CHAPTER 208

 

As Hephaistion had said the King decreed a week of festivities, great athletic competitions and a music festival. Great sacrifices were made to the Gods in thanksgiving for his conquest of India, the escape of his army from the burning sands of Gedrosia and the return not only of his fleet, but also of his Crown Prince. Salmous had never seen festivities like this before and soon even the locals joined them in their week of revelry and infinite happiness. The sweetly smell of flowers impregnated the city everywhere, thousands of petals literally covered every street, the whole place a whirlwind of colors, music, food and laughter, and wine and women were available for every man. 

 

“[Alexander] ordered the streets through which he was to pass to be strewn with flowers and chaplets, and beakers and other capacious vessels brimming with wine to be placed at all the house doors. Then he ordered wagons to be made, each capable of holding many soldiers, and these to be decorated like tents, some with white canvas and others with costly tapestry. The King headed the procession with his friends and the members of his select bodyguard, wearing on their heads chaplets made of a variety of flowers”.

 

“The strains of music were to be heard in every part of the procession, here the breathings of the flute, and the warbling of the lyre. All the army followed, feasting and carousing as they rode in the wagons, which they had decorated as gaily as they possibly could, and had hung round with their choicest and showiest weapons. The king himself and the companions of his revelry rode in a chariot, which groaned under the weight of goblets of gold and large drinking cups made of the same precious metal.” (1)

 

They all were having the time of their lives and, even if the King was drinking more than usual, Hephaistion was unable to scold him— After all we have been through he is in all his right to have fun –after months of hardships, after the sickness, the monsoon rains, the elephants and all the suffering India brought them all, they were celebrating as if the world were ending. They had all the right to be happy, they were alive and that was a miracle.

 

— Is Bagoas taking part in the dance contest? –asked the commander, walking with his son, or trying to walk, through the crowded streets of happy men and women singing and dancing. They could smell meat being roasted near them and Hephaistion’s mouth watered, it was pork, he was sure of it, and that made him remember a special recipe his mother had for boar.  

 

— Yes. Dad likes to see him dance, even if he doesn’t want Bagoas as his body servant anymore, so I thought it was a good idea to ask him to participate –the Prince explained— Besides, the contest is in my honor and he is mine.

 

— Speaking of which, how do you feel about Bagoas? Are you still uncomfortable having him around? –asked Hephaistion, remembering a conversation he had had with his son shortly after they arrived at India under the curious stars.

 

— No. I think the time I spent away from him helped me to finally see Bagoas for what he is –that answered caught the commander’s attention.

 

— For what he really is? And what is that?

 

— My slave and property.

 

It was a cold answer but even Hephaistion had to admit it was the truth. Technically Bagoas was Achilles’ property just the same as Pegasus. And even if the commander did not like to hear his boy speaking like that he thought it was for the best; Bagoas had done a terrible thing drugging him, yes, but the eunuch was also young and a little stupid. His brother Nikandros was of the idea of selling him but, since the Prince had taken him into his staff, it wouldn’t be bad to remind the eunuch his place. Besides, they all had to admit Bagoas was really good as a body servant, he appeared to be able to read his masters thoughts and anticipate every need. 

 

XXX

 

Achilles had an idea, a crazy shit as Chrysaor had so colorfully explained, and even if it was a little risky he knew in his heart it was the right thing to do— But more importantly, it is necessary –he hated to be seen like a sickly poor boy and thanks to the storms that had hit the fleet now even Nearchos knew how fragile was his health. The Prince had not lie when he told his fathers the admiral had been good to him, it was true, Nearchos had been so scare of losing him that Achilles was always the first to be fed and the last to suffer when supplies were exhausted.

 

But he hated it. He wanted to be like Alexander, to suffer the same as his men, to share their hardships, not to be pampered; he wanted to be like his father, strong and ready to face anything— And I need to do this in order to demonstrate them I am capable of being their King –he told himself while waiting under the cover of the threshold of a big house.

