Chapter 198

 

Warning: Yep –M– Chapter.

 

CHAPTER 198

 

About Gnaeus Pompeius

 

“[Pompeius’] hair swept back in a kind of wave from the forehead and the configuration of his face around the eyes gave him a melting look, so that he was supposed (though the resemblance was not a close one) to resemble the statues of King Alexander. It was a name often given to him in his early youth and Pompeius himself was not averse from it, so that some people soon applied the word ‘Alexander’ to him in mockery. It was because of this too that Lucius Philippus, a man of consular rank, when speaking for Pompeius in the courts, said that there was nothing strange in the fact that he, being Philip, should love Alexander.” (1)

 

-o-o-o-

 

Alexander did not fail to notice his beloved’s neediness, the burning desire in his dark eyes that appeared to him silver pools of untold secrets. Many times, countless times, his own reflection had been cast on those beautiful eyes that year after year, no matter what, always looked at him with the purest, disinterested love— Only me, he will always look at me like that –the King had no doubts about it. He could say many things when he was angry, shout and cursed but, the truth was that, in his heart, burned in his soul, he knew that, even if the sky fell on their head as the barbarians feared, Hephaistion would always be there for him.

 

Always. 

 

Love could be a sentiment, immaterial, but, every time Alexander touched his beloved he could feel it, as intense as pain, as beautiful as the sunrise, as real as himself. For the King it would never be only lust, never, it was always about that strong feeling that words failed to describe, about what he felt for Hephaistion and the savage need to have him close, so close as to lose himself in the other’s body, merged himself in his essence. 

 

And so, Alexander did not lose time to bury his hand between his beloved’s magnificent tights, keeping his eyes on him at all times, hearing that beautiful creature sighed and moaned softly, for him, only for him, hard in desire. Hephaistion bent to the front, resting his forehead on his lover’s shoulder, closing his eyes concentrated only to feel the other’s rough hands moving up and down his length, sending shivers through his body and igniting each one of his senses. 

 

—…Mm…Alex…—he sighed. It was maddening, addictive, and Hephaistion was dying to feel more, willing to sell his soul if with this he could keep feeling. Alexander kissed his shoulder, filling the place with the wet sound of his lips brushing that creamy skin, and his beloved lifted his head, looking for his mouth with half-closed eyes.

 

They devoured each other, fighting, kissing, savoring and nipping as if the world were ending next day, driven by desperation and an animal need to satiate their desires. They both wanted this and, in a whirlwind of caresses, sighs and moans, somehow Hephaistion ended lying on the table. Dishes, cups and food fell to the floor amid a metallic clang, but it did not matter. Nothing mattered. The world had ceased to exist for them, melted around them, and the commander felt his body dissolving, rocking his hips unable to stop, against the hard body of his lover above him.

 

He sighed when Alexander sat astride on him, his weight deliciously crushing him while his lips kissed his chest over the fabric— No matter how powerful he is or what a great conqueror he became, he is mine and he will always be –Hephaistion took him by the thighs, sliding his palms up, reaching his butt. He buried his fingers with possessive force on that soft roundness, marking them on the tender skin, massaging him.

 

And the commander smiled like a predator, feeling how his lover’s body tensed, like a bowstring, from head to toe when his long fingers invaded him, brushing his sensitive and warm entrance, knowing exactly where and how to touch.

 

—…Phai…Mm…—Alexander sighed, savoring the name, his breathing becoming erratic. He leaned his weight to the front, resting on his arms at each side of his beloved’s head. He could not avoid it, it was delicious, and unconsciously he began to move his hips down, looking to impale himself, wanting more.

 

Hephaistion kissed his head with a sweetness that looked almost out of place in that outburst of passion, in that avalanche of desire.

 

— I love you –the commander whispered in a husky voice, taking his fingers in and out of his King with force, enjoying greatly the sight of such a powerful man so helpless under his caresses. Completely surrendered to him. Alexander shuddered while his beloved rubbed his hot spot with almost malicious mischief, sending waves of overwhelming pleasure through all his body.

 

It was a circle of pleasure and one that made Hephaistion bit his lower lip; every time he thrust his fingers inside him the King rocked his hips, rubbing his hard desire against his own and making his beloved see stars.

 

—…Phai…Mmm…I can’t…—Alexander panted, two red spots burning his cheeks, silent witnesses of the heat consuming him inside.

