celebrations even more stunning thanks to Ambhi’s gifts, which included 25 elephants. The hipparch had noticed that his lover was developing a special liking for these creatures, the same as his son, but then again the Prince loved all kind of animals.  

 

And the second reason to wait here was because the King had decided to take with him not only the army, but also the camp followers, traders, servants, grooms, wives, mistresses, children, scientists, schoolmasters, clerks, cooks, muleteers, the mobile state and the administrative center of his Empire (1) making a total of 120,000 souls, which made their advance slow, really slow. Why had the King decided to take with them all these people? Hephaistion was sure it was because his lover did not know for how long they would stay here and wanted his men happy having their families near.

 

It was a curious situation the one the army was living. Many men, like Nikandros, had married local women and had children with them; others, like Meleager, here had a mistress that looked like his wife and with whom he had a son, and a Macedonian wife back home waiting for him with his legitimate son. What would happen when the army finally headed back home? Hephaistion had had very interesting moments thinking in all the possible outcomes. 

 

But he was letting his mind wander freely over matters of no importance. What mattered in these moments was that finally, after 2 weeks, the King knew how to proceed from now on.

 

— Phai, we will help Ambhi –Alexander said aloud what his silence had already confirm to his beloved— We will head to his kingdom, Taxila, but, in order to do so we have to cross the Indus River which he tells me is a broad one –he made a pause to let his words sank— I will need you to build a bridge so we can cross.

 

Hephaistion nodded slowly.

 

— When do you want me to go?

                                                                                              

— Tomorrow –answered the King before taking his beloved’s hand, caressing the back with his thumb. How long would it be until he had the chance to enjoy that creamy skin again?— I wish you could stay with me but you are the only one I trust for this mission.

 

— I know –whispered Hephaistion. He had always known in his heart that this moment had to come but he was fine with it. As long as he could help his lover he would be happy.

 

 Alexander stood up and called his beloved to the nearest table where a very crude map of the area lay opened.

 

— This was made with the information Ambhi provided, it is incomplete but we will try to fill the blanks as the campaign advances –he pointed at a long line crossing the parchment— This is the Indus –Hephaistion bent over to have a better look.

 

— It is not far from here –he noticed. 

 

— It is not, but on your way there I need you to do something else –the hipparch looked at him intrigued— Phai, I will divide the army between you and me. You will command Gorgias’, Kleitos’ and Meleager’s taxeis, your half of the hetairoi cavalry and all the merc’s cavalry –Hephaistion’s raised his eyebrows.

 

The King was literally giving him half of the army, he would be in charge of a force of more than 20,000 men, something he had never done before and, for a moment, he felt a knot in his stomach. It was too great a responsibility. So far, the only independent command he had enjoyed was at Bactria when he was in charge of one column of cavalry for 8 months, but this was completely different. He would be in equal terms with the King and this would make him, by far, the most powerful commander in the entire army.  

 

— Perdikkas will be your second in command –Alexander continued when it was clear that his beloved was not going to talk any time soon— And you will take this route to the south –he pointed the map again— Through a region called Peucelaotis, in direction to the Indus. On your way there you have to “take either by force or agreement all places on the march, and on reaching the Indus [you have] to make suitable preparations for crossing” (2) Ambhi will go with you to serve as your guide.

 

Hephaistion tried to swallow but found his mouth suddenly dry. Men would literally killed for a command like this, he could do practically anything with the small army at his disposal and would have no one, except the King, to answer about his actions. But for him this was not an opportunity to make a name of himself, this was nothing more than his duty to help Alexander in anyway he could. 

 

Of course the hipparch was excited, who wouldn’t be in his place? But, above everything else, he was extremely nervous. 

 

— And what about you? –Hephaistion managed to ask, forcing his voice to remain still.

 

— I will take the rest of the army to the north –the King pointed a river marked with the name Choaspes— I will go with Krateros to submit these places and then go downstream along the Indus to –he slid his finger over the map— Meet you again here at Attock –Alexander turned to look at Hephaistion and frowned when he saw his beloved so pale. He took his cheek tenderly, his rough fingers against that impossible softness, and whispered— What’s wrong?

 

— Nothing –the hipparch cleared his throat and took his lover’s hand, kissing the palm before speaking again— I am fine. How much time do I have to achieve all this?

 

Alexander knew something was wrong but decided to let it pass, for now.

 

— A couple of months, tops –he answered, and his beloved nodded. 

 

— What about the camp followers? –Hephaistion wanted to know— Are we going to split them too?

 

— Yes, you will take with you the families and servants of your men –answered the King and then, he continued, softening his voice— Phai, I know you won’t like this but, I want Aki to stay with me. I know that last time he stayed with me 8 months at Maracanda but I truly want him at my side.

 

The hipparch fell silent. It was true that in the last years Achilles had spent more time at Alexander’s side than at his own, he missed his son but, at the same time, he felt the Prince would be safer with the King. This was the first time in Hephaistion’s life that he would have to command his own army against the enemy, and he knew he was no Alexander, he was not a great commander and he would probably have to face great perils. He was not afraid, was anxious, he would do his best to fulfill his orders but, he knew he would feel better knowing his son was with his lover. 

