CHAPTER 200

 

— These Mallians are hard bastards! –complained Nikandros, walking around the camp with Hephaistion and Lysanias. This time their younger brother had marched with them and the commander thanked this opportunity to spend time with him.

 

My younger brother –thought Hephaistion smiling— He is now 21, my age when we crossed to Asia –Lysanias was a man, not as tall as his brothers and now looking more like his late father than like the commander but this only served to make Hephaistion smile with nostalgia.

 

— Phai, your lover was crazy when he said these tribes were not warlike –his older brother continued complaining— Yesterday I went out with Kleopatros and the lads to pursuit the run away Mallians and let me tell you, they fought like demons –he shook his head— I don’t know what is Alexander thinking but, if you want my opinion, is not worth it. What do this Mallians have anyway? They are not rich and their lands are at the other freaking side of the world.

 

— I know, Nick –answered Hephaistion— But Alexander wants to reach the Ocean and this is the only way.

 

— Why? What has the Ocean? –asked Lysanias with genuine curiosity.

 

— The Ocean has the appeal that no one else has reached it before –said the commander, smiling when his younger brother made a pout.

 

— What now? –asked Nikandros— What are our orders?

 

Hephaistion stopped, his arms akimbo, looking at his camp.

 

— The orders are to stay here, build a camp, help Nearchos to have the fleet ready at his return and to finish with every Mallian that try to escape this way –he explained, turning again to see his brothers— We shouldn’t be long here. Alexander was very specific that he wanted this to be a quick campaign. 

 

— So, we wait until the King comes back? –asked Lysanias.

 

— That’s what your brother is saying, midget –Nikandros slapped the back of his brother’s head— I truly hope your lover won’t keep us waiting. I am telling you, at my 30 years old, I am no longer fit for this shit.

 

— You are 36! –Hephaistion and Lysanias exclaimed at the same time.

 

— Details –Nikandros waved his hand— By the way, I wanted to ask you something, Phai, but I kept forgetting…

 

— At your old age, I am not surprise –Lysanias teased him and Nikandros slap him again.

 

— I was saying –the older brother continued— Why is your eunuch staying with Aki?

 

That successfully erased Hephaistion’s smile.

 

— Long story.

 

— Long story? I have time –said Nikandros but the commander turned to look at Lysanias.

 

— Al right, I get it –his younger brother raised his arms, surrendering— I am not wanted here. 

 

— Glad you understand, midget. Now, get the hell out of here –Lysanias puffed out his cheeks.

 

— I’ll go with Iolaos. Health to you!

 

— See you at dinner –said Hephaistion while his younger brother left.

 

— So, what happened? –Nikandros did not lose time to ask, but the commander kept walking, moving away from curious ears and taking his time to choose his words.

 

— Nick, Yarsa slept with Peisandros and told him about…about our…er- night with…Alex –Hephaistion felt his face burning, the sole memory of the night when his brother and his lover had taken him made him blush like a virgin girl on her wedding night.

 

And against all odds, the lochagos laughed.

 

— Really? You have to admit that was clever –he said amused— Bed the eunuch to squeeze him all your secrets.

 

— It’s not funny, Nick –said Hephaistion dead serious— I thought Yarsa was my friend and he betrayed me.

 

— Phai, want to know what is your problem?

 

— Not really.

 

— Your problem –Nikandros continued, ignoring him— Is that you think everybody is as good friend as you are. You think all your friends will behave like you do but, you have to understand that, not all men, or eunuchs, can be as honorable as you are. 

 

Those words left Hephaistion thinking. Could it be that he was too hard on Xsayarsa?

 

— I am not excusing your eunuch for what he did but, before this, has he ever done something to gain your distrust?

 

The commander took a moment to think.

 

— No.

 

— Do you miss him?

 

— Yes.

 

— Then, why don’t you give him another chance? –Nikandros’ question was so simple that Hephaistion could avoid thinking why not—Besides, the eunuch almost die protecting Aki from Peisandros, that has to count for something, don’t you think?

 

He has a point –he said to himself.

 

— Maybe you are right –the commander agreed.