 

— You can’t…what, my love? –his beloved teased him. The King moaned with force, his body trembling and Hephaistion knew he was close…

 

The commander took his fingers out and, giving Alexander no time to recover, thrust inside him, burying himself complete inside— Perfect –he thought, hearing the King letting a long loud moan escaped from his throat while closing his eyes with force, enjoying that wonderful sensation of having Hephaistion inside of him, the friction between them threatening to steal his reason.

 

Alexander rocked his hips matching perfectly each lunge, straightening himself until he was sitting again on his beloved, his weight helping to feel Hephaistion deeper, more intimately, touching almost his soul— Perfect –the King thought, riding him, taking them both to the Elysian Field, taking away all their worries and problems. Everything disappeared.

 

Hephaistion took him by the thighs and threw his head back, moaning and sighing with all his forces until he exploded inside his lover and the room became still, only their ragged breathing breaking the silence. The King fell on him, curling against his chest, panting and smiling, hearing that wonderful sound of Hephaistion’s heart beating against his ear.

 

— Gods!…How I… missed this…

 

Hephaistion embraced him and kissed his head.

 

— Me too…me too…

 

— Phai? –whispered the King, almost afraid of breaking that spell of peacefulness that had fell over them, covering everything like a cloak.

 

— Mm?

 

— I’m sorry for what happened…—but Hephaistion did not let him finish, he looked for his lips again and kissed him.

 

— Stop apologizing –his beloved spoke against his swallowed lips—Instead, promise me you will never do that again, you won’t ignore me again as you did at the Hyphasis River.

 

— You have my word –and the King sealed his promise with a kiss.

 

XXX

 

The journey back was fast and uneventful, the monsoon season had passed and, without enemies, rain and snakes, it took them no time to reach again the banks of the Hydaspes River, the same banks that had witness a savage battle just a few months ago. Looking at the place made Hephaistion think how was that, despite the horrors they had face here, now it looked as if the battle had never happened. The sun still shone, the air blew and the river continued his course. 

 

But I remember and I bear on my body the marks of that day –he thought.

 

As soon as the army reached the Hydaspes River Alexander arranged a meeting with Krateros and the rest of the officers who had been left here to complete his flotilla. The King lost no time to begin the preparations for his upcoming journey and started to toy with the idea of dividing the army and, to start as soon as possible the march down-river, to the Ocean.

 

Here they received their first good news after months of misery and treacherous whispers of mutinies. Reinforcement came from Greece, Thrace and Babylon, and they brought with them something more valuable than gold: medical supplies. Since they began the Indian Campaign they hadn’t been able to replenish their medical supplies, and, the constant sickness the rains brought with them, not to mention the snakes, had only worsen their situation.

 

Also, their other problem had now a solution. Again thanks to the rains, their arms, armor and equipment were close to be completely useless and now they received 25,000 suits of new armors sent by none other than Harpalus, officially, the Royal Treasurer.

 

— These armors are inlaid in silver and gold –Hephaistion pointed out, holding a helmet from a pile that was being inventoried before they began the distribution among the troops. 

 

Several wagons with boxes were waiting at one corner of the camp while a small army of clerks counted the equipment taking hastily notes.

 

— Yes, so? –asked Alexander, climbing on a wagon to inspect the boxes there.

 

— This was not necessary –his beloved shook the helmet in his hand— How much did this cost to you? –the King laughed, taking a seat on one box.

 

— You complained a lot, have I told you before?

 

— Alexander –Hephaistion scolded him.

 

— The Persians’ treasure is mine, which makes me the wealthiest man on the world. I think I can very well do what I want. 

 

— Aha, that is why you have been asking money from your friends lately, because you have so much money? Alex, Harpalus is not sending you money since we crossed the Hindu Kush –the commander reminded him. 

 

— I know! But that doesn’t mean I don’t have money –the King replied— It’s just that I don’t have the gold here.

 

— Money is not eternal. We did not obtain much gold or plunder from the Indians and these are 25, 000 suits inlaid in silver and gold –the commander was death serious— And speaking about the treasure, you have been ignoring the messengers with news about Harpalus’ mismanagement.