 

— Are you still thinking this is a good idea? –asked Chrysaor, who had insisted to accompany him even if the Prince had given him the day to enjoy the celebrations.

 

— You know I can do it, you have seen me doing it, why do you have so many doubts? –asked the Prince, looking among the crowd for the person he was waiting.

 

— Because the King knows nothing of this, at least you should have told Heph –the pezetairos insisted.

 

— Daddy would refuse saying I am still too weak –Achilles had thought this carefully, contrary to what his guard believed, and this was the only way. 

 

— And haven’t occurred to you that maybe he is right? I know you can do this but you are still recovering –said Chrysaor, crossing his arms and resting his weight on one foot— Achilles, a lot of men died at sea, even Nearchos is still looking like a living corpse. There is no shame admitting you have to rest.  

 

— That is precisely why I have to do it now –the Prince answered in that tone of voice so like Hephaistion that told the pezetairos it was useless to argue. Chrysaor sighed.

 

— Whatever; but if something happened, I knew nothing of this shit. Understood? 

 

— There he is –said the Prince when the all too familiar silhouette of Seleucus appeared among the crowd— Chrysaor, leave us please. I want to talk to the commander alone.  

 

— As you wish, just take care. There is something about your lover I don’t like –said the pezetairos catching his attention.

 

— And what is it? –Achilles was curious.

 

— His eyes –said Chrysaor, watching the commander approaching— He is a man who wants too much –but before the Prince could ask more the pezhetairos left, giving them privacy…or as much privacy one could have in the middle of a street full with dancing people and music. 

 

The archihypaspistes, commander of the Argyraspides, smiled.

 

— I must admit your message caught by surprise –said Seleucus, moving closer to be heard over the music and noise— I wasn’t expecting to see you so soon –he raised his hand to touch him but Achilles moved away. 

 

Are we still playing this game? –thought the archihypaspistes, dropping his hand, feeling his skin prickling with unsatisfied desire. He longed to touch him but apparently, that was not going to happen today. 

 

— Seleucus, I want to ask you something –the Prince went directly to the point, not wanting to waste time.

 

— Anything.

 

— You are always saying you love me –Achilles spoke with cold detachment but his eyes were warm and full of emotion— But, I wonder, would you obey me?

 

The archihypaspistes smiled and knelt in front of him, drawing his blade, presenting the hilt to Achilles.

 

— My sword is yours and so is my life –said Seleucus, holding his gaze— If you ask me to kill myself I will do it –he spoke with all solemnity, from the bottom of his heart, so out of place in that cheerful environment of revelry but, in that moment, no one else but them existed for the commander— I will do anything for you and, with the Gods as my witnesses, I swear it.

 

Achilles swallowed, overwhelmed by the intensity of those words. Was this the kind of loyalty Alexander enjoyed? Was the King used to this? He held the archihypaspistes’ unnerving eyes, reading in them the most hidden secrets of his heart and was sure that, if he asked Seleucus to kill Alexander, he would do it…but the Prince did not have anything so extreme in mind when he asked that question.    

 

— Stand up, Seleucus, you are making a scene –Achilles tried to look calm but he was very impressed. The archihypaspistes did as he was told and sheathed his sword with a half insolent smile on his face.

 

— You asked –Seleucus moved closer, enjoyed being so close to the object of his adoration— So, why do you asked?

 

— I need something.

 

— Name it.

 

— I want to participate in the athletic competition –that surprised the archihypaspistes.

 

— Is that wise? –Seleucus frowned— You are still recovering after your adventure with the fleet.

 

— I know what I am doing –Achilles was tired of being question and his anger was evident in his harsh answer— I want to take part in the equestrian competition, I am a good rider and I know I can win. 

 

— Of course you’ll win, you are the Crown Prince –said Seleucus, scratching his jaw with the back of his hand— What kind of jury would vote against you?

 

— That’s why I will participate using a false name –Achilles explained, he had also thought about this— But I need your help, you know the man in charge of the games.