 

— Maybe? I am always right.

 

— Yeah, sure –Hephaistion smiled, feeling better.

 

I will talk to Yarsa when I see him again –he thought.

 

XXX

 

Achilles had stage fright; he had never spoken in front of a large audience before and the prospect of dealing with thousands of men made his knees tremble like jelly. But he had to do it. It was easy to criticize Alexander from afar, to hear him address his troops and find the flaws in his words, but still, even with all his mistakes, the Prince could not deny his adopted father knew how to control his men.

 

Achilles knew the little authority he had came from Alexander, he was 13 years old and could not presume to give orders to veteran soldiers or to the though officers. He could not address them like a commander, not even as a companion, but he could address them like the son of the King— I don’t want their pity, I don’t want to be seen like their son or their small brother. I am their Prince and I want them, I need them, calm and willing to obey.  

 

— My father, the King –he said to the men, formed in front of the dais, squeezing his brain to remember everything he had learned from Kallisthenes about rhetoric— Was wounded while trying to set an example of bravery and courage, to inspire you all and save you from the shame of a dishonorable defeat. He did not want his men to be called craven and so he took his sword, and climbed, risking his life. But he is alive! And he will recover –he made a small pause— How do I know this? Because my father promised to take you all back home and my father always keeps his word.

 

It was not a great speech but the Prince achieved what he wanted: to ashamed them for their cowardice and to remind them that, if the King was injured, it was in part because of their fault– Let them feel bad for a while, if they are depressed is less possible that will revolt.

 

With the officers he adopted a different approached. Achilles used all his abilities as diplomat and took advantage of his own disadvantage, of his youth and fragile appearance, always treating them with utmost respect and asking for their wise counsel; after all, he was just a young inexperience boy who needed guidance. The Prince made them think, separately, that he valued their opinion above the rest. And it worked. They were willing to help him (with the sole exception of Eumenes) and the only problem, in his otherwise clever plan, was that Perdikkas wanted to control everything he did.

 

— Achilles, the Indians are restless –Krateros explained to him, both seated in front of the magnificent table were the King used to address his military staff— Maybe I shouldn’t be telling you this but, you insisted to be informed about everything and I think you have the right to see over the King’s affairs.

 

Those words meant the world for the Prince. Krateros was the only one among his adopted father’s officers, without counting Seleucus, who treated him like an adult; and he could not be more grateful for this. Krateros was an important officer, almost as important as his father, and the men respected him; his support was a tremendous help to his cause.

 

— Thank you commander, but you were saying. What is going on with the Indians?

 

Krateros nodded.

 

— How much do you know about our situation?

 

— Not much –the Prince admitted and the commander took a map to show him.

 

— From the Hydaspes River it would have been a shorter and easier march back to Persia if we had taken the same path we took to arrive here –Krateros explained with patience and calm— But the King decided that, instead of taking the route across Ambhi’s territory, we would march south –he pointed at the Indus River with his index finger— The King wants to catch the current of the Ocean and sail back Persia through it but, at the south of the Indus, lives 2 savage tribes: the Malli and the Oxydracae, and we were unable to continue through this route without submitting them first.

 

Achilles nodded

 

— That is why my father divided the army and attacked Sudracae –he said.

 

— Correct. Now, we took Sudracae but that doesn’t mean this is over…it should be, though –Krateros scratched his jaw with the back of his hand— The fall of the town, and the brutal way in which our lads behaved, should have been enough to break the spirit of these bastards, but, as soon as they heard Alexander was shot they spread the rumor that he is dead and I got intelligence this morning that the Indians are re grouping to attack us. 

 

The Prince felt a knot in his stomach. He had planned to move Alexander back to their camp because: one, they were exposed here, and two, the men left behind were nervous and at the brink of mutiny thinking the King was dead and that his officers were lying to them when they assured them otherwise. But, if the Indians attacked them while traveling back to the camp at the river Acesines, it would be a disaster— I have to deal with this and I have no idea of how to do it –if they stayed here they could very well ended surrounded by the enemy but if they moved…— I have to take a decision but…—an idea struck him— Unless...