 

Alexander wrinkled his nose, as if he were smelling something rotten. He hated this subject and Hephaistion knew it but, someone had to tell the King these things, even if he did not like them— I always knew Harpalus was bad news, I told Alex but he never wanted to listen. Well, he will have to listen now.  

 

— These messengers, as you call them, are defaming one of my friends –the King replied stubbornly— How could I possible take them seriously? If someone came to me saying that you are stealing from me I would send the bastard directly to prison. 

 

Hephaistion shook his head.

 

— That’s not what I mean.

 

— Then, what is it?

 

— Alex, your “friend” bought an obscene number of exotic plants from Greece to plant them at Babylon. He also acquired a costly Athenian hetaira and, when she died, Harpalus built 2 monuments on her honor with your money. Now your “friend” has a new mistress, imported again from Athens, and he is, literally, showering her in gold. He gave her a golden crown and makes visitors to prostrate in front of her –said Hephaistion, who, contrary to his lover, had been paying attention to all the messengers and letters complaining about Harpalus— They called his mistress “Queen of Babylon.”

 

Alexander puffed out. His beloved was right Harpalus was making lots of mistakes and squandering his money but he did not want to see it. The King could not care much about money, except when he needed it to pay his troops or to finance more crazy adventures, but, the fact that Harpalus was forcing people to prostrate in front of a hetaira was a direct effrontery to his own authority, almost a mockery.

 

— I understand that you cannot trust always in what others say but you have many people complaining about him, and telling the same story; I think is worth investigating what is Harpalus really doing –said Hephaistion. 

 

Alexander ran his hands down his face. The treasure was important, yes, no one doubted that but, in those precise moments, he was half a world away from Babylon, and more pressing things occupied his mind. He had no time, nor he wanted or had a way, to deal with his friend now.

 

—You are right, but you know I cannot take care of Harpalus from here –said Alexander, standing up again— If he is really squandering my money I have to confront him myself –the commander nodded.

 

— Just don’t wait until you have no money left –said Hephaistion, leaving the helmet again on the pile— I have to go –the King frowned, jumping down the wagon.

 

— Where? I thought… –Alexander closed the distance between them, taking his hands at each side of his beloved’s hips— You and I could spend some…time alone –he whispered against his lips, making his commander smiled.

 

— Later, sire. I’m visiting Yarsa, last time I saw him he was still unconscious and the doctors are telling me he is much better now –explained his beloved.

 

— Fine, but don’t make plans later. I want to talk to you as soon as my meeting with Krateros is over –by now, Alexander new better than to have Hephaistion and Krateros in the same room and was rewarded for his wisdom with a kiss.

 

XXX

 

Krateros had ordered to build a more permanent camp while he was at the Hydaspes River with the fleet. A wise decision taking into consideration the rains and the local fauna who were conspiring to kill the invaders with more efficiency than the Indian troops. Wooden buildings could be seen now instead of tents, especially in the case of the officers’ quarters, the storages and the infirmary.

 

Xsayarsa was no longer in the infirmary he was staying with Nearchos’ staff, since the admiral had insisted in making the commander a favor. Hephaistion and Nearchos never were friends but they weren’t enemies either, they had a very professional relationship but, since it was clear for even the Indians that Hephaistion was becoming little by little, and in a more official way, the second most important man of the Empire, he was eager to win his favor.

 

And so the commander found his eunuch comfortably resting in a well-ventilated room, simple but comfortable, and looking again like the Xsayarsa he knew. That made him very happy.    

 

— You lost weight –said Hephaistion as a greeting, smiling, genuinely happy, when he saw the eunuch arguing with Atash. Only the Gods knew how was that Atash could stand the eunuch.

 

— Peris! –exclaimed Xsayarsa, pale as if he had seen a ghost, and afraid.

 

— How do you feel? –the commander approached the bed and Atash ran to fetch him a chair.

 

— Better –the eunuch lower his eyes, staring at his hands, nervous and…ashamed? His patron did not understand what was wrong with him; he had expected a very different reaction.

 

— You truly scared me –said Hephaistion— We all thought you were leaving us –they fell silent— I missed you, you know? My tent has been truly silent without you. We even miss your screams every time you saw a flying cockroach.

 

That was actually funny, except when the flying cockroach decided to appear in the middle of the night and the eunuch’s high-pitched screams woke them all up. Once, even Ptolemy had complained because he too had heard Xsayarsa screaming like a girl.