 

The archihypaspistes, the same as Chrysaor, thought this was a crazy shit but, one look at the Prince’s uneven eyes told him that, even if he refused to help him he would find a way to do it— I have no choice, at least if I help him I will be able to see he has all the necessary and comes to no harm. 

 

— Fine. Come with me.

 

XXX

 

The dance contest was spectacular and, despite the fact that the commander disliked the eunuch he had to admit he was a really good dancer, moving with fluid grace, almost as if he could float with the music. Hephaistion had the place of honor at the right of the King while Achilles was seated at his left. Roxanne had come too but she was behind them, something it didn’t make her happy but she knew better than complained. It was too much already that Alexander had let her shared the royal box.

 

The King was drunk and he had witness the entire conquest in this inebriated state, but he was in a great mood, sometimes even giving the impression he was sober maintaining conversations with his guests. But Hephaistion knew better.

 

— You should stop drinking –said his beloved when a slave hurried to fill again the King’s cup.

 

— Why? I am not drunk –said Alexander with a big smile.

 

— No, sure not –said Hephaistion with sarcasm. His dark gray eyes stopped on the new competitor, a Greek boy of no more than 17 years old, when he felt a hand on his thigh, going all the way up between his legs— Alex! –he scolded the King, taking his wrist with force to stop him— Are you nuts? Everybody can see us here.  

 

— Oh, come on! Nobody is looking this way –Alexander insisted, kissing his cheek and trying to free his hand.

 

— Aki is at your left –the commander reminded him through clenched teeth.

 

— He is looking the contest –the King kissed his neck.

 

— Alexander, stop it! –Hephaistion could feel his face burning— If you want to do this at least wait until the contest is over.

 

— Really? Can I finish it now? I am the King –that made Hephaistion laughed with all his forces.

 

— At least wait until the end –Alexander made a pout.

 

It surprised no one to find the Prince’s favorite, Bagoas, won, what was a surprise was when the public asked the King to kiss the winner. The Macedonians clapped and shouted for a kiss and he did just that, stood up and kissed Bagoas fully on the lips for the public’s delight. 

 

Hephaistion laughed, wondering what was Alexander going to say when he sobered up and learned he had kissed the eunuch— I’ll be sure to be the first one to tell him. 

 

XXX

 

Next day took place the equestrian competition (2) boys between 14 and 17 years old were separated in 3 groups of 12 and made a demonstration of maneuvers and drills. Almost all the competitors were pages or young men who had arrived shortly as reinforcements, Macedonians and Greeks. They had to ride in columns and, after a demonstration of skill, they charge and throw their spears at a target, the one with more spears on the target won so each boy painted or decorated their weapons in a special way. 

 

Since it was a competition Alexander had expected with enthusiasm, he drank with moderation and sat down sober in the royal box. His close friends and high officers were there and, as Hephaistion could see, Perdikkas was deep in conversation with Roxanne who occasionally laughed or shook her head absolutely delighted with whatever he was telling her. The commander could not avoid suspecting she was planning something but had no right to interfere with his friend’s friends— Maybe I should just warn him about her.

 

— All my pages are participating today –said Alexander, taking his beloved out of his thoughts— Including your nephew, Amyntas, want to bet? 

 

— On Amyntas’ favor? Sure, why not? The boy can be a little slow sometimes but he will be a good soldier one day –said Hephaistion, smiling.

 

His 4 pages were also participating: Cylon, Epizelos, Ocealus and Kittos, they all were 14 years old and all had promised to win for him. The 4 had a crushed on him but were good boys and Hephaistion had promised them a reward for the winner, a kiss just as the King had done with Bagoas. The commander too was in a good mood after all, since the celebrations began, he had been making love with Alexander everyday, like a pair of teenagers suddenly disappearing to enjoy a moment alone. 

 

— Phai, lets do something –the King leaned closer to his ear— I’ll bet in favor of my page Isidoros and, if he wins, I will have you tie on my bed the whole night –Hephaistion laughed amused. 