 

— Commander, what would happen if…if the Indians saw my father riding in full armor back to our camp? –asked Achilles, confusing the older man.

 

— That will surely scared the shit out of them –he laughed— Why?

 

— Well, my name is Achilles but I have no problems in playing the part of Patroclus –Krateros understood what he meant and the smile abandoned his scarred face.

 

— Achilles, that can be very dangerous, you are only 13 years old…

 

— And as tall as the King.

 

— A little taller and much more slender.

 

— And mounted and dressed in full armor nobody will notice those details, least of all from afar –the Prince insisted, holding Krateros’ gaze until the older man sighed. 

 

— Fine —he acceded at the end. If there was something the commander admired was courage, and Achilles had it— You are your father’s son, there is no doubt in that. Only you too could come up with plans like this.

 

The Prince smiled.

 

— That is the best compliment I have received –Krateros laughed and bent to the front, kissing him fully on the lips before the boy could react.

 

XXX

 

Hephaistion let his hand, holding Achilles’ letter, fell on his lap. He felt a knot in his throat and a hollow in his heart— Alexander is badly injured –he felt numb just thinking in his lover lying helplessly on a bed, fighting for his life— And I am stuck here! –he thought angry. His son was asking him desperately to come back, the boy was worried, scared, alone and surrounded by a pack of wolves that did nothing more than argue and fight each other— Sometimes I wonder if they are worried for Alex’s life because they truly love him or because they see him as their ticket back home.

 

It made Hephaistion angry to discover this side of his companions and friends who, as soon as the King fell ill, they fought each other for the command— Alex, you can’t die. You can’t!

 

His first impulse was to do as Achilles wanted, rode back to his lover and son and take care of Alexander; deal with the officers and the men— But I cannot do that –after reading the letter he understood many things, among them, why the Indians had become so bold, attacking them more savagely each passing day. The King had ordered him to stay at the junction of the Hydraotes and the Acesines, in charge of the troops while Nearchos prepared the fleet.

 

I am in command here and, if I go, I risk the lives of my men, leaving them at the hands of the Indians –he clenched his fists until his nails left bloody half moons on his flesh— Alexander will be fine. He has to! And when he gets better he is going to be furious if he finds out I leave my post –the commander hit the table with force and frustration.   

 

— I’m sorry, Aki –the whispered, like a prayer— I’m so sorry, Alex, but… I cannot go at your side my love.

 

Why was that the King got always injured when he was far away?— Because I’m cursed.

 

XXX

 

— This is crazy –Seleucus complained, shaking his head with his arms crossed, while the royal pages helped Achilles into the King’s armor.

 

— My father had done craziest things and they always work –the Prince answered stubbornly, his muscles complaining under the weight of the greaves and vambraces.

 

Alexander’s armor was a magnificent, and heavy, piece of workmanship, leather and metal in a perfect harmony to protect the life of the most powerful man of the known world— But it failed, it did not protect my father from the arrow –Achilles reproached the armor.

 

— You are aware that an idea, just like this one, cost Patroclus his life, right? –the commander of the Argyraspides was worried, extremely worried; many things could go wrong with the Prince’s plan, and, if the Indians saw through this deceit, it could end in a savage battle.

 

— I will not die –Achilles was sure of it, though, he was extremely nervous, feeling his hands sweating and his heart beating against his throat.

 

— Cousin, you are too thin for this armor –Amyntas complained, pulling the straps of the breastplate. He was used to dress the King for battle and had always thought his armor was amazing, but on Achilles it looked as if it were hanging instead of dressing its owner.

 

— Let me see –Seleucus approached and undid the straps making the Prince blushed, feeling his body heat so close to him— Bring another chiton –he told Amyntas and then lifted his eyes to see Achilles— You will have to use 2 or 3 chitons under this; your cousin is right, you are too slender.

 

Achilles only nodded, he did not trust his voice in those moments.

 

XXX

 

The army stood in battle formation ready to begin the march back to their camp. Alexander was going to be carried on a litter at the center not only to keep the unconscious King safe but also to hide him from the sight of the Indians. And Krateros, Leonnatos, Lysimacus, Laomedon, Meleager, Eumenes and Perdikkas stood in front of the troops as if waiting for the King.