 

— Fine, Aki can stay with you –he said at last.

 

— Are you sure you are fine, my love? –Alexander insisted.

 

— Yes. I am just…thinking in all of this –said the hipparch…no, the now commander, covering the map his a movement of his arm— Alex, do you realize you are making me the second most important commander in the army?

 

The King smiled.

 

— I was wondering how long would it take you to complain about this –he took his beloved’s hand and pulled him, sitting again on the couch— Well, as I see this, I am making you the second most important man, but just officially because you have always known that you are the most important person for me.

 

— Alex, I am not joking –said a very serious Hephaistion.

 

— Neither do I, and, as I said, you are the only one I can trust with this mission precisely because you will have under your orders the same number of men as I –that left the commander without words to keep complaining, after all the King had a point, any other in Hephaistion’s place could very well betrayed Alexander and his lover was no short of enemies these days. He sighed. 

 

— I will do as you order –Alexander smiled and kissed him, enjoying the delicious smell of his beloved’s skin and the chamomile aroma of his hair.

 

— I will miss you –the King whispered against his lips and his commander caught his lower lip between his teeth, nipping it playfully, before invading his mouth again.

 

— Of course that… –Hephaistion said between kisses— If I have to go tomorrow…Mm… you will have to give me…something to…remember you…

 

Alexander smiled feeling 2 red spots burning his cheeks. He felt in the mood to please his beloved, it could be months until the next time they could be together like this, and wanted to treasure this moment and recalled every detail during his future nights alone.

 

— All right, what do you want me to give you? –whispered the King and his beloved moved slowly, brushing his lover’s cheek with his hair, to say something in his ear. The blond chuckled— Fine. 

 

— Fine? You are really going to do it? –asked Hephaistion amused, his body already tickling in anticipation of what was about to come.

 

— I already agree… –the blond kissed his jaw, sliding his wet lips down his neck— Didn’t I?…

 

His beloved smiled and bit his lower lip, watching Alexander kneeling in front of him. He laughed without noise watching this peculiar image. 

 

— It is so strange to see you kneeling in front of someone –he dragged the words in that husky voice of his that could make the simplest of things sound sinfully erotic, while opening his legs for his King. 

 

— That’s because you are not simply a “someone” –the King answered, sliding the palms of his hands through his thighs, lifting his rough military chiton to reveal those perfect legs that have driven crazy more than one— I am curious though, I thought you did not like it when I do this to you –he said while struggling with his beloved’s loincloth. 

 

Hephaistion smiled, with the same haughty superiority a King would show in front of a subject, and lifted his hips to help him in this task. Alexander felt he was going to die from an overwhelming arousal when he saw that monument to perfection rising so sensually for him. And the annoying cloth finally fell.

 

— Trust me, I like it… –his beloved held his breath trying to keep his cool exterior even if his pulse quickened when Alexander’s lips brushed his groin— …it was just that… Mmm…I never thought it was…proper to…let you Mmm…do this…

 

The commander closed his fists with force over the couch, feeling his entire body burning and tensing in desire while his lover’s tongue played in his most intimate part. This was terribly wrong but Hephaistion had finally stopped caring about this. Somehow sleeping with his own brother helped to expand his horizons. He sat upright and very still, but the tension was visible on the muscles of his thighs, feeling as if his skin burned every time the blond touched him.

 

He buried his nails in the palms of his hands, while soft moans left his mouth but then…

 

— If you did not think is… proper that I do this –the blond panted softly, his face blushed, stopping and lifting his head for his beloved’s absolute astonishment— Why did you change…your mind all of a sudden?

 

— You are… asking me that… NOW?! –he exclaimed, his chest heaving and finally losing his cool demeanor for Alexander’s amusement.

 

— Yes, and I will not continue until you tell me –Hephaistion sighed, lifting his head and trying with all his forces to ignore that burning urge that asked him to rock his hips asking for more. 

 

What did I do to deserve this? –thought the commander before facing his lover again.

 

— I guess that, when you are almost 30, you become a shameless pervert –that answer made the King laugh— Now, weren’t you doing something? –he kicked the blond without force. 

 

— Whatever you said my Lord –Alexander bent over again and his commander felt as if electricity were running though his entire body when his tongue made circles on his tip, completely forgetting why was he complaining. His body surrendered to the waves of overwhelming pleasure washing him.

 

— Alex…Mmmm…oh…my…—he spread his legs even more, feeling his lover’s hands on his knees; he threw his head back, opening his mouth looking for air— Don’t you dare to…Nn…stop…

 

The commander thought he was floating when the King engulfed him entirely and moaned with all the force of his lungs, taking his lover hair, caressing him absently not knowing what to do except abandoning himself at the mercy of his emotions. Every sound leaving that sweet mouth was like music for Alexander, and both of them were soon taken to a state where only their own pleasure mattered, so concentrated in the other that neither noticed there was someone at the door.