 

— And what if my nephew wins? –he whispered in his husky voice.

 

— You choose.

 

— Mm, then I will cover you in honey and lick it from your skin –Alexander gave him a half smile.

 

— Deal.

 

XXX

 

Achilles knew he could win. Kleitos had seen that he learned to mount superbly because no Macedonian King could be an incompetent on a horse, and also the late hipparch had made sure the boy learned how to throw a spear and a javelin. The Prince could not be a good soldier or warrior like his father but he was sure of his abilities– Then, why am I so nervous? –his hands trembled while he tied his breastplate. Since he was in incognito he could not use his own armor or Pegasus in the competition but Seleucus had found him another horse, not as good as Pegasus but good enough and all the necessary equipment.

 

He was alone here, because everybody knew Chrysaor and, standing there, in the middle of 36 boys around his own age, saw with sadness that he knew no one, except his cousin and some of the King’s and his father’s pages. He had problems making friends his own age and that morning it became more evident than ever. He felt sad.  

 

— You are doing that wrong –said a very handsome boy of 14 years old, short, wheat-blond, curly hair with dark green eyes, watching Achilles tying his armor. He was not used to this armor and had problems with it— Here, let me help you –the boy approached him without waiting for an answer.

 

— Thank you –said Achilles, feeling like a fool.

 

— Are you new? I haven’t see you before –asked the boy while tying the breastplate all over again.

 

— Something like that –the first thing the Prince had put on was his helmet, taking especial care in letting his hair fall over his cerulean eye. He had also chose a place away from his cousin and the royal pages, who knew him well enough as to recognize him so, he had no idea who was this stranger in front of him— You are from Upper Macedonia, right?

 

— How did you know? –the other boy smiled.

 

— Your accent, the way in which you pronounce the ‘T’, also your eyes and bone structure is more likely to be found in Upper Macedonia, or the nearby areas, but since you are here I guess as a page, judging for your cloths and armor, then the most logical option must be the region of Elimiotis, you don’t look from Orestis, I suppose your family must be noble because you speak Greek rather good, and…and I should probably stop talking before you think I am weird –said Achilles and the boy laughed amused. 

 

— Wow! You are pretty…

 

— Strange?

 

— I was going to say smart –said the boy— You got everything right, I am Demetrius son of Antigonus, commonly known as the One-Eyed (3), and yes I am a page in the service of General Ptolemy and yes my family is from Elimiotis. I just arrived very recently and I’m still trying to get use to life in the army but so far so good. And you? 

 

— I am Aktor son of Alexander –the Prince thought it was better if his false name had some resemblance with his real one, it was easier to remember and this way he would make less mistakes— You look like your father, tall and strong. 

 

But without the bovine appearance that makes Antigonus look dumb –he thought. 

 

— You know my father?

 

— I have just seen him a couple of times, is he here?

 

— Oh, yes. I promised him to win. I know Isidoros is the favorite here, not to mention that commander Hephaistion’s pages look ready to kill anyone who dares stand on their way, but I know I can beat them all. My father is pretty excited and has been boasting with all his friends –Demetrius explained with a smile— And your father?

 

— He is here too.

 

— There! –the page pulled the breastplate— That’s how you do it.

 

— Thank you.

 

— You are really thin.

 

— I know, I get that a lot –but Kleitos had once told him that being slender like a spear was a good thing, it was hard to hit him since he was a small target. And that made Achilles wonder why Seleucus and Perdikkas thought he was beautiful, he was not in his opinion, too thin and too pale; looking around he could find several boys more handsome, tall, strong, healthy, like Demetrius. Why would anyone say he was beautiful? And that made him feel very insecure.

 

They heard a trumpet calling them. It was time.

 

— I’ll see you after the competition –said Demetrius, hurrying to his horse— Want to come with me to eat something?

 

The Prince was not expecting that, someone wanted to hang out with him, why?— Because he doesn’t know who I am —but the invitation made his heart beat faster nonetheless.