 

— This is a stupidity –Eumenes complained, wrinkling his nose as if smelling shit.

 

— It’s the only plan we have –said Leonnatos, whose eyes had double their size when he heard the plan.

 

— It can work, as long as we keep Aki far from the enemy –said Perdikkas— I told him what to do so, everything will be fine.

 

Lysimachus just rolled his eyes, tired of Perdikkas constant bragging about his relationship with the Prince. If you were to believe him, then the boy was helplessly lost without him, he was his most trusted advisor and at one step of becoming his erastes— By the way he says everything one may think Achilles can’t even tied his sandals without his help –thought Lysimachus who, just as the rest, had been consulted privately by the Prince and had a good opinion about him.

 

When the Prince finally arrived, mounted on Alexander’s horse, dressed in his armor, wearing his all too famous helmet and his purple cloak, the officers gasped at the same time.

 

— Holy Mother $%&/ With $%&/ On Top! –exclaimed Leonnatos impressed. Like that he boy looked like Alexander when they were at Mieza the main difference between them was that, whereas the King had always been short and stocky, Achilles was slender and tall (like Hephaistion) but, looking at him from afar…— This plan can actually work.

 

— This is a stupid plan –Eumenes complained again— The enemy would never fall for this and they will know perfectly well that this boy –he pointed at the Prince— Is not the King, any fool can see it.

 

Achilles ignored the secretary, by now he was used to his attacks and knew that, everything he said would be used against him, so he had opted to say nothing. He was suffocating under layers of wool, leather and metal but, somehow, he managed to look calm, even if the helmet had proven to be too big for him and kept falling to the front— I have to stay still and not move my head –then, he smiled like the boy he was— After all daddy is right and dad is ‘bigheaded’.

 

— Gentlemen –the Prince greeted them.

 

— Everything is ready to begin the march –Krateros informed him.

 

— And my father?

 

— The Agema will escort him –answered Lysimachus— And doctor Philip will travel at his side all the way to the camp. He will be safe.

 

Achilles nodded.

 

— Lets do this, then.

 

— I will ride at your side –said Perdikkas and, before Achilles could refuse, the hipparch took the honor place that Alexander always reserved for Hephaistion, at his right.

 

Oh, crap –thought the Prince, but was unable to do anything. He could argue with him in public or he would risk diminishing his already precarious hold of the situation.

 

Despite the crazy idea and all the things that could have gone wrong, they managed to fool the Indians. The army moved back to their camp at the Acesines River marching in four columns with the wounded, and the King, at the center and the cavalry protecting the flanks. At first they were under the impression that the Indians were getting ready to attack but, as soon as the enemy saw “Alexander” followed by his officers and “ready” to engage battle if necessary, they all scattered and ran away for the Macedonians utterly joy.

 

One less. One problem less –thought Achilles, tensed on his mount, holding the reins with such force that his knuckles were white.

 

XXX

 

They arrived almost at night at the camp but the Prince was far from being relief. Alexander was moved immediately to his quarters but, every man who could lay his eyes on his sovereign instead of feeling better truly believed the King was already dead. And rumors rose again, claiming that everything was a scheme of the officers and Alexander had died at some point during the week. 

 

— I will deal with this –said Achilles when Perdikkas informed him about the situation next day. The Prince had managed to control the men at Sudracae but, the men here, who had stayed behind, were a completely different story— If the troops won’t hear my father’s officers, they will hear me –he nodded— I am sure. 

 

—I know the men better than you –said Perdikkas— I should deal with this.

 

— Thank you, hipparch but it is not necessary –the Prince tried to be polite with him but sometimes all he wanted to do was shout him to stop treating him like a fool. Achilles turned to look through the window.

 

— I think its time to change today’s password for the sentries.

 

— I already did it.

 

That did not make the Prince happy. It was the King’s privilege to change the password and so far he, as the Crown Prince, had been doing it— He is taking decision that lay beyond his authority.

 

— Is there news about the enemy?