 

And that proved to be too much for the eunuch who began to cry as if his mother had just died in front of his eyes, successfully confusing the commander.

 

— I’m so…sorry…so…sorry…Peris…—Xsayarsa sobbed, unable to speak, his voice drown with shame and sorrow and, for Hephaistion’s absolute horror and astonishment, he stood up and knelt in front of him, his forehead touching the floor.

 

— Yarsa! What the hell are you doing? –the commander knelt at the eunuch’s side, trying to make him stand without much success.

 

— I’m sorry…I…did not…know…I…—he repeated like a prayer, sobbing and trembling, so vulnerable that he broke his patron’s heart.

 

— You can tell me later. Come on, you may be better but that doesn’t mean you should be on the floor –he took the eunuch by the arms but Xsayarsa embraced him.

 

— I…Peisandros…he…he…asked me…about you…—those words froze Hephaistion on his spot. What had he just said? He felt stunned for a moment, thinking he hadn’t heard correctly, but…

 

— What are you talking about? –he asked without voice, fearing and waiting the worst.

 

— I’m so…sorry…he…bedded me and I was…so…happy…—Xsayarsa cried even louder— He asked me…and I…and I…

 

Hephaistion took him again by the arms and pulled him away, forcing him to look at him.

 

— Yarsa, what did you told Peisandros? –his voice had changed, he was no longer talking in that understanding loving tone he had used before, he was cold and distant. But he needed to know!

 

What have you done? –he thought— Don’t tell me you did this, please don’t.

 

— He…asked me about…I said…I…told him… about you and your brother and…and…the King…—the commander stood up, leaving his crying eunuch on the floor.

 

So that’s how the rumor began –thought Hephaistion in shock. It all had sense now, Peisandros seduced Xsayarsa, Xsayarsa told him about his relationship with Nikandros and Peisandros told Roxanne— I can’t believe it.

 

— I trusted you –said the commander, more surprised than angry. Xsayarsa was his friend more than his servant, he trusted in him, shared with most intimate secrets with him and Xsayarsa…

 

He promised to keep my secrets. He promised! –thought Hephaistion, sad and hurt— He sold my secrets for a night of passion to the woman who tried to kill my son. 

 

— And you betrayed me –his words were worst than blows and the eunuch cried and wailed as if someone were whipping him— I don’t want to see you again.

 

And with that Hephaistion left him.

 

XXX

 

— I am dividing the army in three parts –announced Alexander later that day while sharing the meal with his beloved and his Prince— I’ll go with the fleet taking with me the Agema, the hetairoi cavalry, the Argyraspides and 8 thousand troops. The rest of the army will be divided in 3 parts. You, Phai, will be commanding the main body of the army along with 200 elephants and will follow the fleet marching on the left bank of the river. Krateros will be marching on the right bank and Philip, my new satrap of Taxila, will follow with the baggage train.

 

Hephaistion nodded absently. He had been unusually silent since his encounter with Xsayarsa. He was depressed and had considered the possibility of telling Alexander but he discarded the idea— Knowing him, Alex will execute Yarsa on the spot –he was hurt, he felt betrayed but that did not mean he hated the eunuch. Xsayarsa was his friend and even if he had said he did not wanted to see the eunuch again, it hurt him to know he would never enter his tent and hear his high pitch voice arguing with Atash.

 

— Phai, are you sure you are fine? –asked the King and his beloved lifted his head to see him.

 

— Yes, I am just tired –Alexander did not believe one word but decided to ask more later, when they were alone.

 

— Dad, I want to ask you a favor –said Achilles suddenly.

 

— Of course, son. Whatever you want –the King smiled, happily.

 

“Whatever you want.” Dangerous words for a teenager –thought Hephaistion. But this did not surprise him. If Alexander showered his friends with gifts and could forgive Harpalus for treating a hetaira as a princess, he was not going to do less for his son— I must be grateful that Aki is not like Nick. Imagine that! —and for a moment he pictured his son sitting on a golden throne surrounded by beautiful half naked women.  

 

— I want to travel with commander Krateros this time –said the Prince for his fathers absolute astonishment.

 

— WHAT?! –Hephaistion exclaimed like a modern father who had just found out his son is on drugs— Why?

 

I knew this was going to happen –thought the Prince.