 

— I would love to.

 

XXX

 

In the royal box Alexander and Hephaistion saw the boys coming out and quickly take one line formation. They all had chosen a distinctive color or colors, looking their best knowing this could be a competition but since the King would be there, they could achieved great things by causing a good impression. Alexander was excited, talking animatedly with his friends and companions, making jokes or bets but, when he turned to his left and found an empty seat, he frowned.

 

— Where is Aki? –Hephaistion turned and raised his eyebrows.

 

— I don’t know, I was sure he would be here –the Prince loved horses and his father was sure he would be as excited as the King. Where was he, then?

 

— I just hope he is not ill, maybe I should send someone to look for him –said Alexander, calling for a servant. Every since the fleet came back the King had entered in his overprotective mode, and that uncomfortable encounter with Seleucus making love to his son had not helped…Oh! And Seleucus was there, not far from the royal box, which reassured Alexander. At least the boy was not in some dark corner with his archihypaspistes …

 

On the arena, the boys where getting ready to charge, making a splendid exhibition of their skills and raising excited applauses. They engaged in a sham of a cavalry skirmish, each one armed with several javelins and a blunt sword; it was forbidden to throw a javelin to another boy, they were just for the targets. As soon the groups clashed several boys fell, immediately disqualify, rising shouts and groans from the audience; the ones still on their horses hurried to the targets and threw the first javelins.

 

— I told you Isidoros was good –said the King smiling, watching his page dressed in blue and white throwing his second javelin.

 

— If I were you I wouldn’t get too excited –Hephaistion pointed with his index finger— There is my nephew, red and black. 

 

Amyntas was making his uncle really proud by throwing 2 boys to the ground before charging to the next target. Leonnatos’ older son had no grace or elegance but was strong and knew how to fight. He would never be the kind of warrior whose fighting style could be acclaimed as an art but he would be a fine soldier one day. Oh! And there were his pages, the 4 of them fighting as if they were in a battlefield, ready to kill— Maybe I should have never said I was going to kiss the winner as a reward.

 

— Who the hell is that boy? –asked Ptolemy, sitting a little behind them. As always Thais was at his side looking gorgeous. 

 

— What boy? –asked Alexander, who until that moment had been following his pages movements without paying much attention to the rest.

 

— The one in black.

 

— Black and gray? –asked Perdikkas, joining the conversation.

 

— No –Ptolemy shook his head— All black.

 

— The one with the horse with white spots? –asked Lysimachus. 

 

— That one! –the King and his beloved looked among the mass of boys until they found the only one whose horse was showing a single black cloth.

 

— I have no idea, but Alex you are better with names –said Hephaistion but the King shook his head.

 

— Hey! He is making my pages look bad –Ptolemy complained— I have my money on Antigonus’ boy –sure enough, the mysterious boy in black hadn’t missed one target and despite his companions efforts to throw him off his horse he was still fighting, moving with all the grace Amyntas lack, fast, scurrying from the enemy like water through the fingers.

 

It makes me laugh now to remember this. Many years later, this same Demetrius son of Antigonus, later known as Poliorcetes (the Besieger of Cities), would defeat Ptolemy’s fleet in an outstanding naval battle at Salamis, conquering Cyprus for his father during the Diadochi Wars. Curious, don’t you think?

 

— That boy is really good –said Alexander, now watching the black rider with all his attention and professional interest. One boy tried to hit him hard with the flat of his blunt sword but the black rider, dismounted, hanged at one side of his horse, never touching the ground, and mounted again in a fluid movement that made the crowd applauded— If he is already 17 I will transfer him to the cavalry immediately, is a waste to have him in the infantry moving like that.

 

— Be careful Perdikkas or the King would give the lad the command of your hipparchy –said Ptolemy making them all laugh.