 

— I sent scouts a moment ago to survey the area, we should know by night more about the situation –answered the hipparch.

 

Again, he did it again –thought Achilles— He takes decisions and never consults with me or with any other –Perdikkas closed the distance between them and took him by the shoulder— He is so close that I can smell his skin impregnated in leather and sweat –he did not like to have his personal space invaded like this but force himself to stay where he was and hold the hipparch’s gaze— Neither dad or daddy would run away from him.

 

— You have nothing to worry about –said Perdikkas sweetly— Go to Alexander’ side and I will take care of the men –the hipparch bent over and tried to kiss him but Achilles moved away.

 

— You are right; I should go to my father’s side –Achilles walked to the door— Health to you, hipparch.

 

Perdikkas watched him go through narrowed eyes and a cold anger in his heart— You did not move away when Krateros kissed you –he thought with bitterness.

 

XXX

 

— How is he? –asked Achilles when he arrived at the King’s room next night. He had left Xsayarsa there because he did not trust in anybody else. After seeing how the officers argued among them, fighting over the supreme command while Alexander lay unconscious, the Prince had truly feared someone could attempt something against his adopted father.

 

— The same –said the eunuch, shaking his head— He hasn’t opened his eyes… but at least he is not worst. 

 

At least –he thought.

 

— Thank you, Yarsa –the eunuch bowed and left him knowing that every night Achilles came to visit the King and like to stayed here alone for at least an hour. 

 

The Prince stood where he was for a moment. Hearing Xsayarsa’s steps leaving and the door closing. He did not move, just stayed there, the oil lamps casting a weak light in that stillness that made him feel inside the imposing tranquility and silence of a temple. And just as if Achilles were in the presence of the Gods, he fell on his knees at the side of the King’s bed. It had been a week now since Alexander suffered the injured and he had not wake up, something the Prince had taken special care to hide from the men.

 

— Dad, I don’t know what to do –said Achilles, his voice trembling— I have been able to keep the men calm for a while and your officers stopped quarreling. Ptolemy came back this morning and I was able to convince him that you are fine, that you talk to me but…I don’t know for how long I will be able to do this.

 

The Prince watched Alexander’s pale face and tightly holding the sheets, trying his best not to cry.

 

— Eumenes is a pain in the ass and… daddy wrote saying the men refused to believe that your are alive and I spent all day at the camp reassuring the troops here that you are fine –Achilles shook his head remembering that. Seleucus had accompanied him…and Perdikkas, who refused to leave his side— It was difficult but they still believe me, for now and…There is also Perdikkas –he dropped his voice, until it became a whisper, almost like a prayer— He wants to do everything in my place, claiming that I am too young, too fragile and that I need a guardian…I don’t know what to do. I called daddy but he cannot come…what I am going to do? I have kept the men busy so far, but…but…

 

And even if he did not want to Achilles began to cry, again hiding his face in his crossed arms over the bed. He was despairing and starting to believe Alexander was indeed going to die. He felt so scared and lost without Hephaistion. 

 

I’m alone. Is this what it means to be a King? –thought the boy.

 

— A…Aki…

 

The Prince lifted his head. For a moment he thought he was dreaming, that his mind was playing tricks on him but then, Alexander’s golden eyelashes trembled and slowly, very slowly, he opened his eyes.

 

— Dad!…Dear Zeus! –Achilles stood up, feeling his heart beating furiously— No, don’t talk, I will get the doctors and…

 

— No… –said the King with a ghost of voice and his adopted son froze on his place— Water.

 

Achilles hurried to obey, filling a cup and helping Alexander to drink. The King still looked very pale and was terrible weak but at least he was awake, and talking— Thank you Zeus, thank you.

 

— Aki…—talk was a great effort and the King panted as if he had run for hours, struggling to pronounce every word— You are…doing…a… great…job...

 

The Prince felt his cheeks burning.

 

— You…were listening? I-I mean, I thought you were unconscious and…—he fell silent. He had come every night to talk to his adopted father but he never thought he could hear him.

 

Alexander smiled and Achilles cried again, embracing him with intensity but also with great care.

 

XXX