 

— Because I always travel with you or with dad and I am not a child anymore –said Achilles with calm, as always just stating the facts— I think is time I travel alone, and without aunt Eni, or the men would never take me seriously.

 

— Fine. I get that, but why Krateros? You can travel with Philip –the commander insisted. Even if this Philip was Harpalus’ brother he preferred him over Krateros.

 

— First, because aunt Eni will be traveling with Philip.

 

— That doesn’t mean you have to be with her –Hephaistion insisted for his lover’s utterly amusement.

 

— Yes, but Krateros is dad’s best commander –Achilles explained. He knew his father hated Krateros with insane hatred, even if he had no idea of why, but what he said was true, well, half true actually. He did want to travel alone and did think Krateros was a good commander but these weren’t his sole reasons for asking this— I want to learn how he does things. 

 

Alexander laughed watching his beloved’s expression, as if he had swallowed a rock.

 

— What did I do wrong? –exclaimed Hephaistion dramatically making both, his lover and son, laugh.

 

— Phai, Aki has a point. He is no longer a child and it would be good for him to travel alone –said the King but his beloved just grumbled something. He was not happy— I will talk to Krateros tomorrow –he said to his son.

 

— Thank you, dad.

 

XXX

 

— Phai, tell me what is bothering you –the King insisted once they were alone in his beloved’s bedroom— And don’t you dare say ‘nothing’ because I’ll hit you. 

 

Hephaistion had to smile.

 

— I am tired and worried about…everything –that was also half true. He was tired and worried, but also sad. 

 

— Why would you be worried? We have everything ready to march to the Ocean with the fleet.

 

— Yes, and we know very little of what is waiting for us south the Indus River –said his beloved, taking a seat at Alexander’s side on the bed— Alex, I heard what the locals said about the southern tribes and I don’t like it. They practice this religion called Brahmanism and their priests began a campaign against you.

 

— Just the same as the Persians did.

 

— Exactly! And that didn’t work too well for you, remember? –Alexander snorted. 

 

— You worried too much.

 

— I don’t want you to suffer another mutiny.

 

— Why would I? I am marching back to Persia as the men wanted –said Alexander almost with angelic innocence. 

 

— Through the longest route. Do you think I don’t know what are you trying to do? You are taking revenge on your men for forcing you to go back –said Hephaistion, holding his gaze— I won’t scold you, you know what you do with your men, but understand that all I want is you to be fine.

 

— I will be fine –said the King stubbornly.

 

— I hope so.

 

XXX

 

After a well-deserved rest the army moved again on November, a day after Achilles’ birthday and his lavishing birthday banquet. Alexander had insisted in pampering his Prince, despite the fact that Koinos had died a few weeks ago and Hephaistion found such a party out of place. But the King did not listen and the celebration was something worth remembering.

 

Many people think Alexander killed Koinos because, not only was he last survivor of Parmelio’s family (he was his son-in-law, remember?) he also opposed my King at the Hyphasis River, speaking on behalf of the men, something Alexander did not like. Even though that did not mean my King was an ungrateful bastard, he presided an honorable funeral for Koinos, praising his services after 8 years, almost 9, of campaign. 

 

Of course, as you can imagine, throwing a lavishing party for his heir a few days after Koinos’ funeral did not help to silence the rumors. And no. Alex did not kill Koinos, the poor man had been sick for some time now and he died. A sad thing if you think that, after all he said and did for his men, he never got back home. He was never one of my closest friends but he was always kind to me and it saddened me to think that, one by one, we were all dying far away from home.

 

Achilles was now 13 years old, the same age Hephaistion had when he became a royal page, when he met Alexander, when he went to Mieza to study with Aristotle, when King Philip raped him— It feels like a thousand years had passed –he thought, watching his son growing up to become a man. The Prince was everything a father could ask for a son and that filled the commander’s heart with pride.

 

Was this what dad felt when I was chosen to go to Mieza? What dad felt every time I was promoted? –Hephaistion did not believe in Gods but, for a brief moment, he wished he did because he wanted to pray for his son, for him to have a different life than his own, to be happy without ever knowing that horrible experience of being raped by a King.

 

Even if Hephaistion did not approved it, Achilles marched with Krateros, taking with him Chrysaor, his personal slaves and servants and, to the commander utterly confusion, Xsayarsa.