 

The audience shouted, applauded and growled almost at the same time and soon, there were only 3 boys left, the mysterious boy in black, Isidoros and another boy. Amyntas had been eliminated before for Hephaistion’s utterly frustration and the King’s absolute satisfaction. The third boy missed one target and, while he was cursing his bad luck, Isidoros hit him with his blunt sword throwing him out of balance until he fell. Then it was the turn of Isidoros who hit 3 of 4 targets and then the black rider who did not miss one. The crowd roared excited and even the King stood, applauding with the rest.

 

Isidoros cursed and dismounted, kicking a rock and the winner rode at a steady pace to the royal box, watching Alexander climbing down to where he was.

 

— Lad, I have had the honor to go into battle with the best riders of the world –said the King with clear strong voice— The hetairoi cavalry –his men applauded and whistled at that— And I can recognize a good rider when I see him, you have earn this –he said raising a golden crown and making once more the crowd shout and applaud— Take off that helmet and tell me your name. 

 

The black rider dismounted, approached the King and did as he was told, brushing his damp hair back, feeling the refreshing cold air hitting his hot face.

 

— My name is Achilles, son of Alexander, King of the Macedonians, Great King of Persia and conqueror of India –said the Prince in a strong voice, trying to stop trembling. 

 

To say Alexander, Hephaistion and the rest of the audience were surprise was to say too little; everybody gasped at the same time and fell silent. Roxanne, the same as Eumenes, looked as if they had swallowed a rock, Perdikkas stood up like an automat unable to believe this, the same as Hephaistion who looked like an owl with his eyes round and big. Seleucus smiled proudly shaking his head, Chrysaor made his happy dance because he had bet one-month pay on the black rider and Ptolemy cursed silently because he had lost all his money.

 

The pages and boys who had participated looked all shocked. The boys had all heard the same about their Crown Prince, that he was a sickly boy but, this? The King’s lips curved in a big smile and beaming with pride, approached his Prince to embrace him while the crowd applauded with renewed energy. 

 

XXX

 

— Why didn’t you tell me? –asked Alexander, once they were in the royal box and after all the present had congratulated Achilles, falling apart in praise for his outstanding skills— Did you know about this? –he asked Hephaistion but his beloved shook his head.

 

— Only Chrysaor and Seleucus knew –answered the exhausted Prince, his face was blushed and his cloths damp in sweat but he was immensely happy— I was sure you 2 would refuse, that’s why I said nothing. 

 

— Of course we would have refused! You are still recovering –his father scolded him but the King and Achilles were so happy that it was hard to be angry in those moments. Besides, Hephaistion felt also extremely proud and excited after his boy’s performance. Alexander laughed.

 

— And here I was, praising the mysterious black rider without knowing it was my precious son –the King kissed his head, making Achilles smile— You’ll be a great commander like me, you’ll see. 

 

— You are really a good rider –said Antigonus the One-Eyed, approaching them with his son Demetrius— I never thought someone could beat my boy but I am glad it was you.

 

— Thank you –Achilles felt embarrassed looking at Demetrius again, he had lied to him and did not know what to do now but the page smiled at him.

 

— I would have never imagined you were the Crown Prince…Aktor –said Demetrius and the Prince smiled nervously— Are you still hungry? 

 

The question made Achilles’ heart beat faster.

 

— You…do you still want to…go out with me? –asked the Prince bashfully, breaking Hephaistion’s heart. It was so hard for his son to make friends and he wished with all his forces there was something he could do to help.

 

— Of course! I mean, if you have time –Achilles turned to look at his fathers and both did not lose time in encouraging him to go.

 

XXX

(1) Curtius, Ancient India: it's Invasion by Alexander the Great, p 265

(2) Ok, I have to explain here. I took this idea from a Roman event called Trojan Games; technically it was not a competition and I changed some rules but I thought it would be more interesting this way :P

(3) Again I need to explain. This Demetrius son of Antigonus the One-Eyed became King after Alexander’s death, the first King of the Antigonid dynasty, the same family of Perseus the last King of Macedon. BUT, Demetrius was born on 337 BC, which means he would be 12 not 14, but I needed him to be older, so I changed it.