 

Roxanne had come to talk to King. He had ignored her the entire journey through the Hindu Kush, too busy to spend time with her, and the Queen decided to pay him a visit. She was not going to complain or make scene because she knew how much men hated this, but little by little Roxanne planned to make the King used to her, until he began to show more interested in his beautiful young wife.

 

She had taken cared in her appearance that day, wearing a gorgeous Persian dress embroidery with pearls over green silk that clung to her body, dancing like water at every step, her eyes appeared to glow mysteriously under perfect discreet make up and her hair was combed in simple braids. Roxanne congratulated herself noticing how every head turned to admire the Queen on her way to the royal tent, and she believed that nothing could go wrong that night when she was ready to strike…

 

But her problems began at the door where Roxanne had practically demanded the guards to let her pass despite their orders, reminded them, in a very colorful way, that she was the Queen; but, as soon as she stepped inside Alexander’s private quarters she was welcomed by the sight of her husband kneeling between his commander’s legs doing…She twisted her lips in disgust. That was something she would never do, to no one, Roxanne would never diminish herself putting her mouth in…

 

The Queen hurried to hide, half closing the door, staying very still and quiet, watching through the crack what they were doing. It was hard to explain everything she felt in that moment, astonishment watching a Great King doing such a thing like a common whore, disgusted, but above everything else, angry to see why was that her husband never shared her bed. The situation was worst than she had imagined.  

 

— Alex…—Hephaistion sighed, panting heavily, the muscles of his completely open legs tense, his weight resting on his hands behind him— Stop…my love…please…Mm…I don’t want to…

 

The King obeyed and turned to look at him, his face even more blushed than before and his rebel blond hair covering his eyes. The commander did not lose time and pulled Alexander, forcing him to sit on his lap.

 

— So, you are going to… take me like a flute girl? –asked the King, astride over him, making his beloved laugh without noise.

 

Hephaistion caressed his hair back to admire his uneven eyes, and left a tender kiss on his forehead, as someone would do with a child. It was in moments like this that his lover looked more beautiful than ever, fierce and defiant but at the same time vulnerable and needy.

 

— No Alex, I won’t take you like a flute girl –he whispered in voice drown by pleasure that made Alexander’s nervous system danced— I will take you… –the commander dragged the words, taking the King by the upper thighs to spread him even further— Like the King you are…

 

Hephaistion buried himself completely in Alexander with one thrust, sending his lover’s body up, lifting him into the air, making him screamed and moaned at the top of his voice. He knew this would hurt but he also knew the King liked it this way, to lose himself in the thin line where pain and pleasure met and bent the limits until the point where they would almost break. The commander lunged with all his forces, impaling his lover completely, brushing over and over again that tiny spot that made the most powerful man on earth moaned and sighed like any common boy.

 

The King held his gaze, he loved to look at those dark gray eyes where he could find his true self. He took his beloved’s arms with force looking to cling unto something before that flood of emotions dragged him far away and rocked his hips, forgetting everything in a moment. This was something Alexander would never do with someone else, he would never let anyone see him so vulnerable, needing so desperately something, someone, letting Hephaistion to control him.

 

The King rode his beloved with demanding force, bouncing over him, until the fire was completely extinguished…

 

— I love…you… —panted Alexander and Hephaistion kissed him, embracing him with force and making him feel as most precious thing on the whole universe.

 

I am crazy –thought the King— I can’t send him away, I will die without him…

 

— Phai… maybe…maybe Perdikkas can go…alone to the…Indus… –he panted, his head resting on his beloved’s shoulder.

 

The commander caressed his back. That was a very tempting proposal, he won’t have to be away of his lover, away from his son, he won’t risk screwing everything and he could just stay with Alexander but…

 

— That is not… right, Alex —Hephaistion took a deep breath, trying to calm down the savage beating of his heart— You and I know this is the best you can do…I will go and –he caressed the King’s hair, brushing the rebel locks with his fingers— I will hurry to see you again, soon.

 

Alexander embraced him with force and both stayed like that for a while.

 

XXX

 

Roxanne was beyond words and beyond fury by the time she finally left the royal tent. She had known her situation was not an easy one but now everything was much more complicated. Now the Queen understood the King’s lack of passion during their wedding night, after all his tastes were somehow…different; but more importantly than the lust was what Roxanne had seen on Alexander’s face.

 

That was love –she thought, striding back to her tent— That was love, something much more dangerous than lust…What am I going to do? –Roxanne stopped, taking her hands to her mouth. Thinking— Maybe I am doing this in the wrong way. What if I seduce not the King but Hephaistion? He can influence the King, that much is obvious, and if he became my lover –a smiled curved her lips— Yes, that can work, and if I have a son with him I doubt the King would object much, after all he already adopted his brat…The brat. He will have to die, my son cannot have competition. 

 

And feeling much better the Queen went back to her own tent.

 

XXX

 

(1) Peter Green. Alexander of Macedon, p 381

(2) Arrian. The Campaigns of Alexander, p 240

(3) Curtius. Ancient India: it’s Invasion by Alexander the Great, p 188