 

— I like Yarsa –had said the Prince as an explanation— He says he did something terrible to you and that you don’t want to see him again. I don’t know what happened between you 2, and I won’t ask but, I cannot leave Yarsa here, he looks terrible since you banished him so, if you don’t oppose, I will like to take him with me.

 

— It’s your decision, Aki. I don’t mind –he had answered.

 

Aki is a wise boy, I should trust him more…even if that means to let him travel with Krateros –thought Hephaistion. Grateful that Xsayarsa had someone to look after him. He missed his eunuch.  

 

XXX

 

Nothing worth telling happened during our march. It was a impressing sight, though, almost 2 thousand ships filling the river, flanked at each side by a discipline long column of the best army of the known world. Many locals ran to see the spectacle, they had never witness something like this before and many followed us with curious eyes and astonish expressions. Some even sang as if this were a parade and not a destruction machine invading their land.

 

I had a rather pleasant journey except of course that Alex was not with me. Lately we spent more and more time apart but not because we were angry with each other but because I was becoming more important and thus I was require for tasks that no one else could attend.  I won’t deny it, to be a powerful man is great but, sometimes I thought I was happier as a simple hetairoi, always at the side of my King, with no other command but to take care of him. 

 

The only interesting thing that took place during our journey was that Alex’s flagship almost sank but, at the end, we all reached our destination. Yes, even Krateros for my utterly displeasure but my son was fine. Now, we faced another problem. We were, once again, on hostile territory, and 2 Indian tribes threatened to fall upon us: the Malli and the Oxydracae.

 

The men, as you can imagine, did not welcome the notion of fighting their way back home; mistakenly they assumed that, when the King said “we are going back home” it would be an easy march, not another campaign against bloodthirsty Indians, and they almost mutiny, again...

 

— “Though [Alexander] had been driven” –said the men— “To give up the river Ganges and regions beyond it, he had not ended the war, but only shifted it. [We are] now exposed to fierce nations [and it is that with our blood we] might open for [the King] a way to the ocean. [We are] dragged onward outside the range of the constellations and the sun of their own zone, and forced to go to places which nature meant to be hidden from mortal eyes. New enemies are forever springing up with arms ever new, and though [we] put them all to rout and flight, what reward awaited us? What but mists and darkness and unbroken night hovering over the abyss of ocean?” (2)

 

And Alexander had no other choice but to talk to them again and, as was becoming his custom, to lie, saying that the Ocean lay so close we could almost smell the salt breeze and the tribes we were facing were unwarlike. At the end it took my King lots of pains but he managed to convince them to keep going, although, reluctantly because, at this point, they all were sick of everlasting glory.

 

— Alex, this has to stop –said Hephaistion that day while the army stopped to rest for a while at the banks of the Acesines River— You are forcing the men to fight and they are venting their anger and frustration on the enemy.

 

— I could very well say it’s a good thing –answered the King but his beloved narrowed his eyes.

 

— They are slaughtering the enemy, butchering their families and behaving like bloodthirsty beasts –said the commander— This is turning out to be a savage campaign, in all these years we have never let the men behave like this. You have to stop it.

 

— I will not do such a thing –said Alexander stubbornly— This way maybe the enemy will finally break and see that is futile to resist me.

 

Hephaistion decided to say nothing. It was pointless. Since the mutiny at the Hyphasis River the King was making his men pay for their disobedience, he no longer trust them and did not want to spoil them ever again. The commander knew when to insist and when to give up and, this time, he would have to close him mouth and let things happen.

 

— Phai, don’t be mad –Alexander approached him, sitting on his desk and pulling his beloved closer, by the arm— Even if I wanted to stop them from butchering the enemy, they won’t listen. You said it yourself, they are frustrating and venting their anger on the locals. Phai, think of it this way, the sooner the Indians break the sooner we’ll continue our march.

 

Hephaistion sighed. He was still unconvinced but understood his reasons.

 

— Fine.

 

Alexander lifted his head and kissed him, successfully relaxing his beloved.

 

— Trust me, please –the King pleaded between kisses— I have a plan and we will go back.

 

— I trust you.

 

XXX

(1) Plutarch. The Fall of the Roman Republic, p 161 and 162

(2) Curtius. Ancient India: it's Invasion by Alexander the Great, p 234